Rafting
On the Jacaré-Pepira.
Patrícia Leardine — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Patricialaraia — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sofia Prado — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Jose Reynaldo da Fonseca — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Jose Reynaldo da Fonseca — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Luiz Xavier Estradei… — CC BY 3.0
Brotas is a town in central São Paulo state nicknamed Brazil's «National Capital of Adventure» and one of the country's leading ecotourism destinations. It is known for its waterfalls, rivers and adventure sports, above all whitewater rafting on the Jacaré-Pepira River, and has around twenty-four thousand residents. The Jacaré-Pepira rises in the Serra de Itaqueri at 960 metres and runs about 174 kilometres to join the Tietê River. It is one of the few rivers in the state considered free of pollution, and its Tupi name means «alligators' feast». Monkeys, coatis, toucans and dozens of bird species can be seen along its banks, and its winding course with rapids draws rafters and paddlers. The town grew up around 1839 and had its heyday during the coffee boom of the 1920s and 1930s, when it welcomed many Italian immigrants. Today many companies run rafting, abseiling and waterfall trips here; book ahead for holidays.
On the Jacaré-Pepira.
Around town.
Rare in the state.
Brotas municipality, central São Paulo state
About an hour by car.