Shrine Of Our Lady Of Aparecida: A Day Trip to Brazil's Largest Catholic Temple
4.6
11 Ratings
São Paulo
Embark on a spiritual journey to Brazil's largest Catholic temple, the Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida. Explore the monumental cathedral, honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, and immerse yourself in religious traditions.
Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • São Paulo - Following pick-up at your hotel in São Paulo, we drive for 2 hours to the Shrine, located in the city of Aparecida in the state of São Paulo.
  • National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Aparecida - The temple, the largest in the country, houses the 36 cm image of Our Lady of Aparecida.

The sanctuary is the largest in the world dedicated to Mather Mary. 12 million pilgrims pass through yearly, making it the main pilgrimage point in Brazil.

In addition to the image, the basilica has the chapel of the candles, where the devotees pray. Each weekend, up to 10 tons of paraffin are taken off from the place. In the Hall of Promises are thousands of objects and photographs of devotees who reported miracles.

  • Passarela da Fe - Footbridge of Faith

The structure is 392 meters long and reaches a height of 35 meters at its highest point, connects the National Sanctuary of Aparecida to the Old Basilica.

The footbridge is a traditional pilgrimage spot for pilgrims who many cross on their knees to pay promises made to Our Lady of Aparecida. The footbridge also offers a panoramic view of the largest Catholic temple in Brazil.

  • Matriz Basilica Nossa Senhora Aparecida - Old Basilica

Known as Old Basilica, the church is in the downtown area of the city of Aparecida and used to be a meeting point for pilgrims before the construction of the National Sanctuary. The two churches are connected today by the footbridge of faith.

With works started in 1845 and completed in 1888, the church received the title of Basilica of Aparecida from the Vatican in 1908. In 1982, it was listed as a monument of historical, religious and architectural interest.

  • Teleférico - The cable car connects the National Sanctuary to Hill of the Santo Cruzeiro. On average about 2 thousand visitors per day rides on the cars.

The section covered by the cable car is approximately 1,170 meters long and 115 meter high passing over a major highway nearby.

  • Morro do Cruzeiro - Hill of the Santo Cruzeiro is accessible by cable car. Devotees also climb the Morro do Cruzeiro in procession to remember the Way of the Cross. Along the way it has 14 stations that recall the last steps of Jesus Christ to the Calvary.

The hill is 900 meters long and 83 meters high.

  • São Paulo - After having such a spiritual day, we journey back to the city of São Paulo where the tour started. We’ll engage in a conversation about your interests and our expertise, whether that can be religion, or cultural history of the area. 
What's Included
  • Transport by fully-equipped vehicles
  • Entrance fees included
  • Private driver for groups over 4
  • Pick-up and drop-off at any address
  • All-inclusive pricing: VAT, taxes, handling charges, parking fees, Greet & Meet services
What's Not Included
  • Meals and drinks.
  • Tips. (optional)
Additional Information

Don’t let this opportunity slip to discover the biggest Catholic Church in Brazil and the largest cathedral globally, the Cathedral Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida. Each year, millions of devotees from various corners of Brazil flock to this sacred site, honoring the Virgin Mary, while marveling at the colossal cathedral.

Situated in the rural regions, the shrine is a 2-hour drive from São Paulo city.

To cater to nearly 12 million yearly pilgrims, the Sanctuary extends over an expanse of more than 1.3 million square meters, with approximately 143 thousand square meters of constructed area brimming with an assortment of attractions.

The primary motivation behind the pilgrimages is religious. Guided through the National Shrine, visitors get to see the statue of Our Lady Aparecida, engage in a Holy Mass, make petitions, extend gratitude for blessings received, fulfill vows, appreciate intricate artistry, grand designs, and colorful stained-glass windows.

Location
São Paulo
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(11 Ratings)
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Dalynnd2
Apr 26, 2024
What A Dream!!! - Our stay at the Americus Garden Inn was an amazing highlight of our 3 wk trip to the Southeast. We had been looking for an interesting place to spend a few days between our bike tour from Charleston to Savannah and visiting friends in Atlanta. We couldn't have found a more wonderful place! Susan & Kim handle all aspects of the best Bed & Breakfast that we have ever visited. They made us feel special and so very comfortable in their beautiful antebellum home. Attention to detail was clear from the decor to the cleanliness to the availability of anything we might want or need. The three course breakfasts were delicious, freshly made from scratch to our dietary preferences. Susan is an amazing cook and an artist with the beautiful presentation of each dish. Our only regret is that we live so far away in Portland OR and we can only hope that we get another opportunity to stay with Susan & Kim in the future.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Francisbv5125sx
Mar 29, 2024
Two weeks in Laos - Two weeks for two in March to discover Laos, from north to south, most often along the Mekong. Guides and drivers speaking good French, punctual, helpful, efficient and complementary. Only good memories with two highlights: Kong Lor Cave and Champasak.
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Jhosmanf2021
Feb 24, 2024
Share - Experience coexistence with everyone and transmit a different culture, a great coexistence and pleasant
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Indrawatis2018
Oct 29, 2023
Great tour to Aparecida. - There are not many reviews about tours to this religious place, even though Our Lady of Aparecida is the National Patron of Brazil. My husband and I chose this tour because of our time and language limitations. We were very happy because in a short time, our guide, Nelio, was able to show us all the important places throughout the basilica complex, and gave good explanations. Nelio was also very attentive and drove patiently throughout our trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Madhusudanw2023
Feb 8, 2023
Akama is a great hotel to stay in Kathmandu, Nepal - Staying in Hotel Akama in Kathmandu, Nepal in early January 2023. Their staff especially Ms. Palpusa, Mr. Binod, Ms Sangrol & Ms. Bandana were very helpful, courteous, professional and went out of the way to help us.
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Herthaw2022
Dec 13, 2022
ROC ARENAS DORADAS - Another great trip to Roc Arenas Doradas in Varadero. Husband got to spend his 80th birthday there and what a wonderful job they did to make it really special. Of course we never have any complaints about our trips there. We are always treated so well and they totally spoil us. All the staff are great, whether its in the buffet, at reception, coffee bar, or any other place. We love it here. It's like a second home. And we will definitely be going back!
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Lorieceniza30
Sep 1, 2022
The serenity and tranquility of Siquijor Island - Siquijor is a great wonderful place to visit from my recent trip last weekend August 28-30, 2022. So many scary stories about this place have been going around so tthat it took me long years to decide to visit this place. However, all this story is not true and there's nothing to be scared off as people are friendly, modern facilities and the place is clean and there are a lot of resorts to stay and a lot of foreigners and local visitors all over the place and the beaches are white and wide and no fences ! the sea is still clean and rarely are there waste materials are floating. The resort we stayed CHARISMA BEACH RESORT is small resort with nine beautiful rooms and a pool and very close to the sparkling beautiful blue and green sea!!! good food in their restaurant and so peaceful and friendly owner and staffs... We had a very refreshing and rejuvenating stay in the resort and motorcycling all around the island of Siquijor and photos for our memory lane... I want to go back soon and spend more weeks to rejuvenate again and be refresh in this serene and quiet place....
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Justin
Aug 31, 2022
Incredible must visit day trip when in São Paulo! - Went on a privately-guided tour led by Nelio to explore the 2nd largest church in the world. It’s a 2 hour drive and a massive site to explore so having Nelio drive and help guide and translate for me was very important to have. He was very patient, kind, and supportive! Best of all I was able to meet so many incredible Brazilians and chat with them thanks to translations via Nelio. The site itself takes at least 6 hours to really take it all in and not rush and being on my own time thanks to a private tour, I was able to enjoy it all! Such a unique and spiritual space I highly recommend visiting!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Onair703449
Dec 6, 2023
No for single travelers - I'm very disappointed of your company because I have to buy two ticket when I just need one , Now in this world a lot of people travel by ourselves and not need two tickets please arrange your tours for a single person :( boo!!!!!
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