Iguape

Iguape  is a small city in the South Coast of São Paulo state. Iguape is a town from the colonial period that combines beautiful natural surroundings with a charming historic center, a national heritage site. If you do not have plans to visit the most famous Brazilian Colonial cities (such as Ouro Preto or Olinda), then Iguape is certainly worth a visit.

Understand


It is speculated that the Spanish settlement in Iguape may have started in 1498, before the Portuguese arrived in Brazil in 1500. Iguape was founded as a city in 1538 after a bloody fight between the Portuguese government and rogue aristocrats.

Iguape remained a quiet place for a long time, until the 19th century, when rice farming brought an economic boom to the city. Many historical constructions in the city are originals from this period. However, with the failure of an attempt to construct a canal for ships in the city, Iguape's economy declined in the early 20th century. For this reason, Iguape is now a small city with an economy based on fishing and tourism.

By bus
Intersul provides infrequent bus services between Iguape and other cities, including São Paulo and Santos. There are five daily buses between Iguape and São Paulo (R$52.95, 3½ hours). Between Iguape and Cananéia (R$21.80, 1¾ hours) you need to switch in Pariquera-Açu. Reserving in advance is strongly recommended. Local buses cross the bridge to Ilha Comprida.

By car
Iguape has a single access through Rod. Prefeito Casimiro Teixeira (SP-222). The road can be accessed from Rod. Régis Bittencourt (SP-230/BR-116), coming from either São Paulo or Curitiba. There is no direct connection between Iguape and the neighboring coastal city Peruíbe. With a 4WD vehicle, it is possible to drive along the long, flat beach on Ilha Comprida and take the ferry across to Cananéia, although you need to time it for the low tide. Ferries cost about R$9.70/14.60 per vehicle weekday/weekend. Passengers ride for free.

Get around
The city's Historic Center can be easily explored on foot. A car will be handy to reach the Juréia beach and explore the Juréia-Itatins Ecological Station.

Historic Center
Iguape's city center contains several constructions from the 17th-19th centuries. The city contains the largest colonial heritage of São Paulo state. As a relatively poor city, Iguape relies on state and federal help to maintain its heritage.

Stay healthy
As elsewhere in Brazil, the beach in Iguape may not be suitable for bathing, and conditions can change from day to day. On the day of your visit, check the map of the latest weekly beach quality bulletin (in Portuguese, boletim de qualidade das praias) of the state's Environment Department (CETESB).

Go next

 * Ilha Comprida - The island just next to Iguape boasts an enormous beach, well-preserved nature and an area with sand dunes
 * Jacupiranga Conservation Units - Previously called "Jacupiranga State Park", it contains a large original Atlantic rainforest reserve, the famous "Caverna do Diabo" (Devil's Cave) and the beautiful Lagamar de Cananéia
 * Alto Ribeira State Touristic Park - One of the largest original Atlantic rainforest reserves of the country, hence with large animal biodiversity, also with the highest concentration of caves in the World
 * Cananéia - A nice historic center and access to the unspoiled Cardoso island