Guarulhos: Wildlife, Railway History and the Lake

Wildlife and Nature Conservation

The Zoológico Municipal de Guarulhos combines a visit with a clear practical benefit: admission is free. The zoo is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; the gates close at 4:30 pm. Visits for institutions and large groups are arranged Tuesday to Friday by appointment in advance. No advance booking is required on weekends. If you are planning a visit with an institution or as part of a large group, making an appointment is part of your preparations. The opening days and earlier gate closing time are also important details for planning your day.

The zoo is home to around 400 animals from 100 different species; 91% of its collection consists of native species. Its work also extends beyond the animals themselves: ZooGuarulhos takes part in programs to protect endangered species and promote animal welfare, conducts scientific research, and offers educational activities focused on conserving biodiversity. For families interested in animals and nature conservation, the variety of species is not the only subject of interest. The zoo also focuses on protection, research and education.

Casa Amarela and Railway History

Casa Amarela offers a different perspective on Guarulhos. The building was inaugurated in February 1915 and served as the residence of the head of the Guarulhos railway station. It is the only surviving building of the five stations on the Guapira (Jaçanã)–Guarulhos route of the Tramway da Cantareira and is considered part of Guarulhos’ historical and cultural heritage. For visitors interested in history, several aspects come together here: the house’s original function, its connection to the station and its status as the only surviving building of those five stations. Casa Amarela thus offers a tangible link to railway history, while the zoo focuses on wildlife and nature conservation.

Lago dos Patos

Lago dos Patos is another attraction in its own right. Carlos Reis created the freshwater lake in 1906; it was inaugurated in 1908. It covers an area of around 20,500 m². The two dates mark different milestones: the creation of the lake and its subsequent inauguration. Together with the history of Casa Amarela, Lago dos Patos offers another glimpse of Guarulhos: alongside the heritage of the Tramway da Cantareira, a named freshwater lake with its own history is among the distinctive features described here.

Which focus suits your trip?

When choosing a holiday apartment in Guarulhos, you can start by considering which theme you want to shape your stay: wildlife and nature conservation, the history of the Tramway da Cantareira, or Lago dos Patos. These themes give you different reasons to get to know Guarulhos, without requiring you to combine them into a single route. If you are travelling with your family, you can also decide together whether animals, historic places or the story of the lake interests you most.

More destinations

You can also explore these destinations: Ilha Solteira, Bauru, Boituva, Lagoinha, Guararema, Ilhabela, Analândia, Campina do Monte Alegre.

For the main travel overview: São Paulo.