Join the seven million visitors that make the pilgrimage to Aparecida do Norte annually, perfect for those interested in the religious history of Brazil or those looking for a day trip outside of São Paulo.
After leaving your hotel in a private vehicle, enjoy a 2.5-hour drive to Aparecida with commentary from your tour guide. Along the way, you will pass through Paraíba Valley and also São José dos Campos, home to Embraer Company, world's third largest aircraft manufacturer.
Arriving in Aparecida, you will visit the Itaguaçu Port (Porto Itaguaçu), the spot in Paraíba do Sul River where the image of Virgin Mary was found in 1717 by a fisherman. Since then, many miracles were attributed to the statue, making the beginning of pilgrimages and the shrine.
Accompanied by your guide, you’ll be able to visit the Old Basilica of Aparecida from 1888, a religious landmark recently restored and visited by thousands of faithful, not only for its beauty and baroque structure, but also the devotion to our Lady of Aparecida.
Another main attraction is the Faith Footbridge (Passarela da Fé), with 389 meters long and 35 meters height at its peak. Inaugurated in 1972, connects the Old Basilica to the New Basilica (the National Shrine of Aparecida), and it is one of the main points of pilgrimage of Catholics during the holiday of feast of the Patron Saint, where many believers choose to make its journey on his knees.
The highlight of this tour will be the visit to the National Shrine of Aparecida, also known as the New Basilica, and its modern and stunning structures. Built in 1980 and consecrated by Pope John Paul II, it is the second largest church in the world, accommodating 75,000 people, and also houses the image of the Patron Saint of Brazil, the Chapel of Candles and the Room of Miracles.
For lunch, the tour guide will recommend some restaurant options (meals are not included).
Once the tour is finished, your tour guide will drive you back to São Paulo and drop you off at your hotel.
