Questions? (888) 651-9785(888) 651-9785
Cantareira State Park (Parque Estadual da Cantareira) Tours
Covering nearly 20,000 acres and rising out of northern São Paulo, Cantareira State Park (Parque Estadual da Cantareira) is one of the world’s largest patches of tropical rainforest that's within a city. A popular spot for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city on the weekend, visit Cantareira early on a Saturday morning to leave the crowds behind, then take your pick between the park trails which vary in length from 300 meters to 10 kilometers.
Split into four quarters — Pedra Grande, Águas Claras, Engordador, and Cabuçu — the Engordador section is best known for its waterfalls where you can go swimming. As you wind through the forest trails, look out for howler monkeys, Brazilian hawks, and endangered tropical plants like imbuya phoebe, black cinnamon, and canela-sassafrás.
A UNESCO bio reserve that's home to the only species of pine native to Brazil, one of the most popular trails through Cantareira is to Pedra Grande (Big Rock) — a fairly steep 1-2 hour hike, and from the top you can see the whole of São Paulo spread out before you. Rest at the nearby picnic tables, and bring some snacks. A further 1.5 km along is a nice lake. And on the Nucleus Engordador trail you can ride your mountain bike along the trails. Just remember to bring your helmet!
Practical Info
Cantareira State Park is in the north end of São Paulo, about 45 minutes' drive from downtown when there's no traffic. The closest metro station is Tucuruvi. Entrance to the park is from Tuesday to Sunday, 8am-5pm (last admission at 4pm), and entry costs R$9. To decide where you want to go, check out the map showing the different trails at the park's entrances.
Address: Sao Paulo, Brazil
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8am-5pm (last admission at 4pm)
Admission: R$9
2 Tours and Activities to Experience Cantareira State Park (Parque Estadual da Cantareira)
Select Dates
Sort by:Featured
Hiking & CampingHalf Day Hiking by the Cantareira Natural Park São Paulo
Cantareira Natural Park is one of the largest preserved forest areas in the urban perimeter of the world, and invites you to do the fascinating Macuco Trail and Waterfall Trail, at Engordador Nucleus. In addition to the trails, we also make a visit to the older water supply system of São Paulo city, listed as a historical heritage, encompassing the "Casa da Bomba" and Cantareira Dam complexes.Excellent tour for nature lovers looking for a moment to relax near a big city.
... More
- 6 to 7 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
US$75.00
Private Sightseeing ToursPrivate 4-hour Eco Tour to Cantareira or Jaraguá forest reserve
Explore the Mata Atlântica (Atlantic Forest) during this private 4-hour tour from São Paulo. With a dedicated guide, travel in a comfortable vehicle to Cantareira State Park to discover the sprawling forest, a UNESCO City Green Belt Biosphere Reserve. Trek through the dense foliage on the park's network of trails, admiring views of the urban expanse below. Learn about the native flora and fauna in the area and get an opportunity to see jaguars, howler monkeys and many species of birds.
... More
- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
US$249.00
Classes & WorkshopsCruises, Sailing & Water ToursCultural & Theme ToursDay Trips & ExcursionsFood, Wine & NightlifeLuxury & Special OccasionsMulti-day & Extended ToursOutdoor ActivitiesPrivate & Custom ToursShopping & FashionShore ExcursionsShows, Concerts & SportsSightseeing Tickets & PassesSpa ToursTheme ParksTours & SightseeingTransfers & Ground TransportUnique ExperiencesWalking & Biking ToursWater Sports