Bom Jesus dos Perdões

Religious history and striking natural landscapes shape Bom Jesus dos Perdões. The Santuário do Senhor Bom Jesus dos Perdões tells the story of a long construction process; outside the town centre, places to visit include waterfalls, native forests and trails along the border with Atibaia. This gives you a choice of different interests when planning your holiday: a visit focused on religion and culture, or time in the landscape around Pedra Grande and Pedra Rachada.

The sanctuary and the town’s history

The former Bom Jesus do Perdão chapel became the Santuário do Senhor Bom Jesus dos Perdões, which still bears that name today. The chapel was built of rammed earth. Construction spanned 170 years, with enslaved people involved in the work. This long history is part of the place, as is its ecclesiastical elevation: in 1913, the chapel was elevated to the Santuário Arquiepiscopal do Senhor Bom Jesus dos Perdões. Those interested in religious heritage will find a specific historical point of interest here, rather than just a place name.

Bom Jesus dos Perdões is also part of the Circuito Turístico e Religioso Entre Serras e Águas. The name places the town in a tourist and religious context. A local handicrafts fair is also part of community life; it is particularly prominent during the town’s festivities. Alongside the sanctuary’s history, local traditions and handicrafts are therefore also cultural attractions.

Waterfalls, elevations and nature trails

Notable natural attractions include Pedra do Coração and Mirante dos Camargos. The surrounding area also has waterfalls and native forests suitable for hiking. Mirante da Pedra do Coração is 7 km from the centre, at an elevation of approximately 1,300 m. Cachoeira do Barrocão is 6 km from the centre and can be reached via Estrada da Cachoeirinha, which begins at the end of Avenida São João. These distances give you concrete reference points when comparing excursions with the location of your holiday rental.

Trilha da Pedra Rachada lies on the border between Atibaia and Bom Jesus dos Perdões, in a remnant of high-altitude Atlantic Forest vegetation. Visitors come for nature watching, climbing and abseiling. The trail is linear; the average walking time for the round trip is one hour. From Pedra Grande, it takes 10 minutes to walk to Pedra Rachada. These details can help you include the trail in your day’s plans without confusing it with other excursions.

Pedra Grande and choosing where to stay

Pedra Grande lies on the border with Atibaia and is used and visited by hang-gliding enthusiasts. Estrada da Pedra Grande also runs partly through Atibaia and partly through Bom Jesus dos Perdões. Activities along the road include off-road driving, cycling, motorcycle tours, walks and hikes. When choosing where to stay, you can therefore consider whether you mainly want to use the town centre as a base for excursions or focus your days more on the landscape and activities around Pedra Grande. When looking for a holiday rental, check that its location suits the excursions that matter to you.

If you are considering destinations beyond Bom Jesus dos Perdões, you can find Indiaporã, Jacareí, Osvaldo Cruz, São Bento do Sapucaí, Ouroeste, Ubatuba, Santa Clara d'Oeste and Araras here.

For the broader travel overview: São Paulo.