Santo Andre
Introduction
You will find Santo André situated within the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo in Brazil. Located in the area known as the ABC Region, this municipality offers you a gateway into the bustling landscape of the state.
Getting there
You can reach the city center of Santo André from the center of São Paulo via the Line 10-Turquoise train, which offers a high level of quality similar to the metro system. The Prefeito Celso Daniel-Santo André station serves as the primary rail hub within the city. If you prefer traveling by road, Avenida do Estado connects the two city centers.
For those heading toward the village of Paranapiacaba, you can take a bus from the Rio Grande da Serra train station or travel via local roads from Rodovia Anchieta. Alternatively, a touristic train operates directly to the village on Sundays, excluding the second Sunday of each month. If you choose to travel by bus from the Jabaquara metro station, note that these intermunicipal lines do not accept the Bilhete Único. Once in Santo André, you can navigate the city using various local bus lines.
Getting around
Navigating this area requires careful planning due to the geography of the region. Because the two districts of Santo André are separated by the Billings reservoir, you will find there is no direct connection between them.
If your journey takes you from the city center of Santo André toward Paranapiacaba, your route will require traveling through Mauá, Ribeirão Pires, and Rio Grande da Serra.
Where to stay
You can find accommodations at the Hotel Plaza Mayor, Ibis, or Mercure. If you prefer alternative options, you might consider staying at a motel and negotiating a daily rate.
Food & drink
You can enjoy a simple self-service meal at Beija Flor in the village of Paranapiacaba, where you can observe hummingbirds while you eat. Another option for dining is Casa do Tio César located in the Parte Baixa area.
If you are looking for nightlife, most of the activity is concentrated in Bairro Jardim, situated near the center of Santo André.
What to see and do
You can explore the local culture and architecture by visiting the Santo André Municipal Theater or relaxing in Central Park on Rua José Bonifácio. For a journey into history, travel to the village of Paranapiacaba. This former railway settlement preserves its original construction and atmosphere, featuring a train station that houses an original clock. You can explore the rail yards to see rusting old wrecks or visit the railroad museum for a closer look at the village's heritage.
The surrounding area offers extensive outdoor activities within the dense Atlantic rainforest of the Paranapiacaba district. You can embark on hikes through the Vale do Quilombo toward the coast, though hiring a guide is recommended due to the thickness of the forest. For a different experience, you can ride a steam locomotive along part of the original São Paulo railway line at Trem dos Ingleses.
Three days in Santo Andre
Day one, you can begin your stay in the heart of the city by exploring the local atmosphere. You might spend your time wandering through the streets to find the local character of the area before settling into the surroundings.
Day two, you can travel toward the Serra region. You have the option to head toward Paranapiacaba or explore the landscapes near Rio Grande.
Day three, you can spend your final day navigating the local sights and enjoying the scenery of the surrounding landscape.