São Luiz do Paraitinga is at its best during its traditional festivals. The Carnival of Marchinhas is the famous one, with the old centre taken over by locally composed carnival songs. The Festa do Divino, usually in May, is the major religious and caipira cultural event, with processions, food, music, and the town's giant festival figures.
For Serra do Mar trails, avoid heavy rain and arrange access in advance when required. The Atlantic Forest is beautiful, but the harder walks are not casual strolls.