The best running trails in São Paulo

São Paulo offers a wide selection of running routes, with over 100 diverse options available on komoot. These range from easy loops in urban parks to more challenging trails in natural reserves.

The running trails in São Paulo are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 20 reviews. Runners often praise the variety of environments, from expansive urban parks to challenging natural reserves, and the well-maintained paths that cater to different skill levels.

Yes, São Paulo has several easy running routes perfect for families or beginners. Parks like Ibirapuera Park and Villa-Lobos Park offer extensive green areas with mostly flat, paved, and unpaved trails. These parks provide a safe and pleasant environment for a relaxed jog.

For breathtaking views, consider trails around Pico do Jaraguá, the highest point in São Paulo, which offers panoramic vistas of the city and surrounding Atlantic Forest. The Cantareira State Park also features the Pedra Grande trail, culminating in expansive natural views. For a unique urban perspective, the Minhocão (Presidente João Goulart Elevated Highway) offers iconic cityscapes and vibrant street art when closed to traffic on weekends.

While São Paulo is a large metropolis, you can find natural features like waterfalls in the far south of the city, particularly in the Parelheiros and Engenheiro Marsilac areas. These regions offer a surprising connection with nature's more serene aspects, providing a unique backdrop for a run.

Many of São Paulo's popular running spots feature circular routes. For instance, the American School of Botany – Lake of Ibirapuera Park loop from Insper is a popular circular trail within Ibirapuera Park, allowing runners to explore its extensive green areas and lakeside paths without retracing steps.

For a more demanding run, consider routes in Pico do Jaraguá or Cantareira State Park. These areas, part of the Serra da Cantareira, offer diverse terrain with uphill climbs and rugged paths through preserved Atlantic Forest, providing a dynamic and challenging experience. The Lake of Ibirapuera Park – American School of Botany loop from Consolação also features a notable elevation gain for an urban park setting.

Many of São Paulo's larger parks, including Ibirapuera Park and Villa-Lobos Park, generally welcome dogs on leashes in designated areas, making them suitable for running with your canine companion. It's always a good idea to check specific park regulations before you go.

Many central parks and urban running spots in São Paulo are well-served by public transport. Ibirapuera Park, Villa-Lobos Park, and Aclimação Park are all accessible via various bus lines, and some are within walking distance of metro stations. The Minhocão is also centrally located and easily reachable by public transport on weekends.

Yes, major parks like Ibirapuera Park and Villa-Lobos Park are well-equipped with amenities. You'll find drinking fountains, restrooms, and often kiosks or cafes within or just outside these parks, perfect for a post-run refreshment. The areas around Jardim Europa Path and Alto de Pinheiros also offer a blend of green spaces and urban conveniences.

São Paulo's running routes often pass by significant landmarks. In Ibirapuera Park, you can jog past buildings designed by Oscar Niemeyer, the Afro-Brazilian Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art (MAM). The São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) is another iconic landmark you might encounter on routes through the city center, such as the Trianon Park – São Paulo Museum of Art loop from Trianon-Masp.

The best time for jogging in São Paulo is typically early morning or late afternoon/early evening to avoid the midday heat and peak sun. Parks like Ibirapuera are open from 5:00 AM to midnight, offering ample opportunity for cooler, quieter runs. Weekends also provide unique urban running experiences like the Minhocão when it's closed to traffic.