Guarulhos can be explored through three distinct themes: wildlife and conservation at the Zoológico Municipal de Guarulhos, railway history at Casa Amarela, and the history of Lago dos Patos. Choosing accommodation in Guarulhos can help you tailor your stay to your own interests. Together, biodiversity, historic transport routes and a freshwater lake represent different sides of the city.
Wildlife and education at the Zoológico Municipal de Guarulhos
Admission to the zoo is free. The Zoológico Municipal de Guarulhos is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; the gates close at 4:30 p.m. Visits for institutions and large groups are arranged Tuesday through Friday by appointment; no advance booking is required on weekends. There is a 30-minute interval between the gates closing and the end of opening hours. Plan your arrival accordingly, bearing in mind that the gates close at 4:30 p.m. Check the latest information on admission, opening hours and booking requirements before your visit.
The zoo houses approximately 400 animals from 100 different species; 91 percent of its collection consists of native species. These figures may change. In addition to caring for animals, ZooGuarulhos participates in programs to protect endangered species and promote animal welfare, conducts scientific research, and offers educational activities focused on preserving biodiversity. The number of animals is therefore only one aspect: conservation work, research and education are also part of its profile.
Casa Amarela and railway history
Casa Amarela adds a railway-history perspective. It was inaugurated in February 1915 and served as the residence of the head of the Guarulhos railway station. There were five stations on the Guapira (Jaçanã)–Guarulhos line of the Tramway da Cantareira; Casa Amarela is the only surviving building of the five. It is considered a historical and cultural heritage site of Guarulhos. Two connections are important to distinguish in the town’s history: its former residential function was linked to the Guarulhos railway station, while its preservation status is linked to the five stations on the tramway branch.
Lago dos Patos: origins and size
Lago dos Patos adds a freshwater lake with its own history of origins to the selection. Carlos Reis created it in 1906; it was inaugurated in 1908. Creation and inauguration refer to two separate historical steps. The lake covers approximately 20,500 m². It was inaugurated before Casa Amarela, in February 1915, providing a timeline for the two recorded dates. Its approximate area adds a specific measurement to this historical context.
Different ways to focus your stay
To decide what to focus on, compare the options: the zoo combines wildlife with conservation and educational work; Casa Amarela focuses on railway heritage, while Lago dos Patos is notable for its origins as a freshwater lake. This lets you choose the focus of your stay according to your interests.
Discover more destinations: Boituva, Jundiaí, Orlândia, Brigadeiro Tobias, Joanópolis, Porangaba, Bertioga, Itu
For the broader travel guide: São Paulo.
