For those who live in the capital, the Tietê is often synonymous with bad smells, dirt, and pollution. We are used to seeing it as a “dead” river, a sad victim of environmental neglect. However, what many São Paulo residents do not know is that the interior of São Paulo State has places where it is still possible to enjoy the Tietê River alive, clean, and majestic.
Far from the metropolis, the Tietê River is transformed: it attracts animals, regains its strength, and reveals an almost forgotten beauty worthy of postcards. In addition, it becomes the perfect setting for water sports!
Check out five surprising destinations that will change your view of the river of São Paulo. They reveal the good news that the degradation seen in the capital is only one chapter—and not the entire book—of the history of São Paulo’s most important river.
It can be said that Salesópolis is the guardian of the most famous river in the state. Located a few hours from the capital, this tourist resort offers an almost unbelievable experience: seeing the Tietê River clean and drinkable, to the point that it is possible to drink the water directly from the source.
The Nascentes do Rio Tietê Park is an environmental reserve that guarantees the purity of the water source before its long—and, in some stretches, unfortunate—journey westward.
Due to its proximity to São Paulo, Salesópolis is the ideal day trip destination to purify your view of the river and understand the importance of its preservation.
Pereira Barreto: beach and sensational sunset
Have you ever imagined sunbathing on the banks of the Tietê River? In the state capital, this would be impossible—or, at the very least, quite unpleasant. However, this scenario is completely normal for the residents of Pereira Barreto.
The municipality is bathed by the lake of the Três Irmãos Hydroelectric Power Plant dam on the Tietê River. The dam offers a 328-meterartificial beach, equipped with snack bars, kiosks, and a playground for children.
With no pollution or bad smells, Praia do Pôr do Sol is a great place to “get a tan” or practice water sports while enjoying the sunset.
Known as the “Capital of Navigation,” Barra Bonita is one of the best destinations for those who want to see the clean Tietê River up close. The main local attraction is the Engenheiro Mário Lopes Leão Lock, where visitors can enjoy the unique experience of “going up or down” the river in large boats.
In the city, the Tietê is the protagonist of the economy and leisure. Its waterfront is full of kiosks and craft fairs, and the waters even welcome luxury cruise tours!
Another must-see is the Tietê River Memorial, which helps visitors understand the importance of the waterway for the state’s development.
Neighboring Barra Bonita, Igaraçu do Tietê is a charming city where tourism is entirely focused on river life. There, you can enjoy the clean Tietê River on freshwater beaches with areas for swimming, water sports, and relaxation.
In addition, the municipality is ideal for nature observation, offering boat trips that reveal surprising landscapes. It is an excellent opportunity to rediscover the main river of São Paulo from a perspective of leisure and preservation.
To close the list in style, Itapura is the final point of the Tietê River: perfect for diving, nautical tourism, and contact with preserved nature.
On the border with Mato Grosso do Sul, the city is part of the “Pantanal Paulista” Tourist Region and marks the mouth of the Tietê River, where it meets the Paraná River. Take advantage of the trip to enjoy water sports, sport fishing, and wildlife watching.
The municipality also offers a curious activity: wreck diving, specifically on a warship from the time of Dom Pedro II that sank in the river in 1883.