In a big city like São Paulo, sometimes all we need is a breath of fresh air to de-stress. That’s why we’ve selected some places to enjoy nature in São Paulo, for those who want to get away from the big city routine. Check them out!
Botanical Garden
With 360,000 square meters, the São Paulo Botanical Garden is a good option for finding lots of nature and peace. Don’t miss out on the many trails that cut through the forest and visit the Bamboo Tunnel and the Nymphéas Lake.
📍 Avenida Miguel Stéfano, 3031 – Vila Água Funda
Guarapiranga Sacred Ground
The Sacred Ground was built by the World Messianic Church of Brazil on the banks of the Guarapiranga Reservoir, with the intention of being a “prototype of earthly paradise”. Its area of 327,500 m² has made it one of the most beautiful natural sites in the city.
📍 Avenida Professor Hermann Von Ihering, 6567 – Jardim Casa Grande
Urban coffee plantation
The largest urban coffee plantation is right here in São Paulo. It has around 2,000 coffee trees in an area of 10,000 m², located at the headquarters of the Biological Institute in Vila Mariana, five minutes from Ibirapuera Park. The coffee plantation is made up of Mundo Novo and Catuaí coffee varieties , developed by the Agronomic Institute (IAC).
According to the São Paulo State Department of Agriculture and Supply, the coffee plantation was formed in the 1950s and was used as research material for the Institute’s technicians to study agricultural pest control.
📍 Avenida Conselheiro Rodrigues Alves, 1.252 – Vila Mariana
The waterfalls at Parelheiros and Engenheiro Marsilac
It seems hard to believe that it’s possible to find waterfalls in the capital of São Paulo. But it’s true! In the far south, in the neighborhoods of Parelheiros and Engenheiro Marsilac, you can enjoy five waterfalls without having to leave the city.
📍 Check out the full list and addresses here.
Guarapiranga Dam
Considered the beach of São Paulo residents who live in the far south of the capital, the reservoir is proof that it’s not just downhill that São Paulo residents can swim, sunbathe and enjoy nature.
On the border between the municipalities of São Paulo, Itapecerica da Serra and Embu-Guaçu, the reservoir has 18 beaches recognized by the City Hall, as well as five parks in its surroundings. All this makes it the perfect place for contemplating nature, practicing sports and relaxing.
Cantareira State Park
In the north of the capital, the Cantareira State Park is an incredible place to leave the madness of everyday life behind. Opened to the public in 1989, the park is one of the largest native urban forests in the world.
One of the most popular trails is Pedra Grande, which offers a panoramic view of the city. The viewpoint can be reached from the Pedra Grande Nucleus.
📍 Rua do Horto, 1799 – Horto Florestal
An ‘island’ without leaving São Paulo
About 30 km from the city center, Ilha do Bororé escapes the image of the São Paulo capital. Known as an island, the neighborhood is actually a peninsula surrounded by the Billings dam, and is yet another destination that promises a breath of nature in São Paulo.
📍 Estrada das Vieiras, s/n – Bororé
Tietê Ecological Park
How about riding a bike and feeling the breeze hit your face? Or rent a pedal boat to enjoy the day in the middle of a lake? All this is possible at the Tietê Ecological Park, which offers a wide range of activities.
📍 Rua Guirá-Acangatara, 70 – Engenheiro Goulart
Jaraguá Peak
If you’re in need of an urban detox, this is the place. The highest point in São Paulo offers visitors plenty of greenery, silence, trails and pure air.
📍 Jaraguá State Park – Rua Antônio Cardoso Nogueira, 539 – Vila Chica Luísa
Forest Garden
Biodiversity is the highlight here. In addition to the various types of trees (including eucalyptus, brazilwood, jatoba and many others), you can also see toucans, maritacas, squirrels, capuchin monkeys and even capybaras. How about a picnic listening to the birds singing?
📍 Rua do Horto, 931 – Horto Florestal
Ibirapuera Park
São Paulo’s most popular park may be an obvious item, but it’s worth mentioning. Although it usually gets smelliest at weekends, it’s still a great place to breathe fresh air, smell the earth and connect with nature in São Paulo.
Tip: the Ibirapuera Park website provides a map for visitors to identify the flora and fauna present there.
📍 Avenida Pedro Álvares Cabral, no number – Vila Mariana
CEAGESP
And finally, why not bring nature into your home? CEAGESP has the largest flower fair in the country. There, more than 800,000 tons of flowers and plants are sold every week. Be prepared to carry pots and pots!
📍 Avenida Doutor Gastão Vidigal, 1946 – Vila Leopoldina