Amparo

Amparo is a city in Campinas Region of São Paulo state. It is the largest city of the Circuito das Águas Paulista (Paulista Water Circuit), a cluster of mineral spring towns over the Mantiqueira mountain range. Amparo contains a large and well-preserved historical heritage from the São Paulo state coffee farming era (late 19th century).

Understand
The settlement of Nossa Senhora do Amparo was founded in 1829. After 1850, it prospered with the coffee farming, and got a boost with the inauguration of the train station from the Mogiana company. The Great Depression of 1929 also brought the decline of coffee farming in the state of São Paulo, and Amparo suffered from economic stagnation. After 1940, the city started recovering with industrialization and later, tourism. Química Amparo (Ypê), a manufacturer of cleaning products founded in 1950, is still the main employer of the city.

Amparo remains as one of the cities of the state with most preserved heritage from the coffee farming era. Other attractions of the city are its mineral springs, rural tourism, eno- and ecotourism.

By bus
The intercity bus terminal is in the historic center, near the Municipal Market, making intercity buses an attractive option to get in the city. Buses from Campinas are operated by Expresso Metropolis and from São Paulo by Rápido Fênix. Buses are not that frequent so reserving in advance is a good idea.

By car

 * From Campinas: Take Rod. D. Pedro (SP-065) towards Jacareí and then take Rod. Campinas-Mogi Mirim (SP-340) towards Jaguariúna. In Jaguariúna, take Rod. João Beira (SP-095) towards Pedreira and Amparo.
 * From São Paulo: Take Rod. Fernão Dias (BR-381), and in Atibaia, take Rod. D. Pedro (SP-065) towards Campinas. Then take SP-360 towards Morungaba and Amparo.

Get around
It is possible explore the city center on foot, although the area is relatively large and contains ladders. You can cycle alongside the Camanducaia river, but for exploring the city, be prepared for the ladders and brick roads. A car is recommended if you plan to explore the countryside of municipality.

Historical heritage
Amparo's city center contains a large collection of houses and constructions from the coffee-farming era (late 19th and early 20th centuries). The most remarkable constructions are:

Buy
Amparo's main shopping street is R. Treze de Maio, with shops mainly oriented to locals, not tourists. Locally made handcrafts are sold at Centro de Artesanato in the old train station.

Stay safe
Amparo is a safe city, with violent crime being far less common than petty crime. The roads around the city are quite dark during the night, so drive carefully in this situation.

Go next

 * Monte Alegre do Sul - Small town founded by Italian immigrants, with a charming historic center and renowned cachaça brewers