Elected by popular vote, Mairiporã has just won, for the second time, the Top Tourist Destinations Award in the Sports Tourism category. Just 40km from the capital of São Paulo, the city combines trails, water sports, and adrenaline-filled experiences in the middle of Serra da Cantareira.
Despite its quiet appearance as a small town, Mairiporã attracts both athletes and urban travelers looking for a break from the chaos of the capital, without giving up outdoor experiences.
Sports tourism in the Serra da Cantareira: why Mairiporã stands out
The title of best destination in the Sports Tourism category did not come by chance. Mairiporã brings together a rare set of natural attributes and tourist infrastructure that favor activities such as mountain biking, cycling, hiking, wakeboarding, and high-impact adventure activities.
In addition, the city is home to Núcleo Águas Claras, one of the main access points to Serra da Cantareira, with well-structured trails and landscapes that include viewpoints, lakes, and waterfalls.
Photo: Davis Santana/Wikipedia
Wakeboarding at the Paiva Castro Reservoir: calm waters and official competitions
Among water sports, wakeboarding has gained prominence in Mairiporã. The Paiva Castro Reservoir stands out for its calm waters and light wind, ideal conditions for practicing the sport, which combines surfing, snowboarding, and water skiing.
In 2025, the site hosted the São Paulo Wakeboarding Championship, consolidating the city as a state reference in the sport and attracting athletes, specialized schools, and beginners.
Photo: OS2Warp/Wikipedia
What to do in Mairiporã: trails, sports, and adventure
For those who want to put together an itinerary focused on nature and adrenaline, Mairiporã offers options for different levels of physical fitness:
Cheiro de Mato Refuge
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Located about 600 meters from the Mairiporã Dam, the eco resort combines accommodation, leisure, and water sports. The space offers wakeboarding lessons, from beginner to advanced levels, in partnership with A Firma Wakeschool, with equipment included in the packages.
📍 Estrada Armando Barbosa de Almeida, 8000 – Centro
Suçuarana Trail
Approximately 8 km (round trip) and lasting an average of 3 hours, the trail connects paths such as Samambaiaçu and Trilha das Águas, as well as providing access to the Pedra Grande viewpoint and Lago das Carpas. The route is considered difficult and is recommended for experienced adventurers.
🕓 Wednesday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
🎫 From R$ 30
📍 Avenida Senador José Ermírio de Morais – Sítio Barrocada
Samambaiaçu Trail
A circular trail of 1 to 2 km, lasting approximately 1 hour and of medium difficulty. The route passes through preserved sections of the Atlantic Forest, with ferns, bromeliads, and orchids.
🕓 Wednesday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
🎫 From R$ 30
📍 Avenida Senador José Ermírio de Morais – Sítio Barrocada
Trilha das Águas
Ideal for beginners and family outings, the trail is up to 500 meters long and can be covered in about 30 minutes. The route includes small waterfalls and observation of local wildlife, such as squirrels and toucans.
🕓 Wednesday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
🎫 From R$ 30
📍 Avenida Senador José Ermírio de Morais – Sítio Barrocada
Salto da Pedreira do Dib
For those seeking maximum adrenaline, Pedreira do Dib offers jumps from 85 to 108 meters high, with a free fall of about 4 seconds. The activity does not require previous experience, but does require booking.
🎫 From R$ 299.90
📍 Avenida Esmeralda, 586 – Pedreira