Itu: Brazil’s Larger than Life City
Itu is a municipality in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in the Metropolitan Region of Sorocaba. Its name derives from a phrase in the extinct Brazilian Tupi language, meaning “big waterfall”. Native popular comedian Simplicio would reference Itu by saying “Back home in Itu, everything is bigger”. This led to Itu gaining the nickname “the capital of large things”. Itu, Brazil is a place of “exaggerations”, featuring quirky oversized constructions like giant pay phones and traffic signals. Airports near Itu include Viracopos International Airport and Congonhas-Sao Paulo Airport.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Itu, Brazil is any time from March to December. The weather during this long period varies greatly over a wide range of temperatures, making these months suitable for different kinds of vacations or getaways. Those who want to avoid busy peak season can visit in October, Itu’s least expensive and least crowded month. Around September, Itu hosts the annual XXXPerience Mystical 150 Festival, a large-scale dance festival dubbed “the mother of Brazilian festivals”.
What to Do & Area Attractions
The Sorocaba Metropolitan Cathedral was built over 200 years ago and features ancient Baroque architecture. During mass at this cathedral, the prayers invoke Nossa Senhora, Our Lady- something unique to Brazilian culture. Do Matao Ecological Park is available for relaxing outdoors recreation, housing nature trails, botanical gardens, and even food stalls. Itu accommodations include El Shadai Park Hotel at a picturesque location with an indoor and outdoor pool, and San Raphael Country Hotel, also with a pool, a golf course, and quaint lounge areas perfect for enjoying the outdoor scenery.