Free visit option: July 22, in the afternoon.
The São Carlos Ecological Park covers an area of more than 70 hectares, with at least 80 enclosures and around 500 animals from over 90 species (many of them endangered).
Founded in 1976, the São Carlos Zoo receives more than 120,000 visitors per year and features some of the largest Cerrado enclosures for wild animals in Brazil.
It is a national reference in biodiversity conservation, education, leisure, and captive breeding, specializing in South American fauna, especially endangered Brazilian species.
Among other achievements, it has successfully bred the golden lion tamarin, black lion tamarin, Brazilian tapir, giant anteater, and spectacled bear.
The site is perfect for a family outing, with grandchildren, or as a couple—observing the animals, having a picnic on the lawn, or using the tables near the children’s playground.
You could easily spend the whole day at the park, so be prepared to walk a lot and check the details below, including what is not allowed.
For more details and to view photos of the animals and the park, please visit the website: https://praturista.com/zoologico-de-sao-carlos-sp/
Presentation
Fazenda do Pinhal, located in São Carlos, São Paulo, was an important coffee plantation owned by the family of the Count and Countess of Pinhal. The property still preserves buildings from the coffee era and hosts exhibitions about the people who lived and worked there.
It was officially recognized as cultural heritage at the state level (Condephaat, 1981), federal level (Iphan, 1987), and municipal level (Comdephaasc, 2012), becoming an important reference in the preservation of São Paulo’s countryside history.
The tour has 40 to 45 spots available.
History
Located on lands of the former Sesmaria do Pinhal, effective occupation began in the late 18th century with Carlos José Botelho (“Botelhão”), who initiated agricultural activities and, in the 1840s, introduced coffee cultivation. He also built the main house.
From the 1850s onward, coffee expanded throughout the interior of São Paulo under the management of Antonio Carlos de Arruda Botelho (ACAB), the future Count of Pinhal. He was first married to Francisca Theodora Coelho and later to Anna Carolina de Oliveira, with whom he had twelve children. Anna Carolina played a central role in managing the plantation, the household, and the enslaved labor force.
ACAB was one of the founders of São Carlos, donating land for the construction of a chapel and contributing to the designation of Saint Charles Borromeo as the town’s patron saint. During the coffee boom in the late 19th century, the plantation relied on enslaved labor and, after abolition, on European immigrants—especially Italians—many recruited through the Immigrants’ Hostel. Research has identified around 120 enslaved families connected to the Count, as well as dozens of foreign workers.
Coffee wealth enabled investments in railways (Companhia da Estrada de Ferro do Rio Claro), banks, export businesses in Santos, and additional rural properties. ACAB also held significant political offices and received noble titles (baron, viscount, and count of Pinhal). He died in 1901, when the plantation had 300,000 coffee trees and housing for about seventy settler families.
In the 20th century, production gradually shifted toward cattle raising. After Anna Carolina’s death in 1945, the property was divided among heirs and later reunified in the late 1970s by Helena Botelho Vieitas and Modesto Carvalhosa, who initiated the heritage listing process, restoration efforts, guided tours, and a guesthouse.
In 2009, Fernão Bracher acquired the plantation, created a Study Center, and oversaw a major restoration between 2012 and 2015. More recently, a Heritage Management Master Plan broadened the historical perspective to include diverse social groups connected to the property’s past.
In August 2025, the children of Fernão Bracher donated Fazenda do Pinhal to Instituto Acaia. For more information about Fazenda do Pinhal, please visit: https://fazendadopinhal.com.br/
Fazenda do Pinhal is one of the most important historical heritage sites in the countryside of São Paulo. Established in the late 18th century and consolidated in the 19th century with the expansion of coffee cultivation, it still preserves its original architectural complex
The chapel is part of the historic core of the property. Beyond its architectural value, it holds strong religious and symbolic significance for the Arruda Botelho family and for the foundation of the city of São Carlos.
The spatial organization of the farm reflects the typical structure of large 19th-century coffee plantations. The palm-lined avenues and landscaped gardens enhance the monumental character of the estate.
The preserved collection includes furniture, documents, and original family pieces. Porcelain, utensils, and domestic objects help illustrate the daily life of São Paulo’s coffeegrowing elite.
The interior halls maintain original construction features, such as wooden floors and exposed roof structures. These spaces reveal aspects of the lifestyle and social organization during the coffee era.
ACTIVITY SCHEDULE:
Meeting Point: 01:30 PM at USP
WhatsApp number of Thiago (guide): +55 16 99182 0896.
Departure: 01:45 PM
Itinerary:
Analandia, SP
Trail to Camelos and Cuscuzeiro Hill: A 1.5 km walk through scenic trails.
Free Time: Optional zipline ride or a ride on the jardineira truck (additional cost).
City tour in Analândia with a stop for shopping for homemade products.
Return: Approximately 7:00 PM back to the meeting point.
Price per person: Included Services: Transportation English-speaking guide Trail to Camelos and Cuscuzeiro Hill City tour in Analandia Recommendations: Bring cash and a credit card for shopping purchases and food expenses. Don't forget to bring sunscreen and insect repellent. For any questions, contact: Thiago Rampone Email: thiago@uirapuru.tur.br WhatsApp: +55 16 99182 0896 Note: The tour requires a minimum of 18 participants to take place. Photos of visiting places:
Included Services:
Recommendations:
For any questions, contact:
Note: The tour requires a minimum of 18 participants to take place.
Photos of visiting places:
Meeting Point: 01:30 PM at USP.
Itaqueri, SP
Saltao Waterfall: Visit the stunning 80-meter-high waterfall, accessed by 411 steps.
Fogao Hill: Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Itaqueri mountain range, perfect for photos and savoring a Brazilian caipirinha.
Price per person: $100 USD
Meeting Point: 07:45 AM at Uirapuru Turismo – Rua 9 de Julho 2072, Centro (near USP).
Brotas, SP
Departure: 08:00 AM;
Arriving in Brotas 09:30 AM;
Briefing and start of the rafting 10:00 AM;
Lunch about 13:30 / 14:00 hs;
FREE afternoon for day use on Jacare river, slackline, mountain view and beach soccer.
To make the rafiting:
Return: Approximately 5:00 PM back to the meeting point.
Price per person: $145 USD
Day 1: Icons & Sunset
Day 2: Sugarloaf & Culture
Day 3: Downtown & History
Day 1: Brazilian Falls + Birds
Day 2: Engineering & Three Borders
Day 3: Argentina & Shopping
Day 1: Arrival & Underground Wonders
Day 2: Crystal Clear Floating & Adventure
Day 3: Waterfalls & Departure
Note: Book tours in advance as they have limited spots.
Day 1: Arrival & Icon Waterfalls
Day 2: Adventure & Canyons
Day 3: Scenic Views & Departure
Suggested Pre-Conference Tours – Come Discover the Wonders of Brazil!
Before the conference begins, we invite you to explore some of Brazil’s most breathtaking destinations. From crystal-clear rivers and majestic waterfalls to iconic landmarks and stunning natural parks, Brazil offers unforgettable experiences for every traveler. Whether you enjoy adventure, nature, or culture, these incredible places are perfect additions to your trip.
Come early and discover the wonders of Brazil!
For more information or to book your tours, please contact Thiago Rampone: Email: thiago@uirapuru.tur.br WhatsApp: +55 16 99182-0896