Experience the best of Brotas

Brotas lies in the interior of São Paulo state, in a landscape of low sandstone hills, farmland and forest, a few hours' drive from the state capital. The town is small and quiet, with a main square and a church, and it is best known for the countryside around it, where rivers run through gorges and drop over waterfalls.

The Jacaré-Pepira River, which flows through the area, is used for rafting and canoeing, and trails lead to waterfalls with pools for swimming and to viewpoints along the sandstone cliffs. Fields of sugar cane and groves of oranges fill the plains below, and small farms offer stays and horse riding.

Farm-style cooking is the rule around Brotas, with rice and beans, grilled meats, cassava, fresh fruit juices and strong coffee served in farmhouse dining rooms. Afternoon storms in the warm, wet months swell the waterfalls.