6 mountain destinations to visit in São Paulo

Many people (especially tourists) find Brazilian cities like Rio or Salvador especially attractive during summertime (when most outdoor cultural events happen).

However, it is also true that many Brazilian residents have a hard time coping with a tropical summer’s specific heat, tending to choose the mountains’ cool weather whenever they can get away from the capitals.

For those who are not summer fans, São Paulo city, in particular, can be quite an unpleasant experience at this time of the year: beaches and waterfalls are considerably far away from the urban center, with a combination of dry and warm weather prevailing in the season.

But, as a city above sea level and surrounded by spectacular mountain ranges, like Serra da Mantiqueira, São Paulo is quite close to destinations that allow you to escape from the summertime atmosphere if that’s what you want to. Find some of the nicest options selected below:

1) São Francisco Xavier – Encrusted in Serra da Mantiqueira, right next to the boundaries with the South of Minas Gerais, São Francisco Xavier is the choice for visitors who want to stay side by side with the Atlantic Forest, but do not give up on comfort.

The village has everything you need regarding services and infrastructure – including excellent but reasonably cheap hotels, like Pousada Riacho Doce, restaurants, and shops.

2) Campos de Jordão – When it comes to sophistication in São Paulo’s mountains, Campos de Jordão is the first place that comes to mind. With many of the facades inspired by the Swiss alps’ architecture (no wonder, Campos de Jordão is called the “Brazilian Switzerland”), the city encompasses top-notch restaurants and a traditional local beer factory, Baden Baden.

3) São Bento do Sapucaí – Not far from Campos de Jordão is São Bento do Sapucaí. Smaller and more modest, São Bento conserves a quaint, countryside vibe in the mid of the Mantiqueira mountain range.

Among the many nature programs available in the village’s surroundings, the most famous is climbing Pedra do Baú (a physically challenging trail, though). Other than that, museums, art ateliers, and waterfalls are nearby.

4) Pindamonhangaba – Located in the Vale do Paraíba region (in Northern São Paulo State), the city is particularly famous for offering air balloon rides. Taking the train from Pindamonhangaba to Piracuama is also a tourist attraction there. Once at Piracuama, make sure to visit the Reino das Águas Claras Park, located in the margins of the Piracuama river.

5) Holambra – As the name itself suggests, Holambra is a city of Dutch colonization, which influences the culture of this municipality until the present day.

No wonder Holambra is considered the largest producer of flowers and ornamental plants in Latin America. Among the cultural and historical attractions of Holambra are the Immigrant’s Memorial, the Historical Museum of Holambra, and the touristic portal of the city.

6) São Roque – This one, located in the metropolitan region of Sorocaba, is known as the wine tourism destination in São Paulo State. Since the city’s foundation, viniculture has been part of São Roque’s tradition, which dates back to the seventeenth century.

Other than doing wine tours (there are at least 30 wineries in the city), visitors should check the view of the city from the top of Morro do Cruzeiro and stop at the famous food complex Villa Don Patto.