Portugal Park (Parque Portugal) features a centerpiece lake, picnic areas, sports fields, a planetarium and science museum, among other places of interest. The park is integrated into the former Fazenda Taquaral, which was a historic plantation set inside an area of thick woodland.
Taquaral Lake covers a large portion of the park’s eastern section. Rent a swan-shaped paddleboat from the northern banks and glide across the tranquil water. Get some light exercise by strolling around the paved and tree-shaded trail that skirts much of the lakeshore for 1.7 miles (2.8 kilometers). Wildlife, such as capybara and waterfowl, can often be seen bathing in the lake.
Go to the lake’s eastern banks to see the Caravela Anunciação. This is a replica of the ship used by the Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral on his voyages to India and South America. Climb the stairs to the ship’s deck to admire uninterrupted lake views. Another fun way to get around the lake is to ride the Bondinho do Lagoa tram. It is one of the historic trams that traversed the city up until 1968.
If you are interested in the solar system then be sure to visit the Planetarium. It has displays of telescopes and presents cinematic projections of constellations and space travel on a dome screen. Nearby, the Dynamic Museum of Science has free rotating exhibitions. Attend music, dance and theater performances at the Concha Acústica do Taquaral open-air auditorium.
Located in the Parque Taquaral neighborhood, the park is about 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) north of downtown Campinas. There are parking lots at several of the park's entrances. Public buses depart regularly from downtown and stop at various points around the park.
Portugal Park is open daily and admission is free. The opening hours of the planetarium and museum vary so check before planning your visit. Lanchonetes (fast food kiosks) at the park serve light refreshments and snacks.
