RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Campos do Jordão is the favorite of the denizens of São Paulo. The most charming town in the Serra da Mantiqueira mountain range is 180 km from the capital. Its elegance is even greater in winter when low temperatures combine with Alpine-style architecture to create a mood to enjoy wines and fondues. In addition to the town center, called Vila Capivari, the destination also stands out for its nature, parks and museums.
Read on to learn more about what to do in Campos do Jordão, as well as some tips on accommodation.
Where is Campos do Jordão located?
Located 180 km from São Paulo, Campos do Jordão is situated in the Mantiqueira Mountains, near São Bento do Sapucaí and Santo Antônio do Pinhal, at an altitude of over 1,600 meters above sea level, making it the highest city in the country! That justifies the cool weather. It is not uncommon for thermometers to reach 5°C (41°F) at night.
Winter is the most popular time for tourists who fill the streets of Vila Capivari and sit in front of the fireplaces that are very common in houses, restaurants and hotels. July is the busiest month, and it is also the month of the Winter Festival, the largest classical music festival in Latin America.
What to do in Campos do Jordão
Vila Capivari
Vila Capivari is the center of Campos do Jordão and the place where tourists gather, both during the day and at night. There, the tour includes visits to stores, especially those that sell cold-weather clothes and chocolate, as well as the bars and restaurants. There are several options, but the most popular menu is fondues, both sweet and savory. The architecture deserves a mention: with a Germanic style, it makes you feel like you’re in a small Alpine town in Switzerland.
Morro do Elefante
Near the city center is Capivari Park, the starting point of the cable car! The ride is a must on the list of what to do in Campos do Jordão. The destination is Morro do Elefante (Elephant Hill), and the panoramic view of the city makes up for the adrenaline rush of the climb. Before you go down, be sure to take some photos! Besides the cable car, it is also possible to reach Morro do Elefante by car, a 2 km drive from Vila Capivari.
Parque Estadual Campos do Jordão
About 12 km from the city center, Campos do Jordão State Park is an incredible place to enjoy nature. Also called Horto Florestal (Forest Garden), the park has an area of over 8,000 hectares. Visitors can enjoy a playground, a nursery, and four different hiking trails, which together are 12 kilometers long. One of them has a waterfall as a destination! For an additional fee, it is possible to rent bicycles and have a meal or snack in a restaurant or food truck.
Amantikir
With 60,000 square meters, Amantikir Park is one of the main tours you can take in Campos do Jordão. Created in 2007, the gardens are inspired by European landscape architecture and have over 700 plant species. The park, located 10 km from the city center, has parking, a café, a restaurant and a walking trail, as well as viewpoints to take pictures.
Felícia Leirner Museum
The Felícia Leirner Museum, 9 km (5 miles) from the city center, has an area of 35,000 m² and a series of 85 sculptures by the artist displayed outdoors. Felícia Leirner was born in Poland and moved to Campos do Jordão, where she opened her museum in 1978; it was completed in 1982. Her work stands out in the universe of Brazilian and international modern art. On the promenade, art translated into bronze, white cement, and granite combines with nature. There is also the Claudio Santoro Auditorium, where the Winter Festival is held.
Palácio Boa Vista
The winter residence of the Governor of São Paulo, Boa Vista Palace is a museum with an incredible collection that includes furniture, porcelain, silverware, sculptures and paintings. In addition to its historical and artistic value, the architecture of the Palace is reminiscent of European castles. There are 35 sections and 105 rooms! To get to know it, guided and free tours are offered. The Palace and the Palace Chapel, are a must on the list of things to do in Campos do Jordão.
Parque das Cerejeiras
If your trip to Campos do Jordão is between the months of July and August, you can’t leave Parque das Cerejeiras Vila Albertina off your itinerary. It is the flowering season, when the charm of the cherry trees lined with delicate pink blossoms is guaranteed. During the same period, the Cherry Blossom Festival of Campos do Jordão takes place, with artistic performances, typical food and Japanese products. On quieter days, the tip is to go prepared and have a picnic. The park is 8 km from Vila Capivari.
Ducha de Prata
One of the most traditional tours in Campos do Jordão is Ducha de Prata (“silver shower”), a series of artificial waterfalls that tourists can observe and photograph from boardwalks. Admission is free, and the location is close to the city center. If you take the Trenzinho da Montanha tour that departs from Capivari Park, Ducha de Prata is one of the stops on the train line.
Pedra do Baú
The Pedra do Baú complex is actually a collection of rocks consisting of Bauzinho, Pedra do Baú and Ana Chata. It is a hit for adventurers! There are several climbing routes of varying difficulty, including a quiet path for children. Once at the top, the view of the Mantiqueira Mountains is incredible! Access to the site is in São Bento do Sapucaí, but its proximity to Campos do Jordão, about 25 km away, makes it a good option for those visiting that city.
The entry gateway of Campos do Jordão and Vista Chinesa
Upon arriving in Campos do Jordão, it is worth stopping at the town gateway with its typical architecture to take the traditional photo. When you leave the city, the Belvedere lookout point is worth a few minutes’ pause before heading home. Belvedere is located 3 km from the gate and is also called Vista Chinesa (Chinese View). It’s a great place to take photos of the mountains and nature in the area, especially at sunset.
Restaurants in Campos do Jordão
Baden-Baden Chopperia
There is one more thing to do in downtown Campos do Jordão: enjoy the most famous restaurant in the area. Baden-Baden Chopperia is a reference, thanks to its menu of typical German delicacies and its own beers, created in the city and now part of the Heineken Group. Try sauerkraut, pork knuckle, typical pasta, and also fondue, besides desserts like strudel. All dishes go well with the beers!
Restaurant Pontremoli
A little further away from Vila Capivari, about 9 km, Pontremoli Restaurant is one of the most popular places in Campos do Jordão. The bistro is charming in terms of architecture and offers its guests the opportunity to dine in the open air. The atmosphere is romantic, and the view is privileged. The menu features Italian dishes, which are always accompanied by wines. Please note that reservations are required.
Santa Collina Restaurant & Fondue
Campos do Jordão belongs to the fondue! Santa Collina Restaurant & Fondue, in Vila Capivari, is a specialist in this field, with different types, from savory fondues, with meat and cheese, to sweet ones, with traditional chocolate or with Leite Ninho and Nutella. The menu also includes snacks, hamburgers, pasta, meat and children’s dishes (children can even play in the children’s area). The atmosphere is rustic, with indoor and outdoor tables and a glass pavilion.
Where to stay in Campos do Jordão
Là-Bas Suites de Montagne
Charm and comfort are the essence of Là-Bas Suites de Montagne. The atmosphere of the accommodation is cozy and intimate. All rooms are 35 m², with balcony, TV, heating, living area, and equipped kitchen. Breakfast is included in the price and is served in baskets, directly in the suites. In addition to the amenities, the accommodation is just 1 km from the center of Campos do Jordão.
Pousada Nacional Inn
Charm and simplicity! The pousada Nacional Inn is located just 1 km from Vila Capivari and Morro do Elefante. Beyond the privileged location, breakfast is included in the price, with different items, from cakes to fruit. The inn also offers an area with a jacuzzi, a TV room, and a gym.
Nacional Inn Campos do Jordão
The Nacional Inn Campos do Jordão is another option for accommodation that is full of charm! Its European-style architecture is in complete harmony with the destination, and Vila Capivari is just 2 km away. It features an indoor heated pool with jacuzzi, a playground, a game room and a gym. Guests enjoy the complimentary breakfast with more than 50 items.
Golden Park Campos do Jordão
Surrounded by nature, Golden Park Campos do Jordão is 500 meters from the city gate and 6 km from Vila Capivari! Infrastructure includes an indoor pool with a floating whirlpool, a lake with pedal boats, a playground, and more. Breakfast is included, and among the 40 items available are fruits, yogurt, cereals, jams, and homemade cakes and breads.
Castelo Nacional Inn
The Castelo Nacional Inn is literally a castle! Its unique architecture attracts attention in Campos do Jordão, and the interior design follows the same style. Guests have access to an indoor pool, whirlpool, gym, game room, and movie room, plus breakfast is included. To know more about the destination, it is worth mentioning that it is 900 meters from Palácio Boa Vista and 2 km from the Felícia Leirner Museum.