Did you know that Barretos, in the interior of São Paulo, is a trending destination worldwide? In April 2024, an Airbnb survey found that the city was one of the most sought-after on the platform by global guests, along with cities such as Tokyo (Japan), Munich (Germany) and Nazaré (Portugal). It was the only Brazilian city in the Top 10.
This high demand for Barretos is not surprising, considering all the attractions the city has to offer. Like the traditional peão festival, the most important in Brazil, which is taking place this month, until the 25th. Enjoy the last few days!
If you’re tempted to escape SP to enjoy the rodeo, we suggest you take advantage of the trip to explore the historical and architectural beauty of the place. Check out the guide!
The attractions of Barretos, the national rodeo capital
Approximately 450km from the capital, almost on the border with Minas Gerais, is the friendly Barretos. With just over 120,000 inhabitants, the city was recently awarded the title of Tourist Resort for its historical and cultural importance, which attracts visitors from all over Brazil.
Festa do Peão de Barretos
In 1956, a group of local boys got together to organize a rodeo. The idea caught on, and today, almost seventy years later, Barretos hosts the biggest annual cattle-raising festival in all of Brazil.
The festival traditionally takes place every August in the ‘Os Independentes’ park. There are more than 110 hectares of festivities – the equivalent of 133 soccer fields – with lots of rodeio, sertaneja music and the traditional burning of the garlic. In total, the rodeo arena can accommodate up to 35,000 people seated, or 50,000 standing in the arena and bleachers.
This year’s Festa do Peão de Boiadeiro de Barretos runs until August 25th. Hurry to enjoy it!
Barretos Country Thermas Park
Barretos Country Thermas Park is the first country-themed water park in Brazil! Much sought after by tourists from other regions of the state of São Paulo, the park offers more than 200,000 m² of water fun, including slides, wave pools and artificial beaches.
What’s more, the country theme brings special attractions such as a mini zoo and a farm, which allows for rides on horseback, on a trolley or even with a buffalo!
Divine Holy Spirit Cathedral
Founded in 1877, the Cathedral of the Divine Holy Spirit began as a small chapel, but over time it has become an important tourist attraction in Barretos. After all, it’s the oldest church in the city!
With images from the 20th century, Renaissance-inspired paintings and majestic architecture, the cathedral is one of the most popular postcards in the city. It’s worth a visit for lovers of historical, religious or architectural tourism!
Palácio das Águias
If you want to learn about the history of Barretos, be sure to visit the Palácio das Águias. This is where the Ruy Menezes Historical, Artistic and Folklore Museum is located, which tells the story of the region through old documents and objects.
The building, which formerly housed the town hall, has neoclassical architecture. It is free to visit.
Mesquita de Barretos
Another tourist attraction in the city is the local research center, the first to be built in the entire interior of São Paulo. There, you can learn more about Islamic culture in Brazil, as well as see the beautiful architecture up close. This is because the mosque is the only one in the country built in the Moorish and Andalusian architectural style.