One of the Brazilian destinations competing for the UN’s “Best Tourist Villages in the World” designation, São José do Barreiro is a tourist resort located in the Paraíba Valley. In addition to being São Paulo’s gateway to the Serra da Bocaina National Park, the city also stands out for its nature, history, and sustainable tourism.
The municipality, located in the far east of São Paulo, is close to the border with Rio de Janeiro, in the Bananal region. It has about 4,000 residents and boasts the cozy atmosphere of a small town. With quiet streets and scenery framed by the mountains and the Atlantic Forest.
São José do Barreiro is also known as a “hidden gem” of the Serra da Bocaina. With its historic coffee farms, colonial architecture, and ancient military trails, the city offers lush natural surroundings and ecotourism options for all ages.
The race for the UN award
In this year’s edition, São José do Barreiro is among the seven Brazilian representatives competing for the “Best Tourist Villages in the World” title. It is competing against 261 other villages around the globe.
The seal is awarded by UNWTO to destinations that excel in the preservation of local heritage, sustainable tourism, and inclusive development.
Currently, the city is a strong contender for its role as a guardian of the Atlantic Forest, thanks to its connection to the Serra da Bocaina National Park. This is because the park is a conservation hub and part of a UNESCO-recognized site.
Furthermore, the municipality preserves its historical heritage by maintaining farms linked to the coffee cycle. This keeps history alive in the region even after centuries.
What to do in São José do Barreiro?
Another major advantage of the city is its potential for ecotourism, rural tourism, and gastronomy. These characteristics have already been recognized in other initiatives, such as when the destination was nominated for categories in the Top Tourist Destinations award.
Known as the “trekkingparadise, ” the city is a renowned destination for trekking, hiking, and other forms of adventure tourism. The itinerary includes trails, lookout points, and the famous mountain crossing.
In fact, if you’re looking for a waterfall in São José do Barreiro, the area’s waterfalls are a highlight in their own right. The Usina Waterfall, the Santo Isidro Waterfall, the Posses Waterfall, the Cachoeirão, and the Mata Waterfall typically attract hikers and swimmers every year.
Among the options for historical tourism are visits to the remaining coffee farms and the historic district, with its well-preserved colonial houses and the São José Mother Church.
And finally, the local cuisine is also worth noting. Highlights include tropeira cuisine and experiences at country estates and farms featuring artisanal products.
