Trindade was not too long ago a sleepy fishermen's village. In the old colonial days legend goes that it was a hiding place for French pirates. In the 1970's Trindade became popular with a hippie community. They chose an alternative lifestyle, and shared the space with the fishermen. Hippies claimed that this was magical land, visited by U.F.O.'s, and reportedly had several encounters with E.T.'s... The village was very secluded, even Paraty was only beginning to be rediscovered.

The steep slope of Deus me Livre was a natural barrier to the curious. It was slippery when dry, and simply impossible when it rained! The time passed, and Paraty became a favorite with weekend travelers from Rio and São Paulo. Laranjeiras, that is right next to Trindade, was purchased by a group that turned into one of the most luxurious and exclusive condominiums in Brazil.

Surfers discovered the perfect waves of Pontal do Cepilho, and started camping in Trindade. The word started to spread about Caixadaço, a natural pool in the sea filled with colorful fish surrounded by volcanic rocks. More and more people wanted to visit the village. The Deus me Livre slope was eventually paved, and now Trindade is easy to reach for anyone visiting Paraty. Local operators offer a tour that includes a short trek through the rain forest to the pool. You may alternatively take one of the boats for a few bucks. Right past the pool there's a nude beach, Praia dos Pelados.

There are inns at Trindade village, and some are actually quite comfortable with mini-bar, TV, and air-conditioning. If you get hungry, order at the beach kiosks a portion of squid rings, fresh fish, or even a full meal. For dessert wait for the guy that comes with a trayful of fresh strawberries covered in brigadeiro fudge, and ask for two! There are a couple of kiosks kept by the remaining hippies offering handcraft, trippy T-shirts, jewelry, and flip-flops made of recycled tires.