Santana core Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Santana Core with this comprehensive guide! Discover the best things to do, places to stay, what to buy, and local culture and customs in this stunning Brazilian destination.


Introduction to Santana Core

Nestled in the Alto Ribeira State Touristic Park in the Santos and South Coast region of São Paulo, lies the beautiful Santana Core. The region boasts ample natural beauty featuring verdant hills, bubbling rivers, waterfalls, and an abundance of flora and fauna. This quaint little town is perfect for travelers looking for a peaceful and natural retreat.

List of Places to Visit in Santana Core

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Santana Core is rich in culture and history, and there are a number of museums and historical landmarks worth checking out. Some of the popular ones are:

  • Lontra Waterfall
  • Caverna do Diabo State Park
  • Guaricana National Park
  • Parque Estadual Turístico do Alto Ribeira

Natural Attractions of Santana Core: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The untouched wilderness of Santana Core offers a variety of striking natural attractions to explore and experience. Here are some must-visit natural attractions in Santana Core:

  • Morro do Diabo - The Devil’s Hill
  • Sistema Aguapeí - Peixe
  • Rio Paraná - Paraná River
  • Pico do Urubu - Vulture Peak

Hiking/Biking Routes of Santana Core

Santana Core has a great array of hiking and biking trails. There are routes for all levels of hikers and bikers, so everyone can enjoy the beautiful scenery in their own way. Some top picks are:

  • Caverna do Diabo State Park Trail
  • Corredeiras do Paranapanema Trail
  • Morro do Baú Trail
  • Pico do Urubu Trail

Best Things to Do in Santana Core: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of activities to do in Santana Core for those seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences. Here are some of the things to do in Santana Core:

  • Caving at Caverna do Diabo State Park
  • Rafting at Rio Paranapanema
  • Hiking at Parque Estadual Turístico do Alto Ribeira
  • Camping at Guaricana National Park

Week-Long Itinerary for Santana Core

For those who want to get the most out of their visit to Santana Core, here’s a seven-day itinerary to follow:

Day Activities
1 Arrival & Relaxation
2 Visit to Lontra Waterfall and Corredeiras do Paranapanema Trail
3 Hiking at Parque Estadual Turístico do Alto Ribeira and Camping at Guaricana National Park
4 A day trip to Sistema Aguapeí - Peixe
5 Exploring Morro do Baú Trail
6 Visit to Pico do Urubu and Rio Paraná - Paraná River
7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Santana Core

Must-Try Dishes

Santana Core is mainly a rural area where dishes are made with local produce from the region. Here are some of the must-try dishes in Santana Core:

  • Tutu de Feijão - Beans with pork chops, rice, and farofa (toasted manioc flour).
  • Sliced 🐖 pork with tutu, couve, and farofa
  • Pão de Queijo – Cheese bread
  • Brigadeiro – Brazilian Chocolate truffles

Local Beverages

Local beverages are a must-try while in Santana Core. Here are some popular drinks to try:

  • Cachaça, a distilled spirit made from sugarcane juice, is a classic Brazilian drink.
  • Açaí is also another famous drink typically consumed as a smoothie.
  • Brazilian Coffee - It is one of the highest components of Brazilian agricultural produce.

Where to Stay in Santana Core: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are several accommodation options available in Santana Core, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to high-end lodges. Here are some of the top picks:

  • Pousada Maua Brasil
  • Xamã Pousada & Camping
  • Pousada Canto do Papagaio
  • Sol Nascente

What to Buy in Santana Core: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors can bring home several Brazilian souvenirs, such as:

  • Handmade pottery from local artisans
  • Brazilian gemstones, particularly those unearthed in the region.
  • Cigana handicraft, which are colorful and intricate woven baskets by the Cigana people.
  • Maracujá Seed Jewelry, native to the region.

Local Culture and Customs of Santana Core

Brazil is a joyful country bursting with music, dances, and celebrations. In rural areas like Santana Core, there is a strong prevalence of Catholicism that shapes the community’s cultural practices. A popular festival is the Festa de São Sebastião, held on January 20, to honor the community’s patron saint.

Best Time to Visit Santana Core

The best time to visit Santana Core is during the dry season, from June to September, when visitors can enjoy the trails, waterfalls, and other outdoor activities without much interference from rainfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Santana Core

Do:

  • Dress modestly when visiting any sacred structures like churches.
  • Respect the local culture and do not be critical.
  • Exchange pleasantries and be respectful to the locals.

Don’t:

  • Refrain from giving food and money to beggars, as it only encourages them to continue begging.
  • Avoid drinking tap water; drink bottled water only.
  • Never flash valuables around in public.

Safety and Health

Safety in Santana Core

Santana Core is generally safe, but visitors should be aware of the following:

  • Muggings are common, especially in cities, so avoid carrying valuables like cameras and smartphones around.
  • Take extra care when using ATMs.

Health in Santana Core

Santana Core is situated in an area where yellow fever is prevalent. Therefore, visitors are advised to take the vaccination before they arrive in the region. Visitors should also carry sunscreens, insect repellent, and sturdy walking shoes to avoid any health issues.

Getting to Santana Core: Transportation Options and Logistics

Santana Core can be accessed by various means of transportation, including air, road, and rail.

Airports Near Santana Core

The closest airports to Santana Core are Congonhas-São Paulo Airport (CGH) and Guarulhos International Airport (GRU). From there, one can take a bus or taxi to Santana Core.

Bus Stations Near Santana Core

Reaching Santana Core by bus is the most comfortable and economical option. The closest bus stations to Santana Core are:

  • Terminal Barra Funda (São Paulo)
  • Terminal Tietê (São Paulo)

Other Options

Santana Core is connected via rail to other neighboring towns and cities. Visitors can access the region’s main towns via train networks.

How to Get Around in Santana Core

Walking is the best way to get around in Santana Core, particularly on trails and hiking routes. Taxis and motorbike rental services are also available for those looking for convenience.

Where to Go Next from Santana Core: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Santana Core is an ideal location to discover the surrounding areas which are equally charming. Some places to visit near Santana Core are:

  • Petar State Park
  • Ilha do Cardoso State Park
  • Cananéia Island

Conclusion

Santana Core is a beautiful destination with ample natural beauty features matched with cultural and historical attractions that bring the past and present together. This guide showcases all that visitors need to know about scenic hikes, outdoor adventures, cultural events, and unique experiences to make the most of their visit to Santana Core.