On the Paths of Peabiru: The Dakila Expedition Research in São Vicente, SP

Between the last days of March and the first days of April 2025, Dakila Pesquisas landed in São Vicente, SP, for another fascinating journey. The city, marked by its rich history and considered the oldest in Brazil, was the scene of discoveries that unite past and present in a web of culture and mystery. This expedition shed new light on the ancient Caminhos de Peabiru, highlighting the historical and tourist potential of São Vicente.

The city of São Vicente was inaugurated in 1532, meaning that in 2020 the city turned 488. However, when the city turned 400 in 1933, the city gained a monument in commemoration. The monument, known as Marco Padrão, is located in the corner of Gonzaguinha Beach, amidst the rocks that form a small island.

It all started with a promising morning, when Dakila's team headed to the famous Biquinha de Anchieta. This emblematic spot, dating back to 1553, is strongly linked to the Jesuit Trails. In the middle of the historic center, tourism expert Tomaz Cicarelli and Matheus Macedo, coordinator of the Tourism Department, presented evidence that the Peabiru Trail crossed Martim Afonso Street. The connection between the historic route and the city was increasingly taking shape, fueling everyone's enthusiasm.

Biquinha - Built in 1553, the spring was one of the main sources of water for the population of São Vicente for centuries. There, the famous Jesuit priest José de Anchieta drank water and catechized the indigenous people. The spring features a ceramic panel depicting the priest with indigenous people, created by artist Waldemar Moral Sendin. Currently, the spring is listed by the Municipal Council (CONDEPHASV — 2011).

In the afternoon, it was time to expand the connections. Urandir and Fernanda met with the person responsible for the Metrópoles newspaper in São Vicente, ensuring that the expedition’s steps reached even more people and aroused curiosity about the importance of the Caminhos de Peabiru.

From right to left: Henrique Leoneri - Journalist at Metrópoles, Urandir Fernandes de Oliveira - CEO of the Dakila Ecosystem, Roberto Silva - Photographer, Eliane Ribeiro - Dakila Associate, and Fernanda Lima - Research Director at Ratanabá.

The day was also marked by a visit to the Hotel Chácara Mosteiro, a place that dates back to 1729 and holds memories of one of the first farms in the region. Each stop was like opening a page of an old book, revealing stories that seemed forgotten by time.

Discovering the past to understand the future…

The last day of the expedition held some remarkable encounters. A local park was awaiting authorization for publicity, but this did not slow down the group's pace. In the afternoon, the Historical and Geographical Institute of São Vicente brought the team together with notable figures, such as historians Conde Paulo Eduardo and Conde Marcos Braga. The accounts of Martim Afonso and the legacy of the Caminhos de Peabiru reinforced the importance of the research that Dakila is conducting.

Dakila researchers together with members of the Historical and Geographical Institute of São Vicente - SP.

More than just a journey of discovery, this expedition represented a unique opportunity for São Vicente. The partnership with the City of São Vicente, through the Department of Tourism, ensured the necessary support for all activities to be carried out at no cost to the city. In addition to preserving its historical roots, the project boosts tourism, placing the city as a reference in the Historical Tourism segment. São Vicente is now part of a map of relevant studies, consolidating its position as an unmissable destination for lovers of history and culture.

Dakila researchers together with members of the Tourism Department of São Vicente - SP.

This is just one piece of the puzzle that Dakila has been putting together over the years. The story continues to be written, and each chapter reveals a little more of what our lands have to tell us. You’ll want to follow the next steps of this adventure!

Dakila Research team at the Port of Naus, finishing the incursion in São Vicente - SP.

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