In the midst of the hustle and bustle and pulsating culture, São Paulo, surprisingly, reserves natural oases that provide refuge and peace in the midst of its immensity. Unmissable tours in São Paulo to enjoy nature are options that delight lovers of greenery and tranquility.
Many still carry the misconception that São Paulo is just a stone jungle, a tangle of buildings and incessant movement. However, tourism in the capital of São Paulo offers its visitors and residents places where nature manifests itself majestically, often for free.
If you think that to find natural corners you need to take long trips inland, prepare to be surprised. Here we present 10 essential tours for you to reconnect with the greenery and experience moments of peace in the heart of the São Paulo metropolis.
Unmissable tours in São Paulo surrounded by nature
1 – Ibirapuera Park
Ibirapuera Park – This urban oasis is an unparalleled project, immersed in a profusion of green areas, stunning gardens and iconic monuments, all embraced by architecture designed by none other than the renowned Oscar Niemeyer.
This park is more than just a refuge for the local population; It is a true treasure that ranks among the best urban parks on the planet. Here, you can not only enjoy the lush natural beauty but also immerse yourself in a myriad of cultural activities. Without a doubt, one of the most enriching tourism experiences in São Paulo for those looking for closer contact with nature.
Entry: Free| Visiting hours: Every day from 05:00 to 17:00 | Address: Av. República do Libano, 331, Ibirapuera.
2 – Tietê Ecological Park
Tietê Ecological Park – This is the ideal place for those who wish to experience close contact with nature, surrounded by coatis, monkeys and capybaras. Imagine the possibility of gathering friends and family for a delicious barbecue in kiosks on the edge of a lake with pedal boats, all amidst a lush landscape.
The Tietê Ecological Park offers a complete infrastructure for a journey full of fun and relaxation. You will find snack bars and restaurants, making your visit even more pleasant.
For sports enthusiasts, this park is a true paradise. Trails, cycle paths, athletics tracks, bicicross, futsal courts, multi-sports courts, soccer fields, soccer fields, baseball fields, swimming pools, playgrounds and even a gym are available to suit all tastes. It is a true haven for leisure and sports in the heart of São Paulo.
Entry: Free| Visiting hours: Every day from 07:00 to 17:00 | Address: Rodovia Parque, 8054 – Vila Santo Henrique.
3 – Carmo Park
Parque do Carmo – Located in the east of São Paulo, Parque do Carmo is a true natural refuge amid the hustle and bustle of the city. With around 6 thousand trees, including cherry and eucalyptus trees, natural lakes and various species of animals, this space offers a unique experience of contact with nature.
The park’s infrastructure is impressive and includes the Environment Museum, an amphitheater, outdoor gym equipment, football fields, bike path, jogging track, playgrounds for children, picnic areas and barbecue grills, rest kiosks, the Monument to Japanese Immigration, the Arthur Etzel Nursery and the Reading Forest. It is a complete place for the whole family to enjoy.
One of the biggest attractions at Parque do Carmo is the Cherry Blossom Festival, a celebration that marks the flowering of the cherry trees, a symbol of Japan. However, this wonder of nature can only be appreciated in August, with its peak usually in the first week of the month. During the festival, the Japanese community practices the Hanami ritual, which consists of sitting under the cherry trees to contemplate their beauty.
With more than 4,000 cherry trees, Parque do Carmo has the second largest cherry tree forest in the world outside of Japan, making it a special place to enjoy this magnificent flowering and experience a little piece of Japan in São Paulo. It is an unmissable destination for lovers of nature and Japanese culture in the city.
Entry: Free| Visiting hours: Every day from 05:30 to 20:00 | Address: Av. Osvaldo Pucci, s/nº, – Itaquera. Parque do Carmo – Gate 3.
4 – Água Branca Park
Located on one of the main avenues in the city of São Paulo, Parque da Água Branca is an oasis of tranquility amidst the urban hustle and bustle. Despite its privileged location, the park offers a serene and silent environment, perfect for relaxing walks, picnics, walks and meditation.
The park is a true green refuge, with large areas of lush vegetation and a peculiar feature: the presence of free-roaming animals, such as roosters, chickens, peacocks, geese and ducks. These park inhabitants provide a unique atmosphere, making visitors feel like they are in an authentic rural area, even though they are in the heart of the metropolis.
On weekends, Água Branca Park transforms into an event venue, with gastronomic fairs, craft fairs and even mystical fairs, providing a variety of experiences for visitors. Additionally, the park offers a children’s playground, making it ideal for family activities, where children can have fun while adults enjoy the serenity of this green space. It is a true hidden treasure in São Paulo, where nature and culture come together in harmony.
Entry: Free| Visiting hours: Every day from 6:00 to 20:00 | Address: Av. Prof. Francisco Matarazzo, 455.
5 – 5 – Sacred Ground at the Guarapiranga Dam (Solo Sagrado na Represa de Guarapiranga)
Created by the World Messianic Church of Brazil in 1995, the Sacred Ground at the Guarapiranga Dam is a true sanctuary for nature contemplation and meditation in the heart of the city of São Paulo. With an impressive area of 327,500 square meters, it is among the largest spaces dedicated to these purposes in the entire country.
Although it is located in a region further away from the city center, which can require up to 2 hours of travel using public transport, a visit to this remote location is rewarding in every way. Visitors have the opportunity to explore beautiful gardens, walk trails and immerse themselves in lush, well-preserved nature.
The Sacred Ground at Guarapiranga Reservoir is a refuge that provides moments of peace, introspection and connection with spirituality amid the hustle and bustle of urban life. Those looking for a break for the mind and deeper contact with nature will find this place a true oasis of serenity.
Entry: Free| Visiting hours: Thursday to Sunday, from 8:00 to 15:00 | Address: Av. Prof. Francisco Matarazzo, 455.
6 – São Paulo Botanical Garden
São Paulo Botanical Garden. Photo: Disclosure.
The São Paulo Botanical Garden is a true treasure of environmental conservation, covering a vast area of 360 thousand square meters, equivalent to no less than 33 football fields. This space is much more than a mere garden; is a nature sanctuary where visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll and contemplate the diversity of Atlantic Forest fauna, including species that struggle to survive in an increasingly threatening world.
This Botanical Garden offers a series of unmissable attractions. Visitors can explore the Botanical Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the world of plants, or marvel at the Plant Greenhouse, which houses a rich collection of plant species. For a unique sensory experience, the Garden of Senses captivates visitors with the aroma and texture of different plants.
The Trilha da Nascente and Riacho do Ipiranga provide a closer interaction with the natural elements, while the stunning Lago das Ninfeias, where aquatic flowers in shades of yellow, purple and pink bloom, serves as an iconic symbol of this green haven.
Admission: General Public R$ 10 and Students R$ 5 (Children up to 4 years old, seniors over 60 years old and people with special needs are exempt.) | Visiting hours: From Tuesday to Sunday and holidays, from 9:00 to 17:00 | Address: Av. Miguel Estéfno, 3031 – Vila Água Funda.
7 – Independence Park in Ipiranga
Independence Park is a place where history, nature and sport meet harmoniously. The heart of the park is the Ipiranga Museum, one of the most important historical heritage sites in Brazil, where D. Pedro I proclaimed the Cry of Independence, marking a crucial moment in the country’s history. In addition to the museum, visitors can explore the Shrieking House, the Independence Monument and the Imperial Crypt, all living testimonies of our history.
In addition to its historical value, Independence Park offers a stunning natural environment. Its landscaping is a masterpiece, with gardens inspired by the famous Garden of Versailles, in France, and a forest that invites you to serene walks amidst the exuberant nature. For sports lovers, the wide promenade in front of the park is a great place to skate, rollerblade or bike, providing an active and energizing experience.
Entry: Free| Visiting hours: Every day, from 5:00 to 20:00 | Address: Av. Nazaré, s/n – Ipiranga.
8 – Vila Lobos Park
Vila Lobos Park is a true paradise for lovers of sports and outdoor activities in São Paulo. Its exceptional infrastructure offers ample spaces and leisure options for all ages. With lush vegetation, the park is an invitation for peaceful picnics, and visitors can explore the “Circuit of Trees” and the charming Orquidário Ruth Cardoso.
One of the biggest advantages of Parque Vila Lobos is the freedom to practice sports. Both children and adults can enjoy activities such as cycling, skating, skateboarding and running on well-designed trails. The park’s energizing atmosphere makes it the ideal place to stay active while connecting with nature.
Entry: Free| Visiting hours: Every day, from 5:30 to 19:00 | Address: Av. Prof. Fonseca Rodrigues, 2001 – Alto de Pinheiros.
9 – Burle Marx Park
Burle Marx Park is a true jewel of tourism in São Paulo for those looking for a unique experience amidst nature and stunning landscaping designed by Burle Marx. This urban oasis is a celebration of local flora and fauna, offering visitors picturesque trails, a natural orchid garden, crystal-clear springs, serene lakes and reflecting pools that reflect the surrounding beauty.
The park is not limited to just contemplating nature; it also provides free activities that promote well-being, such as tai chi chuan, yoga and capoeira. On weekends and holidays, Food Park Burle Marx brings the place to life, offering a variety of gastronomic options to delight visitors’ palates.
Entry: Free| Visiting hours: Every day, from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm | Address: Av. Dona Helena Pereira de Moraes, 200 – Vila Andrade.
10 – Horto Florestal de São Paulo or Alberto Löfgren State Park
Horto Florestal de São Paulo or Alberto Löfgren State Park. Photo: Clayton Lino.
In the heart of the city that never sleeps, Horto Florestal de São Paulo remains like a hidden treasure, waiting to be discovered by those seeking refuge and contact with nature. This enchanting park offers a unique experience where visitors can marvel at a rich variety of freely roaming animals, as well as explore lush flora filled with exotic plants.
As you stroll through Horto, you’ll find a peaceful and inviting environment, with amenities including a stage for events, picnic areas, a children’s playground, a scenic jogging track, outdoor fitness equipment, and refreshing drinking water spouts. The tranquil lakes and the Forestry Museum further enrich the cultural and natural experience that this park offers.
Although it is a lesser-known destination in São Paulo, even among São Paulo residents themselves, Horto Florestal is the perfect place to escape the fast pace of urban life and reconnect with the beauty of nature. Its location away from the city center provides a serene environment where lush greenery and wildlife coexist in harmony, creating a rejuvenating retreat for all who visit.
Entry: Free| Visiting hours: Monday to Sunday, from 6:00 to 18:00 | Address: Rua do Horto, 931 – Horto Florestal – North zone.
Final considerations
In São Paulo, a bustling city, these 10 unmissable tours offer the chance to escape into lush nature, from famous urban parks to hidden natural refuges. These are opportunities to explore, relax and enjoy nature within the metropolis, highlighting the city’s commitment to the balance between urban life and environmental preservation.
