Sorocabana is a region in the state of São Paulo. It is a region containing vast and tranquil rural areas, quickly developing cities like Sorocaba and Itu, and the Itararé valley, an unspoiled geological park that offers beautiful views, canyons and waterfalls.
In 1875, the railway company Sorocabana opened a new railway from São Paulo towards the west. That would begin the economical development of a whole new region of the state.
Nowadays, the most economically relevant part of the region is the northeast part, where the region's largest city, Sorocaba, and nearby cities have been prospering with the expansion of industry and services sectors. The northwest of the region is mostly rural, with agriculture playing a major role. This part of the region has several getaway resorts, mostly in charming small cities like Avaré, Barra Bonita and Águas de Santa Bárbara.
Finally the south of the region, close to the border with Paraná, is less densely populated and economically developed. The characteristic landscape of the region is the Itararé Valley, a geological formation containing canyons, forest and waterfalls. It is an area with formidable potential for ecotourism, although proper tourist infrastructure is still under development.
The Sorocabana region has relatively low crimes rates for Brazilian standards, even in the largest city, Sorocaba. The south of the region (the Itararé valley) is a poor area, which is not particularly dangerous to visitors, but it is wise to at least avoid displaying wealth and possessions there.