Monte Verde is in the Serra da Mantiqueira (MG), while São Paulo is in the state of the same name (SP): different regions of Brazil. Monte Verde: an alpine village at 1,523 m in the Serra da Mantiqueira, built by European immigrants; São Paulo: museums, parks and one of the most diverse cuisines in the world in a metropolis that never slows down. For this month's weather, São Paulo has the edge. The two are about 165 km (103 mi) apart, 2h30 by car; you can combine them in a single trip.
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Frequently asked questions
Monte Verde or São Paulo: which is better?
Monte Verde is in the Serra da Mantiqueira (MG), while São Paulo is in the state of the same name (SP): different regions of Brazil. Monte Verde: an alpine village at 1,523 m in the Serra da Mantiqueira, built by European immigrants; São Paulo: museums, parks and one of the most diverse cuisines in the world in a metropolis that never slows down. For this month's weather, São Paulo has the edge. The two are about 165 km (103 mi) apart, 2h30 by car; you can combine them in a single trip.
What is the best time to visit Monte Verde and São Paulo?
The best time to visit Monte Verde is from June to September; for São Paulo, it is from May to September, based on INMET's climate normals (temperature and rainfall for each month). If your trip already has a date, check each destination's page for your month.
Which of the two is cheaper to get to?
By car, leaving from São Paulo, Monte Verde is 165 km (103 mi) and costs about R$ 99 each way (fuel plus tolls); leaving from Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo is 433 km (269 mi) and costs about R$ 306 each way (fuel plus tolls). The calculation assumes a car that gets 11 km/L. Lodging and activities vary with each place's season.
Where does it rain less, Monte Verde or São Paulo?
Averaged over the year, Monte Verde has 11 rainy days a month and São Paulo has 9. São Paulo is the drier of the two over the year as a whole, but what decides the trip is the month: the rainiest month in Monte Verde is January and in São Paulo, January. For temperature, São Paulo is the warmer one (average high of 26° versus 21°).
How many days should you spend in Monte Verde and in São Paulo?
To see the main sights without rushing, Monte Verde calls for 2–3 days and São Paulo, 3–5 days. Since the two are 165 km (103 mi) from each other, anyone with 5 days or more can combine them in a single trip.
Monte Verde or São Paulo with kids?
São Paulo (metropolis; culture and museums; food) is the better pick of the two for families. Monte Verde (alpine village; mountain cold; fondue and fireplace) is geared more toward adults or couples. With small children, weather matters: São Paulo has fewer rainy days over the year.
Can you visit Monte Verde and São Paulo on the same trip?
Yes. The two are about 165 km (103 mi) apart, 2h30 by car. Combining them in a single itinerary is common, with a few days in each.
What should you not miss in each?
In Monte Verde: Pedra Redonda Trail, Chapéu do Bispo Trail, Platô Trail. In São Paulo: Avenida Paulista, MASP, Ibirapuera Park. These are the sights that show up most in first-trip itineraries for each destination; the full guide to each has the whole list.
