Nature and Parks in São Paulo
"Parque Ibirapuera is one of the largest urban parks in Latin America. Amidst a sea of skyscrapers, it’s a green oasis with plenty of options to take a break from the city for a few hours. Ibirapuera is immensely popular with fitness enthusiasts. The park has several outdoor fitness areas, an extensive bicycle path, 13 courts on which you can play a number of sports including basketball and football, and plenty of space for running and walking. It’s a beautiful setting to exercise in, and the facilities are well maintained. You can also rent bikes near Gate 3 (Portão 3).The park also houses several museums, monuments, and galleries, all of which are worth a visit in their own right. The names and opening hours of these are as follows (although double-check before you go, in case of holidays or other time changes):For prices, check out their websites, as these often change. More information about some of these attractions can be found in the Art and Culture section of this guide.Ibirapuera has many other stunning features, including a lake, around which vendors sell things like fresh coconut water and ice cream, and fountains. Several sections of the park are allotted to different groups, like the Parque dos Cachorros (Park of the Dogs) and the Bosque da Leitura (Forest of Reading). You can find more information on these on the park’s website. At the Viveiro Manequinho Lopes plant nursery, you can learn more about the park’s different trees and plants, and the efforts being made to conserve this beautiful green space. It’s open from Monday to Friday, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.The park itself is open from 5:00 AM to midnight, Monday to Friday, and 24 hours a day on Saturdays and Sundays. After dark, the park is quite empty, so be sensible, always staying in a group when possible. Some gates close earlier than others, so be sure you know how to get to an open gate." - MATADOR_NETWORK
