Fundão Espírito Santo Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Fundão Espírito Santo with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and how to get there. Get insider tips on the local culture and customs, and stay safe and healthy on your trip.


Introduction to Fundão Espírito Santo

Nestled in the North Coast of Espírito Santo, Fundão Espírito Santo is a hidden gem of Southeast Brazil. The town’s serene beaches, lush forests, and rich cultural heritage make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike. Fundão Espírito Santo offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration, making it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

List of Places to Visit in Fundão Espírito Santo

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museu Ferroviário de Aracruz: This museum is dedicated to the history of railways in Brazil, with exhibits featuring locomotives, carriages, and other artifacts from the early 20th century.
  • Convento São Francisco de Penitência: This 18th-century convent is a historical landmark in Fundão Espírito Santo. It is known for its stunning Baroque architecture, intricate wooden carvings, and religious artworks.
  • Cultural Center Clovis de Faria: This cultural center showcases the work of local artists and hosts exhibitions, workshops, and concerts throughout the year.

Natural Attractions of Fundão Espírito Santo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Parque Estadual da Pedra Azul: This state park is home to one of the most iconic landmarks in Espírito Santo, the Pedra Azul or the “Blue Stone.” The park offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
  • Praia dos Comboios: This secluded beach is accessible only by foot or boat, which adds to its charm. The beach has crystal clear waters, soft sands, and dramatic cliffs.
  • Parque Natural Municipal da Mata das Flores: This municipal park is a sprawling forest reserve with hiking trails, picnic areas, and a river perfect for a refreshing swim.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Fundão Espírito Santo

  • Trilha do Guará: This hiking trail leads to the top of a mountain with panoramic views of the Pedra Azul and the surrounding valleys.
  • Caminho do Imperador: This historic trail follows the route of Emperor Dom Pedro II during his visit to Espírito Santo in the mid-19th century. It passes through forests, waterfalls, and small villages.
  • Circuit Pedra Azul: This route winds through the foothills of the Pedra Azul and offers stunning views of the mountain and the surrounding countryside.

Best Things to Do in Fundão Espírito Santo: Activities and Tours

  • Surfing: The beaches of Fundão Espírito Santo are perfect for surfing, especially in the winter months when the waves are higher.
  • Kayaking: The rivers and lagoons around Fundão Espírito Santo are ideal for kayaking, with calm waters and beautiful scenery.
  • Sightseeing Tours: Guided tours of the historical landmarks and natural attractions are available year-round, offering a comprehensive introduction to the town’s culture and heritage.

Week-Long Itinerary for Fundão Espírito Santo

Day 1: Explore Praia dos Comboios and have lunch in a local seafood restaurant.
Day 2: Visit the Parque Natural Municipal da Mata das Flores and hike the Trilha do Guará.
Day 3: Spend the day in the Parque Estadual da Pedra Azul, hiking the Circuit Pedra Azul and visiting the waterfalls.
Day 4: Learn about the history of railways in Brazil at the Museu Ferroviário de Aracruz.
Day 5: Take a guided tour of the Convento São Francisco de Penitência and the Cultural Center Clovis de Faria.
Day 6: Go kayaking in one of the nearby lagoons.
Day 7: Relax on the beach and sample some of the local cuisine at a beachside restaurant.

Food and Drink Scene of Fundão Espírito Santo

Must-Try Dishes

  • Moqueca Capixaba: This seafood stew is a local specialty, made with fish, shrimp, tomatoes, and onions. It is typically served with rice and farofa, a mixture of manioc flour and spices.
  • Torta Capixaba: This savory pie is made with fish, shrimp, and other seafood, mixed with eggs, onions, and parsley.

Local Beverages

  • Cachaça: This distilled spirit is made from sugarcane and is a popular local drink in Brazil.
  • Guaraná: This refreshing soft drink is made from the guaraná berry and is a staple of Brazilian cuisine.

Where to Stay in Fundão Espírito Santo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Recanto das Pedras: This hotel offers spacious rooms and suites with mountain views, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving local cuisine.
  • Pousada Pedra Azul: This guesthouse is located in the foothills of the Pedra Azul and offers comfortable rooms, a garden, and a breakfast buffet.
  • Hostel Rota do Sol: This hostel is perfect for backpackers and budget travelers. It offers dormitory rooms, a shared kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.

What to Buy in Fundão Espírito Santo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handmade crafts: Local artisans in Fundão Espírito Santo create beautiful pottery, woven baskets, and wooden carvings.
  • Coffee: Espírito Santo is one of the largest coffee-producing states in Brazil, and local coffee beans make for a great souvenir.
  • Cachaça: Brazil’s signature spirit is widely available in Fundão Espírito Santo, with many local brands to choose from.

Local Culture and Customs of Fundão Espírito Santo

With a rich history that blends indigenous, African, and European cultures, Fundão Espírito Santo has a unique identity that is reflected in its art, music, and cuisine. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and traditions, such as covering up when visiting religious sites and avoiding wearing revealing clothing on the beach.

Best Time to Visit Fundão Espírito Santo

The best time to visit Fundão Espírito Santo is from June to August when the weather is dry, and the temperatures are moderate. In these months, the beaches are less crowded, and the outdoor activities are more enjoyable.

Do’s and Don’ts of Fundão Espírito Santo

Do:

  • Show respect for local customs and traditions.
  • Wear sunscreen and insect repellent when spending time outdoors.
  • Try the local cuisine, including the seafood and coffee.

Don’t:

  • Engage in illegal activities, such as drug use or wildlife trafficking.
  • Leave valuables unattended on the beach or in public places.
  • Photograph people without their permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Fundão Espírito Santo

Fundão Espírito Santo is a safe place to visit, with a low crime rate. However, visitors should still take basic precautions, like avoiding walking alone at night and being aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.

Health in Fundão Espírito Santo

Visitors should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations before traveling to Brazil, including measles, mumps, and rubella. Mosquito-borne illnesses, such as dengue fever and Zika virus, are a risk in Brazil, so visitors should take precautions, like wearing long sleeves and pants and using insect repellent. It is also advisable to drink bottled water and avoid raw or undercooked food.

Getting to Fundão Espírito Santo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Fundão Espírito Santo

  • Eurico de Aguiar Salles Airport (VIX): This airport is located in Vitória, the capital of Espírito Santo, and is about an hour’s drive from Fundão.

Bus Stations Near Fundão Espírito Santo

  • Terminal Rodoviário de Fundão: This bus terminal is located in the center of town and connects Fundão with other cities in the region.

Other Options

Renting a car is a popular option for visitors to Fundão Espírito Santo, as it allows for greater flexibility and independence when exploring the region.

How to Get Around in Fundão Espírito Santo

Taxis and buses are the most common modes of public transportation in Fundão Espírito Santo. Visitors can also rent bicycles or motorbikes to explore the town and surrounding areas on their own.

Where to Go Next from Fundão Espírito Santo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Vitória: The capital of Espírito Santo is a bustling city with a rich cultural heritage, including impressive museums, theaters, and historic buildings.
  • Vila Velha: This coastal town is known for its stunning beaches, seafood restaurants, and the famous Convento da Penha, a 16th-century religious site.
  • Santa Teresa: This colonial town is nestled in the mountains and is known for its charming streets lined with art galleries, shops, and cafes.

Conclusion

Fundão Espírito Santo is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration. From the beautiful beaches and lush forests to the historic landmarks and local cuisine, there is something for everyone in this charming town. With our comprehensive travel guide, you can plan your ideal trip to Fundão Espírito Santo and make the most of your time in this stunning corner of Brazil.

Fundão Fundão Sandbar vegetation at Praia Grande Sandbar vegetation at Praia Grande