Located in the geographic center of São Paulo, the city of São Carlos has some special features that make it a prominent place in many ways. The city's mild climate, with average annual temperature hovering around 67.28F, added to its average altitudes between 800 and 1000 meters, make of São Carlos a delightful place, which is draped with numerous waterfalls, intriguing geological formations and beautiful sights.

The cerrado (type of tree savanna with open pasture and patches of stunted vegetation) was the predominant original vegetation, becoming the sandy soils of the plateau. There was a lush Atlantic vegetation over the patches of fertile soil. Today, there are still some areas of cerrado and fragments of preserved Atlantic vegetation, including several copses of large Araucaria trees, the symbol of the city.

The city has earned the title of Technology Capital due its academic, technologic and industrial enforcement. Its universities and centers for research are recognized by their excellence and diversity. The University of São Paulo (USP), with two campuses in the city, and the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) offer qualified free education and have already incorporated in São Carlos history  their contributions to the science and to the professional training of thousands of students.

Enhancing its position as a scientific and technological development centre, the Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) has installed two activity centers in town: The Agricultural and Cattle Raising Research Center of the Southeast and the National Center of Research and Development of Agricultural and Cattle Raising Instrumentation, that develops leading edge technology in the areas of breeding cattle and developing agricultural equipment.

The Foundation ParqTec, which was established in 1984, is another important point in this technological scenario. This is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that aims to manage and develop the Technological Center of São Carlos, transferring the technology from the universities and research centers to the companies.

Given the concentration of universities and research centers, São Carlos has a large concentration of scientists and researchers: a researcher doctor (PhD) for every 180 inhabitants. The ratio in Brazil is one doctor (PhD) for every 5423 inhabitants. Thanks to the research centers, São Carlos also boasts another important distinction: the average annual patent registrations is 14.5 patents per 100 thousand inhabitants. In the country the ratio is 3.2 patents per 100 thousand inhabitants. Moreover, the city holds 39 graduation courses and 200 high-tech companies in sectors such as optics, new materials and instrumentation.

The Industrial activity is characterized by the presence of large industries: Volkswagen (engines), Tecumseh (compressors) Faber Castell (pencils), Electrolux (refrigerators and stoves), as well as textile, packaging, machinery, paint, washing machines and optical equipment companies and a large quantity of medium and small industries from several sectors of production.

The business meets the needs of the city and region, offering good products and services. And the agricultural sector is important in the production of milk, sugar, orange, chicken, beef and corn. San Carlos also has excellent roads, which allow you to safely and quickly shift to São Paulo (about 150 Miles) and to the major cities of the state.

The calendar of the city has important events, attracting visitors and energizing the local economy. Among them is the Climate Feast, held annually in April for more than 30 years. The Feast has a traditional Exposition of Orchids, shows, handcrafts and stalls with several types of food.

Main Distances: São Paulo - 145 Miles Ribeirão Preto - 61 Miles Campinas - 87 Miles

Chapada Guarani Brotas - 29 Miles Analândia - 20 Miles Itirapina - 20 Miles Torrinha - 40 Miles

Access:
The main spur road to São Carlos is the Rodovia Washington Luis (SP 310) that connects the city with the capital of São Paulo.
Other roads such as Rodovia Thales de Lorena Peixoto Jr. (SP 318), Rodovia Dr. Paulo Lauro (SP 215), Rodovia  Luiz Augusto de Oliveira (SP 215) also provide access to the city.

Buses
Bus Terminal
Telephone: 55 (16) 3371-9209
www.socicam.com.br

Highways
- Triângulo do Sol     
0800 701 1609
www.triangulodosol.com.br

- Intervias
0800 707 1414
www.intervias.com.br

- Autovias
0800 707 9000
www.autovias.com.br

- Autoban
0800 555 550
www.autoban.com.br

- Centrovias     
0800 178 998
www.centrovias.com.br

D.E.R. - Arterial Road Department of São Paulo
Telephone: 55 (16) 33711157
www.der.sp.gov.br