Anyone who says there is no nature in São Paulo is mistaken. Known as Brazil’s largest stone jungle, the São Paulo capital also has incredible options for those who want to breathe some fresh air or perhaps venture into ecotourism. Check out our guide to parks and nature reserves near São Paulo and discover five incredible places to take a breath of nature!
Nature reserves near São Paulo to enjoy the outdoors
Cantareira State Park
First of all, we have the Cantareira State Park as the closest option for those who want to enjoy nature without leaving the big city. The park is in the Serra da Cantareira, the only urban forest in the capital, and is ten times larger than the center of São Paulo!
There are almost eight thousand hectares of preserved Atlantic Forest, just north of the city. It’s the perfect place to go hiking or come into contact with the fauna and flora of our forests in their natural habitat.
📍 Rua do Horto, 1799 – Horto Florestal
Jaraguá State Park
Our next tip for enjoying nature in São Paulo is the Jaraguá State Park, which is also part of the Serra da Cantareira. It is home to Pico do Jaraguá, which is the highest point in São Paulo, at 1,135 meters.
The park preserves almost 500 hectares of Atlantic Forest. Its reserves are home to three trails for those who enjoy adventuring in the midst of nature, very close to the bustle of São Paulo.
📍 Rua Antônio Cardoso Nogueira, 539 – Vila Chica Luiza
Serra do Mar State Park
In the south of the capital is one of the largest ecological parks in São Paulo. The Serra do Mar State Park covers more than 332,000 hectares and 25 different municipalities. Here in the capital, you can visit it from the Curucutu Nucleus.
The most interesting thing about the reserve is that, on one of its trails, you can see the sea. That’s right! As well as spending a day in the middle of nature, you can catch a glimpse of the ocean right here in São Paulo.
📍 Estrada da Bela Vista, 7090 – Engenheiro Marsilac
Itaberaba State Park
Next up is Itaberaba State Park. The reserve covers the cities of Guarulhos, Arujá, Santa Isabel, Nazaré Paulista and Mairiporã and is an ecotourism option in Greater São Paulo.
It covers 15,000 hectares and acts as an ecological corridor between the Serra da Cantareira and the Serra da Mantiqueira. In addition to the contact with nature, the park is home to waterfalls, routes and trails for those who want to venture out by hiking or cycling.
📍 Estrada Municipal da Pedra Branca, km 9.5 – Pedra Branca – Santa Isabel
Approximate distance from São Paulo capital: 70km
Xixová-Japuí State Park
Another Atlantic Forest sanctuary close to São Paulo is the Xixová-Japuí State Park, in the Baixada Santista. Located in the cities of Praia Grande and São Vicente, the park has a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for those who like to be close to the sea!
The reserve is ideal for surfing, hiking and walking. There is also the possibility of scheduled visits for those who prefer to venture out with a guide.
📍 Avenida Engenheiro Saturnino de Brito, s/ nº – Parque Prainha – São Vicente
Approximate distance from São Paulo capital: 80km
Alto Ribeira Tourist State Park
Finally, our last tip for nature reserves is the Alto Ribeira Tourist State Park. The park covers thirty-five thousand hectares and is internationally renowned for its natural beauty and underground landscapes.
As well as superbly preserved vegetation, beautiful waterfalls and hiking and cycling trails, the park also has several caves and grottoes for visitors, including the Devil’s Cave, the largest in the state of São Paulo. An unmissable destination to take a break from the urban hustle and bustle of the capital!
📍 Rodovia SP-165, Km 156, s/n – Zona Rural – Iporanga
Approximate distance from São Paulo capital: 325km
