Sao Paulo Park - Parque Ibirapuera

Wow! Talk about impressed! What an amazing and unique place to take your family!

Parque Ibirapuera, created in 1954, is a 158 hectacre piece of nature in the middle of such an immense city!

The park is the most visited park in Brasil and was filled with people while we were there. In addition to the cyclists, runners, and workout groups that greeted us upon entry, we were surrounded by hundreds of families enjoying the natural wonders and man-made structures of this park.

The first thing the boys noticed was the abundance of butterflies. They enjoyed chasing them around the park!

The park is full of native plants and trees, all which amazed the boys! According to the park's website you can find, "...Implanted vegetation consisting of eucalyptus with sub-forest, heterogeneous forests, gardens, lawns and fields of rosemary-de-campinas, alfeneiro, bamboo-Chinese, chichá, false-figueira-benjamim, guariroba, ipê-roxo, jerivá and seafórtia. There are sets of Brazilian oak, jackfruit, pinus and seven-capers and isolated specimens of species such as bengal fig, brazilwood, ironwood and canary palm-tree. In an excerpt from Córrego do Sapateiro there is spontaneous riverside vegetation protected by a fence. A total of 494 species were recorded, of which 16 are endangered, such as the cabreúva, chichá and pau-ivfim.''

 The boys paused under this natural archway and begged for a photo! They were enamored by the many different plants and trees within the park.

We came upon the playground area. There were over 60 different play areas ( I lost count at this point!). The boys enjoyed climbing, jumping, hanging, flipping from all of these different areas. Some were brand new and some were very old. Reminded me of summer softball nights!

 The park had many buildings as well. Some for shows, some for skating, and others for who knows what!

After spending hours walking around and exploring the park, and getting a little lost trying to find our way back to the car, we went for some lunch. The boys requested sushi and we found a restaurant not to far away. 

Djapa, an upscale, all you can eat sushi restaurant was an amazing treat for the boys. Set up like a traditional Brazilian Churrascaria, we were given cards to indicate that we want the waiters to come to the table or that we are done eating. The waiters walked around with plates full of all different types of sushi and other tempera foods. Zane's eyes were wide and he could not eat fast enough to keep up with the waiters. In addition, you could place an order for special request. Zane, ordered the eel and octopus right away (and always has to mention Uncle Jared and Aunt Jaime when he does!!). Greg was excited for the oysters! We all had a wonderful time and were completely stuffed. Imagine our surprise when they brought out dessert. Super happy, super full, super tired boys on the drive home!