The southern Brazilian city of Araraquara stands 155 miles north-west of the state capital São Paulo, along the busy 267 highway at its junction with the 255 route. The city's air link, Bartolomeu de Gusmão Airport, is four miles west from the city centre. If you hire a car in Araraquara you'll be able to easily tour the surrounding area of wealthy well-watered farmland. The highlights of the region include the nearby cathedral city of São Carlos with its acclaimed 'Wings of a Dream' aircraft museum and Matão, which holds a nationally renowned colourful Corpus Christi festival each spring.
In the native language the name Araraquara means 'the home of the sun' so expect some sunny days here and watch out for the renowned sunsets caused by the hazy atmosphere. If you have a hire car in Araraquara you'll soon find it's a lively university city with vibrant student bars and nightlife. The visitor highlights reflect this atmosphere: the city's SESC cultural and activity centre is highly praised for its music, theatre, café and swimming pool. Also look out for the railway museum and the old cobbled Rua 5, or Homeland Street, shaded by huge trees where there's an open-air dinosaur museum.
