Barretos, in the interior of São Paulo, is an increasingly popular destination for tourists. In 2024, the city gained international prominence when it entered the Airbnb ranking of the most searched cities on the platform, alongside global metropolises such as Tokyo and Munich. It was the only Brazilian on the list!
This success is no coincidence. As well as hosting the biggest bullfighting festival in Latin America, the municipality is home to historical, cultural and religious attractions for all tastes and ages! If you enjoy a rodeo, you can’t miss out.
What to do in Barretos?
The biggest rodeo in Latin America!
The town is 450 kilometers from São Paulo, close to the border with Minas Gerais. Among all the attractions, the highlight is the Barretos Peão Festival, which attracts thousands of tourists every year! Every August, the public sees country music shows the traditional garlic burning and exciting rodeos!
But don’t be fooled: country life there isn ‘t restricted to the Festa do Peão. On the contrary, it’s there all year round! The Barretos Country Park Resort, for example, is the first country-themed water park in Brazil. There are more than 200,000 square meters of swimming pools and slides, as well as a farm and horseback riding.
Historical and cultural tourism
In addition to the festival, those looking for things to do in Barretos will be enchanted by its rich history. One example is the Catedral do Divino Espírito Santo, the city’s oldest church, founded in 1877. The temple houses Renaissance paintings and sacred images from the early 20th century, making it a must-see for those who enjoy architectural and religious tourism.
Another attraction is the Palácio das Águias, a historic neoclassical building that once housed the local town hall. It currently houses the Ruy Menezes Museum, which preserves documents and objects that tell the story of Barretos and its importance in the state of São Paulo.
Finally, the Barretos Mosque stands out as the first in the interior of São Paulo and the only one in the country with Moorish and Andalusian architecture. As well as its beauty, it offers the opportunity to learn more about the presence of Islamic culture in the region!
