Day Trips from Sao Paulo. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Accessible Locations within Day-Trip Distance

Santos & Guarujá: These coastal cities are approximately 1 to 1.5 hours' drive from São Paulo.

Santos has Latin America's largest port, a charming historic center, and the world's largest beachfront garden. Guarujá has popular beaches like Enseada and Pitangueiras.

Distinguished Day Trip Destinations

Santos & Guarujá (Port Cities)
Embu das Artes (Artisan Village)
Paranapiacaba (Historic Railway Village)
Campos do Jordão (Mountain Resort)

Transportation & Tours

Learn about how to reach these locations and options for tours with a guide.

Transportation to Destinations

Reach coastal cities via regular long-distance buses. For Embu das Artes, buses or ride-sharing. Paranapiacaba can be gotten to by CPTM train then bus/taxi, or driving.

How to Get There

Santos/Guarujá: Long-cross-country buses
Embu das Artes: Bus or ride-sharing
Paranapiacaba: CPTM train + local transport

Organized vs. Independent Travel

Organized tours provide convenience, especially for destinations like Campos do Jordão. Independent travel offers more flexibility and potential cost savings.

Travel Considerations

Organized Tours: Streamlined logistics, guide assistance
Independent Travel: Schedule freedom, budget-friendly
Booking: Book day trips via GetYourGuide

Suggested Time & Itineraries

Full Day Trips

Santos/Guarujá: Plan 8-10 hours
Paranapiacaba: Allocate a full day
Campos do Jordão: Overnight stay recommended
Look into tours with a guide for efficiency

Itinerary Examples

Coastal: Santos historic center, Guarujá beaches
Historic: Embu das Artes artisan market
Mountain: Campos do Jordão European ambiance
Check local event calendars

Quick Facts for Planning

Santos & Guarujá travel time1-1.5 hours
Embu das Artes travel time30-45 minutes
Paranapiacaba travel time1.5-2 hours
Campos do Jordão travel time2.5-3 hours

Long-distance buses fromJabaquara / Tietê
Artisan the bazaar onWeekends
Mountain climateCooler
Coastal visits forBeaches & History

Travel Planning Tip

Always check local conditions and transport schedules before structuring your day trip. Consider Booking tours online for convenience.

Natural Escapes

São Paulo's surroundings feature lovely natural landscapes for a revitalizing break.

Cantareira State Park

One of the world's largest urban native forests with hiking trails.

Pico do Jaraguá

Highest moment in São Paulo, with hiking and panoramic city views.

Serra do Mar

Dramatic mountain range with Atlantic Forest landscapes.

Beach & Mountain Options

North Shore for surfing, South Shore for urban beaches. Campos do Jordão for mountains.

Activities

Surfing (North Shore beaches)
Hiking (Campos do Jordão, parks)
Paragliding (Mairiporã)

Rural Charms

Holambra (flowers) and São Roque (a route through wine country) offer unique rural experiences.

Rural Destinations

Holambra: Dutch-influenced town, flower production
São Roque: Wine Route, gastronomic experiences
Artisan cheeses and regional products

Seasonal Highlights

Whale Watching SeasonJuly to November

LocationOff Santa Catarina coast

Southern Right WhalesMigrate for warmer waters

Forest MistParanapiacaba in cooler months

Flower FestivalExpoflora (Holambra)

Mountain CoolCampos do Jordão (winter)

Nature Travel Advisory

Respect natural surroundings and local regulations during your visit.
Stay on marked trails in parks and reserves.
Dispose of waste properly or bother wildlife.
Support local ecotourism initiatives.
Consider Ethical tour operators for nature excursions.

Cultural Excursions

Discover historical sites, rural villages, and pilgrimage destinations beyond the main city.

Historical Towns

Iguape is a historic colonial town with preserved architecture. Pirenópolis (Goiás) provides an exploration of Brazilian colonial history.

Historical Gems

Iguape: UNESCO World Heritage site candidate
Pirenópolis: Colonial town in Goiás (overnight stay needed)
Well-preserved architecture

Rural Cultural Experiences

Holambra showcases Dutch society with flower production. São Roque features a "Wine Route" with local gastronomy.

Rural Cultural Sites

Holambra: Dutch-influenced town, Expoflora festival
São Roque: "Wine Route" with area wineries
Artisan cheeses and food from the regions

Pilgrimage Sites

Aparecida do Norte hosts the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida, Brazil's patron saint.

Pilgrimage Destination

Aparecida do Norte: Largest Marian shrine globally
Brazil's patron saint: Our Lady of Aparecida
Approximately 2-2.5 hours by car from São Paulo

Multi-Day Extension Ideas

For more time, consider extending your trip to explore other regions of Brazil, combining São Paulo with other attractions.

Logical Next Destinations

Rio de Janeiro: Iconic destination, short flight/bus
Curitiba: Green city in Southern Brazil
Near iguazu Falls: Spectacular Iguazu Falls (flight needed)

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

Combine São Paulo with other regions to experience the vastness of Brazil.

São Paulo → Rio de Janeiro → Minas Gerais

Explore cities and from the colonial era history with Baroque art (Ouro Preto).

São Paulo → Southern Brazil

Journey south to Curitiba, Florianópolis, and Porto Alegre for a different regional feel.

São Paulo → Coastal Towns

Discover Paraty, Ilha Grande island, or Trindade for natural beauty and from the colonial-era era heritage.

Extension Advisory

For streamlined journeys to distant destinations, utilize flights from GRU or CGH. The extensive long-distance bus network from Tietê terminal offers connections to all major regions.

Day Trips from Sao Paulo