Taubaté Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Taubaté with our comprehensive guide featuring attractions, dining, accommodations, and more.


Introduction to Taubaté

Taubaté is a charming city located in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. With a rich history and plenty of natural beauty, this city offers visitors a wide range of activities and experiences. Whether you’re interested in exploring museums, hiking, or simply enjoying delicious local cuisine, Taubaté has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Taubaté

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Museu Histórico e Pedagógico Monteiro Lobato

Monteiro Lobato is a well-known Brazilian author who wrote numerous children’s books. This museum is dedicated to his life and work, with exhibits that showcase his writing process, family history, and more.

Museu Mazzaropi

Mazzaropi was a famous Brazilian director and actor who made a significant impact on the country’s entertainment industry. The museum that bears his name features a vast collection of his films, as well as various photographs and memorabilia.

Mercado Municipal

The Mercado Municipal is a vibrant and bustling marketplace that offers visitors the chance to purchase everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. It’s an excellent place to experience the local culture and pick up some unique souvenirs.

Natural Attractions of Taubaté: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Parque Municipal do Itaim

Parque Municipal do Itaim is a beautiful park that covers over 50 square kilometers of pristine natural beauty. Visitors can wander through the park’s many hiking trails, observe the local wildlife, or simply enjoy a picnic with friends and family.

Serra do Mar

Serra do Mar is a stunning mountain range that spans across several Brazilian states. Taubaté offers access to some of the most beautiful areas of the range, including the breathtaking Pedra Grande, a massive rock formation that provides incredible views of the surrounding landscape.

Parque Natural Municipal da Serra da Mantiqueira

This stunning park features a diverse collection of flora and fauna, including endangered species like the jaguar and puma. It’s an excellent place for hiking, birdwatching, or simply relaxing amidst nature.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Taubaté

Taubaté is blessed with a plethora of hiking and biking trails, providing countless opportunities for outdoor adventures. The city is situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains, ensuring stunning views and great exercise.

Serra do Mar State Park Hike

This peaceful hike offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail is moderate to difficult and takes around 5-6 hours to complete. It’s ideal for seasoned hikers who want to challenge themselves.

Circuit of Waterfalls Bike Ride

This bike ride is a lovely way to enjoy the region’s natural beauty while getting some exercise. The route passes through several lovely waterfalls and offers fantastic photo opportunities.

Best Things to Do in Taubaté: Activities and Tours

Taubaté City Tour

This guided tour of the city is a fantastic introduction to Taubaté’s rich history and culture. Visitors will see all the major sights, including the impressive architecture of the city’s many churches.

Cultural Night Tour

This evening tour is a unique way to experience the city’s nightlife and learn more about Brazilian culture. Visitors will experience traditional music and dance performances and enjoy delicious local cuisine.

Week-Long Itinerary for Taubaté

Day 1: Monteiro Lobato Museum Day 2: Pedra Grande Hike Day 3: Cultural Night Tour Day 4: Serra do Mar State Park Hike Day 5: Parque Municipal do Itaim Day 6: Mercado Municipal and Shopping Day 7: Taubaté City Tour

Food and Drink Scene of Taubaté

Must-Try Dishes

Feijoada

Feijoada is a traditional Brazilian dish made from black beans, assorted meats, rice, and farofa (a type of toasted manioc flour). Feijoada is a beloved dish in Brazil, and Taubaté is no exception. It’s the perfect hearty meal for a chilly evening.

Brigadeiro

A delicious chocolate treat that is famous across Brazil, Brigadeiro is a perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. This dessert has a creamy texture and coated in cocoa powder, making it irresistible to those who love chocolate.

Local Beverages

Caipirinha

A Caipirinha is an iconic Brazilian cocktail made from cachaça, lime, and sugar. It’s a refreshing drink that is perfect for any occasion.

Brazilian Coffee

Brazil is known for its exceptional coffee, and Taubaté is no exception. Head to a local coffee shop to savor some of the world’s best coffee.

Where to Stay in Taubaté: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Pássaro Marron Hotel

This hotel is located in the center of Taubaté, making it an excellent choice for visitors who want to be close to all the city’s major sights. The hotel features a restaurant, fitness center, and outdoor pool.

Estancia Santa Rita

This beautiful guesthouse features a mix of modern and traditional architecture, providing a unique and memorable experience for guests. The property is surrounded by lush gardens and offers fantastic views of Serra do Mar.

What to Buy in Taubaté: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Handicrafts

Taubaté is renowned for its beautiful handicrafts, including pottery, textiles, and wood carvings. Visitors can find these crafts in the Mercado Municipal.

Honey

The region surrounding Taubaté is known for its excellent honey production, offering some of the highest quality honey in Brazil. Head to a local shop to purchase this sweet souvenir to bring home.

Local Culture and Customs of Taubaté

Taubaté is renowned for its fascinating culture and vibrant traditions. The locals are friendly and hospitable, making it easy for visitors to feel welcome and comfortable in this unique city.

Best Time to Visit Taubaté

The best time to visit Taubaté is between May and September when the weather is mild and comfortable. It’s a great time to explore the city and enjoy the region’s natural beauty.

Do’s and Don’ts of Taubaté

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine.
  • Explore the local parks and natural areas.
  • Respect the local customs and culture.

Don’t:

  • Ignore the traffic laws.
  • Speak loudly in public places.
  • Engage in disrespectful behavior towards locals or their customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Taubaté

Taubaté is a safe place to visit, although it’s always advisable to take precautions like not walking alone at night or flaunting valuable possessions. Visitors should always stay aware of their surroundings and stay in well-lit areas.

Health in Taubaté

Visitors should be up-to-date with their vaccines before traveling to Brazil. It’s also important to avoid drinking tap water and to carry mosquito repellent to protect against mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and Zica.

Getting to Taubaté: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Taubaté

The closest major airport to Taubaté is São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU). From there, visitors can take public transportation or rent a car to drive to Taubaté.

Bus Stations Near Taubaté

The Taubaté bus station is located near the city center and offers connections to other cities in the region. There are also several bus lines that link Taubaté with other major cities in Brazil.

Other Options

Visitors have the option of renting a car or taking a taxi from nearby cities like São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro.

How to Get Around in Taubaté

The best way to explore Taubaté is by car or taxi. Visitors can also use public transportation to get around the city.

Where to Go Next from Taubaté: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Aparecida

This small town is home to the world-famous Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida, which attracts millions of pilgrims every year. It’s an excellent day trip from Taubaté.

Campos do Jordão

This charming mountain town features a stunning landscape and a range of outdoor activities. Visitors can go hiking, mountain biking, or enjoy a relaxing spa day amidst nature.

Conclusion

Taubaté is a vibrant and fascinating city that offers visitors a unique glimpse into Brazilian culture and history. With its stunning natural beauty, delicious local cuisine, and welcoming locals, it’s the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some time in nature. Plan your trip to Taubaté today and experience all the amazing things this city has to offer!

Taubaté skyline Taubaté skyline Church of Sainte Therèse Church of Sainte Therèse Italian Immigration Museum Italian Immigration Museum