With beautiful rural landscapes and a small-town atmosphere, Borá was once known as the municipality with the smallest population in the state of São Paulo. In addition to being a small town, it is closely tied to agriculture and livestock and is famous for its waterfalls and laid-back pace of life.
Although it lost its status as the least populous municipality in São Paulo after the 2022Census, the city still remains the only municipality in São Paulo with fewer than 1,000 residents.
The city grew out of a settlement established in 1918, when members of the Vedovatti family used the region as a route to Sapezal, crossing the Borá River to sell food.
In 1923, José da Costa Pinto donated the alqueire of land where the Santo Antônio de Borá Chapel was built. Soon, an urban center began to form around the church, just as it did in many cities in the interior of São Paulo.
The city was granted municipal status only in 1964, through State Law No. 8,092, which elevated Borá to the status of a municipality.
According to local lore, the name Borá originates from a species of bee that was abundant in the region. However, other sources associate the name with the Borá Stream, which pioneers once crossed.
What to do in Borá?
Although it is not a particularly obvious or popular destination, Borá is the most appealing option for those looking to escape the capital and get away from the crowds. With its rural landscape and short trips to waterfalls and cascades, the town offers some impressive tourist attractions.
The Tancão and Monjolo waterfalls are located near Paraguaçu Paulista. The Jorjão Waterfall , on the other hand, is located on the Borá–Usina Ibéria Road, on the Santa Isaura Farm—that is, on private property.
For those looking for a peaceful hike surrounded by nature, the Serra da Bunka is a great option! It’s perfect both for enjoying the scenery along rural roads and for taking in a panoramic view of the region’s terrain.
Charming historic center
As a municipality dating back to the early 20th century, Borá has remained well-preserved and still exudes an atmosphere that only an old small-town in the countryside can offer. With little traffic and a peaceful neighborhood, Borá is, overall, the perfect destination to slow down and relax.
In fact, a must-see stop during a tour of the city’s downtown area is a visit to the Santo Antônio Chapel, which gave rise to the local urban center. The church welcomes visitors during religious services, with Masses held on Saturdays starting at 5:00 p.m.
