After the São Paulo City Marathon: Campos do Jordão

The Route: São Paulo → Tietê terminal → Campos do Jordão → São Paulo Logistics: Coach from the Tietê terminal. Check the operator, the journey time and the day's departures before you go, since timetables change with the season. Marathon Month: July Duration: 2 nights

São Paulo hotel ──(Metro)──> Tietê terminal ──(coach)──> Campos do Jordão
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                                    Capivari village, short park walks, fireside dinner
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São Paulo ◄──(coach, day three)───────────────────────────────┘

Campos do Jordão sits high in the Serra da Mantiqueira, and in July it is cold in a way São Paulo rarely manages. After a pre-dawn winter marathon this can sound odd, but a woollen jumper, a log fire and a very slow walk make a good case for it. The town is the state's winter retreat, and it knows how to be comfortable.

July in Campos do Jordão: July is the coldest month. Nights can approach freezing, days are crisp and often clear, and rain is low. Pack proper layers, including something warm for evenings. The town also hosts a winter festival with classical music concerts in July, so book early and check the dates for your year.

Getting There

Take the Metro to the Tietê terminal and board a coach to Campos do Jordão. Confirm the journey time, the operator and the last return coach when you buy the ticket. Leave on the Monday morning so that you arrive in daylight, and choose a seat on the side with the view.

The Days

The Capivari district is the compact heart of the town, with Alpine-style buildings, cafés and chocolate shops around a small square. It is walkable but hilly in places, so take the downhill stretches carefully. A taxi is a reasonable use of money on day two.

Short park walks are an easy way to loosen the legs. Check each park's opening hours and entry fee before you go, since they vary by season and weekday.

Where to Stay

Pousada Campos dos Holandeses is rated 4.6 on Tripadvisor.
Ort Hotel is rated 4.7.

Alternatives are Chris Park Hotel and Alpenhaus Pousada, each rated 4.3. In festival weeks rooms sell out, so reserve a refundable rate before you travel.

Where to Eat

Fondue, trout and hearty stews are the local style, which is exactly what the legs want. Ask your pousada for a table, and reserve on weekends.

Getting Home