\n \ud83e\uddf3 Plan your trip to Brazil\n <\/p>\n
\ud83c\udfe8 Hotels:<\/strong> Browse the best hotels on Booking.com<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83c\udf9f\ufe0f Tours & activities:<\/strong> Find tours on Civitatis<\/a> \u00b7 \n <\/p> \ud83d\ude97 Car rental:<\/strong> Compare prices on Rentcars<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udee1\ufe0f Travel insurance:<\/strong> Get a quote here<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Campos do Jord\u00e3o is located in S\u00e3o Paulo state, in southeastern Brazil, on the slopes of the Serra da Mantiqueira mountain range. The municipality sits at the boundary between the states of S\u00e3o Paulo and Minas Gerais, at an average altitude of 1,628 meters. At that elevation, the climate is genuinely unlike the rest of Brazil: cold and dry in winter (June to August), mild and sometimes wet in summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t The city divides into three main districts. Abern\u00e9ssia is the administrative center and oldest part of town, with the train station and more local, everyday character. Jaguaribe sits in the middle, with residential neighborhoods and quieter streets. Capivari is where most tourists spend their time \u2014 a compact, lively area with shops, chocolate stores, fondue restaurants, and the cable car to Morro do Elefante.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For context on the broader region, see our guides to S\u00e3o Paulo state<\/a> and Southeast Brazil<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Campos do Jord\u00e3o was first settled by Portuguese colonizers in the early 19th century, though it remained a sparsely populated and relatively remote highland area for decades. The climate, which was considered harsh by the standards of a tropical colony, eventually became its greatest asset: in the late 1800s, the region was recommended as a sanatorium retreat for tuberculosis patients, who came to benefit from the cold, dry air. The Swiss-style architecture that visitors see today began as a design choice of the sanatorium era and the early 20th-century hotels built to serve them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The city was officially elevated to municipality status in 1934, and in 1950 the Pal\u00e1cio Boa Vista (the summer residence of the S\u00e3o Paulo state governor) was inaugurated, adding an institutional prestige to the destination. The Winter Festival, first held in 1970, transformed it into a cultural landmark. Today, Campos do Jord\u00e3o receives around four million visitors annually.<\/p>\n\n\n This is the social and commercial heart of the city \u2014 a pedestrian-friendly area of chalets, chocolate shops, restaurants, bars, and the kind of concentrated commercial energy that makes it both easy to love and occasionally overwhelming. On a cold July evening, it’s genuinely lively: warm light spilling from fondue restaurants, the smell of hot chocolate from every corner, groups of Brazilian tourists in coats and scarves who are clearly delighted to be cold for once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Baden Baden brewery has a restaurant and beer hall here that’s worth a visit for the craft beers and the reliable food quality. Chocolates are everywhere, and the artisan versions produced by local makers are a legitimate reason to stock up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cable car (telef\u00e9rico) connects the city to the Morro do Elefante viewpoint, offering some of the best panoramic views available in the Serra da Mantiqueira. From the summit, on a clear day, you can see the entire Capivari valley spread below, with arauc\u00e1ria pines dotting the slopes and the city’s chalet rooftops visible in every direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cable car runs daily and the ascent takes about ten minutes each way. It’s one of the most-visited attractions in the city for good reason \u2014 the views are genuinely excellent and the journey itself is pleasant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most ambitious and beautiful garden projects in Brazil, Parque Amantikir was designed with 21 themed garden spaces covering flora from different parts of the world \u2014 Japanese, Mediterranean, French, English, and more \u2014 all integrated into the Serra da Mantiqueira landscape. The result is something that works surprisingly well: carefully maintained, photogenic, and peaceful in the way that well-designed gardens always are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Entry costs around R$100 and the park deserves a half-day. It’s particularly beautiful in spring (September to November) when the flowering is at its peak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Book the Amantikir Park tour with Civitatis<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 a guided visit with transport included, ideal for visitors who want context on the garden design and local flora.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Book the Campos do Jord\u00e3o tour including Parque Amantikir with Civitatis<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 a more complete day that pairs the gardens with other city highlights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The summer residence of the S\u00e3o Paulo state governor, the Pal\u00e1cio Boa Vista is open to the public when the governor is not in residence (typically most of the year). The real draw, beyond the architecture, is the garden designed by Roberto Burle Marx \u2014 Brazil’s most important landscape architect, whose work can also be seen along Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana promenade. The geometric garden here is considered one of his finest projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Entry costs around R$15 (through the Museu Fel\u00edcia Leirner, which shares the complex and houses an excellent collection of Brazilian modern sculpture).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Located within the Pal\u00e1cio Boa Vista grounds, this museum houses the donated collection of the Brazilian sculptor Fel\u00edcia Leirner \u2014 a significant body of work displayed both inside the museum building and throughout the garden. It’s not a large museum, but the quality is high and the setting, with Burle Marx’s garden as backdrop, is extraordinary. Entry costs R$15.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The state park covers approximately 8,000 hectares of Atlantic Forest in the Serra da Mantiqueira, with a network of well-maintained trails through arauc\u00e1ria pine forest, waterfalls, picnic areas, and one of the most pleasant natural environments accessible from any Brazilian city. Entry costs R$27.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The park is excellent for hiking at any time of year, but particularly good in the dry winter months when trails are firm and the air is cold and clear. Early morning visits offer the best chance of seeing wildlife, including birds endemic to the Atlantic Forest. The most popular trail leads to the Cachoeira da \u00c1gua Branca waterfall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At 2,030 meters, the Pico do Itapeva is one of the most accessible high-altitude viewpoints in S\u00e3o Paulo state. Located about 12 km from the city center, the peak requires a short hike and offers sweeping views across the Serra da Mantiqueira. On the clearest days, you can see the Para\u00edba Valley and, on rare occasions, the distant coastline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The approach road is partly unpaved and benefits from a vehicle with reasonable clearance \u2014 a rental car gives you the most flexibility for reaching it independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most-visited natural spots in the city (over 53,000 Google reviews), the Ducha de Prata is a pleasant waterfall accessible by a short trail near the center of the city. It’s not a dramatic cascade, but the setting \u2014 arauc\u00e1ria trees, cold mountain air, a wooden platform over the rocks \u2014 is genuinely lovely, and the accessibility makes it an easy addition to any day in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The city’s historic tram (Maria Fuma\u00e7a) connects the three districts of Abern\u00e9ssia, Jaguaribe, and Capivari along a scenic route through the mountain landscape. Riding it is a low-effort way to see the city’s geography and understand how the three districts relate to each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Book a sightseeing tour of Campos do Jord\u00e3o with Civitatis<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 a comprehensive guided introduction to the city covering its main landmarks, viewpoints, and neighborhoods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Book a general Campos do Jord\u00e3o tour with Civitatis<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 another well-reviewed option for visitors who prefer a structured first day in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For visitors who want to get into the mountain landscape more actively, quad tours through the surrounding trails and viewpoints are a popular option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Book a quad tour in Campos do Jord\u00e3o with Civitatis<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 off-road quad bikes through mountain trails and panoramic viewpoints around the city.<\/p>\n\n\n The Campos do Jord\u00e3o Winter Festival is Latin America’s largest classical music festival, typically running for about a month in July. It features a range of performances from orchestral concerts to chamber music, with both Brazilian and international artists. Many performances are free, with tickets available through the official website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The festival spans about 18 days and features concerts held in various venues across the city, including open-air stages with the mountain landscape as backdrop. Beyond classical music, it includes workshops and masterclasses, making it appealing for those interested in music education as well as performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For 2026, the Campos do Jord\u00e3o Winter festival brings together music, gastronomy, exclusive experiences, and the unique mountain atmosphere of one of Brazil’s most sought-after destinations, with a premium program designed for both daytime and nighttime events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The festival coincides with the city’s absolute peak season. Accommodation during July fills weeks or months in advance, and prices spike significantly. If classical music is the reason for your visit, book everything as early as possible. If you’re visiting for the city rather than the festival, the shoulder months on either side (late May or early September) offer similar temperatures with far fewer crowds and better prices.<\/p>\n\n\n About 90 km from Campos do Jord\u00e3o, the city of Aparecida is home to the Bas\u00edlica Nacional de Nossa Senhora Aparecida \u2014 the largest Catholic basilica in the world and Brazil’s most important pilgrimage site. Over 10 million pilgrims visit annually, making it one of the most visited religious sites anywhere on Earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether or not religious tourism is your primary interest, the scale of the complex is genuinely staggering, and understanding the significance of Aparecida gives important context for Brazilian Catholic culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Book a day trip to Aparecida from Campos do Jord\u00e3o with Civitatis<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 guided excursion with transport and a guided visit to the basilica and surrounding complex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A smaller, quieter mountain town about 20 km from Campos do Jord\u00e3o, Santo Ant\u00f4nio do Pinhal sits at 1,600 meters and has a more rural, less tourist-developed character. The surrounding countryside has several well-regarded pousadas and farms that produce cheese, honey, and local produce. A good option for visitors who want a quieter mountain experience as a day trip or overnight excursion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The broader Para\u00edba Valley region below the Serra da Mantiqueira has several towns worth exploring for their colonial architecture and historical significance \u2014 Guaratinguet\u00e1, S\u00e3o Jos\u00e9 dos Campos, and Taubat\u00e9 among them. These work better as part of a longer road trip than as single day trips, but they add depth to any Serra da Mantiqueira itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The standard route from S\u00e3o Paulo takes around three hours via the Rodovia Ayrton Senna (SP-070) and Rodovia Carvalho Pinto (SP-070), connecting to the SP-123 mountain road into Campos do Jord\u00e3o. The final stretch of the SP-123 winds through the Serra da Mantiqueira with genuinely beautiful mountain scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the most flexible option and strongly recommended for visitors who want to make day trips to Pico do Itapeva, Parque Amantikir, and Aparecida without depending on organized tours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Compare car rental rates in S\u00e3o Paulo on Rentcars.com<\/a> before your trip \u2014 picking up at Guarulhos or Congonhas airport and driving directly to the mountains is a practical and flexible option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Several bus companies run daily services from S\u00e3o Paulo’s Tiet\u00ea bus terminal to Campos do Jord\u00e3o. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and is a reliable, affordable option for visitors without a car. Buses drop passengers at the main terminal in Abern\u00e9ssia, from where taxis and local transport connect to Capivari.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The tram (Maria Fuma\u00e7a) connects the three districts and is the most atmospheric way to move between them. Taxis are plentiful in Capivari. Uber works in the city, though availability can be limited in the quieter months or late at night during peak season. For the outer attractions \u2014 Pico do Itapeva, Horto Florestal, Parque Amantikir \u2014 having a car or booking an organized tour makes logistics significantly easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The city has accommodation across every price range, from basic guesthouses in Abern\u00e9ssia to high-end mountain resorts with fireplaces, spas, and direct forest access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most convenient neighborhoods for first-time visitors are Capivari (walking distance to Vila Capivari, the cable car, and most restaurants) and Jaguaribe (slightly quieter, with good access to both the center and the natural attractions to the south).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hotel Castelo Nacional Inn<\/a> (4.5 stars, R$363\/night) is one of the most consistently well-reviewed properties in the city \u2014 castle-style architecture, reliable comfort, and a location that works well for both the city center and mountain excursions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hotel Dan Inn Premium <\/a>(4.4 stars, R$270\/night) offers solid value at mid-range pricing with over 3,700 reviews reflecting consistent quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Home Green Home<\/a> (4.5 stars, R$423\/night) has a more boutique character \u2014 smaller, with attention to design and mountain atmosphere. A good choice for couples or travelers who prioritize character over facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the Winter Festival (July), accommodation prices increase by up to 50% and availability drops sharply. Booking 2\u20133 months in advance for July visits is not an exaggeration. For shoulder season visits (May, September), same-week bookings are usually possible.<\/p>\n\n\n The honest answer is that every season in Campos do Jord\u00e3o offers something worthwhile, and the best time depends entirely on what you’re looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n July is peak season \u2014 cold (around 10\u201315\u00b0C during the day, occasionally dropping below 5\u00b0C at night), busy, and expensive. The Winter Festival runs through most of the month, the fondue restaurants are packed, and the city is at its most festive. If experiencing the full mountain-town winter atmosphere is your priority, July is when Campos do Jord\u00e3o delivers it most completely. Pack properly: a good winter coat, layers, and closed shoes are not optional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n June and August offer the same cold temperatures with slightly smaller crowds. Still busy, still beautiful, and slightly less expensive than the festival peak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n September to November is spring \u2014 mild temperatures, flowering trees (the Festa da Cerejeira celebrates the cherry blossoms in September), pleasant hiking conditions, and significantly fewer visitors. Late May or early September are particularly good for catching cool, clear weather while avoiding the July crowds and inflated prices \u2014 the trails are quieter and the mountain air remains sharp and pleasant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n December to February is summer. Temperatures rise to around 20\u201322\u00b0C, afternoon rain showers are common, and the landscape turns intensely green. The city is quieter than in winter, prices are lower, and the hiking \u2014 particularly after rain \u2014 rewards early risers who get out before the clouds build in the afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Campos do Jord\u00e3o is considered one of the safest tourist destinations in S\u00e3o Paulo state. The city’s economy is almost entirely tourism-dependent, crime rates are low by Brazilian standards, and the tourist areas of Capivari are well-lit, active, and comfortable to walk at any reasonable hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Standard precautions still apply: keep your phone in a pocket rather than in your hand on busy streets, use Uber or a known taxi service at night, and don’t leave valuables visible in a parked car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Travel insurance is worth having for any Brazil trip, particularly if you plan to hike in the Serra da Mantiqueira, where trails can be challenging and emergency response times in remote areas are slower than in urban settings. SafetyWing<\/a> covers medical emergencies and adventure activities across Brazil from approximately USD $42\/month \u2014 a sensible precaution that costs very little relative to what it protects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cuisine here is one of the city’s genuine pleasures, and it’s meaningfully different from what you eat anywhere else in Brazil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fondue is the flagship experience and it’s taken seriously. The classic cheese fondue with Brazilian p\u00e3o de queijo alongside the traditional bread cubes, meat fondue in hot oil, and the chocolate fondue dessert are all widely available. Restaurante Casa Su\u00ed\u00e7a<\/a> (4.7 stars, known locally as “A Casa do Fondue”) is one of the most respected in this tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trout (truta) from the mountain streams of the Serra da Mantiqueira appears on almost every menu \u2014 grilled, smoked, or in risottos. It’s excellent here, and significantly fresher than anything you’d find at sea level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chocolate is impossible to avoid and worth leaning into. The artisan chocolatiers of Capivari produce handmade truffles and pralines at prices well below what European chocolate costs, and the quality is genuinely competitive. Buy generously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Craft beer has become a significant part of the food scene. Baden Baden<\/a>, the brewery founded in Campos do Jord\u00e3o in 1999, produces some of Brazil’s best-known craft beers \u2014 including a well-regarded seasonal Oktoberfest bock and a year-round Scotch Ale that fits the cold climate unusually well. The brewery’s restaurant in Capivari is reliable for both food and beer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Casa Bambui<\/a> (4.9 stars) and Risoteria Villa Lobos (4.8 stars) consistently top the ratings among the city’s non-fondue options. Ludwig Restaurant (4.4 stars) is the choice for a more formal fondue experience. For something lighter, Paris 6 Bistr\u00f4 offers a French-inspired bistro format at good prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhere is Campos do Jord\u00e3o?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A brief history<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Mountain](\"https:\/\/doinbrazil.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Campos-do-Jordao-SP-Brazil.png\")
What to do in Campos do Jord\u00e3o<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Vila Capivari<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Morro do Elefante and the cable car<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Parque Amantikir<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pal\u00e1cio Boa Vista<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Museu Fel\u00edcia Leirner<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Parque Estadual de Campos do Jord\u00e3o (Horto Florestal)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pico do Itapeva<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ducha de Prata waterfall<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The city tour by tram and on foot<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Quad biking in the mountains<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Traditional](\"https:\/\/doinbrazil.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Colonial-house-at-the-entrance-of-the-city-of-Campos-do-Jordao-SP.png\")
The Winter Festival: Latin America’s largest classical music event<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Colorful](\"https:\/\/doinbrazil.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Chairlift-at-Campos-do-Jordao.-Sao-Paulo-Brazil.png\")
Day trips from Campos do Jord\u00e3o<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Aparecida \u2014 Brazil’s most important religious city<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Santo Ant\u00f4nio do Pinhal<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pindamonhangaba and the Para\u00edba Valley<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to get to Campos do Jord\u00e3o<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
From S\u00e3o Paulo by car<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
From S\u00e3o Paulo by bus<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Getting around the city<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Where to stay in Campos do Jord\u00e3o<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Panoramic](\"https:\/\/doinbrazil.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/MIRANTE-DE-CAMPOS-DO-JORDAO.png\")
Best time to visit Campos do Jord\u00e3o<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is Campos do Jord\u00e3o safe?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Food in Campos do Jord\u00e3o<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Practical information<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n