A major economic hub in São Paulo state, this Brazilian city is home to over 2.5 million people and the prestigious University of Campinas, a leading research institution.
Campinas, Brazil's fourteenth most populous city, is a hub of science and culture in São Paulo State. Home to the University of Campinas and numerous research institutions, the city is at the forefront of Brazilian innovation. You can explore the historic Catedral Metropolitana de Campinas, stroll through the Bosque dos Jequitibás urban forest, or cheer at a local football match between rival clubs Ponte Preta and Guarani.
Exploring Campinas' Key Sites
The Bosque dos Jequitibás is an urban forest that preserves the region's original rainforest ecosystem. This 10-hectare park includes a small zoo with local animals and a natural history museum. The 19th-century Catedral Metropolitana de Campinas is another significant site. Its interior is adorned with jacaranda wood sculptures, and the building's construction used a unique clay and rock technique called "taipa de pilão," making it one of the largest structures in the world built this way.
For a taste of local commerce, visit the Mercado Municipal (Central Market). Here, you'll find stalls selling fresh regional produce and local foods. The old Estação Cultura (Cultural Station), formerly the Central Railway Station, now functions as a cultural center and provides insight into the city's industrial past.
Campinas: Brazil's Tech Hub
Campinas is a center for technological development, with a high concentration of tech industries and research institutions. The city leads in areas such as fiber optics, lasers, integrated circuits, and satellite monitoring. You can tour research centers like the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory or the Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory to learn about ongoing scientific projects.
Shopping in Campinas
Parque Dom Pedro Shopping is a major retail destination in the city. For a more traditional experience, visit the Hippie Fair at Centro de Convivência on Sundays, where local artisans sell their crafts. The fair often features performances by the Campinas Symphony Orchestra, adding a musical element to your shopping trip.
Sports and Recreation
You can watch a football match between the city's two rival clubs, Associação Atlética Ponte Preta and Guarani Futebol Clube. Their derby, known as the "Campineiro derby," has been a local tradition since 1912. For a change of pace, visit Parque Portugal, home to the Lagoa do Taquaral lake. Here, you can take a walk, rent a pedal boat, or visit the Campinas Planetarium.
Getting Around Campinas
Viracopos International Airport is located about 14 km from downtown Campinas. From the airport, you can take a taxi, local bus, or the Lirabus shuttle to reach the city center. If you're driving from São Paulo, use either the SP-330 Anhangüera or SP-348 Bandeirantes highway.
Within the city, buses are the primary form of public transport. A single adult fare costs R$3.30. Taxis are also available, with fares starting at R$4.85 and charging R$1.83 per mile thereafter.
Weather and When to Visit
Campinas has a tropical savanna climate with mild winters and warm summers. Temperatures remain relatively steady throughout the year, ranging from an average low of 64°F (18°C) in January to an average high of 72°F (22°C) in the summer months. July, being the driest month, can be a good time to visit if you prefer to avoid rainfall.
Local Food
Campinas' food scene reflects Brazil's multicultural influences. You'll find traditional Brazilian dishes alongside Japanese, Italian, and other international cuisines. Try local foods like coxinha, a popular street snack, or visit one of the city's churrascarias for a Brazilian barbecue meal.
