Things To Do
in Ourinhos

Ourinhos is a friendly inland city in São Paulo state known for its calm streets and agricultural heritage. It sits in a region with a strong sense of community and easy access to the countryside. The city blends residential neighborhoods with a growing small-town vibe and cultural events throughout the year.

Visitors will find approachable dining, parks, and a relaxed pace that suits a multi-day visit.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café, where you can try delicious Brazilian pastries. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the historic center, admiring colonial architecture and vibrant street art. Don't forget to visit the Nossa Senhora da Conceição Cathedral, a stunning landmark that reflects the city's rich history.

afternoon
:

For lunch, indulge in traditional Brazilian cuisine at a nearby restaurant, sampling dishes like feijoada or moqueca. Post-lunch, explore the local artisan shops and markets, where you can find unique handcrafted souvenirs. Engage with friendly locals and learn about the cultural heritage of Ourinhos, deepening your understanding of this vibrant community.

evening
:

As evening approaches, enjoy a sunset walk along the beautiful banks of the Paranapanema River. Choose a cozy restaurant for dinner, where you can savor grilled meats and fresh fish, paired with regional wines. Wrap up your day by experiencing the lively atmosphere at a local bar, where you can listen to live music and mingle with the residents.

day 2
Nature Escape at Parque do Povo
morning
:

Start your day with a refreshing hike in Parque do Povo, a lush green space that offers scenic trails and abundant wildlife. Enjoy the sounds of nature and the fresh air as you walk along the well-maintained paths. Take a moment to appreciate the stunning views and perhaps spot some local bird species.

afternoon
:

After your hike, settle down for a picnic lunch in one of the park's beautiful areas, surrounded by nature. Spend your afternoon relaxing by the picturesque lake, where you can rent a paddleboat or simply enjoy the tranquility. If you're feeling adventurous, consider trying your hand at fishing in the park's well-stocked waters.

evening
:

As the sun sets, return to the park for an outdoor yoga session, allowing you to unwind and reflect on the day's adventures. Afterward, head to a nearby food truck or local eatery for a casual dinner, sampling street food favorites like pastéis or coxinhas. End your evening with a stargazing session, taking in the clear skies away from the city lights.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant$25-50
🏨Mid-range hotel (one night)$40-100
🚌Local transportation (one-way)$0.80-1.50
💻Monthly mobile data plan$10-25

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Friendly locals and a relaxed pace of life
  • Good value for money and central travel base for the region
  • Limited nightlife compared with larger cities
  • Fewer international flight options nearby
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica o hospital?" - Where is the hospital?

Places to Visit in Ourinhos

Visit one of these nice places.

Praça Rui Barbosa (Centro Histórico)

A lively central square framed by historic buildings, ideal for street photography and golden-hour portraits.

Parque Municipal

A green oasis with lakes, bridges, and shaded paths perfect for nature photography.

Lago Municipal

A tranquil lakeside area with reflections at sunrise and sunset.

Rua do Centro Antigo

Cobblestone street and colonial facades offering moody urban shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Ourinhos

Ourinhos offers a mix of classic Brazilian dishes, hearty grills, and simple market snacks; expect flavorful, affordable options at casual eateries and mercados.

Ourinhos Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Feijoada

A traditional black bean stew with pork, commonly found in Brazilian eateries and shaded by a day of exploring the city.

Must-Try!

Picanha na brasa

Grilled top sirloin steak served with sides like rice, beans, and farofa.

Pão de queijo and coffee

A classic Brazilian snack pairing of cheesy bread with hot coffee, perfect for mornings or quick breaks.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Ourinhos

Central market offering fresh produce, regional snacks, and prepared foods.

Street markets and feiras

Weekly stalls feature pastel, coxinha, fruit cups, and local treats.

Climate Guide

Weather

Ourinhos experiences a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Rain is more frequent in warmer months, and humidity tends to be high throughout the year.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A friendly handshake and a warm hello are typical; formal titles (Senhor/Senhora) are used with elders or in business settings.

Conversation

Politeness and small talk are valued; avoid discussing sensitive topics in early meetings.

Safety Guide

Safety

Petty crime can occur in crowded areas; keep valuables secure and avoid flashing electronics. Use licensed taxis or rideshare, especially at night. In emergencies call 190 (police), 192 (medical).

Tipping in Ourinhos

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping in Brazil is appreciated but not required; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common; some restaurants include a service charge on the bill.

Payment Methods

Cash, major credit/debit cards, and PIX are widely accepted; check if a small vendor accepts card before ordering.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid days with frequent storms; carry water, sunscreen, and light clothing.

Autumn

Milder temperatures and lower humidity; great for outdoor walks and city photography.

Winter

Cooler mornings and evenings; daytime temperatures average 12-22 C (54-72 F) with sunny spells possible.

Spring

Pleasant temperatures with scattered showers; parks come alive with blooming plants.

Nightlife Guide

Ourinhos at Night

The nightlife in Ourinhos centers on botecos, casual bars, and family-friendly venues. Expect live music on weekends in many spots, with sertanejo and forró evenings in nearby towns. For clubbing or larger events, residents often travel to larger nearby cities.

Hiking in Ourinhos

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Parque Municipal Trails

Low-difficulty loops through parkland and nearby countryside; easy for beginners.

Cascata do Rio Trovão Trail

Waterfall hike with river views; moderate; typically 1-2 hours.

Serra Verde Rural Trails

Hilly rural trails offering viewpoints over farmland and small towns; moderate.

Airports

How to reach Ourinhos by plane.

Marília Airport

Regional airport serving domestic flights; approximately 110-120 km from Ourinhos.

Bauru Airport

Regional airport with domestic flights; roughly 140-150 km from Ourinhos.

Sorocaba Airport

Smaller regional airport; around 230-250 km from Ourinhos.

São Paulo GRU/CGH

Major international hubs about 350-400 km away; most travelers use SP as a gateway and continue by road or rail.

Getting Around

Walkability

The city center is fairly walkable with compact streets and most attractions within a short walk; some neighborhoods require transit to reach.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Youth and students

A growing population supported by local colleges and cultural events.

Families and seniors

Stable neighborhoods with active community programs and markets.

Rural and agricultural communities

People who commute to the city for work or markets in the countryside.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Futebol (Soccer)

The most popular sport in the region; played in schools and local leagues and watched in communities.

Volleyball

Common in schools and clubs; beach volleyball in parks during warm months.

Futsal

Indoor soccer played in gyms and community centers year-round.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally moderate; main roads can get congested during rush hours; taxis and rideshare services are widely available; the region relies on road connections for longer trips.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Ourinhos.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are common in most places; look for arroz e feijão, salads, and veggie dishes; ask for sem carne or sem queijo as needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available through Brazil's public SUS system, with private clinics and hospitals in town; pharmacies are ubiquitous and staff often speak basic English.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide