Well-conserved fauna and flora, historic monuments and faith
Roughly 70% of Iguape’s territory is covered by the Atlantic Forest. The town is known as the Princess of the Coast and is home to a forest reserve, which Chauás Ecologic Station and Jureia-Itatins Ecologic Station.
Surrounded by rivers and mangroves, this Atlantic Forest reserve is home to jaguars, toucans and bromeliads and has controlled access, limited to a few spots of the reserve.
The heritage of the gold rush and of the rice cycle can be seen in the facades of the listed row houses and manors, which will soon be listed as Brazil Heritage Sites. One of these sites is the Bom Jesus de Iguape basilica, built between 1787 and 1856.
Main attractions
Cristo Belvedere, Christ the Redeemer, Wild Trail Morro da Espia, Senhor Fountain, Bom Jesus de Iguape Basilica, Sacred Art Museum, São Benedito Square and Church, Historical and Archeological Museum, Historic Center, Bacharel Hill (Icapara Lighthouse), Icapara (Fishermen’s Community), Barra do Ribeira – Jureia Beach, Boat rides and Fishing.
Main events
Summer Festival (January/February), Carnival (February/March), Holy Week – Staging of the Way of the Cross (April), Revealing São Paulo – Ribeira Valley (June), Iguape Junino (June), Winter Festival (July), Feast in Honor of Bom Jesus de Iguape (July/August), Bazaars and Processions (all year round), City Anniversary (December).
Services
City Hall: www.iguape.sp.gov.br
Tourist Office: (55 + 13) 3841 3012
Citur – Tourist Information Center: (55 + 13) 3841-1016
Bus Station: (55 + 13) 3841-1209 (Intersul); São João (Sorocaba) and Princesa dos Campos (Curitiba), both through (55 + 13) 3841-2334.
Ferry at Barra do Ribeira – Dersa – (55 + 13) 3358-2741 (crossing every thirty minutes)
Getting there
Iguape is 210 km from São Paulo.
Car: Rodovia Régis Bittencourt (BR-116). After Miracatu, take SP-222.
Bus: Intersul - www.intersul-transporte.com.br - Phone: (55 + 11) 3392-7566
Buses depart from Terminal Rodoviário Barra Funda (São Paulo - SP).
Hotels and Restaurants
Accommodation
Pousada Recanto das Aves (by the river) - Estrada do Icapara, km 3,5 – 4.5 km off the town - (55 + 13) 9711-7812 - www.pousadarecantodasaves.com.br
Solar Colonial Pousada - Praça da Basílica, 30 – Historic center - (55 + 13) 3841-1591
Pousada Casa Grande - Rua Major Rebello, 768 – Centro - (55 + 13) 3841-1920
Silvi Hotel e Restaurante - Rua Ana Cândida Sandoval Trigo, 515 – Centro - (55 + 13) 3841-1421
Pousada e Pescaria Sol Nascente - Av. Nossa Senhora do Rocio, 62 – Rocio - (55 + 13) 3841- 2127
Fishing Hotel – Pousada Icapara (by the river) - Rua Porto do Elói, 91 – Icapara –10 km off the town - (55 + 13) 3848-1372 - www.pousadaicapara.com.br
Hotel Dalú - Av. Papa João XXIII, 550 – Barrado do Ribeira – Jureia - (55 + 13) 3849-1122 - www.hoteldalu.com.br
Portal da Juréia Pousada - Av. Papa João XXIII, 537 – Barra do Ribeira, Jureia (55 + 13) 3849-1521 and (55 + 11) 2264-1984 - www.portaldajureiapousada.com.br
Dining
Panela Velha - Rua XV de Novembro, 190 – Centro - (55 + 13) 3841-1869
Farolito Café-Bistrô - Avenida Princesa Isabel, 767 – Centro - (55 + 13) 3841-4019
Itacurumins - Rua Porto do Rosário, s/n – Centro - (55 + 13) 3841-1536
Restaurante Praia Mar - Av. Papa João XXIII, 23 – Barra do Ribeira – Jureia - (55 + 13) 3849-1613
Big Bem (buffet per kilo), Largo da Basílica, 170 – Centro - (55 + 13) 3841-5469
Parada Obrigatória - Avenida Adhemar de Barros
