We determined the prevalence, distribution and correlates of human papillomavirus (HPV) types in 386 mixed-income, sexually active women in São Paulo, Brazil. Endocervical samples were tested for HPV DNA with L1 primers MY09 and MY11; negative and indeterminate samples were retested using GP 5+/6+ consensus primers. HPV was detected in 35% of all women; high-risk/probable high-risk types in 20%; low-risk types in 7%; and an indeterminate type in 10%. Twenty-five HPV types were found overall: 17 (probable) high-risk types and eight low-risk types. Approximately one-third (29%) of women with HPV infection were positive for type 16 or 18 and 36% were positive for types 6, 11, 16 or 18. The presence of (probable) high-risk HPV was associated with younger age, more lifetime sex partners and abnormal vaginal flora. Additional studies mapping the distribution of HPV types worldwide are necessary to prepare for vaccination programmes and direct future vaccine development.