Excursions from São Paulo
Santo Amaro Dam (Old Lake) and Interlagos
Paranapiacaba
The
Brazilian Grand Prix
is staged at Interlagos, www.faspnet.com.br, overlooking a vast artificial lake set in remnant forest. Information on races is available from the tourist office or visit www.guiasp.com.br.
This tiny 19th-century town, nestled in the cloudforest of the Serra do Mar about 50 km southeast of São Paulo, was built by English railway workers who constructed the São Paulo-Santos railway. Almost all of the houses are made of wood and many look like they belong in suburban Surrey. There is a small railway museum and a handful of little
pousadas
and restaurants. It is easily visited in a day trip from São Paulo.
Suburban trains leave from the Estação da Luz or Rio Grande da Serra (Line 10 - the turquoise line). From Rio Grande da Serra station, the bus runs to Paranapiacaba hourly during the week, every 30 minutes at weekends. The journey is around one hour.
EmbuThis colonial town, 28 km southwest of São Paulo, has become a centre for artists and craftsmen. The town is on a hill, surrounded by industry and modern developments. The centre is quite small; many of the old houses are brightly coloured and most contain arts, furniture, souvenir or antiques shops. To get to Embu take a São Paulo- Pinheiros bus from Clínicas, which follow the main highway. Alight at Largo 21 de Abril in Embu. To return to São Paulo, walk up Rua da Matriz from 21 de Abril, turn left down Avenida Junior, then left again on Rua Solano Trindade to a junction where the buses stop.
Campos do JordãoThis tacky mountain resort between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, 1628 m high in the Serra da Mantiqueira, is full of very ugly mock-Alpine hotels set in denuded hills. Although it is popular with Paulistanos there is little reason to come here except perhaps for the classical music and dance festivals in June and July. Walking is far better in Itatiaia or Visconde de Mauá. The
tourist office
, www.camposdojordao.tur.br
, is in the alpine-looking gateway to the city, the
Portal da Cidade
. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants on and around the main street and banks with ATMs and money- changing services. Regular buses run to and from São Paulo.
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This is edited copy from Footprint Handbooks. For comprehensive details (incl address, tel no, directions, opening times and prices) please refer to book or individual chapter PDF
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