Sorocaba

Introduction

Located in the interior of the state of São Paulo, Sorocaba serves as a significant hub within its own metropolitan region. You can explore this inland municipality and experience the atmosphere of a major urban center situated outside the Greater São Paulo area.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit to Sorocaba, a city with roots dating back to 1654 located in the southeast region of the state. You will find it situated approximately 90km from the capital.

You can travel with some peace of mind as the city is known for its safety compared to other large cities in the state, largely due to a lack of extreme social contrasts and the absence of slums. While you may encounter drug addicts in the city center, their numbers are managed through local governmental assistance programs.

Getting there

You can reach the city by bus via the Sorocaba bus station. This terminal serves as a hub for regional travel to nearby towns like Ibiúna, São Roque, and Iperó, while also providing connections to more distant destinations such as Curitiba, Londrina, Foz do Iguaçu, Belo Horizonte, and Rio de Janeiro. If you are traveling from São Paulo, specific service is available through Viação Cometa.

If you prefer to travel by car, several highways provide access to the area:

• SP 75 (Santos Dumont highway) from Itu, Salto, Piracicaba, and Campinas
• SP 79 (Waldomiro Correa de Camargo highway) from Itu
• SP 97 (Emerenciano Prestes de Barros highway) from Porto Feliz
• SP 264 (João Leme dos Santos highway) from Salto de Pirapora, Votorantim, and Piedade
• SP 270 (Raposo Tavares highway) from Itapetininga, Presidente Prudente, São Roque, and Vargem Grande Paulista
• SP 280 (Castelo Branco highway) from São Paulo and Ourinhos
• SCB 354 from Iperó

Getting around

You can navigate the city using a comprehensive bus system that operates from two main terminals. Terminal São Paulo provides access to the south and east zones, while Terminal Santo Antônio serves the west zone.

If you prefer to explore on two wheels, you can take advantage of an extensive network of cycleways. The city offers numerous public bicycle parking lots and several bicycle borrow points, making it a convenient option for cycling throughout the area.

Where to stay

Depending on your preference for comfort and atmosphere, you can find various accommodations across the city. For a more modest stay, you can choose from options such as Cardum Hotel, Chamonix Hotel, Hotel Ipanema, or Sorocaba Hotel.

If you prefer mid-range accommodations, consider staying at Grand Hotel Royal, Ibis, Shelton Inn, or Sorocaba Park Hotel. For a more luxurious experience, you can choose to stay at Flat The First or Hotel Pitangueiras.

Food & drink

You can enjoy a variety of dining experiences across different neighborhoods depending on your preference for atmosphere and cuisine. For those seeking traditional German flavors, you can dine in Jardim América near Campolim. Other notable options include establishments in Alto da Boa Vista and Jardim Pirantininga.

• Bacã (Av. Marginal Dom Aguirre)
• MW (Campolim)
• Floresta Negra (Jardim América)
• Santa Victória (Alto da Boa Vista)
• Chopperia Barbacana (Jardim Pirantininga)

For your caffeine fix or a place to unwind, you can visit Tribeca Café, where the atmosphere is complemented by dance music, pop, and techno.

What to see and do

Explore the historic heart of the city to discover landmarks that reflect its deep history. You can visit the Cathedral Church and the Monastery of São Bento in the Centro district, or explore the grounds of 1 Brigadier Tobias' Manor. For a glimpse into the past, you can tour the Sorocaba Historical Museum, which is housed in the former residence of the Marquesa de Santos.

Walk through the Pelourinho area to see the site where early trading posts were established centuries ago. If you prefer the outdoors, you can visit the Zoológico Municipal Quinzinho de Barros located in the Vila Hortência neighborhood.

When to go

You can experience a subtropical climate when you visit Sorocaba, characterized by distinct seasonal shifts in temperature and moisture. During the summer, you will encounter the warmest weather of the year, which coincides with the wet season where you should expect significant rainfall.

If you prefer a drier atmosphere, travel during the winter months. This is the coolest time of year, offering much less rainfall than the summer months.

Three days in Sorocaba

Day one, you can explore the local surroundings of Sorocaba and experience the atmosphere of the Greater São Paulo region.

Day two, your journey takes you through nearby areas such as Itapetininga or the neighboring landscapes of Votorantim.

Day three, you can conclude your trip by visiting nearby destinations like Piracicaba or Salto to complete your stay in the region.