Brotas – São Paulo

Parque dos Saltos in Brotas, SP

Brotas, known as the ecotourism capital, is in the countryside of São Paulo state and attracts tourists from all over Brazil in search of adventure and fun.

Brotas is just over 250 km from the city of São Paulo and is known for its natural beauty, adventures and rural tourism. With a population of about 24,000, the town attracts visitors every year who want to relax in nature, practice extreme sports or simply enjoy a bit of quiet country life.

It has privileged scenery combining mountains, rivers, waterfalls, trails and preserved green areas. So the region is ideal for anyone looking for a unique experience that mixes adrenaline, rest and contemplation.

Tourism

Among the most sought-after attractions in Brotas are the adventure activities: rafting, river tubing, zip line, treetop courses, rappelling and ATV tours are among the most popular options for visitors who want the thrill of taking on the waters of the Jacaré Pepira River and the rocks of the Itaqueri hills.

The town is one of the country's main destinations for extreme sports, since it has a river with constant rapids and many areas of preserved forest.

You can also explore other natural treasures Brotas has to offer, such as Parque dos Saltos, Recanto das Cachoeiras and Areia que Canta.

Brotas has good tourist infrastructure, with inns, hotels, campsites, restaurants and shops specializing in local products.

The town is the perfect experience both for couples on a romantic trip and for families or friends who want to get together for tours full of fun and adventure.

If you love history and culture, you should visit Brotas. The town is a true architectural and artistic treasure that keeps a rich cultural heritage from colonial times. Brotas charms visitors with its peaceful, quiet atmosphere that recalls a glorious past.

If you are looking for a destination that will take your breath away, come to Brotas. The town welcomes you with open arms to offer an unforgettable experience in contact with nature.

History of Brotas

Around 1839, the town's founder, Dona Francisca Ribeiro dos Reis, started the settlement by building the Santa Cruz chapel.
In 1911, residents took advantage of the height of the waterfalls and built a hydroelectric plant in the town center. Brotas thus produced its own electricity even before the state capital, becoming one of the first towns in the state to have street lighting.

Between 1920 and 1930, Brotas grew a lot during the expansion of the coffee plantations.

During this period the town received a large number of Italian immigrants, but the 1929 coffee crisis brought a long period of economic stagnation. Brotas then lost population to the region's urban centers, only growing again in the 1980s.

Tourism

In the mid-1990s Brotas was losing population to larger cities. Then, in 1993, the São Paulo State Government held a meeting with mayors to launch the state's tourism regionalization program.

The mayor of Brotas at the time took part, and Brotas was included in the Serras Tourism Hub. That is how Brotas began working with tourism.

Tourism in the town gained strength when polluting industries were considering moving there. It was the way found to bring growth to the municipality without losing quality of life. In 1994 the first tourism agency was founded, and in 1996 rafting tours began.

How do I get to Brotas?

The town is about 250 km from the city of São Paulo, and you can get there by car or bus.

How much do adventure activities in Brotas cost?

Prices vary according to the activity chosen, but adventure activities can cost between R$ 100.00 and R$ 450.00.