Santos Sao Paulo, Brazil Travel Guide
Several accessible locations invite for excellent day trips from Santos. Guarujá is an adjacent city famed for its beautiful sandy spots like Pitangueiras, Enseada, and Pernambuco. It's easy to reach by car or a ferry ride from Ponta da Praia in Santos. São Vicente, Santos' older neighbor, features its own beaches, Morro dos Barbosas (a hill with a cable car), and the historic Biquinha de Anchieta spring. Reach it by VLT, bus, or car. Cubatão, an industrial city, includes Parque Ecológico Perequê and the historic Caminhos do Mar route. São Paulo City, Brazil's largest, has a vast array of museums, parks, shopping, and cultural attractions. While a full day offers a glimpse, its size often suggests an overnight stay or multiple visits for highlights. It is reachable by bus (1.5-2 hours) or car.
For Guarujá, use car, bus, or the car and passenger ferry from Ponta da Praia, Santos. São Vicente is accessible by VLT, bus, or car. Cubatão by bus or car. São Paulo City has frequent executive and conventional bus services from Santos Bus Terminal.
Discover the natural beauty surrounding Santos.
Parque Estadual Serra do Mar (Serra do Mar State Park), a large Atlantic Forest reserve in the mountains behind Santos, features trails and waterfalls. A drive from Santos reaches its various access points.
The summer rainy season causes waterfalls within the Serra do Mar to be more impressive and abundant.
Extend your trip with additional days for exploration.
Add 2-3 days to thoroughly explore its diverse cultural, gastronomic, and entertainment offerings. It has endless possibilities.
Explore other charming coastal towns south of Santos like Itanhaém and Peruíbe for a quieter, more relaxed beach experience.
An island paradise north of Santos (requires a ferry crossing), known for its waterfalls, hiking trails, and beautiful, untouched beaches. Plan 2-3 days for a satisfying visit.
Consider combining Santos with other Brazilian destinations for a comprehensive travel experience.
A popular route combines São Paulo – Santos – Paraty – Rio de Janeiro, offering a blend of city life, seaside relaxation, and colonial history.
Venture outside Santos for more historical plus insights into the culture.
Explore the rich history beyond Santos' immediate borders, discovering important landmarks and routes.
Brazil hosts significant spiritual sites that draw visitors from all over the nation and beyond.
For those seeking experiences beyond the coastal urban environment, agricultural regions present unique insights.
Find local artistry and traditional crafts in the towns surrounding Santos.
Many towns host weekend markets where local artisans sell craft goods, including ceramics, textiles, and jewelry.
Explore galleries showing folk art that reflects regional traditions plus narratives, often using natural materials.
Some communities offer workshops where you learn traditional craft techniques directly from local artists.
While planning, allow for spontaneous discoveries and local recommendations to enrich your travel.
Balance busy sightseeing days with relaxed periods to fully enjoy each location and avoid travel fatigue.
Participate in local events, try regional cuisine, and interact with local people for authentic experiences.
The largest city, a major transportation hub featuring two international airports and extensive bus terminals.
An iconic destination reachable by bus or domestic flights from São Paulo's airports.
A colonial town south of Rio, accessible by bus, often included in coastal itineraries.
