Picture yourself surrounded by vast, lush woodlands and stunning parks that will take your breath away.
It’s like stepping into a magical world where the worries of everyday life fade away.
And let me tell you, the benefits of spending time in nature are no joke!
It’s no wonder the city government is going all out to make even more recreational parks to meet the United Nations’ recommendation of 130 square feet of green space per resident.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “John, I’m not really the ‘outdoorsy’ type.” But let me tell you, Campinas has something for everyone.
From social spaces to sports activities, this city has it all!
You can explore the cultural and historical sites, or even check out the local theater scene.
Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
But if you’re up for some adventure, make sure to visit the Jequitibas Forest.
As one of the largest and oldest recreational areas in the city, it’s no wonder it attracts over a million visitors a year!
With a zoo boasting over 500 species of birds, reptiles, and other animals, it’s like stepping into your very own wildlife documentary.
Plus, there are fountains, a museum, a theater for the kiddos, food stalls, and a play zone – talk about fun for the whole family!
I have my own personal story about the Jequitibas Forest.
One summer, my friends and I decided to have a picnic there.
We had a great time, until a group of mischievous monkeys decided to join in on the fun and steal our sandwiches!
It was both hilarious and frustrating at the same time, but it’s a memory that we still talk about to this day!
What is the Best time To Visit Campinas?
The ideal time to visit Campinas in Brazil can be assured by the following weather certainties;
most precipitation (the storm or blustery season) is more felt in January, February, March, October, November and December.
If you go around this time bring an umbrella or raincoat each time you go out.
The hottest month is November.
The cool months come in June while July is very humid.
Campinas has a warm calm atmosphere with dry winters and hot summers.
The zone inside the 30 miles of this city is secured via croplands, prairies, tropical rainforest, and residential zones.
It has a tropical atmosphere described by sunny and warm days that occur more than 200 times yearly.
In view of its circumstance temperatures are tempered by cool winds.
On account of its temperature there is little air contamination and exhaust cloud here;
airports never need to close due to terrible climate.
Due to standard precipitation the area is exceptionally ripe and harvests can be reaped three times each year.
Best things to do in Campinas
From mouth-watering food to adrenaline-pumping adventures, Campinas has got it all!
So, grab your sunscreen, put on your adventure hat, and let’s dive into the awesomeness that awaits you in this lively city of Campinas, Brazil:
| What to Do | Main Attraction |
|---|---|
| Campinas Municipal Market | A food lover’s paradise with fresh produce and delicious street food. |
| Bosque dos Jequitibás | A tranquil park with lush greenery, perfect for picnics and leisurely walks. |
| Pedreira do Chapadão | A stunning quarry-turned-park, offering breathtaking views and outdoor activities. |
| Museu da Imagem e do Som (MIS) | An audiovisual museum showcasing the rich cultural history of Campinas through films and exhibitions. |
| Lagoa do Taquaral | A beautiful lake where you can rent paddleboats, go for a jog, or simply relax by the water. |
| Zoologico de Campinas | A fantastic zoo featuring a wide variety of animals, perfect for a fun-filled day with the family. |
| Campinas Cathedral | A stunning architectural masterpiece that shouldn’t be missed, especially during religious festivals. |
| Parque Portugal | A lovely park with a scenic lake, perfect for enjoying a peaceful afternoon surrounded by nature. |
| Casa Grande e Tulha | A historic farmhouse showcasing Campinas’ colonial past and offering guided tours. |
| Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Campinas (MACC) | An art museum featuring contemporary artworks and rotating exhibitions by local and international artists. |
| Campinas Municipal Theater | A cultural hub hosting a wide range of performances, from theatrical plays to musical concerts. |
| Campinas Jockey Club | For the horse racing enthusiasts, this club offers thrilling races and a vibrant atmosphere. |
| Jeep Tour in Joaquim Egídio | Embark on an exciting Jeep tour through the charming district of Joaquim Egídio, known for its colonial architecture and natural beauty. |
| Bairro Cambuí | A trendy neighborhood filled with stylish bars, restaurants, and boutiques, perfect for a night out on the town. |
| Waves Aquatic Park | A thrilling water park with slides, wave pools, and plenty of splashing fun for all ages. |
| T-Rex Park | A dinosaur-themed amusement park where you can step back in time and learn about these prehistoric giants through interactive exhibits and rides. |
Santuario Nossa Senhora Desatadora Dos Nos
The Santuario Nossa Senhora Desatadora Dos Nos is a beautiful church that is strongly recommended for those who are religious and Catholic.
The space is quite large and has several Mass schedules.
The sanctuary is well maintained, spacious and has a stunning altar, plus, they have a snack bar and shop to buy souvenirs.
The place of great peace is frequently visited by its devotees.
Many miracles are attributed to Our Senora of Heaven’s Gate.
The church is oftentimes called as the “Undoer of No’s”.
Masses are crowded and people go in search of solutions to their problems.
The Church is very solemn and stands next to the PUCC Campinas.
It has easy access out towards the Taquaral Lagoon to Unicamp / Barao Geraldo.
The place already looks like a miracle.
It is good to attend the masses and even to visit and stay alone in prayer with God and linger in the silence that the church offers.
There is room also for shopping in the store and it is good to eat a delicious pastel after Mass.
At first it is only a small chapel where you will already feel a different atmosphere and find a perfect place to pray, and give thanks.
Access a small staircase with lots of greenery and orchids and you will arrive at a small fountain and a highly welcoming place.
The current sanctuary was built gigantic, luxurious, well planned and able to contain many people.
Peace reigns in the great temple and in the chapel, but now it also serves as a venue for festive celebrations for hundreds of people, who are very excited about charismatic music, adorned by golden objects, flags, processions and rituals.
It is impossible not to be moved.
There is a wooden statue of St.
Joseph with Jesus in his arms which is especially touching.
The face of a happy father enjoying his little son.
You will go through a kind of tunnel and while there receive the blessing of the Mother as you feel the excitement of living along the Sagrada Familia.
Even for those who are not religious this church is worth knowing.
Our Lady of Conceicao Metropolitan Cathedral
The Our Lady of Conceicao Metropolitan Cathedral presents a wonderful architecture with over 200 years of history.
The altar was carved by the artist Victorian Angels and was designed and constructed with the help of architect Ramos de Azevedo.
The Church is well preserved and is part of Campinas’ history. For Catholics who love to attend a mass it has several options of schedules and daily Masses.
It is in the center of Campinas and the location is known as the Cathedral Square. It pays to know the attraction.
It is next to Thirteen May Street that has great shopping and dining options for the eager traveler.
The church is a work of art and it’s worth giving a stop to admire its striking interior.
It is the largest structure in the city where the interior is made of pure Baroque religious art / Rococo without gilding, which makes the Cathedral a bit dark but beautiful and different.
You can spend quiet moments of prayer and reflection.
It is located right in the Campinas Center (in one of the busiest street) and the details on hardwood architecture make this church different than other cathedrals in the city.
Eventually there are free concerts of classical music which are well worth it.
Basilica Nossa Senhora do Carmo
The Basilica Nossa Senhora do Carmo is a small sanctuary but it is very interesting.
This basilica along with Bento Quirino Square represents the foundation of the city.
In this church were baptized illustrious figures of Campinas such as Campos Salles, Francisco Glicério, and Carlos Gomes.
It is worth watching the organ concerts that promotes the features of Basilica Nossa Senhora do Carmo.
From a religious point of view, it is one of the main churches of Campinas.
There are many celebrations, processions and weddings held here.
From the historical / architectural point of view, it is also a landmark for the city and region built centuries ago with a very characteristic architecture and paintings on the walls that are true works of art.
It is located along the old Campinas matrix and before the street called Bento Quirino which is considered as the ground zero of the city.
Its walls are richly decorated with beautiful paintings, the pipe organ is impressive for its sound and the stained glass windows give it the best finishing touch.
The church really looks elegant with its neo-Gothic architecture, adorned with stained glass, paintings and mosaics, and a parish office in the mezzanine.
It is well worth the visit for its architectural and historical significance.
Fun things to do in Campinas
Passeio de Maria Fumaca
The Passeio de Maria Fumaca is a nice but short railway trip in Campinas.
It decelerates and rocks at the cheerful music and passes by the former Café plantations and old farmhouses.
The great journey does not end at the stations, because you can also explore the train stations that were recently restored.
The staff is very warm and open.
This tour is very well organized and the quality of the trains are surprising.
In the middle of the tour, the staff can teach you how to operate one of the steam trains displayed on its yard.
In a city where the biggest attractions boil down to shopping centers, the ride of Maria Smoke is an attractive piece.
It can be likened to a journey through time.
The tour of the Jaguariuna, the music sung with a concertina, and the nice lunch at the station is very cool and worth all the effort.
It is an old-fashioned ride that leaves Campinas, the station Anhumas located at the bottom of Carrefour Pedro and with final destination in Jaguariuna.
Two tour options are offered, from the Anhumas station: full ride to Jaguariuna or half way to the Tanquinho station.
The preserved Maria Fumaca goes by its romantic paths and makes few stops.
The tour is wonderful but the price is a bit high.
They say that the charge is expensive to keep up with the proper maintenance of the train
.
It is a journey into the past, like a dip in the railroad history of the region and the old coffee farms cut by the railroad and all washed down with live music, the sound of the accordion, with lots of entertainment and involvement from its staff and visitors.
Escola de Cadetes
The Escola de Cadetes has a magnificent architecture and even if it’s not a tourist place, it pays to know the installations.
The pink color contrasts with the serious environment of the army. It is in a very large area and surrounded with lush green environment. There is a lot of history in this place.
It is located in Chapadao Garden and near the Castle Tower. The cadet school is open to visitation in some events, such as swimming competitions and other sports.
The site has an Olympic swimming pool designed for major swimming tournaments and championships.
It conveys a sense of peace and tranquility; you can also visit the chapel, and spend a short and pleasant walk on its premises.
Campinas Jose Pancetti Contemporary Art Museum
The Campinas Jose Pancetti Contemporary Art Museum is one of the best attractions of Campinas City.
The building is beautiful and is behind another architectural landmark of Campinas, the Palace Jequitibás Village Hall.
Upstairs you can check out the Municipal Library and on the lower part is where you can find the museum both with independent entrance.
This is an architectural work in reinforced concrete and its collection is largely not the most interesting but some works are worth noting.
What visitors like most, however, is the small garden in front of the museum with a beautiful sculpture of the swallows.
Igreja Nossa Senhora das Dores
The Igreja Nossa Senhora das Dores is right in the heart of Campinas and this busy church meets the faithful of the neighborhood.
The classic style and well maintained building caters to the taste of its loyal devotees. It is a sacred building that is located in the neighborhood of Cambui, one of the most central and traditional part of Campinas.
Its construction began in 1937 and the architectural design is done by Hoche and the interior is the work of Olavo Sampaio.
It’s worth a visit to see this icon of the city.
The celebration of Masses are held every Saturday at 17:00 pm and Sundays at 11:00 am and 18:30 pm.
The Mass on Sundays leads many devotees to commune and reflect while surrounded by its pleasant interior.
Igreja Santa Rita de Cassia
The Igreja Santa Rita de Cassia can be found along the New Campinas area.
The Santa Rita church is a modern building which has beautiful stained glass windows.
The Sunday Mass is the most beautiful and celebrated by Fr.
Rodrigo with a wonderful entrance ritual.
It is worth knowing and frequented by people of the upper middle and upper class.
The priests are very creative and deliver the best sermon during a Holy Mass on this striking church with very high ceilings and a stained glass work that tell the story of Santa Rita de Cassia.
The figures of the angels are people with families who helped build this beautiful church.
It is a modern church and very imposing.
The atmosphere and interior is very quiet and nice with easy and ample parking available.
It looks even more attractive with the placement of an intricate mosaic on the entrance door.
Parque Portugal
The Parque Portugal is an excellent place to practice sports and leisure in Campinas.
It is equipped with an outer race of 5 km and an inner track of 2.
6 km (flat) that is excellent for walking and jogging.
The Caravel (only works on weekends) is a must-see attraction for children.
It is a lovely park and perfect to work out, the track inside the park is surrounded by trees and is in excellent condition.
Very good for a walk with children!
!
The replica of the caravel was also restored and there is a good opportunity to visit.
The outside is excellent for racing enthusiasts.
On Sundays the track in front is closed, giving greater security to the Campinas postal office which is also worth knowing.
It is a worthwhile park to spend a day with family or friends.
Bosque dos Jequitibás
The Bosque dos Jequitibás is a nice attraction with good infrastructure.
It has a mini zoo that is equipped with wild animals such as jaguar, monkeys, lion, hippo, and birds.
The entrance is free and it’s an ideal outing for the family. There are stalls offering food and drinks, it is surrounded by lush vegetation, and the strong sun does not disturb the ride.
It is ideal for hiking and also for taking the children to walk around and see the animals. The place is part of a rain forest in the heart of Campinas.
Do not pay anything to visit the attraction but if you want to see the Natural History Museum and the Aquarium area there is an entrance fee of $3.00.
There is a map showing the paths in the woods, which most guests find helpful and interesting. Along the way you can find some wild animals and loose peacocks.
There is also a corner for venomous animals (two or three snakes inside a glassed snake cage). There are also snack bars and space for picnics.
Because it is very much wooded (Atlantic Forest remnants in the center of Campinas), the freshness of the Bosque is contagious even on the hottest days of the year.
Parque das Aguas
It is great for those who enjoy hiking in the midst of nature.
There are places to rest where there is a hammock area and where you can also have a picnic. It’s a great place to escape the stress of everyday life.
It is highly recommended even more so for children.
You can always go to the park if you want to spend long walks, it is not very big but it’s enough.
The location is nice for exercise and walks with children for it has small parks and some bird species roam freely among the visitors.
As areas for improvement and being completely preserved for tourism purposes, more than half of the lake has a placement of bins for selective collection of waste throughout the length of the tracks.
The site is blessed with lots of green areas to enjoy; lake, trees, some children’s toys, benches and tables.
It is a good place to engage in a family picnic, take pictures, and get some rest while admiring the view of the city.
Even if it’s not more near the park there is another reason to go here;
the lotus flowers.
It is a spectacle and they are beautiful, large and pink.
It is advisable to visit this park in the morning because it is closed during the afternoon.
Campinas is a city with lots of nice surprises along the way.
It is ideal for people who love nature, rainforests, contemporary museums, and for people who has strong faith in God and loves to see sacred churches and cathedrals.
The city is very cool for those who enjoy a verdant atmosphere all around and great vistas along the highway.
When in Brazil, do not forget to visit the majestic city of Campinas.
