Mariana Prates, autor em São Paulo Secreto

Journalist and writer from Minas Gerais, raised amid the hills and loves of Belo Horizonte. Now reporting from across the border, discovering hidden corners in the streets of São Paulo. To find me: mariana.prates@secretmedianetwork.com

Latin America’s largest free cultural center is located on Line 1 (Blue) in São Paulo: CCSP features a public podcast studio, the continent’s largest comic book library, and movie screenings starting at R$ 2

It’s impossible to talk about entertainment in São Paulo without mentioning the São Paulo Cultural Center (CCSP). Built during the military dictatorship, the 46,500-square-meter space is now home to the l...

Culture Secret Guides

From sumo to Japanese fritters: 5 Asian festivals to enjoy in São Paulo, with free options

For those who appreciate Asian culture, there’s nothing better than visiting a Japanese festival in São Paulo. Our city is home to the largest Japanese community outside of Japan, which is reflected in a...

Escapes Things to do

São Paulo’s smallest city hosts a free winter festival in July, featuring hot springs and covering just 3.6 km²

The smallest city in the state of São Paulo, Águas de São Pedro, becomes even cozier during its 2026 Winter Festival. Throughout the month of July, the Estância Hidromineral transforms into a large open-a...

Secret Guides

South America’s largest outlet offers discounts of up to 70% and famous brands at half price, just 45 minutes from São Paulo

The Catarina Fashion Outlet is located in São Roque, about 60 kilometers from São Paulo. Considered the largest outletmall in South America, it’s one of the best places to update your wardrobe without bre...

Secret Guides Wellness & nature

São Paulo’s most charming season has begun: cherry blossom festivals are painting the landscape pink from Itaquera to the São Paulo mountains this winter, with free tours

Have you noticed that São Paulo’s winter takes on a special charm between July and August? During this time, visitors can enjoy the long-awaited cherry blossom festivals, which bring color to parks in th...

Secret Guides

Latin America’s largest bakery and an open-air gallery: how to explore São Paulo’s East Zone using only Line 15-Prata of the monorail

How about taking an accessible tour of São Paulo’s East Zone? Line 15-Prata of the monorail connects the region to a variety of attractions, from independent cultural spaces and green areas to the largest...

Escapes Secret Guides Wellness & nature

This city, just a few hours from São Paulo, is home to the largest hot springs complex on the planet, with 12 medicinal springs that gained fame for curing Princess Isabel

Have you ever heard of Caxambu? This charming town in Minas Gerais is about 310 kilometers from São Paulo and is the ideal destination to relax during the winter. After all, there you’ll find the largest...

Escapes Secret Guides

Located 150 km from São Paulo, “Brazilian Italy” features an 11-meter replica of the Trevi Fountain and hot springs in the Atlantic Forest

If you’re looking for a trip that combines nature, culture, and cuisine, now is the time to discover what to do in Serra Negra. Located 150 kilometers from São Paulo, the city is known as “Brazilian Italy...

El Niño in 2026? Understand the risk of drought and heat waves in São Paulo starting next semester

The news that El Niño may return in 2026 has put many Brazilians on alert. According to the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), the phenomenon is highly likely to return in the second half of th...

Escapes Secret Guides Wellness & nature

Just 160 km from São Paulo, the “Thermal Capital of Brazil” is home to medicinal springs and heated waters in the Mantiqueira Mountains

Just 160 km from the capital of São Paulo, Águas de Lindóia stands out as the ideal destination for a rejuvenating weekend getaway. The city in the Serra da Mantiqueira mountain range holds the title of B...