8 to 13 Feb, 2026 - Sao Paulo, Aparecida, Campos do Jordão - (Brazil)
Our fourth visit to Brazil, but third time travelling. The default start was to spend time in and around Sao Paulo, triggered by our flight itinerary. Significantly, though, an event in the next week was locking our timing there, so we were aiming to travel at an appropriate pace so we would not have to skip something, or unnecessarily stretch it out.
Finding things to do in Sao Paulo City came easy enough. There is always more that can be added, if one is idle, but key sights don't number too high. Excellent planning by Jo meant we were well positioned for the most interesting locations in the city. Brazilian prices allowed us to enjoy some high class dining, while local cheap options practically fell in our laps while we were out exploring.
Sanduíche de Mortadela
It seemed a little incongruous that the market stalls here are famous for their massive sandwiches stuffed with Mortadella from Bologna.
It felt like a bit of an identity crisis eating Italian deli meat in a classic Portuguese market, but we couldn't pass up those sandwiches.
Almost a Temple to Food
The Sao Paulo Principal Market, Mercadão.
It's grandiose and eclectic. With 72 stained glass windows honouring food, and the towering columns and high ceiling, the market takes on a bit of a cathedral feeling.
Catedral da Sé
Over 50 years from breaking ground to "completion". Economic downturn appears to be the principal reason for the cathedral taking so long to be completed, as construction began just before the First World War, and was completed after the Second.
Tall, light, airy. A magnificent piece of architecture.
Looking Out to Sao Paulo
Part of the sprawl which is Sao Paulo. Atop Edificio Italia, with a glass of sparkling. Entry to the observation tower included a drink, so we could sip as we took it in. Generally, it was buildings as far as one could see, although some distant mountains and green could be detected in one or two directions. Greater Brazil has an estimated population over 22 million, so it really is a large area of high density.
Street Art in Batman Alley
Batman Alley is a significant attraction in Sao Paulo, with its labrynthal lanes lined with constantly changing vibrant street art. Not being connoisseurs, we may would not recognise their work, but apparently world renowned graffiti artist contributions have made this one of the premier street art galleries in the world.
Batman in Batman Alley
The original Batman mural which bestowed this area with its moniker is gone. However, amongst the scores of murals that now adorn the buildings in the district a number pay homage by using the Caped Crusader as their subject.
Flowers and birds were a common theme, with colourful hummingbirds frequently being included.
Mural Detail
The textures and details conveyed such emotion. The picture is not flush with shades and colour variations, but the way the limited palette has been combined invests the bird with a real tangible quality. I could almost feel the breath of wind from its wings.
Aparecida was not in our plans as a stop. As it turned out, we had to change buses here. As we wound through the streets to the bus terminal, we passed close to the sanctuary with the imposing church. With time to spare, and many options for the next leg of the journey, we short notice changed our plans. Luggage stored at the bus station, we hot-footed back and spent a few hours in the church and its auxillary buildings.
The Second Largest Catholic Church in the World
A church of such size and significance would normally be attributed to a large population centre. Although it is not far from Sao Paulo, with over 22 million people, it is actually in a town called Aparecida.
The church can hold between 30,000 and 45,000, and overall the site is designed to handle up to 200,000. Little Aparecida's population is somewhere around 30,000.
There are many interesting stories associated with the site and its significance, and specifically the image of the virgin. Entitled as the "Patroness of Brazil", the highly revered image was found in a nearby river by some fishermen.
In the 1970's, an opportunistic thief made off with the image, but it was dropped when he was chased, smashing in to over 200 pieces. A significant glass shield now protects the restored image.
Soaring Naves
To a certain degree, the size of the church is easier to appreciate from the inside.
Big Churches Need Big Candles
Riding the local bus from Aparecida to Campos do Jordão was a lot longer than we expected, but because of the 50+ stops more than the anticipated climbing. I thought we might sense the altitude gain a bit more, but in reality, it was just a long gentle climb, with a lot of bends. Truth is, it might be high for Brazil, but it's certainly not a signficant altitude.
Taking a Theme to the Next Level
Why would you not expect to find fondue on menus in Campos do Jordão? Just because it's Brazil?
Brazil's Highest City
In many places around the world, altitude alone may not justify following a specific European theme. However, Campos do Jordão seems to have done that. There is little to directly link the location with Swiss immigration.
Rather, the cultured architecture seems be a deliberate choice rather than some sort of accidental evolution.
Timbered Buildings
While altitude and fondue might be slightly reminiscent of Switzerland, architecture more than any other feature is the reason for the nickname of "Brazilian Switzerland".
