Parque Nacional da Cantareira is São Paulo’s best-kept natural secret. Far from the city’s noise, it unfolds lush hills, crystal-clear streams, and thriving wildlife. Whether hiking at dawn, picnicking under shady trees, or stargazing on a clear night, you’ll feel nature’s pulse—slow, deep, and alive. Come here not just to see scenery, but to reconnect with the earth.




















Everything you need to know about Parque Estadual da Cantareira
Pousada do Parque is a top choice, located just steps from Cantareira State Park’s entrance. It features forest-view rooms, eco-friendly accommodations, and curated family nature programs like guided trails, night wildlife spotting, and interactive conservation workshops.
The lodge uses sustainable materials and offers a zero-waste restaurant serving regional ingredients. Located about 1 hour from São Paulo city, it provides free shuttle services to major park trails. On-site guides can arrange expert-led tours, ensuring safe and immersive experiences in the Atlantic Rainforest.
The most convenient options are taking a direct bus or renting a car. Several buses (e.g., 720-300, 804-300) run regularly from São Paulo’s central terminals to the park entrance, with a travel time of about 60 minutes and a fare around R$15.
For greater flexibility, renting a car along SP-122 highway allows access to multiple viewpoints and trailheads. Many tour providers also offer package deals including transport and guided tours, ideal for visitors without a vehicle. The park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, so early departure from São Paulo helps avoid peak crowds.
Must-see spots include Cerro da Cachoeira with its dramatic waterfall and cliff overlook, and the Trilha dos Corais trail, home to rare ferns and vibrant butterfly species. Unique experiences feature morning birdwatching, nighttime ecological tours, and Indigenous culture workshops that highlight local conservation practices and traditional knowledge.
The park’s eco-education center hosts interactive exhibits and hands-on activities suitable for all ages. All guided programs are led by certified naturalists and follow strict environmental protocols to minimize impact. Visitors should bring insect repellent, plenty of water, and sturdy hiking shoes for a safe and enriching experience.
Stay at Pousada do Cerrado, a premier eco-lodge located just minutes from Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park. This sustainable retreat features solar-powered cabins with panoramic views of the savanna and forest edge, designed to blend seamlessly into the natural landscape.
The lodge offers guided nature hikes, night wildlife safaris, and authentic Indigenous cultural workshops, providing guests with immersive experiences in Central Brazil’s unique biodiversity. Located only 1.5 hours from São Paulo, it’s an ideal base for exploring the park’s waterfalls, rock formations, and endemic flora and fauna.
The most convenient way to reach Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park is by renting a car from São Paulo, a 1.5-hour drive through the scenic Cerrado biome with well-maintained roads and clear signage. Alternatively, book a private transfer with a local tour operator—many packages include guided tours, entrance tickets, and expert naturalist commentary.
Public transportation is limited within the park area, so driving or hiring a private vehicle ensures flexibility and access to remote trails, viewpoints, and hidden waterfalls that are otherwise hard to reach.
Don’t miss the night wildlife walk, where guides help spot fireflies, nocturnal mammals, and singing frogs amid the Cerrado’s rich biodiversity. Participate in Indigenous community workshops to learn traditional crafts, medicinal plants, and oral storytelling.
Hike through the park’s iconic granite rock formations and waterfall trails like Águas da Calçada, home to rare bird species and endemic vegetation. During the rainy season, try river trekking (rafting) through crystal-clear streams, offering an exhilarating way to experience the region’s raw natural power and pristine ecosystems.
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