Things To Do
in Severínia

Severínia is a small inland municipality in the interior of São Paulo state, Brazil, set amid farmland and gentle rolling hills. The town offers a quiet, friendly pace with a compact historic center, a few markets, and family-owned cafés. Its rustic surroundings invite easy day trips to nearby farms, rivers, and nature trails.

Visitors are welcomed by warm hospitality, simple comforts, and affordable, unpretentious Brazilian charm.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore Severínia's Historic Sites
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Igreja Matriz de Severínia, a stunning example of colonial architecture. Wander the peaceful streets surrounding the church, absorbing the small-town charm and enjoying the fresh morning air. Stop by a local café for a traditional Brazilian breakfast of pão de queijo and fresh fruit juice.

afternoon
:

After lunch, head to the local museum to delve into the rich history of Severínia and its cultural significance in the region. Engage with friendly locals who often share enchanting tales about the town's past. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the town square, taking in the vibrant atmosphere.

evening
:

As the sun begins to set, find a cozy restaurant to sample traditional dishes like feijoada. Join locals in the square for community events or live music that often fill the air with lively Brazilian rhythms. Reflect on the day while enjoying a caipirinha, the national cocktail, under the stars.

day 2
Nature Adventure at Parque Estadual do Jacaré
morning
:

Rise early and drive to Parque Estadual do Jacaré, a nature lover's paradise just outside Severínia. Enjoy hiking trails that wind through lush foliage and offer stunning views of the diverse fauna and flora. Keep your eyes peeled for various species of birds and reptiles during your nature walk.

afternoon
:

After a picnic lunch at the park, take part in guided activities such as birdwatching or canoeing on the tranquil waters. Enjoy the serenity and beauty of the park while learning about the ecology from knowledgeable guides. Before leaving, capture beautiful photographs of the stunning landscapes.

evening
:

Return to Severínia and relax at a local eatery, sharing your adventures with fellow travelers. Delight in local specialties and perhaps join in with the lively discussions that often happen over dinner at communal tables. Wind down your day with a leisurely walk through the town, soaking in the warm evening atmosphere.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
Coffee at a cafe$1-3
🧃Bottle of water$0.50-1
🚌Public transportation ride$0.75-1.50
🏨Mid-range hotel room (per night)$40-70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Quiet, authentic interior Brazil experience
  • Affordability and approachable local hospitality
  • Pleasant rural scenery and manageable day trips
  • Limited nightlife and language barriers in some spots
  • Fewer direct international transport links compared with bigger cities
  • Smaller choice of high-end dining and entertainment
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Onde fica?" - Where is it?
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
  • "Desculpe" - Sorry

Places to Visit in Severínia

Visit one of these nice places.

Praça da Matriz

The town’s central square with the historic church, colorful storefronts, and morning activity; ideal for candid and architectural shots.

Centro Histórico

Old streets and colonial-adjacent façades with shuttered windows and vibrant wall accents—great for texture photography.

Mirante rural

A lookout point on a nearby hill offering sweeping views of farmlands, fields, and distant tree lines—perfect for golden hour shots.

Lago Municipal / riverside areas

Calm water scenes, reflections, and local birdlife; a peaceful backdrop for landscape and nature photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Severínia

The local cuisine in Severínia reflects interior São Paulo traditions: hearty, rustic, and seasonal, centered on grains, tubers, and regional meats. Expect simple preparations that highlight fresh ingredients from farms and markets. You’ll find home-style meals in many eateries, with generous portions and straightforward flavors. For an authentic experience, pair meals with Brazilian staples like rice, beans, and mandioca, and don’t miss the chance to try fresh juice and locally produced coffee.

Severínia Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Carne de panela com mandioca

Slow-cooked beef with mandioca (cassava) served with rice and fresh salad; a comforting, everyday favorite found in many local diners.

Must-Try!

Pirão de peixe

Fish and cassava gravy known as pirão, often served with steamed greens and rice; a coastal-influenced comfort dish adapted in some inland eateries.

Arroz, feijão e pratos caseiros

Classic Brazilian trio with rice, beans, and a choice of regional side dishes; widely available at family-run restaurants and cafeterias.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Severínia

Traditional municipal market offering fresh produce, cheeses, breads, and regional snacks; a great place to sample daily life and chat with vendors.

Feirinha de produtores

Street stalls and small stalls around the market area offering cob baked goods, milho, queijos, caldo de cana, and other quick bites.

Climate Guide

Weather

Severínia experiences a warm interior climate with distinct wet and dry periods. Summers are hot with afternoon showers, while winters are mild to cool. Overall, the area enjoys ample sunshine most of the year, making outdoor activities feasible outside peak heat hours.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and politeness

Greet with a handshake or a kiss-on-the-cheek among friends. Use Senhor/Senhora for strangers and address elders with respect. Small talk about family and regional pride is common.

Dining manners

Wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat; keep voices moderate in public spaces; ask politely when requesting help.

Dress and behavior

Casual but neat in daytime; modest attire in religious sites; avoid overly loud or confrontational talk in public.

Safety Guide

Safety

Stay aware of petty crime in crowded market areas and keep valuables secure. Use well-lit streets at night, travel with a companion when possible, and rely on reputable transportation options. If you’re exploring rural paths, tell someone your route and expected return time.

Tipping in Severínia

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Brazil, service charges are sometimes included. If not, a 5-10% tip is appreciated in restaurants that provide good service. Rounding up change for taxis is common but not required.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot days with frequent afternoon showers. Stay hydrated, carry a lightweight rain layer, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

Autumn

Mild temperatures with comfortable days and cooler nights. A pleasant time for walking tours and street photography without intense heat.

Winter

Cooler evenings and mornings; days are typically dry. Bring a light jacket for cool nights and early excursions.

Spring

Moderate temperatures with fresh greenery and blooms. Great for outdoor activities, markets, and scenic walks.

Nightlife Guide

Severínia at Night

The nightlife in Severínia is low-key and community-focused, centered around botecos, small bars, and cafés with live acoustic music or community events. Expect friendly crowds, affordable drinks, and a relaxed, chatty atmosphere rather than large clubs. For nighttime entertainment, locals often gather in the town square or along the main street with informal gatherings and occasional small concerts.

Hiking in Severínia

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Trilha da Serra Rural 1

Moderate loop through farmland edges and small wooded patches with countryside views and birdwatching opportunities.

Caminho do Mirante Socorro

Short ascent to a hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the valley and distant towns; great for sunset photography.

Airports

How to reach Severínia by plane.

Aeroporto Estadual Prof. Eribelto Manoel Reino (SJP)

Regional airport serving São José do Rio Preto and surrounding interior; common for domestic travel and regional connections.

Viracopos International Airport (VCP)

Large international airport near Campinas; offers many domestic and some international flights; about a couple of hours’ drive from Severínia.

São Paulo Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)

Major international hub serving the São Paulo area; convenient for intercontinental connections and long-haul domestic flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and walkable, but many rural sights require a short drive or bike ride. Parking around the praça is usually easy, and sidewalks are present in the core area. For longer distances and farm visits, a car or bicycle is recommended.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Urban residents

A small but growing urban population centered in the town’s core, often families and professionals.

Agricultural workers

A significant portion of the region’s population is involved in farming and related industries on surrounding lands.

Elderly and families

A traditional community with multi-generational households and an emphasis on local commerce and services.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Futebol

Soccer is the dominant sport, widely followed and played in parks, schools, and local clubs.

Voleibol

Volleyball is popular in schools and community centers, with informal matches in the evenings.

Futsal

Indoor football/soccer played in local gyms and recreation centers, common on weekends.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typically light in the town center, with most travel by car or on local buses in nearby towns. Roads to rural areas can be narrow and slower, especially after rain. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available in town, and car rental is a practical option for exploring the surrounding countryside.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Severínia.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many restaurants offer plant-based options like salads, legumes, and grilled vegetables. When in doubt, ask for dishes without meat or dairy and opt for rice, beans, and mandioca-based sides.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare services are available in Severínia via local clinics. For specialized care or hospital treatment, residents typically travel to larger nearby cities such as São José do Rio Preto or Ribeirão Preto. Pharmacies are widely available in town.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide