Ruínas da Lagoinha Engenho - Image 1
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Ruínas da Lagoinha Engenho

4.7
·2k reviews·, Brazil

Explore the atmospheric ruins of a 19th-century sugar mill and remnants of Brazil's first glass factory, nestled in Ubatuba's lush Mata Atlântica.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Ruínas da Lagoinha Engenho - Image 1

Ruínas da Lagoinha Engenho

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the atmospheric ruins of a 19th-century sugar mill and remnants of Brazil's first glass factory, nestled in Ubatuba's lush Mata Atlântica.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"A very nice and chill place, ideal for short periods of time, where you can feel the atmosphere and enjoy the landscape."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The terrain can be uneven. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the historical ruins and surrounding nature.

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

The ruins offer a unique backdrop for photography, blending history with nature. Capture the atmospheric charm.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Ancient Sugar Mill Ruins

The Ancient Sugar Mill Ruins

Fazenda Bom Retiro

Explore the remnants of a 19th-century sugar mill, a tangible link to Ubatuba's colonial past. Feel the history and capture stunning photos.

Pillars of the Glass Factory

Pillars of the Glass Factory

Entrance to a condominium

Discover the intriguing pillars believed to be from Brazil's first glass factory, adding another layer of historical mystery.

Natural Swimming Pool

Natural Swimming Pool

500 meters past the ruins

Take a refreshing dip in a natural pool fed by a waterfall's river. A perfect spot to cool off after exploring the ruins.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Ubatuba's weather can be unpredictable. While the ruins are accessible year-round, consider visiting during the dry season (May to September) for clearer skies and less humidity. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, allowing for a more serene exploration of this historical site. Instagram

Getting There & Around

The Ruínas da Lagoinha are located on the southern coast of Ubatuba, easily accessible via the Rio-Santos highway. Parking is available nearby, and the site itself is relatively compact. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be exploring historical grounds. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Dry season (May-Sep)
Why
Pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

HOSPEDAGEM COMPLETA EM UBATUBA A PARTIR DE R$ 50 POR PESSOA! 😱 - cabe até 6 pessoas Localizado a 200 metros da praia de Lagoinha, o @chalesemubatuba é uma hospedagem de chalés completíssima pra você que busca conforto e tranquilidade pra se hospedar! O local possui área de jogos, piscina e churrasqueira! Os chalés são super completos (com cozinhas, utensílios, ar condicionado e TV) e possuem duas ...
@poraicasal
104.5K likes • 1.6M views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The terrain can be uneven. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the historical ruins and surrounding nature. Reddit

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

The ruins offer a unique backdrop for photography, blending history with nature. Capture the atmospheric charm. Instagram

O lugar mais completo para você e sua família O Recantos Primavera tem como prioridade que você tenha a melhor experiência em Ubatuba - SP! Faça sua reserva pelo link na bio e aproveite esse paraíso (12)99759-1721
@recantoprimaveraubatuba
43.2K likes • 1.4M views
Essas lindas ruínas fazem parte do que foi umas das primeiras fábricas do Brasil. Um engenheiro francês, um dos primeiros donos de terra da região, era dono da antiga fazenda Bom Retiro, onde estão as ruínas. Em 1986 foram tombadas pelo Condephaat como Engenho Bom Retiro e hoje, estão sob cuidados da Fundart. Você consegue acessa-las facilmente, a entrada fica em frente ao condomínio Salga, no bai...
jubatuba_
37 likes • 766 views

💧 Natural Pool Refreshment

Don't miss the natural swimming pool about 500m past the ruins for a refreshing dip. Reddit

⏳ Short & Sweet Visit

Ideal for short visits, the site is compact but rich in history and scenery. Reddit

Visita as Ruínas da Lagoinha, ou Ruínas do Engenho da Lagoinha, são um monumento em Ubatuba, tombado nos anos 1980. . . #ruinaslagoinha
planejandoconsorcio
1 likes • 102 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The terrain can be uneven. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the historical ruins and surrounding nature. Reddit

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

The ruins offer a unique backdrop for photography, blending history with nature. Capture the atmospheric charm. Instagram

💧 Natural Pool Refreshment

Don't miss the natural swimming pool about 500m past the ruins for a refreshing dip. Reddit

⏳ Short & Sweet Visit

Ideal for short visits, the site is compact but rich in history and scenery. Reddit

🗺️ Easy Access

Located off the Rio-Santos highway, making it a convenient stop on your Ubatuba journey. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Ruínas da Lagoinha to be a peaceful and atmospheric historical site, offering a journey back in time. It's praised for its photogenic qualities and the opportunity to connect with Ubatuba's colonial past. Some note that while the ruins are compact, the nearby natural pool is a delightful addition for refreshment.

"It is a very nice and peaceful place,back in time; is possible to feel the atmosphere,take beautiful photos and enjoy the wonderful landscape."

autumn hazel

"There is a natural swimming pool 500meters after the ruins where you can refresh your energy. I have tried to find the waterfall but after walking/climbing too much me and friends, just give up and walked back. So I do not advice to go on this walk, maximum until the natural swimming pools with water from the waterfall's river."

Pedro Henrique Carecho Mendes

"Top"

Cesar Pergentino

What People Like

Peaceful and atmospheric
Historical significance
Photogenic ruins

What People Dislike

Can be challenging to find waterfalls

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The ruins are located on the southern coast of Ubatuba, easily accessible via the Rio-Santos highway (BR-101). They are situated near Praia da Lagoinha, approximately 23.9 km from Ubatuba's center. Instagram+1

Yes, parking is generally available near the ruins, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Instagram

While specific bus routes might vary, Ubatuba has a bus system that connects different beaches. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for routes heading towards Praia da Lagoinha. Instagram

Yes, the ruins are quite accessible from the Rio-Santos highway and are located within a short distance from the road, often near condominium entrances. Instagram+1

Many visitors combine a visit to the ruins with exploring Praia da Lagoinha and potentially the start of the Trilha das 7 Praias (7 Beaches Trail). TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, typically there is no admission fee to visit the Ruínas da Lagoinha. It's an open historical site. Instagram

As an outdoor historical site, the ruins are generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific opening or closing times. Instagram

Visitors can explore the Ruínas da Lagoinha without any entrance fee, making it a free historical attraction. Instagram

While official guided tours might not be consistently available, local information boards may provide historical context. Exploring independently or with a guide book is common. Instagram

The ruins were officially recognized for their historical significance and were tombados (listed/protected) in the 1980s by Condephaat. Instagram+2

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon light offers the most atmospheric conditions for photography, casting beautiful shadows and highlighting the textures of the ruins. Weekdays also mean fewer people in your shots. Instagram

You can capture a mix of historical architecture, natural landscapes, and the surrounding Mata Atlântica. The contrast between the old stone and lush greenery is striking. Instagram+1

Regulations regarding drone usage can vary. It's best to check local Ubatuba ordinances or inquire with local authorities before flying a drone to ensure compliance. Instagram

The historical significance, unique architecture, and integration with nature create a visually compelling scene. The remnants of the sugar mill and glass factory offer distinct photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

Yes, the natural swimming pool and its surroundings also offer beautiful photographic opportunities, especially with the clear water and natural setting. Reddit

🎫 🌿 Nature & Activities

Nearby attractions include Praia da Lagoinha, the start of the Trilha das 7 Praias, and a natural swimming pool about 500 meters past the ruins, fed by a waterfall's river. TikTokReddit

Yes, the natural swimming pool is a popular spot for visitors to refresh themselves. It's fed by a waterfall's river, offering a cool and invigorating experience. Reddit

While there's a river feeding the natural pool, direct access to specific waterfalls might require more strenuous hiking. Some visitors have reported difficulty finding them. Reddit

The Trilha das 7 Praias (7 Beaches Trail) is a famous hiking route in Ubatuba that starts near Praia da Lagoinha, offering access to several beautiful beaches. TikTok

Yes, the ruins are located near the beginning of the Trilha das 7 Praias, making it a good starting point for hikers. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Ruínas da Lagoinha offers a unique educational experience for families. Children can explore the historical remnants, sparking their imagination about the past. The nearby natural swimming pool is a fantastic spot for kids to play and cool off, making it a fun outing. Reddit While the ruins themselves are safe to explore, keep an eye on younger children as the terrain can be uneven. The site is compact, so it's manageable for families with strollers, though comfortable shoes are recommended for everyone. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ History Buffs & Photographers

For those fascinated by history, the Ruínas da Lagoinha presents a compelling glimpse into Ubatuba's colonial past, from sugar production to early industrial attempts. The Engenho Bom Retiro and the potential glass factory pillars offer rich storytelling opportunities. Instagram+1 Photographers will find the ruins a picturesque subject, with the interplay of ancient stone, lush Mata Atlântica, and coastal light creating dramatic scenes. Instagram+1 Visiting during the 'golden hours' of morning or late afternoon will enhance the photographic potential. Instagram

🏖️ Beach Lovers & Nature Enthusiasts

While the ruins are the primary focus, their location near Praia da Lagoinha makes it an ideal stop for beach lovers. You can easily combine a historical visit with a relaxing day by the sea. TikTok The nearby natural swimming pool offers a refreshing break from the sun and a chance to connect with Ubatuba's natural waterways. Reddit For hikers, the ruins serve as a gateway to the Trilha das 7 Praias, offering a chance to explore more of the region's stunning coastline and natural beauty. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Ubatuba's Colonial Past

The Ruínas da Lagoinha are a significant historical landmark in Ubatuba, offering a tangible connection to the region's colonial era. These remnants are what's left of the Engenho Bom Retiro, a farm established around 1828. It was a productive estate, primarily focused on producing coffee, aguardente (cachaça), and sugar.Instagram+2 The original owner was likely the French engineer João Agostinho Stevenné, one of the first landowners in the Lagoinha area.Instagram+1 The site was officially recognized for its archaeological importance and was tombado (listed/protected) by Condephaat in the 1980s.Instagram+1

Beyond the sugar mill, the area also features intriguing pillars believed to be part of what was potentially Brazil's first glass factory.Instagram+1 These pillars are often found near the entrance of a condominium along the Rio-Santos highway. The ruins are nestled within the Mata Atlântica (Atlantic Forest), creating a unique juxtaposition of historical architecture and vibrant natural surroundings.Instagram+1 This blend of history and nature makes the site a fascinating stop for visitors interested in Ubatuba's rich heritage.

Visitors often describe the atmosphere as peaceful and transporting them back in time.Reddit The site is relatively compact, making it ideal for shorter visits, but its historical depth and scenic beauty offer ample opportunity for reflection and exploration. The ruins serve as a reminder of the economic activities that shaped Ubatuba centuries ago, from agriculture to early industrial attempts.

Exploring the Natural Wonders Near the Ruins

While the historical ruins are the main draw, the surrounding natural environment offers additional attractions. A notable spot is the natural swimming pool, located approximately 500 meters past the ruins. This pool is fed by a river originating from a waterfall, providing a refreshing and serene place to cool off, especially on warmer days.Reddit Many visitors find this a perfect spot to relax after exploring the historical site.

For the more adventurous, the Ruínas da Lagoinha is situated near the beginning of the Trilha das 7 Praias (7 Beaches Trail).TikTok This popular hiking route allows visitors to discover a series of beautiful beaches along Ubatuba's coast. However, some travelers have noted that finding specific waterfalls beyond the natural pool can be challenging and may involve significant hiking or climbing, with some giving up due to the effort involved.Reddit It's recommended to stick to the more accessible natural pool unless you are well-prepared for a more demanding trek.

The proximity to Praia da Lagoinha also means visitors can easily combine a historical visit with beach time. The beach itself is described as a quiet corner of Ubatuba, offering a tranquil atmosphere.TikTok The area around the ruins and the nearby beach is rich in biodiversity, characteristic of the Mata Atlântica, offering opportunities for nature observation.

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