Vargem: Reservoirs, Coffee History and Railway Station Ensemble

Vargem brings together large reservoirs, distinctive natural attractions and traces of the coffee era. The interconnected Jaguari and Jacareí reservoirs are located in the municipality; a substantial part of the Jaguari/Jacareí Reservoir lies in Vargem. It is considered the largest reservoir in the Cantareira System. Water protection is also part of the area’s character: Vargem is part of the Área de Proteção Ambiental Sistema Cantareira, established in 1998. It protects public water supply sources, particularly those that drain into the Jaguari and Jacareí reservoirs. Vargem is also one of the municipalities in the state of São Paulo that belong to the Circuito Turístico Entre Serras e Águas.

Nature Between Reservoirs and Mountain Ranges

Pedra do Lopo is 1,780 metres high and is recommended as one of Vargem’s natural attractions. Waterfalls are also among the recommended natural excursions. Together, they offer two distinct natural themes: a striking high point and water. If you would rather focus your trip on natural attractions than on local history, you could consider whether to make Pedra do Lopo or the waterfalls the centre of your plans.

The reservoirs and protected area also connect Vargem with the public water supply. Those interested in the landscape and the protection of water resources will find this a tangible part of the town’s character.

Coffee History and Rural Cuisine

Some former coffee farms now serve as homes for the descendants of their former owners, preserving memories of the coffee era. The history is therefore not only visible in the buildings, but is also connected to families who still live there. Visitors interested in Vargem’s coffee history are recommended to visit historic estates and old manor houses.

Sampling rural specialities is also part of the experience of exploring this history. Those interested in the coffee era can therefore discover this cultural side of Vargem alongside its culinary traditions. For planning your trip, you could choose a simple focus: nature experiences such as Pedra do Lopo and the waterfalls, or an outing centred on historic estates, old manor houses and rural cuisine.

Railway Station, Architectural History and Churches

The Casarão do Zé Bento is a building dating from 1892; a grandson of the former residents still lives in the house. Vargem’s railway station ensemble tells another part of the town’s history: it belonged to the former Estrada de Ferro Bragantina and was the terminus of its main line. The ensemble was listed as a heritage site because of its cultural value to the municipality. It is considered one of the last surviving traces of this railway. The Antiga Estação de Trem da São Paulo Railway is also among Vargem’s recommended sights.

A church tour offering insights into local religious life and culture includes the Capela de São João Batista and the Igreja Matriz. The latter is located in the centre of Vargem. Other recommended sights include the Gruta Nossa Senhora de Fátima and historic chapels in the rural districts. The Cristo Redentor is an attraction associated with views over the town. This makes it easy to tailor the cultural side of a trip to your interests: churches and religious sites, architectural history or the history of the railway.

Getting There and Other Destinations

Vargem is connected to Bragança Paulista by a suburban bus service operated by Nossa Senhora de Fátima Auto Ônibus. This is a useful point to consider when planning your journey. When choosing your holiday rental, you can first decide which aspect of the town matters most to you: the reservoirs and protected area, the natural attractions, or its coffee and local history.

If you are considering other destinations, you can also find Castilho, Alambari, Mococa, Pindamonhangaba, Guarani d'Oeste, Paraguaçu Paulista, Rebouças and Santa Rita do Passa Quatro here.

For the main travel overview: São Paulo.