Morro do Elefante - brown elephant on green grass field under blue sky during daytime
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Morro do Elefante

4.4
·38k reviews·, Brazil

Hilltop terrace with whimsical elephant statues offering breathtaking panoramic views of Campos do Jordão and the mountains.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoons

Golden hour for photos

CrowdMedium
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Morro do Elefante - brown elephant on green grass field under blue sky during daytime

Morro do Elefante

Best Time

Late afternoons

Golden hour for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Hilltop terrace with whimsical elephant statues offering breathtaking panoramic views of Campos do Jordão and the mountains.

4.4
(38k reviews)

"Awesome place to watch the sunset with life music and spectacular views!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Cable Car Status

Cable car can be out of service. Have a backup plan to drive or taxi up. :train2:

Photo Fees

Photographers on-site may charge a small fee for pictures. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Elephant Statues

Elephant Statues

Summit

Whimsical elephant statues offer fun photo ops and a unique landmark.

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Terrace

Breathtaking vistas of Campos do Jordão and surrounding mountains.

Cable Car Ride

Cable Car Ride

Base to Summit

A scenic, albeit sometimes dated, cable car ride up the hill.

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Planning Your Visit

Cable Car Status & Alternatives

The cable car to Morro do Elefante can be unreliable. Check its operational status before your visit. If it's closed, be prepared to drive or take a taxi up, as parking can be challenging.

Photo Opportunities & Costs

Morro do Elefante is a prime spot for photos, especially with the elephant statues and city views. Be aware that professional photographers may charge a small fee for pictures, often around R$5 per adult.

Best Times

When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings (Christmas)
Why
Spectacular lights
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Passear em Campos do Jordão

Check Cable Car Status

Cable car can be out of service. Have a backup plan to drive or taxi up. :train2:

Photo Fees

Photographers on-site may charge a small fee for pictures. :camerawithflash:

Parking Challenges

Parking can be difficult, especially during peak times. :car:

Sunset Views

Great spot for sunset, sometimes with live music. :city_sunset:

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Cable Car Status

Cable car can be out of service. Have a backup plan to drive or taxi up. :train2:

Photo Fees

Photographers on-site may charge a small fee for pictures. :camerawithflash:

Parking Challenges

Parking can be difficult, especially during peak times. :car:

Sunset Views

Great spot for sunset, sometimes with live music. :city_sunset:

Kid-Friendly Fun

Kids often enjoy the elephant statues and the novelty of the ride. :child:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(38k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Morro do Elefante is appreciated for its stunning panoramic views of Campos do Jordão and the surrounding mountains, offering a unique photo opportunity with its elephant statues. While some find it a bit dated and suggest modernization, it's often considered a fun and worthwhile stop, especially for families and photographers, with the cable car ride adding to the charm when operational.

"It was a silly place but fun for our kid and we took lots of pictures. The photographer in there was really nice and only charged us R$5 per adult to take photos of us by the sign and even did a video with snow falling. We enjoyed that!"

Tatiana Morris

"Overlooking Campos do jordoan, beautiful European style town right in brazil. You can take a "ski lift" type ride up or down to the overlook. Couple of little shops and food vendors so you can spend a little extra time enjoying the view. The photos are what so much of the home, hotels, shops and restaurants are like."

Bert Azznara

"It was OK but not that much of a thing to see
you have to pay to get a good photo photo it was around 5reais
The cable car is not working now so if you want to try the cable car you have to wait-a-bit more
It's also not easy to park"

Amy Hong

What People Like

Beautiful panoramic views
Elephant statues for photos
Cable car experience (when working)

What People Dislike

Dated facilities
Cable car unreliability
Limited attractions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Morro do Elefante by car, taxi, or the cable car. Parking can be limited, so consider alternative transport. The cable car offers a unique experience but check its operational status beforehand as it's sometimes out of service.Reddit

Unfortunately, the cable car to Morro do Elefante is not always operational. Travelers have reported it being out of service, so it's advisable to confirm its status before your visit or be prepared to drive or take a taxi up.Reddit

Parking at Morro do Elefante can be challenging, especially during busy periods. It's recommended to arrive early or consider using alternative transportation like a taxi if parking is a concern.Reddit

Yes, taking a taxi is a viable option to reach Morro do Elefante, especially if the cable car is not running or if you prefer not to deal with parking. Taxis can drop you off near the summit.

While there isn't direct public bus service to the summit, you can take a taxi or drive. The cable car base is accessible, and from there, you can ascend to the top.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While the main attraction of the view is free, there might be a fee for the cable car ride. Additionally, professional photographers on-site may charge a small fee for photos, typically around R$5 per adult.Reddit

The cost of the cable car can vary. It's best to check the current pricing at the ticket booth upon arrival. Some reviews suggest it's a worthwhile experience for the views.Reddit

Tickets for the cable car can usually be purchased on-site. Advance booking is generally not required unless there are special events or peak holiday seasons where demand might be higher.

Discounts are not commonly advertised for Morro do Elefante. However, it's always a good idea to inquire at the ticket counter for any potential offers, especially for children or seniors.

Operating hours can vary, especially for the cable car. It's recommended to check the official schedule or inquire locally, particularly for sunset viewing or during holiday periods like Christmas when lights are spectacular.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The best photo spots include the terrace overlooking Campos do Jordão, the elephant statues, and any vantage points offering panoramic mountain views. The sign at the top is also a popular spot for pictures.Reddit

Yes, there are often photographers available at Morro do Elefante who can take professional photos for you, sometimes even with special effects like falling snow. They typically charge a small fee per person.Reddit

Morro do Elefante is an excellent location for sunset photography, offering beautiful golden hour light over the city and mountains. Some evenings may even feature live music during sunset.Reddit

A camera with good low-light capabilities is beneficial for sunset and evening shots. A wide-angle lens is also great for capturing the expansive city and mountain panoramas.

Generally, there are no strict restrictions on personal photography. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require special permits. Always be mindful of other visitors.

🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience

Besides the stunning views, you can take photos with the elephant statues, enjoy snacks from vendors, and experience the cable car ride. Some visitors suggest it has potential for more attractions like craft shops or cafes.Reddit

Yes, Morro do Elefante is often considered a fun spot for children, particularly due to the whimsical elephant statues and the novelty of the cable car ride. It's a good place for family photos.Reddit

There are usually a few small food and drink vendors at Morro do Elefante, offering snacks and beverages. For more extensive dining options, you'll find them in the main town of Campos do Jordão.

The 'elephant' in Morro do Elefante refers to the presence of elephant statues at the summit, which serve as a unique landmark and popular photo opportunity for visitors.Reddit

Most visitors spend about 1-2 hours at Morro do Elefante, allowing time for the cable car ride (if operational), enjoying the views, taking photos, and perhaps grabbing a snack.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Morro do Elefante is a hit with families, largely thanks to the fun elephant statues that kids love to pose with.Reddit The novelty of the cable car ride (if operational) also adds an element of excitement for younger visitors. It’s a great spot for taking memorable family photos against the backdrop of the city and mountains.

While there are some vendors for snacks, it's a good idea to pack some essentials for younger children. The overall experience is relatively short, making it manageable for families with limited attention spans. The on-site photographers can also capture special family moments for a reasonable price.Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Morro do Elefante offers a compelling mix of panoramic landscapes and unique subjects. The sweeping views of Campos do Jordão and the surrounding Serra da Mantiqueira mountains are particularly stunning during the golden hour before sunset.Reddit The quirky elephant statues provide a distinctive foreground element for creative shots.

Consider visiting during the Christmas season for the added spectacle of festive lights. While the cable car can be a bit dated, it offers a different perspective for aerial shots. Be prepared for potential crowds, especially during peak times, and factor in the small fee if you plan to use the services of the on-site photographers for professional portraits.Reddit

✨ Budget Travelers

Morro do Elefante can be enjoyed on a budget, especially if you focus on the main attraction: the views. While the cable car has a fee, and photographers charge for their services, simply enjoying the scenery from the terrace is free. If the cable car is not running, driving or taking a taxi is an option, though parking might incur a small charge or require some searching.Reddit

Pack your own snacks and water to save on vendor prices. The experience is relatively brief, so you won't need to allocate a large portion of your day or budget to this specific attraction. It's a great way to get a feel for the beauty of Campos do Jordão without significant expense.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Morro do Elefante Cable Car Experience

The cable car to Morro do Elefante is a distinctive feature, offering a unique way to ascend the hill. However, travelers often note that the cable car can feel dated and is sometimes out of service.Reddit This unreliability means visitors should always have a backup plan, such as driving or taking a taxi, to reach the summit. Despite its age, many find the ride itself to be an exciting part of the experience, especially for those who enjoy a bit of adventure.Reddit

When operational, the cable car provides a scenic journey with evolving views of Campos do Jordão as you climb. It's a key element that adds to the charm of Morro do Elefante, though its modernization could significantly enhance the visitor experience. Travelers have suggested that updating the cable car system would align better with the town's otherwise upscale image and potentially create more opportunities for local employment.Reddit

For those planning a visit, checking the cable car's status beforehand is crucial. If it's running, it offers a memorable way to reach the top. If not, the drive or taxi ride still grants access to the stunning vistas that make Morro do Elefante a popular destination.

Capturing Memories: Photography at Morro do Elefante

Morro do Elefante is a photographer's delight, offering a variety of picturesque scenes. The most iconic elements are the elephant statues scattered around the summit, providing whimsical and memorable photo opportunities.Reddit These statues, combined with the expansive panoramic views of Campos do Jordão and the surrounding mountains, create a stunning backdrop for any picture.

Many visitors appreciate the presence of on-site photographers who can capture professional-quality shots for a small fee, often around R$5 per adult. Some even offer creative additions like simulated snow effects for photos.Reddit This service is particularly popular for families and couples looking to immortalize their visit. The sunset here is also a highlight, bathing the landscape in warm, golden light, making it an ideal time for photography.Reddit

When visiting, consider bringing a camera with good low-light performance for sunset and evening shots, especially during festive periods like Christmas when the town is beautifully illuminated.Reddit A wide-angle lens will help you capture the full scope of the breathtaking scenery. While personal photography is generally unrestricted, always be respectful of other visitors' space.

Potential for Enhancement: Visitor Suggestions

While Morro do Elefante offers beautiful views and unique photo opportunities, many visitors feel it has untapped potential. Travelers have expressed a desire for modernization, suggesting that the area could be developed into a more attractive and engaging destination.Reddit Ideas include creating a small shopping area for local crafts, adding a cafe or restaurant with a lookout, and generally updating the facilities to match the upscale image of Campos do Jordão.

One common sentiment is that the place could benefit from a more elaborate and modernized presentation, drawing inspiration from successful tourist spots in other countries.Reddit This could involve better infrastructure, more interactive attractions, and a more polished aesthetic. Such improvements could not only enhance the visitor experience but also create better job opportunities for locals and boost the city's appeal.

Despite these suggestions for improvement, the core appeal of Morro do Elefante—its stunning natural beauty and quirky charm—remains strong. It's a place that many find worthwhile for the views alone, and with a few strategic upgrades, it could become an even more significant attraction.

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