Large rivers, flooded plains, and a rich fauna of birds and aquatic animals. It seems like we are talking about distant lands in the Midwest, but no: it is the Pantanal Paulista. The region in the extreme northwest of the state of São Paulo earned this nickname due to its similarity to the famous floodplains of Mato Grosso.
Although rich in natural beauty, the destination is still little explored by tourists from the capital. Therefore, those looking for a different itinerary will find the Pantanal Paulista the perfect choice, with ecotourism and a clean Tietê River — something almost unimaginable for those who only know the river that cuts through the metropolis.
Photo: Reproduction/Government of the State of São Paulo/via Viagem em Pauta
Did you know that there is a “Pantanal” in São Paulo?
The Pantanal Paulista was born from the historical relationship between the interior of São Paulo and the Tietê, Paraná, and Aguapeí rivers, which served as “waterways” for indigenous peoples and, later, bandeirantes. Nearby populations used them for fishing and traveling between villages, creating a deep connection with the local nature.
Over time, the region received hydroelectric plants and dams whose flooded areas and freshwater beaches resembled the original Pantanal. The similarity led to the creation of the Pantanal Paulista Tourist Region, composed of cities such as Itapura, Castilho, Ilha Solteira, Pereira Barreto, Sud Mennucci, and Suzanápolis.
And you can’t even imagine who the protagonist of this story is: the Tietê, which arrives in northwest São Paulo completely different from the gray version we see on the Marginal! There, the river comes to life and helps compose the “pantanal” landscape with floodplains and great biodiversity.
Photo: Moisés Eustáquio/São Paulo State Department of Tourism
Pantanal Paulista has freshwater beaches, ecotourism, and much more
The main local attractions are sport fishing, boat trips, and freshwater beaches. In Castilho, known as the “gateway” to the Pantanal Paulista, tourists find preserved banks of the Paraná, Tietê, and Aguapeí rivers, with rich fauna and fishing tournaments. The same is true in Sud Mennucci, another paradise for fishermen on duty.
Pereira Barreto gained fame for Praia Pôr-do-Sol, on the shore of the Três Irmãos Hydroelectric Plant lake, while Ilha Solteira enchants with the immense lake of the Paraná River: both ideal for boat trips and water sports. In addition, Itapura guards the mouth of the Tietê River, whose meeting with the Paraná River creates postcard-worthy landscapes!
These are just a few tips for enjoying the Pantanal Paulista, which is at least 650 kilometers from the state capital. It’s quite a long drive, but believe me: the distance is worth it for those who want direct contact with nature that many people don’t even imagine exists in the state of São Paulo.
Pôr-do-Sol Beach in Pereira Barreto. Photo: Rafaelbassorapbto/Wikimedia Commons