Guarulhos is a high-energy city studded with towering skyscrapers and enormous malls. Leafy parks and green spaces offer a welcome change from the traffic. Visit family-friendly attractions like Guarulhos City Zoo and venture out of the city to explore wildlife-rich Cantareira State Park.
Things to do in Guarulhos
Escape the crowds and reconnect with nature in Bosque Maia. Trails wind through the enormous urban park, which features landscaped gardens and pockets of natural Atlantic Forest. Spot turtles swimming around emerald-green ponds and enjoy a picnic on the grass. Playgrounds, sports fields and a skate park make Bosque Maia popular with local families.
See iconic Brazilian animals like jaguars, tapirs and pumas at Guarulhos City Zoo. There’s a special focus on native animals, which means you can see unique species like cobalt-blue hyacinth macaws and giant anteaters. Watch boa constrictors slither around their enclosures and learn about threatened species like the maned wolf.
Cantareira State Park immerses you in a wonderland of towering tropical trees, lush ferns and colourful orchids. The park is set in the Serra da Cantareira mountains and protects 8,000 hectares of pristine Atlantic Forest. Hike to tumbling waterfalls and spot noisy howler monkeys perched in the canopy.
Guarulhos boasts some of the best malls in the State of São Paulo. Shop a huge range of local and international brands, including Brazilian favourites like Havaianas, Osklen and Colcci. The biggest malls feature cinemas, food courts and play areas for kids.
From streetside juice bars to bustling steakhouses, you’ll find dining options for every occasion in Guarulhos. Fill up at a pay-by-weight “kilo” restaurant and enjoy slow-grilled meat with a side of rice, beans and salad at a traditional “galeto” eatery.
Getting around Guarulhos
Trains are a fast and affordable way to get around Guarulhos. Taxis are a good way to get from A to B after dark. The city is a 40-minute drive from São Paulo and 20 minutes from São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport.