The Alto Ribeira Tourist State Park (PETAR) is located in the south of São Paulo and is one of the largest reserves of Atlantic Forest in Brazil. With more than 35,000 hectares and 300 caves, the area is a sanctuary of waterfalls, forests and caves, making it one of the best ecotourism destinations in the state! So, if you’re into adrenaline, check out our tips on what to do in PETAR.
The reserve is located between the towns of Apiaí and Iporanga, about 320 kilometers away, or five hours by car from the capital. So it’s worth taking advantage of the July vacation to take a trip to the park, where you can see trails, waterfalls and a surreal immersion in the native forest. Check it out!
What to do in PETAR? Guide to 4 days in the reserve
First steps to plan your visit
As the Alto Ribeira Tourist State Park is further away from the capital, we recommend that you stay at least 4 days. This way, you can enjoy the park’s beauty in peace and make the most of your time there. You can stay in a pousada in Iporanga, there are many close to the park!
Another important detail is that most of PETAR’s tours require a guide. So set aside some money to hire environmental monitors, whose service can cost from R$120.00 to R$220.00 per day, per person. Tip: the larger the group, the lower the price for each person.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can choose to go on PETAR’s self-guided tours, most of which are short and easy trails. But be aware that this way you won’t be able to visit many of the caves and waterfalls.
Tips on what to do in PETAR!
The Alto Ribeira Tourist State Park has four nuclei, each with its own best attractions. On the first day, it’s worth visiting the Santana Nucleus, the favorite of tourists. There you’ll find the Santana Cave, one of the largest in the state of São Paulo. Nine kilometers long, it houses the Taqueopa Hall, whose delicate formations make it one of the most beautiful in the world!
You can also visit the Morro Preto Cave and the Couto Cave, two other beautiful rock formations. The latter is next to the Cachoeira do Couto, a 5-meter high waterfall that helps you cool off after a long hike.
On the second day, it’s worth exploring new corners of the Santana Nucleus. The Cafezal Cave looks small from the outside, but surprises those who visit its interior! It’s also worth visiting the Água Suja Cave and the Beija-Flor Waterfall, which is 45 meters high and has a natural pool.
The next stop will be the Ouro Grosso Nucleus, which has the perfect program for your third day in the Alto Ribeira Tourist State Park. This tour is perfect for adrenaline junkies, as you can go boating on the Betari River! You can also visit the Ouro Grosso and Alambari de Baixo caves.
Then, visit the exuberant landscapes of the Caboclos Nucleus, where you’ll find the Temimina Cave, one of PETAR’s most beautiful. In addition, the Pedra do Chapéu trail is only 700 meters long and is considered easy, leading up to a huge block of granite, supported by a small limestone rock.
Finally, it’s worth making time in your schedule to visit the Caverna do Diabo State Park, about 22 kilometers from PETAR. It is the second largest cave in Brazil and certainly worth a visit!
