A Forest in the City at Estadual do Jaragua

Estadual do Jaragua, also known to English speakers as Jaragua State Park, is a well-known sight on post cards and photos of Sao Paulo – especially because it’s located right in the urban area of the city! The Atlantic Forest slowly encroaches on the urban landscape, creating a blend of two worlds that symbolizes the harmonious way of living that Brazilians have adapted to in this unique environment. The park is also known for being the highest point in the metropolitan area, with trails that lead you to a peak that’s over 1,100 meters above sea level!

The Estadual do Jaragua was originally created in 1961 around the peak of Jaragua, and if you travel the trails to the very top, you can look down upon the city – it is a simply incredible view, and is a popular place for tourists and locals to sit peacefully and relax, watching the busy world below as it bustles by… not to mention that it’s a perfect setting for a major event, such as an engagement proposal!

At the peak of Estadual do Jaragua, the Sao Paulo view inspired builders to create playgrounds and an amphitheatre in the surrounding space, and during the day, it is not unusual for locals to hold small craft fairs and sit around in the tiny cafes, discussing the day’s events in relaxed tones. Each weekend, natives who live here organize their own little craft tables up at the peak. There are plenty of patios and picnic tables, not to mention shaded areas and a cafeteria, where visitors can sit and enjoy a meal together, perhaps before heading off to experience one of the park’s gorgeous nature trails!

The benefit of visiting this park is its proximity to the city, so that even business travelers who wish to admire the flora and fauna of Brazil, while in the area on a business trip, can take a few hours to come here and relax. Since the Forestry Institute is responsible for keeping this park in order as well, visitors can rest assured that it will be well cared for!

Something that visitors might find unusual at first, but which locals are entirely used to, is the presence of antenna towers at the peak. Due to its altitude, Estadual do Jaragua was chosen to house multiple television antennae, which has simply become a point of reference for people living in the city – it also makes a striking postcard image!

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