São Paulo is a special state in Brazil. In a space of two hours it is possible to go from the largest South American metropolis to the coast with clear waters and preserved vegetation, walk through the tropical forest or venture safely through caves, valleys and waterfalls. São Paulo is a complete destination.
Capital and state have the same name and share countless attractions and options, managing to translate the best that Brazil can offer.
On the coast, with more than 600 kilometers and easily accessed by modern highways, there are beaches and huge strips of sand, hotels, inns, restaurants and quality service infrastructure.
São Paulo’s gastronomy is an attraction in itself. Rich in mixtures, it manages to preserve the flavor of Brazilian organic products, produced locally, and the influences of the various colonies of immigrants – mainly Europeans – who arrived in the mid-20th century.
Leaving this giant metropolis going South, you will discover the Ribeira Valley, with one of the most important Conservation Units in the world. The place has most of the original and preserved Atlantic Rainforest in Brazil, with hundreds of cataloged birds and more than 300 caves, many of them with easy access and security.
A tropical destination with mild temperatures, São Paulo offers natural attractions for all tastes. The more adventurous will be able to go climbing, abseiling, rafting, trails, enjoy the waterfalls or practice scuba diving. Those less agitated can go ride by bike, walk leisurely along beaches or flower fields or simply rest their eyes on the varied landscapes only found in São Paulo.
Location
Situated in the Southeast Region, São Paulo State shares its borders with Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraná and Rio de Janeiro. Representing 3% of the Brazilian landmass, it occupies an area of 248,200 km² and has 622 km of Atlantic Ocean coastline.
Time zone of GMT -3h.
According to the 2016 statistics released by the State Data Analysis System Foundation (Seade), São Paulo has a population of 43 million inhabitants, making it the most populous state in Brazil. This alone represents approximately 20% of Brazil’s population.
There are 645 municipalities in São Paulo State, organized throughout 16 administrative regions.
The State of São Paulo is one of the most important development poles in the Southern Hemisphere. Its area of influence far surpasses its geographical boundaries, extending throughout all the other Brazilian states and several countries in South America. The Metropolitan Area of São Paulo city, the fourth largest urban agglomeration in the world, is the heart of
Brazil’s industrial, services and commercial activities. This privileged position, allied to the importance of the economic activity in the State’s rural area, creates a set of factors, which make São Paulo an extremely promising location for all types of investment.
Source: www.visitbrasil.com and https://www.en.investe.sp.gov.br/
Climate
Brazil has climates that suit all tastes, thanks to its great territorial extension, combined with factors such as altitude, pressure and ocean proximity. The Brazilian winter happens between June and September and in some cities of the South and Southeast, temperatures reach less than 0° C. In the summer, you can enjoy a 40° C in some coastals cities. Regardless of the season, it’s always a good idea to pack a coat and pants, because the weather can change suddenly in some locations, especially in mountain and coastal regions.
The state of São Paulo has a tropical climate. It’s characterized by a rainy season during the summer (Dec to Feb), drought in the winter (Jul to Sep) and an average temperature above 22º C in the hottest month.
In some mountain areas, the average upper temperature is below 22º C in the hottest month. We are going to visit some of these areas. Be prepared!
In Ribeira Valley, there are bands of tropical climate. Summer has high temperatures and does not have the dry winter season that prevails in other regions of the state.
Seasons
Summer: from the 21st of December to the 21st of March.
Autumn: from the 21st of March to the 21st of June.
Winter: from the 21st of June to the 23rd of September.
Spring: from the 23rd of September to the 21st of December.
Source: www.visitbrasil.com and http://www.bibliotecavirtual.sp.gov.br/
Time Zone
Brasilia Time (BRT), UTC -3
Source: https://24timezones.com/time-zone/brt
Currency
The official currency in Brazil is the Real (BRL). Credit cards are accepted in most establishments. However, we will visit some remote areas and if you expect to buy local items it is important to have cash.
Exchange rate: https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=USD&To=BRL
Spending Guide
In Brazil, the following items cost approximately (Suppose 1 USD = 5,39 BRL):
Breakfast: 30 – 50 BRL (USD 5.6 – 9,3)
Lunch: 30 – 100 BRL or more (USD 5.6 – 18.5)
Dinner: 40 – 150 BRL or more (USD 7.4 – 27.8)
Beer/glass of wine: A beer can at the supermarket cost 3,50 BRL (USD 0.7), a beer bottle (600ml) at a bar 10 BRL (USD 1.8), a glass of wine 30 BRL (USD 5.6)
Bottle of wine: 100 BRL or more (USD 18.5 or more)
Soft drinks: 3 BRL (USD 0.5) at the supermarket, 8 BRL (USD 1.5) in restaurants
Electricity
The electricity voltage in Brazil varies between 110V and 220V depending on the location. Many hotels offer wall sockets in both voltages, and it is easy to find portable voltage transformers in construction shops. In São Paulo the most common is 110V.
The wall sockets in Brazil have the shape of a well, to make contact between the finger and the electrical current more difficult and avoid accidents. The plugs have a system that avoids overloading and heating and also provide better linkage with their terminals.
The adapter plugs can be easily found in construction stores or in the free shop stores at airports.
Source: www.visitbrasil.com
Insects
To avoid mosquito bites you will need repellent, long-sleeved shirts and pants (especially in the early morning and late afternoon).
Entry and Exit Requirements
Citizens from Mercosur member countries are not required to present a visa, only the passport or a valid identification document.
European Union Citizens and many other countries are also not required to issue a visa, they are only required to present a passport.
United States, Australia, Canada and Japan citizens are able to travel to Brazil without a visa. From 2019, passport holders from these countries are allowed to travel for tourism, business, artistic or sports activities. Visitors will be granted a stay of up to 90 days, which can be extended once for the same period, as long as they do not exceed 180 days within a 12-month period, counted from the date of the first entry.
If your country is not listed above, check the link: http://www.portalconsular.itamaraty.gov.br/images/qgrv/QGRV-simples-ing-140120.pdf
Source: www.visitbrasil.com – adapted
Health Tips
Public health services in Brazil are free for foreign tourists. So, if you are in an accident or present any health problems, the Mobile Emergency Service (SAMU) is available dialing 192 on the phone. The call is free.
AdventureWeek participants will also have access to health insurance.
Basic Care
Brazil is a country with a tropical climate, so we recommend that you drink liquids constantly in order to prevent dehydration.
Wear comfortable clothes and protect yourself from the sun with a hat (or cap), sunglasses and sunscreen. Avoid direct sun exposure between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm without protection.
Always bring repellent against insects, to use whenever necessary.
Wash your hands with soap and water several times a day. If it’s not possible to wash your hands, use alcohol 70%.
Have always one with you!
Avoid consuming foods that have been poorly prepared or packaged.
During cycling or hiking trips, take foods that can be keep without refrigeration and that don’t spoil with the heat.
To enter Brazil, it is not mandatory to vaccinate against any type of illness.
Source: www.visitbrasil.com – Adapted
Safety Tips
Most tourists have a good experience when arriving in Brazil. In the big cities you must be careful with pickpockets. See below our tips about safety during your trip, mainly in big cities:
Source: www.visitbrasil.com – Adapted
Water
It is recommended to drink mineral water or drinking fountains. Tap water is not always drinkable.
Try the natural juices. Brazil has a lot of tropical fruits and the fruit flavor is delicious.
Tipping
10% of the total amount of your meal. Taxi drivers are not expected to have tips. Bellhops are usually tipped USD2 or USD3.