Cities and Districts of the Path of Faith
On this page, the Pilgrim Portal of Hope presents the Águas da Prata branch line to Aparecida, containing a brief description of each city along the Path of Faith.
🕊️ "The true wealth of a city lies in its
preservation of their stories".
🥾 The Path of Faith: From the Águas da Prata Branch to Aparecida
🕊️ “I have taught you in the way of wisdom and led you in straight paths.” (Proverbs 4:11)
The Águas da Prata Branch is the most traditional and emblematic section of the Caminho da Fé, born from the desire to provide Brazilian pilgrims with a spiritual route similar to that of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. This route is, at the same time, a journey of physical overcoming, inner encounter and deep devotion to the Patroness of Brazil, Our Lady of Aparecida.
Starting from the small and welcoming city of Águas da Prata, in the state of São Paulo, to the grand National Sanctuary of Aparecida, the pilgrim travels approximately 315 km, crossing the imposing Serra da Mantiqueira, one of the most beautiful and challenging regions of southeastern Brazil.
Along the way, the pilgrim passes through cities and villages full of hospitality and faith, such as Andradas, Serra dos Lima, Barra, Crisólia, Ouro Fino, Inconfidentes, Borda da Mata, Tocos do Moji, Estiva, Consolação, Paraisópolis, São Bento do Sapucaí, Luminosa, Campista, Campos do Jordão, Pindamonhangaba, Roseira and finally Aparecida, or Campos do Jordão, Gomeral/Pedrinhas, Potim and finally Aparecida. Each city, each church, each inn, each cross on the side of the road brings with it a testimony of faith and welcome.
The route is marked by:
🌄 Dirt roads that cut through mountains and plantations, revealing breathtaking landscapes.
🌉 Bridges, trails and forests, which invite silence and meditation.
🏞️ Asphalt sections, necessary to connect the dots, but always accompanied by clear signage: the famous yellow arrows and the Caminho da Fé logo.
🏔️ Demanding climbs and long descents through the mountains, especially when crossing the majestic Mantiqueira, where the body is tested and the spirit is strengthened.
At every step, the pilgrim is challenged to trust God more, to depend less on the superfluous and to rediscover the beauty of simplicity. Sleeping in humble lodgings, sharing meals with strangers and praying under the starry sky become transformative experiences.
In addition to the religious aspect, the Path promotes: physical and psychological health, integration with nature, development of local communities and a profound rediscovery of the essentials of life.
This branch is managed by the Associação dos Amigos do Caminho da Fé, responsible for the structuring, signage, maintenance and legal protection of the “Caminho da Fé” brand.
Following this path is not just a physical challenge: it is a true call to inner conversion. It is realizing that the backpack only carries what is necessary, and that the heart is what truly carries the dreams, the pains and the faith.
Discover the Details of Each of the Cities and Districts of the Path of Faith
🕊️ "God said: Go out and stand on the mountain, in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord will pass by." (1 Kings 19, 11-12)
Silver Waters - SP
Located on the border with Minas Gerais, Águas da Prata was born from the fame of its mineral waters with medicinal properties. It became a hydro-mineral resort in 1944 and is surrounded by beautiful landscapes of the Serra da Mantiqueira. It is the starting point of the Caminho da Fé and a place of welcome and blessings for pilgrims.
Andradas - MG
Known as the "Land of Wine", Andradas has a strong Italian influence and agricultural tradition. It is known for its production of grapes, wines and ceramics. Its name pays homage to the poet José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva. It is a hospitable city, with beautiful mountains and historic churches.
Serra dos Lima District - MG
The district of Serra dos Lima, located in the interior of the state of Minas Gerais, is a small rural center that carries in its landscape and traditions the essence of the simple and serene life of the Minas Gerais countryside.
Barra District - MG
The Barra district in the interior of Minas Gerais is nestled in a landscape of gentle mountains, lush valleys and crystal-clear watercourses. The district is a sincere and silent welcome spot for pilgrims who travel long distances driven by faith.
Crisólia District - MG
The district of Crisólia, located in the interior of the state of Minas Gerais, is a faithful portrait of the cultural richness and serenity typical of the small rural communities of Minas Gerais. Surrounded by mountains, native forests and crystal clear watercourses, Crisólia authentically preserves the simple and peaceful way of life of the countryside, sustained by family farming, dairy farming and a strong connection with the land and traditions.
Fine Ouro - MG
The city of Ouro Fino, located in the interior of the state of Minas Gerais, is a remarkable example of the rich historical, cultural and religious tapestry that makes up the southern part of Minas Gerais. Surrounded by gentle mountains and the natural beauty typical of the region, Ouro Fino was born and developed between working the land, faith rooted in Catholic traditions and the appreciation of its origins.
Inconfidentes - MG
Small and charming, Inconfidentes is known for its textile tradition, especially the production of handmade rugs. The name refers to the Inconfidência Mineira, a symbol of the fight for freedom. It is a calm and welcoming spot on the pilgrims' route.
Edge of the Forest - MG
Famous for its knitting and hospitality, Borda da Mata has a strong religious tradition. It is also the birthplace of Frei Galvão, the first Brazilian saint. Its hills and churches make up a typical setting of the inland Minas Gerais culture.
Tocos do Moji - MG
Located in a peaceful mountainous region, Tocos do Moji is founded on family farming and faith. The city welcomes pilgrims with simplicity and serene landscapes. The name comes from the Mogi Guaçu River, which runs close to the region.
Summer - MG
Known as the “Land of Strawberries,” Estiva’s economy is based on agriculture and is rich in religious traditions. Its festivals and the affection shown to pilgrims make passing through the city a time of rest and sharing.
Consolation - MG
With just over a thousand inhabitants, it is one of the smallest towns on the route, but full of spirituality. The main church of Nossa Senhora da Consolação is one of the highlights. Its name inspires comfort and faith in those who pass by.
Paraisopolis - MG
The largest city in southern Minas Gerais among those that make up the Caminho da Fé, Paraisópolis combines tradition, culture and nature. It has beautiful historic farms, centuries-old churches and mountains. It is an important support and resupply point for pilgrims.
Saint Benedict of Sapucai - SP
The largest city in southern Minas Gerais among those that make up the Caminho da Fé, Paraisópolis combines tradition, culture and nature. It has beautiful historic farms, centuries-old churches and mountains. It is an important support and resupply point for pilgrims.
Bright - MG
Luminosa is a district of Brazópolis, famous for its poetic name and beautiful landscapes. Located in the mountains, it is a place of rare natural beauty and great spiritual elevation. It welcomes pilgrims with peace, silence and abundant nature.
Campista District - SP
Luminosa is a district of Brazópolis, famous for its poetic name and beautiful landscapes. Located in the mountains, it is a place of rare natural beauty and great spiritual elevation. It welcomes pilgrims with peace, silence and abundant nature.
Campos do Jordao - SP
Known as the “Brazilian Switzerland”, Campos do Jordão is the highest city in Brazil. Its European architecture, mild climate and lush nature enchant visitors. It is one of the most striking and touristic passages on the Caminho da Fé. After all, the top of a mountain is the place where life finds the purest meaning of freedom.
Gomeral District - SP
Known as the “Brazilian Switzerland”, Campos do Jordão is the highest city in Brazil. Its European architecture, mild climate and lush nature enchant visitors. It is one of the most striking and touristic passages on the Caminho da Fé. After all, the top of a mountain is the place where life finds the purest meaning of freedom.
Piracuama District - SP
Known as the “Brazilian Switzerland”, Campos do Jordão is the highest city in Brazil. Its European architecture, mild climate and lush nature enchant visitors. It is one of the most striking and touristic passages on the Caminho da Fé. After all, the top of a mountain is the place where life finds the purest meaning of freedom.
Mandu District - SP
Known as the “Brazilian Switzerland”, Campos do Jordão is the highest city in Brazil. Its European architecture, mild climate and lush nature enchant visitors. It is one of the most striking and touristic passages on the Caminho da Fé. After all, the top of a mountain is the place where life finds the purest meaning of freedom.
District of Ribeirao Grande - SP
Known as the “Brazilian Switzerland”, Campos do Jordão is the highest city in Brazil. Its European architecture, mild climate and lush nature enchant visitors. It is one of the most striking and touristic passages on the Caminho da Fé. After all, the top of a mountain is the place where life finds the purest meaning of freedom.
Pindamonhangaba - SP
An important city in the Paraíba Valley, Pindamonhangaba has indigenous roots and a history linked to the coffee cycle. Today, it combines development with religious tradition. The name means "place where fishhooks are made" in Tupi.
Rosebush - SP
An important city in the Paraíba Valley, Pindamonhangaba has indigenous roots and a history linked to the coffee cycle. Today, it combines development with religious tradition. The name means "place where fishhooks are made" in Tupi.
Potim - SP
An important city in the Paraíba Valley, Pindamonhangaba has indigenous roots and a history linked to the coffee cycle. Today, it combines development with religious tradition. The name means "place where fishhooks are made" in Tupi.
Aparecida - SP
The final destination for most pilgrims, Aparecida is home to the largest Marian shrine in the world. The city grew up around devotion to Our Lady of Aparecida, the patron saint of Brazil. It is the spiritual heart of the Catholic faith in the country, where thousands come in gratitude, supplication and hope.