Rio to Campos do Jordao and Aparecida Shrine: Day trip

At 1,628 meters (5,341 ft) above sea level, Campos do Jordão holds the title of highest city in Brazil, and is a popular holiday retreat for the country’s well-to-do. Befittingly, the architecture of Campos do Jordão draws inspiration from traditional European alpine architecture, making it one of the most unique cities in the country. The downtown is packed with bars, restaurants, and shops all housed in colorful half-timbered chalets. Be sure to take the time to tour the Boa Vista Palace (Wed-Sun 10AM-5PM). Built in 1964 as the winter estate of the then Governor of the State of São Paulo, Adhemar de Barros, this 3000-square-meter chateau is filled with thousands of pieces of furniture, paintings, and objects d’arte. The tour is free, and done on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Honoring the patron saint of Brazil, the monumental Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida has a humble origin - three fishermen reeled in a statue of the Virgin Mary in the 18th century, which blessed them with a bounteous catch. The statue was originally housed in the home of one of the fishermen, but an ever-increasing tide of pilgrims led him to create a small chapel, which had to be replaced by a series of ever-larger buildings. In 1955, construction began on the new basilica, which is the largest cathedral, and second largest Catholic church in the world after St. Peter's Basilica. Regardless of your faith, its sheer size is awe-inspiring, so be sure to walk around it before heading inside to be dwarfed by the soaring ceilings. The complex is so huge, it also houses a shopping mall, medical clinic, and restaurants!