Iguape: Colonial Heritage and Lagamar Nature

Iguape combines a significant colonial heritage with coastal landscapes and protected natural areas. The historic and landscape ensemble was listed as a heritage site by IPHAN in 2011. When planning your trip, you can enjoy a varied mix of experiences: learn about the area’s history, explore trails on foot or by bike, and experience nature by the water.

Colonial History and Culture

Iguape has the largest preserved ensemble of colonial houses in the state of São Paulo. It is also the first urban settlement in São Paulo to be protected by IPHAN as a cultural landscape. These distinctions give the area a unique historical setting: colonial houses and the protected cultural landscape are among the defining features of a stay here.

The permanent exhibition “Iguape – culturas, memórias e territórios” is on display at the Museu Municipal de Iguape. If you like to start your trip with a cultural focus, you can make the museum and the area’s historical heritage the centerpiece of your visit. The exhibition brings its themes together in its title: cultures, memories and territories.

The Lagamar and Nature Experiences

The landscape is also an important part of Iguape’s character. About 70 percent of the area consists of protected natural areas, including the Estação Ecológica dos Chauás and the Estação Ecológica Jureia-Itatins. The Iguape estuary is part of the Lagamar complex of lagoons and estuaries. Motorboat trips are offered there—a way to add an experience on the water to your trip.

A striking viewpoint is Mirante do Cristo on Morro do Espia. It is more than 80 m above sea level and offers panoramic views of the city and the entire Lagamar complex. Trails to Pedra Lisa and Fonte do Senhor start at the viewpoint. Fonte do Senhor is at the foot of Morro do Espia and includes a recreational area, a lake, natural spring pools and historic buildings.

Walks and Trails

For a walk through Iguape, consider the Museu a Céu Aberto route. The circular route can be completed on foot and is easy; depending on how much time you have, it takes approximately 1.5 to 3 hours. You can factor in the approximate duration when planning your day without having to follow a set pace.

The Trilha das Ruínas do Itaguá offers a different kind of trail. It starts at Caverna do Ódio and follows the Mar Pequeno through mangroves, hillside forest and a natural bamboo tunnel. The trail is easy and 1.5 km long. This gives you a choice of different impressions: a walk in Iguape or a short nature trail through varied landscapes.

The Ciclorrota Lagamar also provides guidance for an active stay. It runs from Ilha Comprida to Iguape along quiet roads and bike paths; after crossing the bridge over the Mar Pequeno, cyclists reach the city. If you enjoy cycling, you can include this route in your trip plans.

The Coast and Choosing Accommodation

Praia da Juréia is in the Barra do Ribeira district, is 19 km long and is suitable for beach walks, surfing and family relaxation. You can reach Praia da Juréia by taking the ferry between Iguape and Jureia. If the beach is a major focus of your trip, consider this connection and Barra do Ribeira when deciding where to stay.

Costão da Jureia in Parque Estadual do Prelado offers a different natural landscape, shaped by dunes, restinga, and Atlantic coastal and hillside forest. Trails from there lead to Trilha do Imperador and Cachoeira do Pocinho. When looking for a vacation rental in Iguape, you can first consider whether you want to focus your stay on colonial heritage and city walks, cycling and nature trails, or the coast.

More destinations: Araras, Guarani d'Oeste, Cidade Gaúcha, Barra Bonita, Indiaporã, São Bento do Sapucaí, Tupã, Jacareí.

For the full travel guide: São Paulo.