São Carlos Travel Guide

Discover the best sights, activities, and tips for traveling to São Carlos - a charming city in Southeast Brazil.


If you are planning to travel to Brazil, add São Carlos to your list of must-see destinations. Nestled in the heart of São Paulo state, this charming city offers a mix of history, culture, and outdoor activities that will delight any type of traveler. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to plan your trip to São Carlos successfully.

Introduction to São Carlos

São Carlos is located in central São Paulo, in the southeastern region of Brazil. The city has a population of around 250,000 people and is renowned for its high-tech industries and universities. However, São Carlos is much more than a business hub; it also boasts a rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural scenery, and a lively food and drink scene. Whether you are traveling alone, with friends, or with family, São Carlos will offer you an experience you won’t forget.

List of Places to Visit in São Carlos

From historical landmarks to outdoor adventures, São Carlos has plenty of sights and attractions to keep you entertained throughout your stay. Here is a list of must-visit places in São Carlos:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

São Carlos is rich in history and culture, which makes it a great city to explore if you love learning about the past. Some of the best cultural attractions in São Carlos include:

  • The Federal University of São Carlos - with a beautiful campus and excellent museums like the “Museum of Computing and Informatics” and the “Museum of Physics,” the UFSCar is an excellent option if you love science and technology.
  • The Municipal Museum “Theodoro Sampaio” - a beautiful museum located in an 18th-century mansion with a vast collection of historical and archaeological artifacts.
  • Morro do Tortinho - a must-visit lookout point, from which you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city. The elevation is about 300m above sea level.

Natural Attractions of São Carlos: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

São Carlos is home to some stunning natural scenery and outdoor attractions. Here are some of the best outdoor activities to do in São Carlos:

  • Parque Ecológico de São Carlos - This ecological park is an excellent option for nature lovers, with plenty of hiking trails, lakes, and picnic areas to explore.
  • Parque dos Saltos - Located on the Jacaré Pepira River, this park is a perfect combination of natural beauty and history. Here, you can learn about the city’s hydroelectric plants while enjoying some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region.
  • Passeio São Carlos - A typical attraction among the local population, located in one of the most privileged areas of the city, perfect for hiking, biking and to appreciate São Carlos sightseeing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of São Carlos

São Carlos is a fantastic destination for lovers of hiking and cycling. Here are some of the best routes to explore in the city:

  • Rota do Sol (The Sun Route) - This 18km route starts at the UFSCar and takes you on a stunning ride through the countryside, with incredible landscapes and plenty of stops for refreshments along the way.
  • Parque Ecológico (Ecological Park) - As mentioned earlier, the Parque Ecológico is a great place to explore on foot or bike. With several different trails to choose from, you can easily spend a whole day enjoying nature.

Best Things to Do in São Carlos: Activities and Tours

São Carlos is a city that caters to everyone’s interests and preferences. Here are some of the best things to do in São Carlos:

  • Visit the Central Market - A bustling market filled with artisanal goods, food, and drinks from local producers to take home.
  • Take a historic city tour - See the beautiful architecture of the city, including the Cathedral of St. Charles.
  • Attend a cultural event - The city hosts several cultural events throughout the year, including the San Carlos International Festival of Technology and Innovation.
  • Try delicious local cuisine - In São Carlos, there are many great places to eat, from street food to delicious restaurants.

Week-Long Itinerary for São Carlos

If you’re planning to spend a week in São Carlos, here’s a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your trip:

Day 1: Explore the city center and the Municipal Museum. Day 2: Visit the UFSCar, Museum of Computing, and Informatics. Take a walk at Passeio São Carlos viewpoint. Day 3: Take a cycling tour through the countryside or visit the Parque dos Saltos waterfalls. Day 4: Visit the Botanical Garden and the Ecological Park. Day 5: Take a day trip to the nearby city of Araraquara and visit the worth visiting “Museu Ferroviário Francisca Cintra Silva”. Day 6: Sample local cuisine, enjoy shopping and take the night tour around the Central Market. Day 7: Attend a cultural event or take a relaxing day at the Itirapina Dam or the Izidoro Tavares Park.

Food and Drink Scene of São Carlos

São Carlos is famous for its delicious local cuisine. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages during your stay:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pão de Queijo - Brazilian cheese bread, a perfect snack that you can find in almost any bakery in São Carlos.
  • Feijão Tropeiro - A traditional dish made with beans, meats, and spices. Perfect for lunch!
  • Churrasco - Brazilian barbecue, a generous meal of grilled meats cooked to perfection with a variety of sides.

Local Beverages

  • Caipirinha - A traditional Brazilian cocktail made of cachaça, sugar, and lime.
  • Cerveja Artesanal (Craft Beer) - Local breweries like Cervejaria Onze, Cervejaria Walfanger, and Cervejaria Forasteiro offer top-quality craft beers.

Where to Stay in São Carlos: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

São Carlos has several accommodation options for travelers to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Some of the best places to stay in São Carlos include:

  • Grand Orlândia Hotel - Perfect for those who want to be in the city center, the four-star Grand Orlândia Hotel has excellent rooms and great facilities.
  • Ibis São Carlos - Located near the UFSCar, this affordable hotel offers comfortable accommodation with easy access to the city’s main attractions.
  • Hostel da Trilha - Hostel da Trilha offers clean, comfortable rooms for budget travelers.
  • Casa do Conde - A guesthouse with inviting and spacious rooms in a prime location of the city center.

What to Buy in São Carlos: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

São Carlos is known for its high-tech industries, which means that many of the souvenirs you buy here will feature cutting-edge designs and technology. Here are some of the best souvenirs to bring back from São Carlos:

  • Regional handicrafts and local art pieces found in projects like “Ateliê artesanato da Roça.”
  • A bottle of cachaça - A popular Brazilian distilled spirit produced in the region.
  • Computers and technology products - Brazil has grown in the technology field, and São Carlos, home to both private and public research institutes, is a great place to find innovative products.

Local Culture and Customs of São Carlos

São Carlos is a friendly and welcoming city. Here are some aspects of local culture and customs to keep in mind during your stay:

  • Brazilians are known for their warm and hospitable nature; travelers can expect friendly and polite treatment from locals.
  • Learning some Portuguese would be a bonus, especially essential phrases like “please” and “thank you”.
  • Brazilians appreciate punctuality in social and business situations.

Best Time to Visit São Carlos

São Carlos has a warm and temperate climate, making it an excellent destination to visit year-round. However, the best time to visit São Carlos is between May and September, when temperatures are slightly cooler and rainfall is less likely.

Do’s and Don’ts of São Carlos

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to São Carlos, keep the following do’s and don’ts in mind:

Do:

  • Keep an open mind toward new cultural experiences.
  • Keep track of your belongings in public spaces.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Don’t leave your belongings unattended in public places.
  • Don’t handle or purchase illegal substances, it’s against the law in Brazil.
  • Don’t take photos of people without asking for permission.

Safety and Health

São Carlos is a relatively safe city, with a low crime rate. However, it’s always essential to take precautions to stay safe on your trip. Here are some safety and health tips to keep in mind:

Safety in São Carlos

  • Avoid walking alone in isolated areas at night.
  • Stay away from favelas or slums areas.
  • Use a taxi or ride-sharing app for transportation at night instead of walking alone.

Health in São Carlos

  • Brazil has a high risk of contracting dengue fever, so don’t forget to bring mosquito repellent; they are very common in some areas of São Carlos during warmer months.

Getting to São Carlos: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here are the transportation options to get to São Carlos:

Airports Near São Carlos

  • São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (130 km).
  • Ribeirão Preto Airport (99km).

Bus Stations Near São Carlos

  • São Carlos Bus Terminal - Aveninda Sao Carlos.
  • Pirassununga - Av. Duque de Caxias, 444.

Other Options

  • Taxi or ride-sharing app services are also options, depending on distance and budget.

How to Get Around in São Carlos

São Carlos has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and taxis. For travelers looking to explore the city on their terms, renting a bike or a car is also an option.

Where to Go Next from São Carlos: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

São Carlos is located in a region rich in history and natural wonders. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Brotas - A destination known for its adventurous activities like Paragliding and Rafting.
  • Analândia - Perfect for nature and outdoor enthusiasts, with options like hiking trails and waterfalls.
  • Cidade Clube Parque de Aventuras - A nearby park complex that offers adventure activities such as zip lining and tree climbing - perfect for families.

Conclusion

São Carlos is an enchanting destination that has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, or delicious cuisine, São Carlos will not disappoint. Follow our guide to plan your trip and make the most of your time in this vibrant city in Southeast Brazil.

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