Caconde lies in the northern part of São Paulo State, amid the lush mountain scenery of the Serra da Mantiqueira mountain range. The surrounding countryside is marked by vast stretches of farmland along the Pardo River.

Caconde’s history dates back to around 1775, when Captain Pedro Franco Quaresma arrived in the area after hearing reports of abundant gold. A settlement soon grew along the banks of the Ribeirão Bom Sucesso stream, but the gold proved far less plentiful than expected. In the end, it was the “green gold” of coffee that brought the region lasting prosperity.

Coffee took over as mining declined in the 19th century, bringing prosperity to Caconde that would shape the town for generations. Still the largest coffee producer in São Paulo State, it retains a rich architectural legacy from that era, from old plantation houses to grand town mansions, with styles ranging from colonial and neoclassical to industrial.

With its historic architecture, sweeping rural landscapes, and mild, dry weather for much of the year, Caconde offers favorable conditions for filming. The low likelihood of rain makes outdoor shoots easier to schedule and helps reduce the risk of weather-related delays.

In Caconde’s historic center, cobblestone streets lead to the Basílica Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Conceição do Bom Sucesso, one of the town’s defining landmarks. The church is a striking example of neo-Romanesque architecture, with a wooden ceiling and three classical oil paintings by local artist Edmundo Migliaccio.

Fazenda Fortaleza offers a different glimpse of Caconde’s past. Set on the banks of the Pardo River, the century-old estate overlooks a stretch of rapids visible from the metal bridge at its entrance. Railway tracks run across the grounds, leading to industrial buildings where the original machinery used to process coffee remains intact.

At 1,195 meters above sea level, Mirante Pedro Ribeiro lookout point commands sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and Graminha Reservoir. Its unusual geometric design features shapes inspired by mystical symbols, including the mandala and the four-leaf clover, giving the lookout a visual identity all its own.

Caconde has plenty to offer film crews, with six hotels providing a total of 345 beds and twelve restaurants. Caconde is just over two hundred kilometers from Viracopos International Airport, providing convenient access for crews arriving by air.

Caconde’s varied landscapes and historic sites lend themselves to a wide range of productions, from horror and suspense to drama, historical films, and nature documentaries.

Nearest international airport: Viracopos (VCP)

Distance to nearest airport: 221 km

Distance to São Paulo: 290 km

Distance to GRU Airport: 305 km