Let me take you on a tour of two fascinating destinations in the state of São Paulo: Rio Claro and Piracicaba. These hidden gems offer a unique combination of history, nature and authenticity that will transport you to the very essence of the region.
— Puedes leer esto en español aquí —
Thanks to family and friends, I have been visiting these 2 cities for years, plus the city of Campinas, but for some reason I usually visit Campinas only to go to the malls and I don’t have videos or photos. So I promise, next time I’m visiting that area, I will explore more and less shopping 🙂 – well, maybe I won’t promise because I love Brazilian shoes 🙂 -.
I love driving and driving in this state it is really amazing. My last time there was in 2018 and it was still really good and easy. I think highways are clean, wide, with beautiful landscape and very easy to get to places due to the amount of signage. Not saying it is easy for a tourist to drive in the city of São Paulo 🙂 even after driving in Miami, and other crowded/crazy towns, São Paulo is unique lol.
I usually arrive and stay in Rio Claro. A small and very friendly city known for its extensive gardens and historic squares. A stroll around the downtown area is a must, the Jardim Público, with their landscape design is really nice.
Don’t hesitate to stop at a bakery and try delicious snacks at any time of the day. My always favorites coxinhas, pão de queijo and brigadeiro, or even a simple ham/turkey sandwich with catupiry (similar to ‘cream cheese’ but richer and delicious). I’m drooling just thinking about Brazilian food.
Another good spot to visit while in Rio Claro is the Mercado Municipal de Rio Claro where you can also grab a drink or a snack.
The other city that I usually visit is Piracicaba, on the banks of the river that gives its name to the city. Enjoy the authenticity of this place while relaxing with a delicious lunch in front of the river. This is always something I do when I’m in the area (main photo). The vibrant energy of the Municipal Market and the charm of Rua do Porto offer unforgettable culinary and cultural experiences. Another point not to miss is Alto Do Mirante from where you can enjoy an incredible view of the city from the middle of the river.
Important Info:
- Distance by Car from São Paulo: Rio Claro and Piracicaba are approximately 180 and 160 kilometers from São Paulo, respectively. A drive from the city takes you to these gems in about two hours and two and a half hours, respectively. Simply take the famous Rodovia dos Bandeirantes (or SP-348) and it takes you to Campinas, Rio Claro and Piracicaba.
- Best Seasons to Visit: Spring (September to November) is ideal for exploring the gardens of Rio Claro. In Piracicaba, cultural events and pleasant weather make spring and autumn perfect times. I have been during the summer (December and March). Although I like March better (end of summer, beginning of fall) since it felt a little ‘cooler’ during the afternoons, not as hot as in December. And I also enjoy May (autumn) because of the pleasant weather, usually, but more rain.
- Distance between Rio Claro and Piracicaba: These two cities are located about 60KM away from each other. You can easily include both in a single trip, making the most of your time.
Rio Claro and Piracicaba are destinations that, even when they are not touristic at all, they are nice town if you want to explore the whole state of São Paulo. From the history in the squares of Rio Claro to the serenity of the river in Piracicaba, this trip invites you to discover the authentic soul of the state. Get ready to explore these hidden gems and immerse yourself in the cultural and natural wealth they offer!
Don’t forget to check out my other posts about cities in São Paulo as the state capital and Santos.
Here’s my video about this 2 cities you should visit while in São Paulo: (click CC for subtitles in English)
