Itapira is a small but bustling market town, a place to feast on oranges and sugar cane and to drink the most delicious Brazilian coffee. Farmers here brush shoulders with tourists and footballers.
Things to do in Itapira
The market is Itapira’s biggest highlight, a must-see destination on any visitor’s itinerary. Buy produce and local goods from the stalls, and stock up on bags of coffee beans to take home. The people watching in the market is superb, the perfect place to stand back and look at the world go by.
In the afternoon heat, local families retreat to Juca Mulato Park. A variety of well-established trees provide ample shade, and you can walk with ease along the cobblestone paths.
If you are interested in Brazil’s flora and fauna, take a trip to Itapira’s Municipal Museum of Natural History, where painted dioramas and well-preserved specimens enable you to get a close view of toucan and other tropical birds. The information boards are in Portuguese, but the exhibits are largely self-explanatory, and staff are enthusiastic to help.
Getting around Itapira
Though it is possible to hire a car and drive in Itapira, it is a far better option to take the bus. Running frequently, the buses serve all major routes within the town. Taxis are also available and can be pre-booked or hailed along the street.