Things To Do
in Itu
Itu is a historic municipality in the state of São Paulo known for its well-preserved colonial center and playful oversized monuments that celebrate the town’s reputation for “exaggeration.” The city blends countryside charm with easy access to São Paulo’s metropolitan region, offering museums, churches and lively public squares. Itu sits near the Tietê River and serves as a gateway to nearby nature areas and weekend farms (fazendas) where visitors can relax and enjoy rural activities.
The pace is relaxed, making it a popular short-break destination for day-trippers and travelers exploring inland São Paulo state.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by wandering through the charming streets of Itu's Historic Center, where colonial architecture tells the story of Brazil's past. Visit the iconic Praça dos Exageros, known for its oversized statues, which provide a whimsical backdrop for photos. Stop by a local café for a traditional Brazilian breakfast of pão de queijo and freshly brewed coffee.
After lunch, make your way to the Museu da História e da Cultura de Itu to delve deeper into the city's rich history and culture. Spend some time exploring the nearby Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Candelária, an impressive church with stunning baroque architecture. As you stroll through the center, don’t miss the vibrant artisan shops where you can find unique local crafts.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant known for its traditional Itu cuisine, featuring delicious dishes like feijoada. After your meal, take a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, soaking in the ambiance of the city at night. Cap off your evening with a visit to a local bar for a taste of Brazil's famous caipirinha cocktail.
Begin your day with a scenic drive to Parque do Varvito, where the unique geological formations will leave you in awe. Enjoy a morning hike along the park's well-maintained trails, surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of nature. Don’t forget your camera, as there are plenty of stunning viewpoints to capture the breathtaking landscapes.
After a refreshing picnic lunch in the park, continue exploring the trails or try your hand at birdwatching, as the park is home to a variety of local bird species. Consider joining a guided tour to learn more about the geological history of the area and its significance. Spend some time relaxing by the small waterfalls, allowing the soothing sounds of water to rejuvenate you.
Return to Itu for a cozy dinner at a restaurant that offers a farm-to-table dining experience, showcasing local ingredients. After dinner, take a stroll through the local night market if it’s open, where you can find handmade crafts and local delicacies. Enjoy a sweet treat from a dessert stall before heading back to your accommodation.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee / snack at a café | $1.50-4 |
| 🚌Local bus fare / short taxi | $0.60-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-90 |
| 🥩Meal at churrascaria / mid-range restaurant | $15-35 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming historic center with unique oversized monuments and good photo opportunities
- Close to São Paulo state’s nature areas and rural experiences (fazendas)
- Relaxed pace ideal for short getaways or family visits
- Limited late-night entertainment compared with larger cities
- Some attractions and services may close early, especially on weekdays
- Fewer specialized dining or vegan/gluten-free options than in big urban centers
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you (male / female speaker)
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica a praça / o mercado?" - Where is the square / the market?
- "Você aceita cartão?" - Do you accept card?
Places to Visit in Itu
Visit one of these nice places.
Itu’s famous giant objects—like an enormous chair, telephone and other playful sculptures—are iconic, colorful and perfect for whimsical wide-angle shots.
Colonial architecture, the main cathedral, and cobbled streets create classic heritage compositions best in the soft morning or late afternoon light.
Riverside scenes, small bridges and local greenery offer tranquil nature and reflection shots, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Vibrant market stalls, bakeries and street vendors provide candid opportunities to capture daily life and food photography.
Food in Itu
Itu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional São Paulo interior dish with rice, beans mashed with cassava flour, pork or sausage, collard greens and often a fried egg — commonly found in local family restaurants and lunch spots.
Must-Try!
Hearty black bean stew with pork cuts, frequently served on weekends in many restaurants and a good way to sample regional flavors.
Brazilian barbecue is widely available — choose a local churrascaria for grilled meats and sides; many places in Itu serve generous portions and a salad bar.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small municipal markets and street stalls offer fresh fruit, baked goods, coxinha, pastel and regional sweets — ideal for quick bites and people-watching.
Look for pastel, empada and tapioca at stalls and small kiosks around plazas, especially near weekend fairs and events.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm handshake or two-cheek kiss (among acquaintances) is common; always greet shopkeepers and hosts politely with 'bom dia' (good morning) or 'boa tarde' (good afternoon).
Dress modestly inside churches and be respectful while photographing — observant locals appreciate quiet behavior in religious spaces.
Brazilians are generally social and touch-oriented; friendly conversation and light physical contact are normal, but follow cues and avoid overly personal topics on first meeting.
Safety
Tipping in Itu
Ensure a smooth experience
A 10% service charge is often added in restaurants; if it isn't, tipping 5–10% is appreciated. For street food, markets and casual cafes tipping is not expected but rounding up is common. Tip hotel porters and taxi drivers for good service.
Cash (Brazilian reais) is widely accepted for small purchases and markets. Credit and debit cards are accepted at many restaurants and shops; contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common. Keep some cash for small vendors and transport.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers; dress light, carry sun protection and a rain layer. Mornings are best for outdoor exploration to avoid the afternoon heat.
Pleasant temperatures and lower humidity make autumn an excellent time for sightseeing and outdoor activities; colors are mild but comfortable for walking.
Mild days and cooler nights are typical (not extreme); bring a light jacket for evenings and expect generally dry weather — a comfortable season for cultural visits.
Warming temps and occasional rain showers; flora around parks and nearby countryside becomes greener, ideal for outdoor excursions and farm visits.
Itu at Night
Hiking in Itu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A protected area near Jundiaí (roughly 40–60 km depending on route) offering well-maintained trails, waterfalls and biodiversity — a top choice for hikers and birdwatchers in the region.
Within a short drive, municipal and state parks near Sorocaba provide short trails and nature walks suitable for families and casual hikers.
Many nearby farms offer gentle trails for walking or horseback riding, ideal for scenic countryside hikes and wildlife spotting.
Airports
How to reach Itu by plane.
Major international airport serving São Paulo region, roughly 75–100 km from Itu depending on route; reachable by car or shuttle and then a road transfer to Itu.
Domestic airport closer to central São Paulo, about 60–80 km from Itu by road; convenient for domestic connections and a shorter transfer than GRU in some traffic conditions.
International and domestic airport near Campinas, approximately 60–80 km from Itu; often a good option for regional connections and sometimes less congested than São Paulo airports.
A small local airfield for general aviation and private flights; useful for chartered or private arrivals but with limited commercial service.
Regional airport near Sorocaba, the nearest larger town to Itu for short flights and air-taxi services — useful for private aviation and regional connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of long-established families rooted in agriculture and commerce, plus younger commuters who travel to nearby cities for work.
Like much of São Paulo state, communities include descendants of Portuguese, Italian and Spanish immigrants, reflected in local culture and cuisine.
Surrounding countryside supports agricultural workers and smallholders, contributing to the region’s rural character and seasonal markets.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport across Brazil, widely played and watched in Itu — local amateur clubs and youth teams are common, and matches draw community interest.
Indoor team sports popular in schools and community centers, with regular local competitions and recreational play.
Horseback riding and events at nearby fazendas are popular recreational activities and part of rural culture in the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Itu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are more limited outside major cities — ask for salads, rice-and-bean preparations, or vegetable stews; many bakeries and cafes have good vegetarian snacks.
Vegan-specific choices can be scarcer; rely on fruit, salads, tapioca, and communicate clearly in Portuguese (or use a translation app) to avoid dairy and eggs.
Gluten-free options are increasing in Brazil but are not guaranteed in all eateries; inform servers about restrictions and prefer simple dishes (grilled meats, rice, beans, salads) if you need to avoid cross-contact.