For those who are looking for cold

weather delights. Seu melhor motivo

1 is a state of enchantment. All over its territory, there are many marvelous surprises reserved for those who want the best of life. Worldwide known as a dazzling destination of beaches, heat, light, sun and sea, the countryside of Rio de Janeiro brings unexpected alternatives for those who want cold, refuge, peace, tranquility, flavors and breathtaking landscapes, drawn by mountains, forests, rivers, waterfalls and the union of several cultures.

You need to know the Fluminense Mountain Region. One of the best routes of cold and romantic climate in . 2 The mountains create a delightful cenary The state of wonderful cities to experience the charm of cold climate. Summary 4 -

10 -

18 - Petrópolis

25 - Valença

33 -

37 - Visconde de Mauá

42 - Teresópolis

3 The panoramic view of Atlantic Forest is a privilege.

ITATIAIA

Between the cities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, a place full of waterfalls, a charming village and trails with breathtaking panoramic views is waiting for you. We are talking about Itatiaia, famous for its National Park and a In July 2019, reference in ecotourism, and about the district of , which houses thermometers the Finnish architecture of its first residents. There is no lack of options dropped to 8,1 of an excellent gastronomy, with tasty typical dishes fruit-based, fondue, Celsius degree local beers and other delights of regional culture. at the peak of The landscapes are very beautiful covered with a thin layer of ice during the park. winter, which leads to records of visitation during this period of the year. Located in , the Itatiaia National Park is over 1,400 meters high.

4 Itatiaia National Park

In the winter, Parte Baixa is the best option for light walks. It is where is located the main trails and easy access waterfalls. 1 km away from the parking lot you already find beautiful landscapes. The view is worth it, even if you don’t face a dip in freezing waters of this time of the year. If you want to swim, leave the visit for the summer.

But, if the plan is to appreciate the nature with that thin layer of ice and dew, be ready to surprise yourself. The waterfalls of the Maromba Complex have greenish waters and the noise of the fall and the river current is almost a meditation. Great to relax.

The best time of the year to enjoy: June, July and August.

5 Light trails are more enjoyable with mild temperatures, no sweat and no mosquitoes.

Be sure to go to the Bride’s Veil. The 40 meter waterfall ensures the title of the most beautiful waterfall in the park. Round trip is only 1.8 km of trail, which The park is open from is flat and quiet. On the way, you can visit Itaponari Waterfall. The trails are 8h to 17 h. all easy level. Finally, the Last Goodbye Lookout is a wonderful view of the The ticket for Brazilians Atlantic Forest in the region. is 17 Brazilian real. The Upper part of Itatiaia National Park is recommended for experienced and Free entrance for over well prepared trekkers who enjoy camping. This is where Black Needles Peak 60 years old and less is located, over 2,791 meters high, the fifth highest in the country. than 12 years old.

6 PENEDO, A LOVING CITY

One of the city attractions is the Little Finland, also known as House of Santa Claus. The visit is an opportunity to learn about the history and the costumes of the Finnish colony that has settled in Penedo. The Christmas mood is very interest, as the shops and decoration are colonial buildings. It is a great choice for a night walk, before dinner. There you can find handcrafts and local culture delights such as jams, pasties and chocolates.

7 Little Finland Centrinho (Little Center) The centrinho is perfect for those who enjoy the distraction of visit local stores or need to buy a souvenir. One of the best attractions of Penedo is its bars and restaurants. They serve many types of savory and sweet fondue caster.

Bars and Restaurants The trout is one of the typical gastronomic delicacies of the charming village. Besides having traditional, smoked, gilled or au gratin recipes, you can try scone, sausage, scandinavian-style sandwich filling and even trout lasagna. It has pizza and hamburger places everywhere, and self- service restaurants for those who want to save money. Some bars offer live music, with bands of MPB, Rock and Blues and other genres. Seeing the showcases can be a great walk before dinner, for those who want to buy souvenirs.

8 Leaving Rio de Janeiro Bus Station, Capital. Approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes. HOW TO ARRIVE IN ITATIAIA Information and online purchase of tickets in the website www. viacaocometa.com.br . While Sampaio Bus Company makes BY CAR: Through Presidente Dutra Highway (BR-116), drive other lines, leaving from some other cities in the Paraíba for 154km until exit 317, access entry to downtown Itatiaia. Valley, countryside of São Paulo. Information and services: Approxiately 2 hours drive. www.viacaosampaio.com.br BY BUS: Cidade do Aço Bus Company makes the Rio/Itatiaia line. The buses leave Novo Rio Bus Station every day. Other HOW TO ARRIVE IN PENEDO information and online purchase of tickets through the BY CAR: Presidente Dutra Highway (BR-116) until exit 311, in website: www.cidadedoaco.com.br the state of Rio de Janeiro. Entry of RJ-163, Rubens Tramujas Mader Highway. For more 2,8 km, at the left side is Penedo HOW TO ARRIVE IN PENEDO Touristic Portal. Approximately 3 hours drive. BY CAR: Presidente Dutra Highway (BR-116). Drive for 148km BY BUS: Cometa Bus Company makes the São Paulo/ until exit 311, at the entry of RJ-163, Rubens Tramujas Mader Itatiaia line. The buses leave Tietê Bus Station, in São Paulo. Highway. For more 2,8 km at the left side is the Penedo Touristic More information and online purchase of tickets at www. Portal. Approximately 2 hours drive. viacaocometa.com.br . Sampaio Bus Company makes other BY BUS: Viação Cidade do Aço makes the Rio/Penedo line. The lines, leaving from some other cities in the Paraíba Valley buses leave Novo Rio Bus Station every day. More information and it has information in the site www.viacaosampaio.com. an services, access: www.cidadedoaco.com.br br . Arriving in Itatiaia, board in an urban bus to Penedo neighborhood. Opening hours information: http://itatiaia. Departing from São Paulo rj.gov.br/servico/226/informacoes-uteis COMO CHEGAR A ITATIAIA Where to stay BY CAR: Presidente Dutra Highway (BR-116) until exit 318, in There is many options of accommodation, both downtown the state of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro. Approximately 3 Itatiaia and Penedo. Both are good starting point of accessing hour drive. the citys attractions. BY BUS: Cometa Bus Company makes the São Paulo/ line, with stop in em Itatiaia. The buses leave Tietê 9 Squares and parks enchant visitors.

NOVA FRIBURGO

Nova Friburgo is a well known destiny when we talk about In July 2019, the enjoying mild temperatures in the state of Rio de Janeiro. thermometers The city reunites the main attractive of the mountain region: marked zero degree Celsius, great infrastructure to visitors in mountain climate with Swiss breaking charm of immigrants, that arrived in the city 200 years ago. records.

10 ROMANTISM FOR LIVING GREAT LOVES Cable Car – Suspiro Square The panoramic view of the mountains that guards the city is a must-see in New Friburgo. For this reason, the centrally located cable car of Suspiro square is one of the most traditional and popular touristic spots in the city. The total climb lasts 24 minutes. From the top of Cruz Hill, arrival point, are 1,380 meters of altitude. If you like heights, it’s a must stop.

11 Gastronomic Circuit Nova Friburgo offers enormous variety of bars and restaurants. The gastronomic poles of Mury, Lumiar and Cônego reunites more than 100 stores. The trout is a typical dish of the city. Each restaurant offers a recipe, a variety. But for those who don’t like fish, there is no shortage of meet, pasta, hamburger, fondue and wine options to ward off the winter chill.

12 Lumiar and São Pedro da Serra Districts Trails About 35 km from the city center and 160 km from Rio The mountainous geography, the beauty of the green de Janeiro, the capital, two localities enchant visitors landscape and the fresh mountain air attract many for the cozy atmosphere of the country village. The trail lovers. One of the best known is the Catarinas districts of Lumiar and São Pedro da Serra have much of Stone trail, with an altitude of 1,430 meters. But there the preserved Atlantic Forest. The song of birds and the are higher peaks, from where you can see part of the noise of spring waters and streams are the soundtrack city of Rio de Janeiro, including Guanabara Bay. This is of the walks. For those who want to enjoy the cold also the case of the trail, which is up to very quietly and experience a very different pace of 2,257 meters to Caledônia Peak. life in the great centers, both places contemplate. The districts have good accommodation options and more affordable restaurants. A good choice is the pizza with cassava pasta.

How to arrive: Leaving Rio, there are two options: drive over the Rio- Niteroi bridge and follow the road through Manilha (Itaboraí). Shortest stretch, but with traffic jam on holidays. Or take Rio-Petrópolis towards Macacu Waterfall. A longer route, but free from traffic jams.

13 Cão Sentado Ecological Park Waterfalls The curious stone that resembles a sitting and Even in the winter, it is worth visiting the waterfalls watchful dog has become one of the symbols of of Nova Friburgo. A moment of contact with the Nova Friburgo. The trip up there guarantees various energy and beauty of nature that will make a sports activities and fishing, adventure park, zip difference in your mood. The Adutora waterfall is lines, hiking and cave tours. To see the rock up the most sought after, because it has easy access close, you have to take a 1-kilometer trail through and is very close to downtown. A Feiticeira is not stairs and bridges. Great programming to do with far away, but it is necessary to face a small trail. family. The Cão Sentado Park is located on RJ-116 Highway, In Lumiar, there are less crowded waterfalls. In height of Furnas neighborhood, in front of the addition to the famous Encontro do Rio and Poço toll station. The ticket is 15 Brazilian Real and do Feio, located on properties that charge 10 Brazilian not accept cards. Access is by private car and bus real admission, the district has small paradises (Furnas do Catete Line). everywhere. In the city of Galdinópolis, the waterfalls of San Jose, Indiana Jones and Branca Undergarments are also options for those who want to make a Nova Friburgo is considered the Brazilian capital more private tour. of undergarments. There are more than 1,300 garments scattered throughout the neighborhoods and 160 stores in the Olaria and Ponte da Saudade poles, offering the market news at competitive prices. In addition to enjoying restaurants, trails and waterfalls, taking the visit to buy lingerie can be a good idea.

14 Cão Sentado Stone Wooden bridge over River

15 Cable Car Anchieta College in Nova Friburgo Jardim do Nêgo The cold and humid climate of Nova Friburgo creates, together with Ceará artist Geraldo Simplício, known as Nêgo, the effects of fascinating garden sculptures in the Campo do Coelho district. For 35 years in the city, the artist sculpts in clay using his hands as the only tool, and uses the weather conditions to ensure the greenish tone of the works. A must see in the middle of nature. The garden is open from 8am to 5pm. Ticket: 15 BRL.

Country Club A beautiful scenary for walking, jogging and other sports are the Country Club gardens. Romantic landscaping with lakes, bridges and rare botanical species includes birds such as geese, herons and swans. This set has become the scenary for outdoor weddings.

There are 180 square meters of green area, with buildings built in 1860, reminding the air of Imperial Brazil. The Country Club was designed by Auguste Glaziou, French landscape designer, also responsible for the Quinta da Boa Vista (RJ) design. Admission is free. Open every day from 7am to 5pm.

16 Accomodation The city has many accommodation options, for every taste and pocket, from hotels and inns with fireplace and hot tub, to hostels and Airbnb.

How to arrive By car: leaving Rio de Janeiro, It is 155 km and about 3 hours of travel. Just take BR 101, and then RJ 116. Attention on the road, because the climb is winding. By bus: From the Novo Rio bus station, buses leave every hour. Tickets can be purchased over the internet or at the bus company desk at the bus station.

17 The royal family’s summer residence has become the Imperial Museum.

PETRÓPOLIS

Since imperial times, Petropolis has been a destination for those seeking mild temperatures. Dom Pedro II, founder of the city, was In June 2019, the already making his entourages to climb the mountain 800 meters thermometers above sea level. And what was a summer getaway for the imperial reached family, can also offer you a charming and charming winter, less 5 degrees in the than 70 km from the carioca capital. afternoon.

18 Historic center There are no more chariots circling downtown, and a walk in the winter breeze is quite pleasant, as it already guarantees the main touristic spots of the city: Imperial Museum, Santos Dumont House, Crystal Palace and Bohemia Brewery.

A walk through the tree-lined streets, with small wooden bridges and preserved big houses, is a good way to get to know the city. It’s worth discovering the historically significant mansions of Koeller Avenue. Among the houses of counts and barons of the imperial aristocracy, we find the house of Princess Isabel. All properties have information signs.

It is worth visiting the Rio Negro Palace, the summer presidential residence of the times that Rio de Janeiro was the Brazil’s capital. As well as Liberty Square, where freed blacks organized to buy the manumission of fellow slaves. And the Cathedral of St. Peter of Alcantara, where are the remains of Dom Pedro II, Empress Teresa Cristina, Princess Isabel and her husband Count d’Eu.

19 St. Peter’s Cathedral Imperial Museum The palace that was the summer residence of the imperial family holds relics. Like the golden feather used by Princess Isabel to sign the Lei Áurea (English: Golden Law), the crowns and scepters of the emperors, the throne of Dom Pedro II and other historical objects. To navigate the rooms of the current Imperial Museum, you need to put on slippers so as not to tarnish the original floor of the era. Almost everything is reassembled as in the times of the empire. Ticket information and opening hours: http://museuimperial. Memories of the brazilian empire museus.gov.br/

Santos Dumont House The house at Rua do Encanto, number 22, is an opportunity to get a close look at the inventiveness and innovative spirit of Alberto Santos Dumont, the father of aviation. One of the jewels of Petrópolis, the house designed by the aviator himself is picturesque, and has an unusual architecture for a cottage of that time. The cut-out stairs and the multifunctional rooms house records of Santos Dumont’s main creations, such as videos, models and pieces from his personal collection. Visitation: From Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5h30pm. Guided Visit. More information: (24) 2247-5222

20 Santos Dumont’s creative architecture Crystal Palace Teresa Street Tumbled by the National Institute of Historic and Petrópolis also has vocation for shopping tourism. Artistic Heritage (IPHAN), the Crystal Palace is one of Teresa Street is the mirror of the textile center of the few cast iron structures and glass, commissioned the region. There are many stores of various styles of in France in the nineteenth century, which is still clothing, ranging from jeans to gym clothes, bikinis preserved. It was a gift from the Count d’Eu to Princess to cold knitwear. Great place to find original pieces Isabel, opened in 1884. Today is the scene of cultural and good bargains. events and exhibitions. It yields beautiful pictures. Visitation: Tuesday to Sunday, from 9am to 6pm. Free Itaipava entrance. Leaving the city center, the Itaipava district offers stylish restaurants, home furnishings and fine Quitandinha Palace handicraft shops, shopping malls with 3D cinema. Do you want to hear curious stories from a luxury According to visitors, it has the liveliest night in the casino that once hosted Walt Disney, Carmen Miranda highlands. If this is not your thing, a day trip is worth and Greta Garbo? This is Quitandinha Palace. Built in having a nice lunch, window shopping and strolling the 1940s, today it is a culture and leisure center run the Itaipava Fair, which offers products well suited for by SESC. Guided tours are very worthwhile. Admission gifts and souvenirs. is free to visit the architecture, the social halls, the From the downtown Petrópolis to Itaipava it is 15 km. theater and the music room. More information: https:// You can arrive by taxi, Uber or bus. www.sescrio.org.br/unidades/sesc-quitandinha/ informacoes

21 Quitandinha Palace Crystal Palace

Petropolis offers perfect cenarios for celebrations, honey moons, wedding and date aniversaries.

14 Bis Replica Cathedral

22 Serra dos Órgãos National Park Besides having fantastic waterfalls, the park is one of the best places in the country to practice mountain sports such as climbing, hiking and abseiling. According to ICMBio, the full protection reserve has the largest trail network in Brazil. There are more than 200 kilometers of all levels of difficulty in trails, from the suspension, accessible to wheelchair users, to the heaviest, such as the 30 km climb of the Petrópolis-Teresópolis Crossing. The most famous lookout point of the park is the Dedo de Deus, considered the starting point of the climb in the country.

Accommodation In Petrópolis there are from sumptuous hotels, to mountain chalets and guesthouses. The tip is to stay in the city center, which has options that may fit lower budgets. To rest, seek accommodation in the surroundings, such as Corras, Araras, Cuiabá Valley, but only worthwhile if you are by car. In this case, Itaipava has great alternatives.

23 How to arrive: Access is simple, either by car or by bus. By bus: Unica / Fácil Bus Company travels in 1h30 from Novo Rio bus station. The buses are comfortable. You can buy it at the ticket counter or through the site www.unica-facil.com.br. The buses leave every hour. By car: Access to Petrópolis is via Washington Luiz Highway, BR 40. Just follow from Rio de Janeiro towards Galeão and continue through the Red Line. If there is no traffic jam, which is common on weekends and holidays, the trip takes 1h30 from the south of Rio towards downtown Petrópolis.

During Serra Fluminense’s winter, even adventure sports got a romantic air

24 VALENÇA

Valença is known as the little princess of the Mountains. In addition to the famous Conservatória district, the capital of In June and July serenades, has a great vocation for historical-cultural tourism. temperatures There are many farms at the height of the coffee culture that range between are open for visitation. Some work as inns or hotels. It is also in 10 and 14 degrees Valença that is located Quilombo São José da Serra, the oldest of Celsius. Rio de Janeiro, with almost 170 years.

25 VALENÇA CONQUERS THE WHOLE FAMILY

Conservatória The musical vocation of this destination is also Attracted by the music of traditional serenades, noted in its museums. One is dedicated to Conservatória is a charming district in the musician and composer Vicente Celestino, and municipality of Valença, in the south of Rio de the other to the equally artist Silvio Caldas. The Janeiro state. Located 142 kilometers from the district also has a house of culture and a cinema capital, it is a great destination for fast weekend specialized in 1950s and 1960s movies. getaways, as during the week the village routine is very quiet and follows the pace of It is worth driving and visiting attractions on its 4,000 habitants. However, on Fridays and the surrounding roads, such as the Tunel que Saturdays, traditional guitar players take to the Chora and the Ponte dos Arcos, inheritances streets singing the most beautiful and romantic of the coffee period, one of the oldest bridges serenades. of the still preserved railway network. It was inaugurated by Dom Pedro II in 1884 and was The history of Conservatória is marked by the active until 1963. glory of the coffee cycle. That time keeps a lot of the architecture. And one locomotive, which is The district has varied dining options, mostly its post card. The serenades are a tradition that Minas food and pasta, and some downtown began with the imperial court that endure to accommodation possibilities. If you are looking this day, making the place famous. for more comfort, the best alternative is the local farm hotels.

26 By bus Barra do Piraí Bus Company, which departs from the namesake city; Útil Bus Company, which leaves Rio de Janeiro; and Senhor dos Passos Bus Company, with daily departures from the Valença terminal. By car Who leaves São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro should follow the Via Dutra toward Barra do Pirai. From Juiz de Fora or Belo Horizonte, the alternative is to follow BR-040 or MG-353.

27 Vista Alegre Farm A scenario of several soap operas, miniseries and television productions, Vista Alegre Farm is a landmark of the Brazilian imperial period. Dedicated to coffee production, it preserves architectural forms dating back to the 19th century.

In addition to beautiful gardens, the farm became known for the installation of music and theater schools. It was the first farm in the country to literate children of enslaved people. Today, Vista Alegre offers guided historical visitation programs and promote social, corporate and cultural events.

For those who want to have a different experience of hospitality in the Vale do Café region, the farm is a pioneer in Housing Tourism, a mode in which guests live with the owners and live the routine with them.

More information: [email protected] (21) 98776-0747 Address: Estrada Valença/ Conservatória, n º 2.800 - KM 18 - Valença-RJ

28 KNOW THE CULTURE AT A DELICIOUS TEMPERATURE

Quilombo São José da Serra A place to rescue the history and culture of the ancestors of Guinea, Congo and Angola, the visit to Quilombo São José is a great opportunity to have contact with the beauty, religiosity and customs of the people of African descent who were part of the Brazilian colonization. Formed since 1850, it currently houses about 200 residents, which live in traditional wooden houses with thatched roofs.

The community works in subsistence agriculture, in the cultivation of beans, corn, cassava, potatoes, fruits and vegetables, as well as handicrafts. The place receives visitors from Brazil and the world throughout the year. During the holidays on May 13, the number of visitors is even greater to attend the programs. The community maintains Catholic and Umbanda traditions. Jongo groups are one of the major attractions.

More information: (24) 2457-1130

29 Léa Pentagna House Telephone: (24) 2453-4178 Valença is the municipality of the state of Rio de Address: Rua Vito Pentagna, 213 – Valença – RJ Janeiro that most received Italian immigrants. To learn more about this history, the city has the Léa Açude da Concórdia Pentagna House Museum, located in the urban A beautiful place to have a picnic with the family on center. There are 20 rooms and a large garden that weekends is the Concordia Dam. There are more than hold memories, in immigrant bags, in many objects 4,000 meters of transparent water in a preserved of the city, in an indispensable library and a curious area of preserved Atlantic Forest, where animals collection of Vivaldi records. such as inhamu, juruti and jacu still live. The park has ample space for hiking, camping, canoeing and Lea Pentagna asked in her will to be buried in the climbing, as well as infrastructure such as barbecue garden and that the residence be transformed into grills and chalets with hot water showers. There are the Philanthropic and Cultural Foundation. The also monitors for orientation of visitors. house opens for lectures, courses, exhibitions, videos, classical and popular music performances. Address: Highway RJ 145 (Valença – Barra do Piraí), It receives schools during the week by appointment, São Francisco – Km 45 – Entrance of vicinal road next and tourists on guided visits on Saturdays and to bus stop of Km 45. The park is about 6 Km alway Sundays, from 9:30 to 12:30 and from 14h to 17h. from RJ-145.

More information and visits www.casaleapentagna.org.br

30 Léa Pentagna’s House

Concórdia’s Weir

31 Jean Tavares Church Chacrinha’s farm FOR THOSE WHO WANTS COLD CLIMATE, RIO DE JANEIRO HAS WONDERFUL CITIES

Serra dos Mascates Observatory Are you up for a breathtaking view of green valleys and hills and the open horizon? The Serra dos Mascotes Observatory guarantees an unforgettable panorama. The access to the hill, known as Torre, with an average altitude of 432 meters, is made by road with many paved stretches. The vegetation of the path is formed by pastures and forests. For adventure lovers there is a paragliding and hang gliding ramp. You can get there by car or on foot from the city center, but the climbs are steep.

32 VASSOURAS

For those seeking the charm and coziness of historic and preserved In July, the farms, Vassouras is a treasure of the Coffee Valley, Paraíba do Sul minimum River region, in the south of the state of Rio de Janeiro. And it is in reaches winter that the city receives more visitors. 12 Celsius degrees.

33 Casa da Hera museum

Vassouras’s Train Station

Nosssa Senhora de Conceição Mother Church

34 Mara Palace Hotel Coffee Festival One of the main attractions of Vassouras is the Coffee Festival. There are ten days of programs with a lot of music and gastronomy, in a bucolic scenario and with a romantic atmosphere of the inner city. The shows take place in cultural centers, churches and outdoors. Most part is free.

Historic farms also offer tours and concerts, often instrumental music. Generally the tickets are charged, but are worth it. Before and after the presentations, delicious food, sparkling wine and a welcome coffee are served, as well as a good chat or a visit to some part of the farm.

One of the most visited farms are the União, Eufrasia and Taquara. Some function as hotels, others are dedicated to cattle breeding.

Accommodation For more economical travel, there are downtown lodging options. The Cananéia and São Fernando farm hotels are the closest. The city has an Eco Resort far away from the center. If you are traveling by car, there are good options in nearby cities and districts such as Conservatória, Barra do Pirai and .

35 Secretary Farm How to arrive: By car: Vassouras is 117 km from Rio de Janeiro city. From there, access is via Via Dutra and RJ-127. For those leaving São Paulo, access is via Via Dutra and BR-393, and from Belo Horizonte by BR-040 and BR-393. By bus: Unica/ Útil bus company leaves from Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte; Salutaris, from São Paulo; and Progresso, from Juiz de Fora. The full schedule of the Coffee Festival is posted on the website. http://www.festivalvaledocafe.com.br/

36 Region keeps memory of the peak of the Coffee Culture VISCONDE DE MAUÁ VILLAGE

If you are looking for the perfect scenario for a good wine and a delicious fondue, in a cozy place in front of a fireplace, your destination is Visconde de Mauá, one of the most beautiful and charming places in the Rio de Janeiro mountain region. Minimum Located at 1200 meters altitude, in the middle of the Mantiqueira Mountains winter preservation area, the minimum winter temperatures range between -3 and 6 temperatures Celsius degrees. range from There are many choices of inns for those who want to enjoy a weekend of rest -3 to 6 degrees. for two, enjoying the lush nature or spending cold mornings wrapped in a warm blanket, enjoying a hot chocolate.

37 VISCONDE DE MAUÁ VILLAGE AND THE ROMANTIC ATMOSPHERE

Enjoying the beauty of the mountains and the negative temperatures is a magical experience on tropical lands. The fields dawn white with frost and create a very wintry look. The region is full of waterfalls, beautiful paths and bucolic nooks to walk and be enchanted.

The romantic air attracts many couples in winter, but it is also the type of destination that may be perfect for families with children and groups of friends. It has that typical interior climate, with restaurants with tables outside to watch the tourists and locals coming and going on the streets.

Visconde de Mauá also has a good offer of hotels with fireplace and hot tub, as well as good restaurants. The city is divided into three villages: Visconde de Mauá, Maromba and Maringá. Moving from one to another takes about 10 minutes.

38 Accommodation The most suitable place to stay is Maringá, with more structure, options and restaurants. The Gastronomic Boulevard attracts a great movement on weekends with its bars, restaurants and shops. The village of Maromba is more rustic, with interesting inns and also campsites, for those who want a greater contact with nature. The village of Visconde de Mauá, despite naming the town, which is part of the municipality of Resende, is the area with less attraction.

There are many starred restaurants, with renowned chefs of good cuisine. If this is your style, the bill may come out a little higher. The gastronomy is typical of the mountains: trout, fondue, pizza, pasta, snacks and à la carte dishes. Some bars have live music and are well animated. If you are looking for something more casual and low cost, in Vila da Maromba you can find cheaper options for restaurants and accommodation, being more rustic and simple. Most bars and restaurants are open on weekends and holidays only. If you visit the city during the week, you have fewer options. 39 Going to Escorrega Waterfall on a winter weekend is Santa Clara an unforgettable experience. It is the most beautiful waterfall of Visconde de Mauá, with a high rock wall where rappelling is often practiced. Escorrega Waterfall The trail to get there is only 500 meters. A natural descent Parking is only 100 meters from the waterfall. Ideal for of stairs that lasts about 10 minutes. The road there is those who do not practice hiking, but want to hear the dirt, but you can get there with a regular vehicle. noise of the waters, enjoy the nature and relax. Parking How to arrive costs R$10 per day. Entrance to the waterfall is free. By car, for the Dutra road, take the Resende exit for the road that leads to Visconde de Mauá. There are two Poção da Maromba options: Serra M, still unpaved and of unparalleled beauty, On the same road to Escorrega Waterfall, Poção da and the official road, just after Penedo’s entrance. Maromba is ideal for sitting on rocks, soaking up the winter sun and replenishing your energy. The space is Tip: Best to go by car. There you will need it to do public, free of charge. everything. From going to the waterfalls, to restaurants, and other places of visitation. If you chose to go by bus, Véu da Noiva it is better to stay near the restaurants. At 500 meters from the road, the Véu da Noiva waterfall requires a quick visit. It’s quite cold, because it doesn’t see the sunshine, but the high waterfall is worth the stop to take some beautiful pictures

40 Escorrega Waterfall

Maromba Waterfall

Véu de Noiva Waterfall 41 TERESÓPOLIS

Teresópolis is for those who do not seek party. It is a destination to enjoy In the the warmth of the inns and great cuisine in a mood of romance. The winter, the beauty of the mountains and woods also attracts adventurers, hikers minimum and backpackers looking for contact with nature. It is a destination reaches frequented by cariocas, both winter and summer, because of the 9 Celsius cool breeze, but it has much to offer visitors from all over Brazil. degrees.

42 EVERYTHING IS MORE ROMANTIC IN TERESOPOLIS

Soberbo Observatory Right at the entrance of the city, next to the statue of Empress Teresa Cristina, which gives name to the municipality, we have the first attraction of Teresópolis. The Soberbo Observatory has one of the best views of the Finger of God, the most famous peak in the region. On clear days, the scenery is even more beautiful when the peaks Escalandravo and the Dedinho de Nossa Senhora emerge in the panorama. It is the postcard of Teresópolis and, despite being well attended, it is not difficult to park and enjoy the landscape.

43 Downtown Mountains To enjoy the interior climate and know a little of the Atlantic forest, rivers, waterfalls and mountains that architecture and history of Teresópolis, you can not fill the eyes and chest with good energy. This meeting miss the tour of the center. The most beautiful and of riches makes Teresópolis one of the main Brazilian important buildings are: the Teresa Cristina Palace, destinations for hiking and climbing. There are several where today the city hall is located; the Palacio Granado, parks and environmental reserves that make the city which houses the Sesc Teresópolis; and the Arthur known as the national capital of mountaineering. Dalmaso Memorial House, a small museum that tells The best known is the Serra dos Órgãos National the story of the municipality. The commercial heart of Park, which also covers the cities of Petrópolis and the city is on Francisco Sá Street, affectionately known Guapiminin. There is also the Three Peaks State Park as Famous Walk. The Mother Church of Santa Teresa and the Mountains Natural Municipal Park. d’Avila is also worth the visit. Beer Industry Comari Farm Teresópolis is one of the best beer centers of the Serra For those who enjoy football, going to Teresópolis Fluminense. There are small, medium and large craft is an opportunity to know the training center of beer breweries on an industrial scale. Most of the the Brazilian team. On weekends and holidays, it is factories open for visitation and, mainly, tasting. possible to know the soccer fields that are located in the residential condominium. But the walk is also worth it for the beautiful green area and the lake, ideal for relaxing in a yoke and enjoying the surrounding mountains, including the Finger of God.

44 Granja Comari

Granado Palace

Higino Hotel

45 Municipal Park Natural Montanhas Gastronomy Teresópolis has a wide range of restaurants, some starry. The cuisine is Russian reference, with the vodka of the house, with Italian trattorias, French bistros, German, Argentine and Brazilian meats, fondue houses, Burger Restaurants, pizzerias and cafes. You eat very well in Teresópolis.

Accommodation The city has a great hotel chain, for various types of tastes and pockets. So much for a weekend of romance as for hanging out with friends or family.

46 You eat very well at the city How to arrive By car: From Rio, by car, it is 97km along BR-040 towards Juiz de Fora, with tolls on and off. After 12 km from the Highway Police, turn right on BR-116. Another option is to take the BR-040, towards Juiz de Fora, entering Itaipava and following the road that crosses the Serra dos Órgãos National Park.

By bus: from Novo Rio Bus Station, the buses leaves every hour.

47 Experience all the Rio de Janeiro Your best reason is the entire Rio de Janeiro! www.seumelhormotivo.rj.gov.br

www.rj.gov.br

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