Mountains, handicraft and trails
The town might have just a few streets, but it is rich in handicraft, gastronomy and extreme sports. São Bento do Sapucaí is part of the Pedra do Baú complex, which is 2,050 meters above sea level and is one of the state’s hotspots for hang gliding, rappel and climbing.
It is also possible to get to the top of the mountain climbing up the stairs and visit the ruins of the first mountain lodge in Brazil, dating back from the 50s. Moreover it is possible to see towns in Southern Minas Gerais state and the Paraíba River valley.
In the town tourists may try cheese ice cream and find handicraft made with banana tree leaves, in places such as Arteben – Artisans’ Center, Miguel Reale Culture Center and Arte no Quilombo.
Main attractions
Matriz Church, Arteben – Artisans’ Center, Miguel Reale Culture Center, Old Mill, Arte no Quilombo, Pedra do Baú Mountain, Waterfalls and Trails.
Main events
Carnival (February/March), Arraiá do Nhô Bento (June), Winter Festival and São Paulo State Championship of Hang-Gliding, Banana Festival (November).
Services
City Hall: www.saobentodosapucai.sp.gov.br and www.saobentodosapucai.com.br
Tourist Office: (55 + 12) 3971-6110
Bus Station: (55 + 12) 3971-1110
Getting there
São Bento do Sapucaí is 182 km from São Paulo.
Car: Ayrton Senna-Carvalho Pinto System (SP-070) until Quiririm, then take SP-123 until the cloverleaf and take SP-046 until Santo Antônio do Pinhal. Cross the city and take SP-042.
Bus: There are no direct buses from São Paulo.
Pássaro Marron, phone: (55 + 11) 6221-0244, until you reach São José dos Campos. Buses depart from Terminal Rodoviário Tietê (São Paulo - SP). From São José dos Campos, take Mantiqueira bus, phone: (55 + 12) 3921-0920.
Hotels and Restaurants
Accommodation
Pousada do Quilombo - Estrada do Quilombo, 1403, Quilombo, 2 km - (55 + 12) 3971-2688 - www.pousadadoquilombo.com.br
Hospedaria Casarão - Old Manor and Cottages - Praça General Marcondes salgado, 11 - (55 + 12) 39712582 - hospedaria.casarao@hotmail.com
Canto da Lua Chalés e Apiário - Estrada do Serrano, km 1,5 - (55 + 12) 3971-2233 - cantodalua@cantodalua.com.br
Pousada Refúgio Serrano - Estrada do Serrano, 1045 - (55 + 12) 3971-1758 - reservas@refugiodoserrano.com.br
Villa da Montanha - Rua Candido José da Silva, 504 – Barra Funda - (55 + 12) 3971-1268 - villamontanha@gmail.com
Chalés Montanha - Estrada Vereador Benedito Cândido Ribeiro, 101 - (55 + 12) 3971-1536 - contato@chalesmontanha.com.br - www.chalesmontanha.com.br
Dining
Trincheira – Estrada do Quilombo, 1403, Quilombo, 2 km - (55 + 12) 3971-2688 - falecom@trincheira.com.br
Restaurante Eco Parque Pesca na Montanha - Typical Mountain Food (e.g.: Smoked Trout) - Estrada da Campista, Km8 - (55 + 11) 3815-9699 / (55 + 12) 9716-5017 - ecoparque@pescanamonuanha.com.br
Cantina do Tio Guiuseppe e Restaurante do Abé - Italian Food - Estrada do Paiol Grande km 2,5 - (55 + 12) 3971-1999/ 9706-7135 - abelmachadosbs@hotmail.com
Restaurante Pedra do Baú - Typical Food - Road to Pedra do Baú km 11 - (55 + 12) 9703-9512 - restaurantepedradobau@hotmail.com - www.restaurantepedradobau.com.br
Taipa Restaurante - Self-service per kilo - Rua Desembargador Afonso de Carvalho - (55 + 12) 3971-2772 - inaciobatista@bol.com.br
Restaurante Tempero de Minas - Typical Food from Minas Gerais state - Estrada do Paiol Grande km 5,5 – Exit to Cachoeira dos Amores - (55 + 12) 9705-4548 - elvionc@ig.com.br
