Eco Camping Fazenda Paraguaçu

The city of Itu (20 minutes’ drive) has a host of historic churches to dip in and out of, like the Lady of Candelária, which dates back to 1780. Focusing on more modern times, The Energy Museum investigates how everyday life has changed for people thanks to the introduction of electricity, while the Republican Museum is set in a 19th-century house that hosted the first Republican Convention. For simpler ways to while away an afternoon, ask on site about local farms where visitors can feed the animals, go horseback riding or just have a gander at old-school agricultural demos. A visit to Varvito Geological Park and its striking sedimentary rocks also gets you back to nature – these whopping formations are more than 270 million years old. After activities that are more interactive? Drive to Maeda Park (30 minutes) to have a go on its mini train, cable car or waterslides. To top off the trip, drop by Itu’s Exaggeration Square on your way home and snap selfies with the oversized objects here – from humongous chess pieces to gigantic insects.