Formerly inhabited by the Carajás indigenous people, Socorro is part of the group of cities taken over by the bandeirantes in the 16th century. It was considered a parish, then a village, and only became emancipated in 1883, becoming a municipality. The name Socorro, despite being funny because it resembles a request for help, comes from the city’s patron saint: Nossa Senhora do Perpétuo Socorro (Our Lady of Perpetual Help).
Known as the city of adventure, it is still part of the Circuito das Águas Paulista (São Paulo Water Circuit) and the Serra da Mantiqueira(Mantiqueira Mountain Range), in addition to maintaining museums and historical attractions. Socorro lives up to its slogan: “Where life still exists, “ proving that it is possible to combine nature,tranquility, and modernity.
What to do in Socorro?
Photo: wikipedia/Marcos Farias
If you are looking for extreme sports, Socorro is the right place. In addition to hosting the largest zip line in the world, the city has a multitude of things to do, such as: hiking, climbing, ATV rides, and even rafting, a boat trip down the rapids of the Rio do Peixe. The tour has calm stretches, where you can enjoy the view of nature, and other more agitated ones, which require coordination and teamwork with the oars.
The Gruta do Anjo (Angel Cave), which was featured in scenes from the 2024 Globo TV soap opera “Num rancho fundo”(On a Deep Ranch), is currently a local tourist attraction, but the city also has another cave that is worth visiting.
Quebra Corpo Cave
One of the largest granite caves in the country, the cave is 450 meters high and offers breathtaking scenery, as well as an adventure in the rapids up to 25 meters deep.
The name “Quebra Corpo” (Body Breaker) is no coincidence: the attraction requires considerable physical effort. It is recommended to hire a guide, as the cave presents challenges such as climbing and sliding between the rock walls.
Pedra Bela Vista
The highest point in the city, Pedra Bela Vista is famous for its unmissable sunsets and panoramic views. For those who want to venture out, Bela Vista also offers options for hiking, trekking, a 98-meter rappel, and even the largest swing in Brazil, which yields beautiful photos with nature as a backdrop.
Socorro: The city of accessible sports
Photo: freepik
Awarded the Queen Sofia Accessibility Award in Spain in 2014, Socorro is internationally recognized for its accessible extreme sports, with attractions such as rappelling, rafting, canoeing, hiking, ATV tours, zip-lining, and tree climbing. It has adapted equipment and trained instructors to assist people with disabilities or reduced mobility, as well as accessible hotels and inns for the public in the region.