Alligators and Primary Forest
In size and popularity, the Conceição Lagoon wins the one Fairy. There are 20,65 square kilometers against 5 square kilometers of water mirror, but the two largest lagoons from Santa Catarina Island are equally attractive and mysterious. Lagoa do Peri is supplied by a set of water sources that rise on the slopes of the south of the island. The entire region is preserved as a natural heritage by municipal decree nº 1.828. Less explored than Lagoa da Conceição, in Lagoa do Peri you can still find Primary Atlantic Forest. With any luck, you can see the broad-snouted caiman, which, according to biologists, is harmless to humans. In summer, the lagoon is often frequented by bathers.
The Only Inhabitant of the Sertão do Peri
The occupation of the Pântano do Sul District, where the lagoon is located, originates in the Parish of Nossa Senhora da Lapa do Ribeirão, one of the main centers of Azorean colonization, which took place 250 years ago. But the marks of that period are still alive in the Sertão do Peri.
Among the districts of south swamp and Ribeirão, the Sertão do Peri is close to the lagoon and is extremely isolated. The only inhabitant is Valdomiro dos Santos, 59 years old. Miro, as he likes to be called, lives with his 13 dogs, geese, chickens and oxen, in a house built in the middle of the last century. Without electricity, Seu Miro develops rural subsistence activities. The paths opened by slaves also pass through Sertão do Ribeirão, where a well-known cachaça producer, Seu Chico, was mysteriously murdered a few years ago.
The Island from Coast to Coast
The journey begins in the sandbank of Lagoa do Peri, at the entrance of Pousada Alemdomar, when a small road, where cars also pass, narrows into a trail of uneven ground. It continues along the edge of Lagoa do Peri until it enters a dense forest for an hour. When you reach a clearing, you arrive at the Sertão do Peri. At this point, it is worth getting to know the animal-drawn engine that Miro keeps in operation. Cachoeira Grande (there are several waterfalls, but the best one is at the back of his house) is a good option for bathing and diving, also serving as a water supply.
To continue the crossing to the other side of the Island, you must resume the trail at the entrance gate to the land of Seu Miro. The path starts again on the other side of the river and goes up through dense forest to a cane field, from where you have a view of Lagoa do Peri and Ilha do Campeche from an unusual angle. Leaving the cane fields, you arrive at Sertão do Ribeirão. Just cross the rural community to reach Ribeirão da Ilha, on the SC-401.
Details
Attention: The trail can only be done with a guide.
Difficulty level: hard.
Attractions: lagoon, alligators, panoramic view, waterfall, river, beach, water source, Atlantic Forest.
Time: About 7,5 hrs in total, 4,5 hrs to go up and 3 to come down 3:30 pm
Home: SC-406, at the entrance of Pousada Alemdomar.
End: SC-401, in Ribeirão da Ilha.
Main difficulty: extensive.
How to get there: Continue to the end of Rua da Pousada Alemdomar.
Where sleep in the south of the island:
- Azores beach;
- Campeche beach;
- Morro das Pedras;
- Armacao Beach;
- south swamp;
- Ribeirao da Ilha;
- Tavares River;
- Solitude Beach.
who can help: Companies of Tourist Services.
Beaches Guide: Learn more about the south island beaches.
