Around Ibiúna, the standout themes range from the protected area of the Atlantic Forest to a reservoir about 40 kilometers long, religious tradition and markets. This makes the area interesting for visitors with different interests: you can explore nature, water and local culture as separate themes. To help you plan, first consider whether landscapes and wildlife, water sports or cultural events should be the focus of your trip.
Protected Area and Viewpoint
Parque Estadual do Jurupará was established in 1992 and lies between the municipalities of Ibiúna and Piedade. A total of 107 bird species have been recorded in the park. They account for 50 percent of all endemic bird species in the Atlantic Forest; 35 of these species are threatened with extinction. The figure of half refers to the endemic bird species of the Atlantic Forest, not to all bird species in this natural region.
Mirante da Figueira offers a different view of the landscape. The viewpoint is at an elevation of 1,000 meters and offers a sweeping view over the entire city center of Ibiúna and the reservoir. The two nature-related themes therefore offer different highlights: the recorded diversity of birdlife at Parque Estadual do Jurupará, and views of the city and water at Mirante da Figueira.
Reservoir and Cycling Loop
The Ituparanga Reservoir is formed by the confluence of the Soracamirim, Sorocabuçu and Uma rivers (Rio Sorocaba) and is approximately 40 kilometers long. It is suitable for water sports and offers various recreational spots along its shores, including Prainha do Piratuba and Prainha do Campo Verde. If you are interested in water activities, the reservoir and these two named spots provide a specific starting point for exploring this side of Ibiúna.
Cycling is another option: the “Circuito Mata Atlântica” cycling loop passes through Ibiúna, Cotia, Vargem Grande Paulista, Embu das Artes, Embu Guaçu, São Lourenço da Serra, Juquitiba and Itapecerica da Serra. It is a route that crosses several municipalities, while Mirante da Figueira is a single viewpoint. The two offer different experiences, and you do not need to plan them as parts of one combined route.
Religious Tradition, Markets and Architecture
The century-old tradition of the Santuário de São Sebastião is observed every year, bringing pilgrims to the Capela and Gruta de São Sebastião located there. The Festa de São Sebastião has been part of the tourism calendar of the state of São Paulo since 1992. For travelers interested in religious tradition, Ibiúna offers both a recurring event and named places of worship.
The Feira da Capelinha takes place monthly on the second Saturday at the square of Capela do Bom Jesus da Prisão and offers arts, culture and food. The Feira de Produtos Naturais has a different focus: it offers organic and natural foods from Ibiúna and takes place on Saturdays from 09:00 to 14:00 on Marginal Antonio Falci, opposite Área de Lazer 3. Dates and times may change; check them before your visit.
Architecture adds another theme to these cultural events: Prédio da Telesp was one of the projects designed by Ruy Ohtake. You can therefore distinguish between different interests when planning your trip: the religious tradition associated with São Sebastião, the offerings at the two markets, and the architecture of Prédio da Telesp. Nature, water sports and cycling are other distinct themes you can use to guide your choice of destinations.
Discover more destinations: Jaú, Marília, São Bernardo Do Campo, São Luiz Do Paraitinga, Capão Bonito, São Miguel Arcanjo, São Paulo, Barra Do Una.
Back to the main travel overview: São Paulo.
