SÃO PAULO & SOUTHERN COAST
This dynamic region encapsulates the economic powerhouse of Brazil and its diverse coast. It spans from the concrete jungle of São Paulo City, a hub for gastronomy and culture, to the protected Atlantic Forest of the Serra do Mar and the Gaucho-influenced South.
Why Visit São Paulo & Southern Coast?
World-Class Culture: Explore South America’s largest city, São Paulo, known for its top museums, high-end gastronomy, and relentless nightlife.
The Atlantic Forest: Discover the preserved beauty of the Serra do Mar, with scenic train rides and hiking through the lush, biodiverse Atlantic Forest.
Diverse Escapes: Find a complete contrast—from the cool, European charm of Campos do Jordão to the popular beaches of Santos and Guarujá.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (March-May, September-November): This is the ideal time to visit São Paulo and the coast. The weather is warm and pleasant, avoiding the peak heat and heavy rains of summer.
Deep Off-Season (June-August): The coolest months, perfect for visiting the mountain towns like Campos do Jordão. You’ll find the best value on accommodation outside the city.
Peak Season (December-February): High summer. This is peak beach season on the Southern Coast. São Paulo City can be rainy and hot, with many locals on holiday.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
São Paulo City
South America’s largest city is a global metropolis known for its high-end gastronomy, world-class museums (like MASP), and vibrant nightlife. Its diverse neighborhoods, like Liberdade (Japanese culture) and Vila Madalena (bohemian), offer endless exploration.
Your Smart Tip: To truly experience the city’s diversity, set aside a day to visit the Mercado Municipal (Mercadão) for local delicacies before exploring the street art and boutiques of Vila Madalena.
Serra do Mar (Atlantic Forest)
This mountainous region features the preserved Atlantic Forest, one of the world’s most biodiverse areas. Highlights include scenic train rides, such as the famous route from Curitiba to Morretes (in Paraná), and excellent hiking opportunities.
Your Smart Tip: Book the historic Curitiba to Morretes train ride in advance. For the best views, sit on the left side (west-facing) on the way down to Morretes.
The Coast: Santos/Guarujá & Beyond
Popular coastal destinations close to São Paulo City, offering beaches, city amenities, and easy access for quick getaways. The entire southern coast, from São Paulo down through Paraná and Santa Catarina, features historic ports and beautiful beaches.
Your Smart Tip: To avoid the worst weekend traffic from São Paulo, travel to the coast before Friday evening or after Sunday evening. For a quieter beach experience, look beyond the main city beaches.
Campos do Jordão
A charming mountain town often called the “Swiss of Brazil” due to its cold climate, European architecture, and fine dining. It is a popular retreat for Paulistanos (São Paulo residents) seeking a cool-weather escape.
Your Smart Tip: Visit during the deep off-season (winter months, June-August). Though it is colder, this is when the town’s atmosphere, complete with fondue and warm drinks, is at its most authentic.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is generally tropical, but with significant variation:
São Paulo City: Mild winters and hot, rainy summers. Average temperatures range from 13ºC (55ºF) in winter lows to 27ºC (81ºF) in summer highs.
Southern Coast: Warm and humid. The summer months see the most rain.
Campos do Jordão: Cold and dry winters, with temperatures sometimes dropping near freezing (0ºC or 32ºF).
Local Customs And Etiquette
Punctuality: While often flexible for social gatherings, being on time for business and formal appointments is appreciated in São Paulo.
Dining: São Paulo is a culinary city. Dining is a social event, and dinner often starts late (after 8:00 PM). Tipping (10%) is customary and often included in the bill.
Local Terminology: Residents of São Paulo City are called Paulistanos; residents of the São Paulo State are called Paulistas.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($15–$30), mid-range hotels ($60–$100), luxury ($130+). São Paulo’s prices are generally higher than the rest of the region.
Food: Fixed-price lunch menu (Prato Feito) ($8–$15), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($20–$40 per person), fine dining ($50+).
Transport: São Paulo metro/bus pass ($1.50/ride), car rental ($25/day), intercity bus ticket (affordable).
Activities: MASP entrance ($10), walking tour ($20–$30), scenic train ride ($30+).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $50–$80 (hostels, street food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $90–$150 (hotels, restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: $170+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Metro/Bus (São Paulo): The São Paulo Metro is modern, clean, and efficient, offering the best way to navigate the massive city. Use a Bilhete Único card.
By Car: A car is essential for exploring the coastal and mountain towns (Campos do Jordão, Serra do Mar). Be prepared for heavy traffic in and around São Paulo and on coastal routes during peak season.
By Intercity Bus: An extensive, comfortable, and reliable bus network connects São Paulo to all major cities and towns throughout the region and the country.
Must-Try Food
Sanduíche de Mortadela: An iconic, enormous mortadella sandwich served at the Mercadão in São Paulo.
Pastel: Crispy, deep-fried pastry pockets with various savory fillings (cheese, beef, palm heart), often sold at markets.
Coxinha: A popular teardrop-shaped fried dough snack, usually filled with shredded chicken and Catupiry (cream cheese).
Pão na Chapa: A simple, grilled French roll with butter, a classic São Paulo breakfast item.
Feijoada: The national dish, a rich stew of black beans and various cuts of pork and beef, traditionally served on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Virado à Paulista: A traditional São Paulo dish consisting of beans cooked with bacon and manioc flour, served with pork chop, fried plantain, and a fried egg.
Churrasco: High-quality barbecued meat, particularly good in the Southern states, served Rodízio-style (all-you-can-eat).
Cuscuz Paulista: A savory corn flour cake with eggs, vegetables, and shrimp, often served cold.
Pudim de Leite: Brazilian flan, a creamy caramel custard dessert.
Bolo de Rolo: A thin, rolled cake with a guava paste filling, a specialty from the Northeast, but popular here.
Must-Try Drinks
Caipirinha: Brazil’s national cocktail, made with cachaça (sugar cane spirit), sugar, and lime.
Cachaça: The distilled spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice. Can be sipped neat or used in cocktails. Try an aged (amarelo) variety.
Chopp: Brazilian draft beer, always served very cold (super-gelada) in small glasses.
Clericot: A refreshing, wine-based punch with fruit, popular in the Southern states with Gaucho influence.
Guaraná Antarctica: A sweet, slightly apple-flavored soda made from the Amazonian guaraná berry.
Café: Brazilian coffee is served strong and hot, often with sugar. São Paulo has a strong coffee culture.
Caldo de Cana (Sugarcane Juice): Freshly pressed sugarcane juice, sometimes mixed with lemon or pineapple.
Mate Leão: Iced mate tea, a common refreshing beverage.
Sucos Naturais: Fresh fruit juices, like mango, passion fruit (maracujá), and acerola (Barbados cherry).
Vinho Quente: Mulled wine, a popular drink in mountain towns like Campos do Jordão during the cool winter months.