Carnival is coming up, and if you’re not a big fan of the blocosquinhos, how about escaping the hustle and bustle with a getaway to the interior? The state of São Paulo is full of cities where you can enjoy Carna in a totally different way, with lots of peace and quiet. Here are some cities to visit during the holiday and have a good rest!
Santo Antônio do Pinhal
Known for being a refuge in the Serra da Mantiqueira, this town is close to the capital of São Paulo, just 2 hours away, and stands out for its natural beauty and gastronomic delights.
In Santo Antônio do Pinhal, visitors will find breathtaking panoramic views at Pico Agudo, moments of relaxation at Cachoeira do Lageado and can also enjoy a stroll in Jardim dos Pinhais Ecco Parque. When you visit this tourist town, be sure to try the typical pine nut-based dishes and stop by the traditional craft fairs.
Embu-Guaçu
Embu-Guaçu is in the metropolitan region of São Paulo and is a great option for those who want to relax without traveling far. As well as several inns, the town is famous for its fishing grounds and ecological parks.
One of them is Cidade das Abelhas, a children’s park themed around these small insects, with attractions and educational activities for children up to twelve years old.
Águas de São Pedro
The smallest municipality in São Paulo, located 187 km from São Paulo, is one of eleven municipalities in the state considered to be hydro-mineral resorts.
The town has modern spas offering a wide range of therapeutic treatments and leisure activities. In addition to the Parque das Águas, a true natural refuge with trails, lakes and a rich flora and fauna.
Cunha
Approximately 230km from the capital, Cunha is known as the “city of lavenders”. This is due to its extensive Lavandário, which turns it into a beautifully scented paradise, much sought after by tourists from the region.
In addition, the town is part of the Estrada Real and has a quiet historic center with colonial architecture.
Iporanga
Located in the Ribeira Valley, Iporanga is a quiet town of 4,000 inhabitants, much sought after by those looking for ecological tourism.
Its main attraction is the Alto Ribeira Tourist State Park, which is home to the largest preserved patch of Atlantic Forest in Brazil and has around 300 caves. In addition, the park has several trails with different levels of difficulty.
Pedregulho
In the north of the state, close to the border with Minas Gerais, is the quiet town of Pedregulho. Among our tips for cities to visit on holiday, this one certainly has the longest journey. It’s approximately 430km by road, but it’s well worth it! The town of just fifteen thousand inhabitants is the perfect destination for those looking for calm and can stay in pousadas or hotels.
The biggest local attraction is certainly the Furnas do Bom Jesus, a fascinating natural and historical complex. These unique rock formations, sculpted by the action of time, provide a spectacular landscape that blends the grandeur of nature with the geological heritage of the region.
