If we asked you to name an unmissable ecotourism destination in São Paulo, chances are you’d think of PETAR. After all, the Alto Ribeira Tourist State Park is one of the most important in the state, with over 300 caves! But there are many other nature destinations throughout São Paulo that are just as stunning as the famous park, including some close to the capital.
Best ecotourism destinations in São Paulo!
Cardoso Island State Park
Located in the extreme south of the state, on the border with Paraná, Ilha do Cardoso is the ideal destination for those who want to completely disconnect from the city and experience peaceful days in the middle of nature. After all, the park is one of the best preserved places on the São Paulo coast, with paradisiacal landscapes that look like something out of a seaside dream.
Access to the island is by boat, and once there, you can hike through the Atlantic Forest, bathe in waterfalls, watch dolphins and get to know the caiçara culture up close, through the communities that live in the reserve in harmony with nature.
📍 Cananéia | 271 kilometers from São Paulo
Serra do Mar State Park
The Serra do Mar State Park is the largest protected area on the Brazilian coast, with 10 nuclei covering 25 different municipalities. The Curucutu Nucleus is located in the South Zone of São Paulo, making it the perfect place to breathe fresh air without having to leave the metropolis. There are cycle paths, a bird-watching platform and a trail overlooking the sea!
📍 Estrada da Bela Vista, 7090 – Emburá do Alto
Olho D’Água Peak
At an altitude of 1160 meters, this is one of the highest points in the Serra da Cantareira, attracting adventurers for its breathtaking scenery. Pico do Olho D’Água is in the metropolitan region and is a golden tip for São Paulo residents who want to camp, contemplate nature and watch a movie-worthy sunset! You can also enjoy guided hikes and outdoor yoga classes there.
📍 Mairiporã | 40 kilometers from São Paulo
Anchieta Island State Park
As well as being on one of the best beaches in Brazil Ilha Anchieta State Park stands out for its historical and natural attractions. After all, it has trails, beaches with crystal-clear waters, viewpoints and the ruins of a former penitentiary, which occupied the island until 1955.
📍 Ubatuba | 220 kilometers from São Paulo
Bonus: Best caves for ecotourism in the interior of São Paulo
If you like underground tourism, then it’s worth visiting the more than 900 caves scattered throughout the state of São Paulo. As we mentioned in the introduction, about a third of them are in PETAR. But as our aim here is to present ecotourism destinations that go beyond the classic, we’d like to point out our guide to the best caves to explore in the interior of the state of São Paulo in addition to the famous park.
