São Paulo
São Paulo City, Ilhabela, North Coast Beaches, Campos do Jordão, Atlantic Forest, Caves and Waterfalls, Adventure Sports, Gastronomy
The state of São Paulo is Brazil's most populous and economically important state, but beyond its famous capital lies a remarkably varied landscape. Around 600 kilometres of Atlantic coastline, the forested Serra do Mar, mountain towns, river valleys and farmland make it a destination for city breaks, beach holidays and adventure alike.
São Paulo city is the gateway, one of the world's great metropolises, with outstanding museums, nightlife and some of Latin America's best restaurants. From there, the North Coast leads to the beaches of Ubatuba, São Sebastião and the island of Ilhabela, while Campos do Jordão, high in the Serra da Mantiqueira, offers cool mountain air and alpine-style architecture.
Inland, the Vale do Ribeira protects one of the largest remaining stretches of Atlantic Forest and hundreds of caves, and towns such as Brotas and Socorro are centres for rafting, waterfalls and outdoor adventure. Indigenous villages, Afro-Brazilian heritage routes and food and wine trails add depth to any trip.
Top Reasons to Visit São Paulo State
1. São Paulo City
Start in the capital for Avenida Paulista and MASP, Ibirapuera Park, the Mercado Municipal and a food scene that ranges from street snacks to world-renowned restaurants.
2. Ilhabela and the North Coast
Explore the forested island of Ilhabela, with its waterfalls and sailing waters, and the beaches of Ubatuba and São Sebastião backed by the Serra do Mar.
3. Campos do Jordão
Escape to this mountain town in the Serra da Mantiqueira for cool winters, chocolate shops, hiking and the Campos do Jordão Winter Festival of classical music.
4. Caves and Atlantic Forest
In the Vale do Ribeira, the Alto Ribeira State Tourist Park (PETAR) offers guided visits to limestone caves, rivers and waterfalls in the Atlantic Forest.
5. Adventure Inland
Go rafting and waterfall hiking in Brotas, try skydiving in Boituva or explore the hills, springs and flower fields of the state's interior.
6. Culture and Authentic Experiences
Visit Indigenous villages that welcome travellers, follow Afro-Brazilian heritage routes and discover the colonial towns, coffee farms and food producers of rural São Paulo.
