The village of Paranapiacaba belongs to the city of Santo André (São Paulo state), but looks more like a village or a closed community. But the closed, has nothing. The villagers, totaling 2131 inhabitants are very welcoming.
Paranapiacaba the word means "place where you see the sea", in Tupi-Guarani. The tops of the mountains covered by Atlantic Forest, it is possible to see the sea. At the entrance of the village you can spot the Atlantic, with its trees always green, and also feel the dampness of the place. The fog is constant in the region, almost no one can see the other side of town that is divided by railroad.
Paranapiacaba emerged in 1874 as operational control center and residence for officials of the English company of São Paulo Railway trains - Railroad that allowed the transport of cargo and people in the interior of the port of Santos.
In addition to transporting people, the railroad made transportation of coffee, then the province of Sao Paulo to Santos.
The British officials have built large wooden houses with basement that still serve as shelter, but some are restaurants and tourist lodges. Every day you can find tourists taking pictures, walking and meeting place.
To reach the village is necessary to catch the train leaving the Luz station towards Rio Grande da Serra. In Rio Grande da Serra bus output to Paranapiacaba. Arriving at the village, you can visit the Church of 1884, museums, the Old Market and a replica of Big Ben, which was built for that Londoners feel more at home.
Many tourists frequent the place to enjoy nature trails and do, but now in July the town is very lively in the weekends due to the Winter Festival.
The Festival brings many Brazilian singers and an audience that likes music. You can make hot soups, drink wine and listen to quality music during the festival.
Enjoy!
Check the schedule of the Winter Festival website:
