Castilho: River Landscapes, Nature and Culture

Castilho brings together river landscapes and nature and cultural themes that are clearly distinct from one another. To the west, the Rio Paraná forms the boundary with Três Lagoas in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul; to the north, the Rio Tietê borders Itapura in the state of São Paulo. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Castilho for your trip, you can first consider whether rivers and water-based activities, nature along the Aguapeí, or Castilho’s history should shape your stay.

Rivers and Water-Based Experiences

The Ponte Ferroviária Francisco de Sá is a metal bridge connecting Castilho in the state of São Paulo to Três Lagoas in Mato Grosso do Sul by rail. The Jupiá Dam is also linked to river transport: its lock enables navigation along this stretch of the Rio Paraná. The Jupiá Reservoir offers water sports and diving, as well as recreational trips by motorboat, kayak and windsurfing board.

In the area around the destination, people also fish and swim in the Rio Paraná; there are also boat trips, sailing and other recreational water activities. The Rio Tietê, north of Castilho, is used for fishing and for boat trips, sailing and diving. These activities take place on different rivers and bodies of water. So if you would like to spend most of your holiday on the water, it is worth making the relevant excursion destinations the focus of your trip planning.

Boat trips from Porto Independência in Castilho lead to Ilha Comprida, with its inland lagoons, and to the confluence of the Aguapeí and Paraná rivers. This is another way to get to know the river landscapes from the water.

Floodplains and Changing Nature

The RPPN Foz do Rio Aguapeí lies in the south of the municipality. The area covers 8,885 hectares of extensive floodplains and is home to wildlife adapted to dry and flood cycles. Natural beaches can be visited along the RPPN, which is fed by the Rio Aguapeí. Their location changes according to the water level of the Rio Aguapeí.

The Roda D’Água also contributes to the town’s appearance: it was built for the municipality’s anniversary and became a landmark of Castilho. Nature and local identity are expressed here in different ways: once in the vast floodplains, and once in a structure associated with a special occasion for the municipality.

History, Technology and Events

Cultural attractions include the Estação Ferroviária Alfredo de Castilho, which is connected to Castilho’s history and opened on 10 July 1937. The Ponte Ferroviária Francisco de Sá links engineering with this regional railway history. The Usina Engenheiro Souza Dias (Jupiá) is also a technical, scientific and cultural attraction connected to the municipality’s history. At Cerâmica Jomina, visitors can learn about the technology behind industrial production and processing.

The Igreja Matriz São José was built in 1958 and officially elevated to parish status on 1 January 1959; its existing tower was raised as part of this change. For a different view of local life, visit the Orquidário at Viveiro de Mudas Souza Rodrigues. It features a wide variety of orchids and welcomes school groups, tourists, collectors and orchid enthusiasts.

Praça Lizete Bispo dos Santos serves as a venue for fairs, shows and large events. Carnaverão takes place every year during Carnival week in Castilho. The Festa do Pescador is also celebrated every year on the town’s anniversary; it attracts tourists from the region of the state of São Paulo and from Mato Grosso do Sul. Parque Aquático Municipal has swimming pools and a water slide. A medical examination is required on site to use the pools.

When choosing your holiday rental, your preferred focus may be the deciding factor: river and leisure activities, nature along the Aguapeí, or cultural and technical attractions each cater to different interests. Castilho offers a range of themes without requiring them to be combined into a single excursion itinerary.

More destinations: Jacareí, Bálsamo, Rancharia, Barretos, Itariri, Indiaporã and Guarani d’Oeste.

For the regional travel overview: São Paulo.