Anyone who says there is no nature in São Paulo. Known as Brazil’s largest stone jungle, the capital city of São Paulo also has incredible options for those who want to breathe some fresh air or perhaps venture into ecotourism. Check out our guide now parks and nature reserves near São Paulo, and discover five incredible places where you can breathe in nature!
Cantareira State Park
Firstly, 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 bigger than the center of São Paulo!
There are almost 8,000 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.
Where: R. do Horto, 1799 – Horto Florestal
Jaraguá State Park
Our next tip is the Jaraguá State Park, which is also part of the Serra da Cantareira. It is home to Pico do Jaraguá, the highest point in the city of São Paulo at 1,135 meters.
The park preserves almost five hundred hectares of Atlantic Forest. Its reserves are home to three trails for those who enjoy adventuring in the middle of nature, very close to the bustle of São Paulo.
Where: R. Antônio Cardoso Nogueira, 539 – Vila Chica Luiza
Itaberaba State Park
Next up is the 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.
There are fifteen thousand hectares that act as an ecological corridor between the Serra da Cantareira and the Serra da Mantiqueira. In addition to contact with nature, the park is home to waterfalls, routes and trails for those who want to venture out into the wild walk or cycling.
Where: Pedra Branca Municipal Road, 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 the guidance of a guide.
Where: Av. 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 hustle and bustle of the capital!
Where: Highway SP-165, Km 156, s/n – Rural Area – Iporanga
Approximate distance from São Paulo capital: 325km