Santo Antônio do Pinhal: Discover the Charms and Attractions of this Refuge in Serra da Mantiqueira
Discover Santo Antônio do Pinhal, a charming retreat in Serra da Mantiqueira, São Paulo, 60 km from the capital. Therefore, access via Rodovia Ayrton Senna, an excellent route to reach the city.
Known for its mild climate, stunning natural landscapes and peaceful atmosphere, Santo Antônio do Pinhal is the ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of metropolises and reconnect with nature.
Therefore, explore the natural beauty, the comfort of the accommodations, the main attractions, accommodation and gastronomy tips, as well as unmissable activities that will make your visit unforgettable.
Top Attractions in Santo Antônio do Pinhal
1. Azeite Sabiá
Rural tourism on the farm that produces Azeite Sabiá cannot be missing from your itinerary. Sabiá Olive Oil is produced in Brazil and awarded internationally. When visiting the farm, in addition to participating in the tasting, they tell you the history of the farm, so it’s really worth it. The olive oils are really differentiated, with low acidity and a peculiar flavor.
Visits must be scheduled directly with them, visit the website and find out more, clicking here.
Location: Fazendas do Azeite Sabiá – SP
Estrada Municipal Pedro Joaquim Lopes, 3.931,
Lageado – Santo Antônio do Pinhal, SP, 12450-000
2. Pico Agudo
For adventurers out there, Pico Agudo is an unmissable attraction. At 1,703 meters high, the peak offers a 360-degree view of the region, including the Paraíba Valley and Pedra do Baú. The place is very popular with hang gliders, such as paragliding and hang gliding, due to the favorable wind conditions.
To reach the top, it is possible to take a moderately difficult trail, which rewards visitors with breathtaking landscapes. We went up by car, after passing the portal we parked, as there are probably no parking spaces up there. It’s cold there at the peak of the acute due to the altitude, so some people take a blanket to support the temperature while waiting for the sunset, but the view is wonderful, it’s a trip worth taking.
For those who like extreme sports, look Pico Agudo Sports It is recommended by the City Hall tourist guide.
3. Jardim dos Pinhais Ecco Parque
Discover the Jardim dos Pinhais Ecco Parque in Santo Antônio do Pinhal, a true paradise for nature lovers. At first this theme park surprises with its meticulously maintained gardens, including the Japanese Garden, the Canadian Garden and the Desert Garden, each featuring plants and landscapes characteristic of their regions.
Visit and appreciate not only the beauty of these gardens, but also enjoy the ecological trails and quad bike rides. Relax in the park’s restaurant, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the mountains while savoring à la carte dishes.
Although entry into Jardim dos Pinhais Although it costs a fee—R$45.00 for adults, R$33.00 for seniors over 60, and R$25.00 for children aged 7 to 12, with prices subject to change—it is worth the experience.
There is also a fee for photo shoots of R$235.00. For a more relaxed visit, it is recommended to reserve the restaurant in advance, although the park does not require an appointment to enter.
The Jardim dos Pinhais is located in Rod. SP-046 2600, km. 164,5, Santo Antônio do Pinhal, SP. Site: https://jardimdospinhais.com.br
4. Cachoeira do Lageado
For those looking to cool off in the crystal clear waters of a waterfall, then the Cachoeira do Lageado is the ideal place. Located just 9 km from the city center, the waterfall has a waterfall approximately 30 meters high and a natural well where it is possible to swim. The site is easily accessible and has infrastructure to welcome visitors, such as parking and picnic areas.
5. Estação Eugênio Lefèvre
Eugênio Lefèvre Station is a charming train station that is part of the Campos do Jordão Railway. In addition to its historical importance, the station offers a panoramic view of the mountains and houses a friendly café, where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast or afternoon snack. During the winter season, it is common to find exhibitions of crafts and local products in season.
6. Mirante Nossa Senhora Auxiliadora
The Nossa Senhora Auxiliadora Viewpoint is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Santo Antônio do Pinhal. With a stunning panoramic view of Serra da Mantiqueira, the place is perfect for admiring the sunset and taking incredible photos. Furthermore, the viewpoint houses a statue of Our Lady Help of Christians, providing an environment of peace and contemplation.
7. Praça do Artesão
The Praça do Artesão, Located in Santo Antônio do Pinhal, it is a charming space that reflects the creative spirit and rich local culture of this mountain city in the state of São Paulo. This place becomes an essential meeting point for anyone visiting the city, offering a unique experience of immersion in regional art and crafts.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Santo Antônio do Pinhal
Santo Antônio do Pinhal offers a variety of accommodation options, from cozy inns to luxury hotels.
I stayed on two occasions in different places, the first time I stayed at Pousada do Cedro which has a higher value and I can consider it to be more luxurious and on my second stay I stayed at Espaço Canto, which is a relatively new inn with few leisure activities, however I recommend both.
1. Pousada do Cedro
Discover the tranquility of Pousada do Cedro, located just a few minutes from the center of Santo Antônio do Pinhal. This charming guesthouse offers a variety of chalets, including the Manacá loft, which stands out for its balcony with hammock and stunning panoramic views. Furthermore, the bathtub with a view of nature provides complete relaxation. The rooms are clean and well maintained, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay.
During your stay, you can enjoy a personalized breakfast, with selected items served hot directly to your table. The experience is particularly special, standing out for its quality and attentive service.
Although Pousada do Cedro is ideal for couples, seeking to offer a peaceful and romantic atmosphere, families are also welcome. During my visit with my husband and son, despite a brief period of rain on Saturday, the weather cleared on Sunday, allowing us to enjoy the outdoor hot tub, available by reservation. For children, the inn offers fun with a bounce house, swings and a swimming pool, ensuring entertainment for the little ones.
Pousada do Cedro is a perfect refuge for those who value nature and seek a peaceful and rejuvenating accommodation experience, whether with family or a romantic getaway.
The best booking option I found at the time was through Booking.com, Click here and make your reservation at Pousada do Cedro.
2. Espaço Canto
The Espaço Canto caught our attention in Booking.com Due to its excellent value for money with daily rates below R$500.00, it immediately stood out through the photos that promised a welcoming environment, despite the lack of conventional leisure areas such as a swimming pool or park. Located in Santo Antônio do Pinhal, we planned our stay with the intention of exploring the city’s activities during the day and returning just to spend the night.
When we arrived at Espaço Canto at night, We were welcomed by the extremely cozy atmosphere of the place and by the presence of Clóvis, a docile dog that roams freely around the environment, highlighting the hotel’s pet-friendly nature. Due to the abundance of green areas, the use of repellent is recommended, a precaution we take by also taking plug-in repellents, guaranteeing a night without being bothered by mosquitoes.
One of the great attractions of Espaço Canto is the artisanal pizza served on Saturday nights. This all-you-can-eat pizza, with its light dough and exceptional flavors, is among the best gastronomic experiences I’ve ever had. Breakfast complements the experience with a satisfactory variety of options, suitable for the limited number of rooms, which ensures the quality and freshness of the food.
In summary, the Espaço Cantois an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful and welcoming retreat, with a touch of local hospitality, perfect for relaxing after a day exploring the beauties of Santo Antônio do Pinhal.
I booked through Booking.com, which was actually their only backup option at the time, Click here to see the values.
3. Other accommodation options that are recommended in the City
3.1. Pousada Il Villaggio, average daily value R$450.00 for the couple.
Rated 9.2 by booking.com guests, Pousada Il Villaggio is located in the center of Santo Antônio do Pinhal, offering heated accommodation, free Wi-Fi in common areas and a 24-hour reception. . It is just a few steps from bars, restaurants and shops.
3.2. Hotel Fazenda Fonte das Hortênsias, average daily value R$800.00 for the couple.
For those looking for closer contact with nature, Hotel Fazenda Fonte das Hortênsias is an excellent option. Located in a rural area, the hotel offers rustic chalets, outdoor activities such as horse riding and trails, and a heated pool.
3.3. Pousada Chalé Luiz, average daily value R$1,500.00 for the couple.
Boasting mountain views, Pousada Chalé Luiz offers accommodation with a patio, around 37 km from Horto Florestal Park. This beachfront property has a balcony, pool and pool table, plus free Wi-Fi and private parking. Guests can enjoy the outdoor fireplace or year-round outdoor pool, or take in the views of the pool and garden.
It is important to note that these values are surveys for the month of July and may change.
Click here and see other accommodation options in Santo Antonio do Pinhal.
Serra flavors: Gastronomy in Santo Antônio do Pinhal
When it comes to gastronomy, Santo Antônio do Pinhal does not disappoint. The city is known for its restaurants that offer typical mountain cuisine, such as fondues, trout and artisanal cheeses. Some unmissable options are:
1. Espaço Essenza
Espaço Essenza deserves an article just to describe my experience there, it was so good, it could be in this subtitle or even in the subtitle of attractions, because in addition to the gastronomy, going to Espaço Essenza is a real trip.
At Essenza Winery, you can enjoy 3 different activities, at the Mantikir restaurant, with a 3, 5 or 7-step menu, an exclusive picnic overlooking the vineyard and olive grove or the esenza experience, which is a guided tour and harmonized tasting.
The PicNic costs R$560.00 and the basket serves 2 people. If you wish, you can request extra food or drinks, paid separately.
I participated in the 3-step menu:
1st Step: Antipasti with artisan breads, charcuterie and olive oil, all produced on site;
2nd Step: Ancho or Chorizo or Trout accompanied by risotto or vegetables; It is
3rd Step: Dessert – Gelato or Apple Pie.
Price MENU 3 Passos per person: R$260.00 without drinks, children up to 12 years old pay R$180.00.
The price seems high, but it really is an investment, in addition to impeccable service, the place has lots of green space and even a tree house for children to play.
The interesting thing is that once you make your reservation, you can take advantage of all this space between one dish and another and return to your table whenever you want.
It is important to note that to get there you have to travel along a dirt road, so I recommend that you do not go on rainy days.
Address: Santo Antônio do Pinhal SP, Bairro do Rio Preto, Estrada do Barreirinho, 1900. It is recommended to use the google maps:
2. Restautante Recanto do Pico
With wood burning stove and space for fishing and hammocks, great for children.
3. Restaurante Donna Pinha
Specializing in trout-based dishes, the Donna Pinha Restaurant is one of the most renowned in the region. In addition to the varied menu, the restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere and a stunning view of the mountains.
4. Picanharia & Pasta
Very well rated, I don’t know it yet, great for those who love meat.
In addition to these, there are several restaurants in the city, I suggest going to the TripAdvisor to check the rating.
Outdoor Activities in Santo Antônio do Pinhal
Santo Antônio do Pinhal is a perfect destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities. In addition to the attractions already mentioned, the city offers several leisure and adventure options, such as:
1. Ecological Trails
The region has several ecological trails that allow visitors to explore the rich biodiversity of Serra da Mantiqueira. Among the most popular trails are the Trilha do Matadouro, which leads to a beautiful waterfall, and the Trilha da Pedra do Baú, which offers incredible panoramic views.
2. Quad Bike Tours
For adventurers who want to explore the region in a different way, quad bike tours are an excellent option. Therefore, there are several companies that offer guided tours, passing through trails, viewpoints and waterfalls.
3. Free Flight
As mentioned previously, Pico Agudo is one of the best places in Brazil to practice hang gliding. Even if you are not a practitioner, it is possible to take a tandem flight with experienced instructors and enjoy an unforgettable view of the mountains.
Conclusion
Santo Antônio do Pinhal is a destination that enchants with its natural beauty, tranquility and diversity of attractions. Whether for a romantic weekend, a family trip or an adventure with friends, the city offers options for all tastes and ages. With its stunning landscapes, excellent cuisine and outdoor activities, Santo Antônio do Pinhal is, without a doubt, a refuge in Serra da Mantiqueira that deserves to be discovered.
The city always has something to do and each stay is a pleasant surprise, in short Santo Antonio do Pinhal is synonymous with comfort,
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