Formerly known as Vila de Paraíba and now Jacareí, the city was renamed because its rivers and lakes were full of alligators in 1849, when it became a municipality. In the 1980s, it welcomed two large breweries, which boosted local craft beer producers and earned it the title of “Land of Beer, “ attracting tourists and beer lovers from all over Brazil.
The city’s goal is to promote beer culture and support local commerce, projecting Jacareí onto the national market. The municipality has a tradition of hosting events where beer is the star, such as the “Jacareí Beer Festival” and craft beer fairs promoted by the city government.
Tourism in Jacareí: The Beer Tour
After being recognized in 2018 as a “Municipality of Tourist Interest, “ the city gained new investments and caught our attention, prompting us to bring you some great tips on what to do there.
Tour Inside the Star
The Heineken brewery is the largest in Jacareí and offers an immersive and Instagram-worthy tour through the history of the brand and, of course, beer. To plan your visit, tickets cost R$ 50 and are available for purchase every 20th of the month. The tour is only for those over 18 years of age. There, in addition to learning about beer and tasting the drink, you can also buy products and souvenirs from the brand.
As this is a factory tour, Heineken advises visitors to dress appropriately, with closed-toe shoes and appropriate clothing, for example.
Church Route
The route includes historic temples dating back to the colonial and religious period of the municipality. Interested in the tour? You can start at the ground zero of Jacareí: the Nossa Senhora do Bom Sucesso Church, which underwent renovations in the 20th century and today attracts tourists and visitors who pray and attend local masses.
Another church worth visiting is the 16th-century Matriz da Imaculada Conceição. It was the first temple in the city and stands out for its classical architecture, which combines artistic stained glass windows, original gold-plated altars, and sculptures of angels.
Also worth visiting is the Igreja do Avareí, one of the oldest churches in the region. Built in 1745 by Jesuit priests, it has been renovated and currently hosts religious celebrations and weddings.
Pátio dos Trilhos
Photo: Jacareí City Hall
Built in 1873, the Jacareí railway line was used to transport coffee and was an important milestone in the city’s growth. Despite the end of the railway era, the tracks remained and became a local historical heritage site, having recently undergone a revitalization. The old revitalized area currently houses the Jacarehy Cultural Foundation, the Mário Lagos cinema-theater, and the city’s Anthropology Center. It is a must-see if you want to learn even more about Jacareí.