Botucatu, 234 kilometers from the capital of São Paulo, is one of the must-see destinations for those wishing to explore the interior of São Paulo. With its natural, historical and cultural attractions, the town is perfect for those who want to get away from the big city without having to travel too far. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to what to do in Botucatu.
First of all, the name of the town comes from the Tupi language, ibytu-katu , which means “good air”. So you can already imagine that the destination stands out for its exuberant nature, offering various outdoor activities and ecotourism.
Another distinguishing feature is that, according to legend, Botucatu was a crossing point for the Peabirú Way, a legendary trail that linked the Atlantic Ocean to present-day Peruvian territory during pre-Cabral times. In other words, if you like nature, history and curiosities, you can plan your trip now! Just check out our guide below.
What to do in Botucatu (SP)?
Pedra do Índio
First of all, we have one of the city’s most famous tourist attractions. Pedra do Índio is a lookout point with a beautiful view of nature, ideal for enjoying the sunset.
It is located in the Ecopark of the same name, which offers abseiling, zip-lining, hiking, visits to caves and more. In addition, from time to time the Ecopark organizes an open-air camp.
Entry to the Pedra do Índio Ecopark in day use mode costs from R$10.
Peabirú Trail
Still at the Pedra do Índio Ecopark, you can take the Peabirú Trail. With a total length of 13 kilometers, it is of moderate to difficult difficulty and takes adventurers to the Três Pedras, a geological formation that attracts tourists from all over the state.
The trail is named after the aforementioned Caminho do Peabirú. Legend has it that this mystical 3000-kilometer path led from the Atlantic Ocean to the Andes and was used by the indigenous people before the European occupation.
Historical accounts claim that the path passed through Botucatu, so that doing the Peabirú Trail means passing through historical and legendary paths older than Brazil itself.
Marta Waterfall
If bathing in a waterfall is on your list of things to do in Botucatu, then this is the perfect tip for you. Cachoeira da Marta is located in a municipal ecological park and is accessible via trails. It’s the perfect place to go for a walk, cool off and observe the native flora, such as the armadillos that live in the park.
Admission is free and you just need to book an appointment via the website. In the event of rain, visits are suspended.
Ruins of the Chapel of St. John the Baptist
This old chapel from 1942 was ruined by several explosions in the last century for the construction of a highway. Today, only a tower remains, which has become another tourist attraction in Botucatu.
Plan your visit to Botucatu!
Botucatu is 234 kilometers from São Paulo, so it’s possible to make a weekend getaway to see it. But to enjoy all the local charms, we recommend a 4-day trip.
The journey by car takes an average of 2h30, with a total toll of up to R$ 52 (round trip, passenger cars). For those who prefer to travel by bus, the Guerino Seiscento, Vale do Tietê and Santa Cruz bus companies run the SP-Botucatu trip from the Barra Funda, Tietê and Jabaquara terminals. The journey takes an average of 3h45, with tickets starting at R$99 (one way, half fare). But it’s worth remembering that many tourist attractions are far from the center, so if you take the bus you’ll need to add the cost of a cab or private transport to your financial planning.
If you want to visit waterfalls and do outdoor activities, we recommend traveling between the months of May and September. This is because autumn and winter are drier times, which favors outdoor activities. But temperatures can drop a lot during the winter, down to below 10ºC at night. So remember to bring your coat!