Sorocaba Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and how to get around in Sorocaba. This comprehensive travel guide also includes safety tips, cultural customs, and nearby excursions.


Introduction to Sorocaba

Sorocaba is a peaceful, picturesque old town situated in the southeastern region of São Paulo, Brazil. The town’s name originates from Tupi-Guarani, meaning “torn fabric.” Its historical, cultural, and natural richness make it an ideal destination for tourists. With a vibrant cultural scene, an abundance of outdoor activities, and delectable local cuisine, Sorocaba has something for every type of traveler.

List of Places to Visit in Sorocaba

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Sorocaba has a remarkable history, and visitors can learn more about it by exploring the many museums and historic sites in the area.

  • Museum of Image and Sound: The museum has an extensive collection of photos, documents, and audio-visual materials that tell the story of Sorocaba’s cultural history. It’s a perfect place to understand the soul of this small town.

  • Dr. Simeão Museum: The museum houses over 2,000 samples of antiques from Dr. Simeão’s personal collection, including old radios, typewriters, and gramophones.

  • Museum of Natural History: Get up close and personal with jaguars, giant otters, capybaras, macaws, and other wildlife indigenous to the area at this museum.

Natural Attractions of Sorocaba: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Sorocaba has a plethora of natural attractions that are magnets for tourists.

  • Parque das Águas: With over 500,000 square meters of parkland, the Parque das Águas is an excellent spot for picnics, hiking, and fishing. It also houses an Olympic-sized pool, restaurants, and beautiful landscapes.

  • Canguera Plateau: An excellent place for good hiking and an even better scenic view, Canguera Plateau is around 800 meters above sea level. It is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

  • Chico Mendes Ecological Park: A remarkable park with designated areas for sports, environmental education, and ecological study. Notably, it is home to over 300 macaws and other bird species.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sorocaba

Hiking and biking are popular outdoor activities in Sorocaba. Visitors can explore the various hiking and biking trails in the surrounding hills and parks.

  • Rota Turística Circular: A circular bike trail that covers several parks and plazas in Sorocaba. This trail is around 30 kilometers and is a must-do for bike enthusiasts.

  • Monteiro Lobato Metropolitan Park: The largest park in Sorocaba has many trails for hiking and cycling. The park’s elevated terrain favors mountain biking enthusiasts, and it is worth visiting for a day-long experience.

Best Things to Do in Sorocaba: Activities and Tours

Visitors can choose from an array of activities and tours in Sorocaba.

  • Sorocaba Forest Adventure: This adventure park, with activities such as tree climbing, zipline, and bird watching, is a favorite of adventure enthusiasts.

  • Fábrica São Martinho tour: Take a Tour of Fábrica São Martinho and learn more about its history and role in influencing the economic growth of Sorocaba.

  • Sorocaba Shopping Mall: A modern shopping mall with over 200 retail shops, cinemas, and restaurants. It’s an excellent place to relax and enjoy some shopping.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sorocaba

Visitors can follow the following itinerary for a week-long trip to Sorocaba.

Day Activities
1 Explore the historic city center, and visit the Museum of Image and Sound.
2 Visit Parque das Águas and enjoy the Olympic-sized pool.
3 Explore the natural beauty of Canguera Plateau with hiking and picnic lunch.
4 Take a tour of Fábrica São Martinho and relive the past.
5 Visit Dr. Simeão Museum and learn more about Mexico’s culture and history.
6 Go bird watching at Chico Mendes Ecological Park.
7 Spend the day at Sorocaba Shopping Mall, shopping, and enjoying the restaurants.

Food and Drink Scene of Sorocaba

Sorocaba has a diverse culinary scene, offering both traditional Brazilian and local Sorocaba cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pamonha: A sweet corn paste wrapped in corn husks, boiled, and served with butter.

  • Tortellini: The Italian dish is prevalent in Sorocaba, and it’s best eaten with a generous amount of cheese.

  • Feijão Tropeiro: Feijão Tropeiro is a classic Brazilian dish made from beans, pork, and cassava flour.

Local Beverages

  • Cachaça: A distilled sugarcane liquor, cachaça is Brazil’s signature drink. Sorocaba is famous for its flavored cachaças such as banana and cinnamon.

  • Coffee: The Brazilian coffee is rich and flavorful. For a perfect cup of coffee, visit Sitio in Machadinho, on the border of Sorocaba, where coffee lovers will find the best coffee farms around.

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

Sorocaba has an array of accommodation options, and tourists can choose from luxury hotels, hostels, guesthouses, or vacation rentals.

  • Gran Hotel Royal: A luxury hotel located in the city center, Gran Hotel Royal has a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool.

  • ibis budget Sorocaba: A budget hotel in the city center, ibis budget Sorocaba offers comfortable rooms and high-speed Wi-Fi.

  • Casa Verde Hostel: A charming and cozy hostel, Casa Verde Hostel is situated in a quiet neighborhood and has a beautiful garden, making it a perfect choice for backpackers.

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

Sorocaba has an array of locally made products that visitors can bring home as souvenirs. Here are some of the products to consider:

  • Embroidered Cloths: The Sorocaba art crafters produce beautiful embroidered cloths made of linen or silk. These make great souvenirs or gifts to take home.

  • Jewelry: Sorocaba is famous for its jewelry made with gold, silver, or semi-precious stones. Turmaline, tourmaline Paraiba, amethyst, and topaz are widespread in the region.

Local Culture and Customs of Sorocaba

Sorocaba’s culture is primarily influenced by its immigrant history. The town’s main cultural influences are Portuguese, German, Italian, and Japanese. It also hosts various annual events such as SorocabaFestival, which is a week-long cultural festivity that takes place every year in late August. The town’s customs are relatively simple. Visitors are expected to be polite and respectful to the locals and to follow general Brazilian customs such as greeting with a kiss or a hug.

Best Time to Visit Sorocaba

The best time to visit Sorocaba is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. This period offers visitors the best weather conditions with warm, sunny days and refreshing evenings. The wet season, from October to April, tends to be hotter and more humid, making outdoor activities less enjoyable.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sorocaba

Do:

  • Learn a few Portuguese words to communicate with locals.

  • Consider tipping if you receive exceptional services.

  • Respect the local culture and customs.

Don’t:

  • Don’t act aggressively or disrespectfully to anyone.

  • Don’t take public transportation during late hours.

Safety and Health

Safety in Sorocaba

Sorocaba is a relatively safe town, but like any other city, tourists should take precautions. Stay in well-lit areas at night, avoid flashing expensive items, and don’t take taxis from the street. It’s always safer to call and arrange a private taxi.

Health in Sorocaba

Sorocaba’s medical services are on par with those in any other Brazilian city or town. Private hospitals and clinics offer excellent medical care, while public health facilities are more crowded and may require longer wait times. It is advisable to carry a health insurance policy that is valid in Brazil.

Getting to Sorocaba: Transportation Options and Logistics

Sorocaba is accessible via several transportation options.

Airports Near Sorocaba

São Paulo International Airport is the closest airport to Sorocaba, approximately 80 kilometers away. Bus services are available from the airport to Sorocaba.

Bus Stations Near Sorocaba

Sorocaba Bus Station is the primary transportation hub in the town, with daily buses to and from most major cities in Brazil.

Other Options

Uber and taxis are also available, making getting around Sorocaba easy.

How to Get Around in Sorocaba

Sorocaba has several transportation options for getting around the city. Taxis and ride-sharing are prevalent in Sorocaba, and they offer reasonable prices. Buses are also available, and visitors can choose from different rates – regular or executive.

Where to Go Next from Sorocaba: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Sorocaba is an excellent starting point for nearby excursions to beautiful places such as the twin towns of Boituva and Itu or the historic city of Campinas.

Conclusion

Sorocaba is a beautiful town with a rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful natural sites to explore. From the natural attractions and adventure parks to rich cultural activities, there is never a shortage of things to do in Sorocaba. Its traditional cuisine, a range of accommodation options, and a bustling nightlife complement the town’s welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Sorocaba is an ideal destination for backpackers, families, or solo travelers in search of a peaceful and exciting getaway.

Sorocaba City Hall. Sorocaba City Hall.