Historic farms, a national park and rural tourism
Main gateway to Serra da Bocaina National Park, São José do Barreiro was the starting point of the ancient Gold Route, a track used by drovers in the 18th century for transporting gold extracted in Minas Gerais to the Paraty harbor (Rio de Janeiro state).
In the 19th century, the same route was used to transport the coffee produced in Paraíba River Valley’s farms.
Today the route offers a great trekking tour that lasts three days, visiting farms, waterfalls and some cobblestone roads built by slaves. This quaint town also charms its visitors with its historic buildings and cobblestoned streets.
Main attractions
Formoso Rapids, Waterfalls: da Mata, da Esmeralda, Água Santa Bathhouse, Farms: São Francisco, da Barra, São Benedito and Pau d’Alho, São José Church. Funil Reservoir, Serra da Bocaina National Park, Tira Chapéu Peak (2,088 meters – trekking), Bacia Peak (2,050 meters – trekking), Crossing of the Bocaina Serra through the Gold Route, Sertão da Onça Grotto, Waterfalls: Santo Izidro, das Posses, Jacú Pintado and Veado; Caminho da Bocaina Trail (www.caminhodabocaina.com.br); Paths for Mountain Biking; Trails for Trekking; Crossing the Bocaian through Transbocaina (off road, motocross and mountain biking).
Main events
Festa de Reis (January), Carnival (February), City Anniversary (March), Mountain Bike Meeting (April), Rough Race Formoso to São José do Barreiro (May), Gourmet Festival (Corpus Christi Holiday), July Festival, Saint Joseph Feast (Patron), Half Marathon of Saint Joseph and Saint Anne Feast (All in July), Handicraft Fair, Mountain Bike Meeting (August), Independence Trail and Saint Anne Feast at Máximo District, Horseback Ride for Our Lady of Aparecida and Free Flight Championship (October), Spring Festival (November), Christmas Lights, Year’s End Half Marathon, New Year’s Even at the Square (December).
Services
City Hall: www.saojosedobarreiro.sp.gov.br
Tourist Office: (55 + 12) 3117-1325
Getting there
São José do Barreiro is 273 km from São Paulo.
Car: Ayrton Senna-Carvalho Pinto System (SP-070) to its end. Then take Via Dutra (BR-116) to Queluz. Turn right on Rodovia dos Tropeiros (SP-068)
Bus: Viação Pássaro Marron - Phone: 0800 2853 047
Buses depart from Terminal Rodoviário Tietê (São Paulo - SP).
Hotels and Restaurants
Accommodation
Fazenda São Francisco - www.fazendasaofrancisco.com.br - fazendasaofrancisco@fazendasaofrancisco.com.br - (55 + 21) 22869763 / (55 + 21) 99717223 / (55 + 12) 31171264
Pousada Fazenda da Barra - Pousada Fazenda da Barra - Serra do Formoso - www.fazendadabarra.com.br - (55 + 12) 3117-1166 | (55 + 24) 9823-1154 | (55 + 24) 3321-2650
Pousada Fazenda Lagoa da Saudade - www.fazendalagoadasaudade.wordpress.com - (55 + 12) 97463190 - lagoadasaudade@bol.com.br
Pousada Recanto da Floresta - Estrada Francisca Mendes Ribeiro km 24,5 - Serra da Bocaina - www.pousadarecantodafloresta.com.br - (55 + 12) 9726-79 76 | 9728-1174
Hotel Fazenda Clube dos 200 - Rodovia dos Tropeiros, Km 277 – Formoso, Serra da Bocaina - www.clubedos200.com - www.clubdos200.blogspot.com - (55 + 12) 3117-2338 | (55 + 21) 9327-8149
Pousada Encanto da Bocaina - Estrada Francisca Mendes Ribeiro, km 7,5 (Estrada da Bocaina). - (55 + 12) 3117-1115 or (55 + 12) 9707-1180 - contato@encantodabocaina.com.br - www.encantodabocaina.com.br
Dining
Restaurante Rancho - Praça Cel. Cunha Lara, Centro
Restaurante Colher de Pau - Rua Cap. Antonio Gomes, Centro
Restaurante Bistrô - Rua 13 de Maio – Biquinha
Restaurante Rural Recanto da Floresta - Estrada Francisca Mendes Ribeiro km 24,5 – Serra da Bocaina
Restaurante Serra Azul - Av. Fortunato Lobão, close to the Gate
Restaurante Clube dos 200 - Rodovia dos Tropeiros, Km 277 – Formoso, Serra da Bocaina
