Itaberá can be explored through two distinctive themes: the history of the tropeiros and the municipality’s waterfalls. The traditional Itararé–Sorocaba Tropeada passes through Itaberá. Historic road routes tell the story of the paths along which cattle and mules were driven from southern grazing lands toward Sorocaba.
The Tropeada and Dates
The traditional Itararé–Sorocaba Tropeada is a concrete point of reference for the history of the tropeiros. The Tropeada Paulista from Itararé to Sorocaba also provides a date to keep in mind: it takes place annually in the second half of May in the southwest of the state of São Paulo. In the municipality of Itaberá, Dia do Tropeiro is observed every year on May 22. A municipal law dated July 16, 2026, establishes the commemorative day. This makes it possible to place the route’s history, the regional event date, and the municipal commemorative day in context. If you plan to time your trip around the Tropeada Paulista, check the event calendar in advance.
Historic Routes
The old Estrada da Mata ran through the southern part of the municipality of Itaberá, in the area of what is now the district of Engenheiro Maia. The Barão de Antonina, João da Silva Machado, built and maintained the road. It was the only safe connection between southern Brazil and the Feira de Muares de Sorocaba, the mule market in Sorocaba. Tropeiros drove cattle and mules from the southern grazing lands along it. The route therefore tells the story not only of a road, but also of its role in the cattle and mule trade.
The Trilha da Estrada Velha represents a different route. It follows an earlier road that ran through the Estação Ecológica Itaberá; this road is no longer in use. The trail is listed as a hiking trail at the Estação Ecológica de Itaberá. Unlike the Estrada da Mata, which was linked to the Feira de Muares, this route centers on the former road through the ecological station area.
Waterfalls and Their Locations
The waterfalls also have different geographical associations. Cascata Toriba is considered a tourist attraction in the region of the Toriba do Sul district in the municipality of Itaberá. Cascata dos Netos is near Bairro Tomé, also known as Bairro dos Netos. Cascata Agrovila III is associated with the Rio Pirituba. The district, neighborhood, and river provide different points of reference for distinguishing the names.
Cachoeira do Saltinho and Cachoeira do Salto have similar names. Cachoeira do Saltinho is located in Bairro do Salto; Cachoeira do Salto is one of the attractions in the municipality of Itaberá. So when exploring the waterfalls, it is worth checking the full name: Saltinho and Salto refer to different destinations here.
Discover more destinations: Itupeva, Cubatão, Cruzália, Registro, Diadema, Santa Bárbara Do Rio Pardo, Avanhandava, Talhado.
For the main travel overview: São Paulo.
