Things To Do
in Barretos
Barretos is a mid-sized city in the northwest of São Paulo state best known for the Festa do Peão de Barretos, Brazil’s largest rodeo and one of the country’s biggest popular festivals. The town blends strong cowboy and cattle-ranching traditions with modern medical and cultural institutions, including the internationally recognized Hospital de Amor (cancer hospital). Visitors find a lively downtown with wide avenues, a historic cathedral, and easy access to rural landscapes, ranches and small reservoirs.
Barretos is a practical base for experiencing interior paulista culture, regional cuisine and outdoor activities year-round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the charming Praça da Matriz, where you can admire the stunning architecture of the Barretos Cathedral. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Brazilian pastries and coffee. As you stroll through the historic streets, take time to appreciate the local art and the vibrant atmosphere.
In the afternoon, indulge in a guided tour of the Museu do Folclore, where you will learn about the rich cultural heritage of Barretos through fascinating exhibits. Afterward, visit the local artisan shops to pick up unique souvenirs and handcrafted goods. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, savoring regional dishes that highlight the flavors of the countryside.
As evening falls, head to a local churrascaria for a traditional Brazilian barbecue experience, where you can sample a variety of meats cooked over open flames. After dinner, stroll through the lively neighborhood, soaking in the nightlife and perhaps enjoying some live music at a nearby venue. End your day with a sweet treat at a local gelateria, indulging in delicious flavors that reflect the local culture.
Kick off your day by attending the famous Barretos Rodeo, one of the largest in Brazil, where you can witness exciting bull riding and traditional cowboy skills. Arrive early to get the best seats and enjoy the festive atmosphere filled with local music and food stalls. Take in the sights and sounds, mingling with locals who share their passion for this annual event.
Continue your rodeo experience by exploring the various exhibitions and cultural displays showcasing traditional Brazilian cowboy life, including clothing, tools, and horse equipment. Enjoy a hearty lunch at one of the food stalls, sampling local dishes such as pamonha and curau that are favorites during the festival. Engage with friendly locals and fellow visitors as you share stories and experiences, deepening your understanding of this vibrant tradition.
As the sun sets, stay for the evening festivities, where the excitement ramps up with musical performances and more rodeo events. Dance to the rhythms of sertanejo music, a popular genre in Brazil, while enjoying the festive atmosphere around you. Conclude the night with a spectacular fireworks display, illuminating the sky above the rodeo grounds.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry at a padaria | $1.50-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $3-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $40-80 |
| 🚌Local bus ticket | $0.50-1.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unique cultural experience with Brazil’s largest rodeo festival
- Strong regional cuisine and churrascaria tradition
- Good access to rural attractions and ranch experiences
- Notable healthcare facilities (Hospital de Amor) and practical services
- Limited nightlife and cultural amenities outside festival season
- Fewer public-transport options than larger cities; a car is useful
- Heat and humidity in summer can be uncomfortable for some visitors
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you (male speaker / female speaker)
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica a estação/ônibus?" - Where is the station/bus?
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Com licença" - Excuse me
Places to Visit in Barretos
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic rodeo grounds—great for dramatic shots of riders, crowd scenes and colorful festival lighting during the Festa do Peão.
Historic cathedral in the city center with photogenic façades and stained glass—best in morning or late-afternoon light.
Well-maintained gardens and architectural details make for peaceful, contemplative photos—be respectful and discreet around patients and staff.
Wide streets, cafés and everyday urban life offer candid street photography opportunities, especially during markets and local events.
Sunrise and sunset over pastures, cattle and traditional ranch buildings provide classic interior paulista landscape photography.
Food in Barretos
Barretos Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try in Barretos: grilled cuts of beef and pork at churrascarias or during rodeo events; opt for picanha (top sirloin cap) and local side dishes like farofa and vinagrete.
Must-Try!
A hearty São Paulo countryside plate of rice, beans, greens, manioc flour (farofa) and a fried egg—often served in local diners and family restaurants.
Regional sweets and baked goods sold at markets and bakeries—ideal for breakfast or as souvenirs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small markets and bakeries downtown sell fresh bread, cakes, sweets and coffee — great for a morning snack. Street stalls around event venues sell pastel, coxinha and churrasquinho during festivals.
During the rodeo festival, temporary food alleys offer grilled meats, regional cheese snacks, fried snacks and cold drinks—perfect for sampling many flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Brazilians are generally warm and informal—handshakes and brief hugs are common among acquaintances. Use polite greetings such as 'bom dia' (good morning) or 'boa tarde' (good afternoon).
Dress is casual in town, but slightly smarter for nicer restaurants. When visiting religious sites or hospitals, dress conservatively and act respectfully.
During the Festa do Peão, expect loud music, crowds and boisterous behavior; respect performers, security rules and private property around event grounds.
Safety
Tipping in Barretos
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is commonly added—check the bill; if service is good and no charge is added, leaving 10% is customary. Tip hotel porters and taxi drivers modestly; for guides and drivers consider slightly higher amounts for excellent service.
Cards are accepted at most restaurants, hotels and larger shops, but smaller vendors and markets may prefer cash (Brazilian real). Have some cash for markets, street food and small purchases; ATMs are available in town. Notify your bank about travel to avoid card blocks.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers or thunderstorms; festival season often peaks in this period. Bring light clothing, sun protection and a light rain jacket; plan outdoor activities for morning or late afternoon.
Milder temperatures and less rain — pleasant for exploring the city and countryside. Evenings start to cool down; a light jacket may be useful.
Drier and cooler, with cooler nights that can be chilly indoors without heating. Daytime is usually comfortable for outdoor activities; bring a warm layer for evenings.
Warming temperatures and blooming vegetation; occasional rain but mostly pleasant—good time for photography and outdoor excursions.
Barretos at Night
Hiking in Barretos
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Small trails and shaded riverbanks near the city offer gentle walks and birdwatching; ideal for morning outings and photography.
Guided hikes on private ranch trails showcase native vegetation, pastureland and rural scenery—best arranged through a local fazenda or tour operator.
Trails around nearby reservoirs provide easy hikes, picnic spots and waterside views; check access rules and water conditions before visiting.
Airports
How to reach Barretos by plane.
A small local airport serving private and general aviation; limited commercial service — mainly useful for charters.
Nearest regional airport with more frequent domestic flights and ground connections to Barretos by bus or car.
Another regional airport offering domestic connections; accessible by road from Barretos and useful for travelers preferring regional flight options.
Major international gateway to Brazil; reachable by bus, car or combination of regional flights if coming from abroad — expect a longer transfer to Barretos.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
People living in the city center working in services, commerce and small industry.
Residents of surrounding fazendas and small towns involved in cattle ranching, agriculture and agribusiness.
Staff and professionals associated with the Hospital de Amor and supporting services form an important local community.
During major events the population swells with national visitors, performers and temporary staff, adding a diverse, transient demographic.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rodeo-related sports and competitions are central to local culture and draw national attention during festival season.
Like much of Brazil, football is widely played and followed locally, with neighborhood teams and school leagues.
Horse riding, competitions and equestrian events are common in ranch and club settings around the city.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Barretos.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited compared with meat dishes; look for salads, rice-and-bean plates, omelets and vegetable stews at family restaurants and bakeries. Ask for vegetarian versions of daily plates and check for hidden meat broths.
Vegan choices can be challenging in a beef-forward culture—bring snacks, use markets for fresh fruit and bread, and ask restaurants to prepare vegetable sides without butter or cheese.
Gluten-free awareness is growing but not universal. Request naturally gluten-free items like rice, beans, grilled meats, salads and tapioca-based pancakes (be cautious about cross-contamination).