Itu 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for Itu: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora da Candelária

A colonial-era church from the 18th century with a striking blue-and-white facade and ornate woodcarvings inside. One of the oldest in the region.

🕐 Mon-Fri 08:00-12:00 & 14:00-17:00, Sat 08:00-12:00, Sun 07:00-10:00

Free entry

💡 Mass is at 9am on Sundays, so avoid that hour if you want quiet. Go on a weekday morning for a near-empty nave.

Hotels near Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora da Candelária →
Afternoon
Praça da Matriz (Praça Padre Miguel)

The central square with the Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora da Candelária at one end. Benches under big trees, a fountain, and a good spot to watch local life.

🕐 24 hours

Free entry

💡 Come around 5pm when the street vendors set up—try a pastel from the cart near the church. Free parking on side streets after 6pm.

Hotels near Praça da Matriz (Praça Padre Miguel) →
Evening
Where to eat

Bar dos amigos · ££

La Taverna del Vino · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Itu

Morning
Parque Ambiental da Cachoeira

A forested park with a small waterfall, walking trails, and picnic tables. The creek is clean enough for a quick dip in summer.

🕐 Tue-Sun 08:00-17:00, closed Mon

💡 Take insect repellent—mosquitoes get aggressive near the water. Best visited early morning (7-9am) when it's quiet. Limited parking, so arrive by taxi or bike.

Midday
Museu da Energia de Itu

A former hydroelectric plant turned into a museum about energy history and the local rubber boom. See old turbines and interactive exhibits.

🕐 Tue-Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 10:00-16:00, closed Mon

💡 Entry is 10 reais, but free on the first Wednesday of each month. Allow 1 hour.

Evening
Dining tonight

Tio Dog

Ituana Churrascaria e Pizzaria

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Museu Republicano de Itu - USP

Houses the original Paulista Republican Convention of 1873 in a preserved mansion. Displays political documents, furniture, and photographs from the empire and

💡 Free on Sundays (the only free day). Otherwise R$8. The garden out back has a quiet bench for reading.

Final meal

Cafundó Itu - Restaurante & Cafeteria

Casa La Primola

Getting Around Itu

Viracopos Airport Taxi From 180 BRL 80 min

Book via airport taxi stand to avoid haggling; toll road (SP-75) costs extra 10–15 BRL, included in most fixed rates.

Uber or 99 From 25 BRL 20 min

Set pickup at 'Praça da Matriz' in Itu—drivers know the Instituto well. Late at night, availability drops; keep cash for surge alternatives.

Private Transfer (pre-booked) From 400 BRL 120 min

Use 'Transfer Itu' or 'Eli Tour'—fixes price per car (3–4 passengers). They'll meet you at arrivals with a placard. Payment in cash or PIX.

Rápido Sumaré + Local Bus From 50 BRL 150 min

Take Rápido Sumaré bus from CGH airport to Itu town terminal, then catch 'Circular' bus toward Engenheiro Coelho—ask driver for 'propriedade Guimarães.' Cheapest but requires two connections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Itu?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora da Candelária and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit Itu?

See our full best time to visit Itu guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Hotel Santa Rita, Hotel Internacional, Hotel Sabará. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.