Sao Paulo (State) Attractions

São Paulo (State)
Situation and Characteristics
The state of São Paulo, on the south coast of Brazil, is separated from Minas Gerais, to the north, by the Rio Grande, from Mato Grosso do Sul, on the west, by the Rio Paraná and from Paraná, on the south, by the Rio Paranapanema; with Rio de Janeiro, to the east, it has a common boundary of some 100km/60mi. A major source of revenue is agriculture (cotton, sugar-cane, tobacco, fruit, vegetables and grain); and in areas where the soil has been exhausted by intensive arable farming stock-rearing takes over. São Paulo also has some 50% of all Brazilian industrial firms, the most important port for the shipment of its products being Santos.

Sorocaba, Brazil

Sorocaba
Situation and Characteristics
Sorocaba, lying west of São Paulo in the valley of the Rio Tietà (92km/57mi on the Rodovia Castelo Branco), is one of the leading industrial centers in São Paulo state. It originated as a settlement on the banks of the Rio Sorocaba, founded in 1611, which grew up round a chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Ponte da Sorocaba. The real development of the town began in the 18th century, when it became the main assembly point for the herds of cattle from southern Brazil which were then driven to the goldfields of Minas Gerais.
Bus station
Avenida Comandante Pereira Inácio 100
Highlights:
Highlights:

Caraguatatuba, Brazil

Caraguatatuba
Situation and Characteristics
Caraguatatuba (founded 1653), 176km/109mi east of São Paulo, is the most densely populated town on the north coast of São Paulo state. Its main source of income is tourism.
Bus station
Avenida Brasília 50

Sao Bento do Sapucai, Brazil

São Bento do Sapucaí
Situation and Characteristics
São Bento do Sapucaí, an altitude resort in the Serra da Mantiqueira, lies 155km/95mi north-west of São Paulo.
Bus station
Rua 9 de Julho