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The Highest City in Brazil Is in the Interior of São Paulo and Charms with Its Beauty and Special Atmosphere

Written by Alisson Ficher
Published on 15/06/2025 at 16:22
Updated on 15/06/2025 at 18:20
Clima europeu, altitude extrema e paisagens únicas: conheça o charme da cidade mais alta do Brasil, um refúgio que conquista em todas as estações.
Clima europeu, altitude extrema e paisagens únicas: conheça o charme da cidade mais alta do Brasil, um refúgio que conquista em todas as estações.
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Among Mountains And European-Inspired Buildings, This Destination Surprises With Cold Weather, Typical Cuisine, And Charming Landscapes That Attract Tourists Year-Round In Brazil.

Campos do Jordão is the highest city in Brazil, situated at 1,628 meters above sea level, in the interior of São Paulo, in the Serra da Mantiqueira.

This privileged location guarantees the city a mild climate, typical mountain vegetation, and landscapes reminiscent of European alpine scenery.

Climate, Altitude, And Privileged Location

During winter, from June to August, the temperatures drop drastically, which transforms the municipality into one of the most visited tourist destinations in Brazil.

For this reason, Campos do Jordão is often referred to as the “Brazilian Switzerland”, due to the similarity of its architecture and climate with European cities.

Vila Capivari, the city’s tourist center, is the busiest spot.

The neighborhood is home to shops, restaurants, chocolate shops, and inns with wooden facades and sloped roofs.

The streets are filled with tourists wearing winter coats, enjoying hot chocolate or fondue in heated rooms.

Campos do Jordão, the city with European climate, extreme altitude, and unique landscapes. (Image/ reproduction)
Campos do Jordão, the city with European climate, extreme altitude, and unique landscapes. (Image/ reproduction)

Typical Cuisine And Handcrafted Products

The cuisine is one of the pillars of tourism in Campos do Jordão.

Cheese, meat, or chocolate fondues are traditional dishes, accompanied by fresh trout and recipes with pinhão.

The city is also known for its production of artisan cheeses, cold cuts, and fine wines, all favored by the region’s cold and dry climate.

These products can be found in local shops and are part of gastronomic experiences offered by restaurants and hotels.

Microbreweries and artisan chocolate shops also attract visitors interested in experience tourism.

The altitude climate further benefits the cultivation of vegetables and flowers in specialized greenhouses.

The average annual temperature hovers around 15°C, which sets Campos do Jordão apart from most Brazilian cities with a tropical climate.

Campos do Jordão, the city with European climate, extreme altitude, and unique landscapes. (Image/ reproduction)
Campos do Jordão, the city with European climate, extreme altitude, and unique landscapes. (Image/ reproduction)

Tourism, Nature, And Complete Infrastructure In Campos do Jordão

Campos do Jordão offers one of the best tourist infrastructures in Brazil in small towns.

The hotel network includes everything from rustic inns to five-star hotels with fireplaces, spas, and mountain views.

Among the most visited natural attractions is the Campos do Jordão State Park, known as Horto Florestal.

The place features over 8,000 hectares of preserved Atlantic Forest, with ecological trails, waterfalls, suspended bridges, and picnic areas.

Other points of interest include Elephant Hill, accessed by cable car, and Palácio Boa Vista, the winter residence of the São Paulo government.

The city also houses the Cláudio Santoro auditorium, where performances of the International Winter Festival take place.

Even outside the cold season, Campos do Jordão maintains a regular tourist flow.

Campos do Jordão, the city with European climate, extreme altitude, and unique landscapes. (Image/ reproduction)
Campos do Jordão, the city with European climate, extreme altitude, and unique landscapes. (Image/ reproduction)

During the summer, the mild and dry weather favors ecotourism and outdoor activities.

Trails, viewpoints, and flowering gardens are enjoyed by visitors seeking tranquility.

The city is also part of the so-called Mantiqueira Circuit, alongside Santo Antônio do Pinhal and São Bento do Sapucaí, which share similar geographical and cultural characteristics.

Campos do Jordão: Easy Access And Year-Round Tourism

Campos do Jordão is about 170 km from the capital of São Paulo and can be accessed via highways such as SP-123, known for its tunnels and natural viewpoints.

The proximity to São Paulo stimulates weekend tourism and helps boost the local economy.

The city is constantly chosen by couples on honeymoon, families seeking comfort, and tourists who value culture, cuisine, and nature.

The local economy revolves mainly around tourism, complemented by cold climate agriculture and regional crafts.

Cultural events like the Campos do Jordão Winter Festival, one of the most traditional in Brazil, reinforce the cultural profile of the municipality and attract artists and visitors from all over the country.

The program includes classical music, free performances, and artistic workshops.

With all these attributes — record altitude, unique climate, quality infrastructure, and natural attractions — Campos do Jordão consolidates its position as a national reference in mountain tourism.

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Alisson Ficher

A journalist who graduated in 2017 and has been active in the field since 2015, with six years of experience in print magazines, stints at free-to-air TV channels, and over 12,000 online publications. A specialist in politics, employment, economics, courses, and other topics, he is also the editor of the CPG portal. Professional registration: 0087134/SP. If you have any questions, wish to report an error, or suggest a story idea related to the topics covered on the website, please contact via email: alisson.hficher@outlook.com. We do not accept résumés!

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