Visit the 2nd-largest church on earth. Learn about Brazilian religious tradition. Explore the Itaguaçu Port to learn about the origins of the Aparecida.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- Covid-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 10 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- Portuguese, English, Spanish
- Pickup included
- Pickup is available for addresses located in the following areas listed. Please send your accommodation address to the local operator. If you are not inside the pickup area, the local operator will contact you with the closest meeting point available. Pickup available from: • Sé • Liberdade • Vila Mariana • Paraíso • Aclimação • Brás • Luz • Bom Retiro • República • Santa Cecilia • Higienópolis • Barra Funda • Consolação • Bela Vista • Cerqueira César • Jardins • Jardim América • Jardim Europa • Vila Madalena • Pacaembu • Perdizes • Moema • Vila Nova Conceição • Itaim Bibi
- Wheelchair accessible
- Small group
- Limited to 12 participants
Experience
Highlights
- Watch mass rites at a church capable of holding 30,000 worshippers
- Discover the history surrounding the Aparecida Virgin Mary statue, among Brazilian Christianity's most important relics
- Marvel at the grandeur of one of the world's most spectacular religious structures
Full description
After pickup from your hotel in São Paulo at 7:30 AM, begin your tour of one of the most important religious sites in South America. Approaching the city of Aparecida, you’ll make a stop at the Itaguaçu Port to learn the history of the Virgin Mary statue to which the Aparecida Cathedral is dedicated.
Found by fishermen in the 18th century, the miracles surrounding the statue quickly caused the city to become an important site of religious pilgrimage. In 1955, plans for the cathedral were unveiled, and it was consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1980.
After leaving the Itaguaçu port, you’ll head to Aparecida’s historic center for a tour of the cathedral. Walk the immense grounds before heading into the basilica itself, marveling at the nearly 250-foot-tall dome and sprawling main hall, capable of holding 30,000 parishioners. See the original Virgin Mary statue, and watch the spectacle that is the church’s mass.
After your tour, enjoy some free time to explore the town, grab a bite to eat, or view the nativity exhibition on Olive Trees Mountain. Afterwards, you’ll be driven back to your accommodation.
Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Guided tour with an English-, Spanish-, and Portuguese-speaking guide
- All insurance and taxes
- Food and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
Covid-19 precautions
You must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- You are required to bring and wear a mask
- You will receive a mandatory temperature check
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
The details below may change if you update your current selection:
Important information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
Not allowed
- Pets
- Luggage or large bags
Know before you go
- Please note that there is a minimum of 2 participants for this tour
- In the unlikely event that the minimum number of participants is not reached, you will be offered other alternatives