This is my first post and I’m not going to write long
texts. I would like to show the Brazil that most foreigners don’t know, and of
course if anyone gets interested in more details, I can send them by email. I’m
not a touristic agent, and I’m not earning anything doing this, but I’m a local
resident who loves Brazil and the real beauty we have here (which is not
Carnival, beaches and football).
Gramado and Canela are two cozy cities located in the
state of Rio Grande do Sul (south of the country), and they are one of the most
popular destinations in Brazil chosen usually for couples in their honeymoon or
families. They are small towns, however they are always crowded not only
because of the attractions, festivals, museums, theme parks, but also because
the breathtaking landscapes. The climate here (in the south) is different from
the rest of the country. We have a cold winter starting in July and ending in
September. It even snows in some cities (surprised?!) and because of that, the
mountains region is compared to Europe. By the way, the temperature this
weekend will be around 0° to -3°C.
The nearest
airport is in Porto Alegre (POA). Both cities are around 130 km far from Porto
Alegre and distance between Gramado and Canela is 9,5 km. As they are very
close, people can easily stay in one of them and visit both.
Is not difficult to rent a car or get there by bus. Most of hotels there offer
the transfer service, from the airport to the hotel. This is included in the
hotel price, however can be negotiated.
GASTRONOMY:
This is certainly something that people enjoy there! If none of the attractions
catches you (and that I doubt!), the restaurants will surely do! Is possible to
appreciate the local gastronomy, which is different from other states of Brazil
as we have a strong influence from Italian and German cultures here, but also
you can easily find restaurants that serves the best of the international
gastronomy.
FESTIVALS:
The annual Brazilian Cinema Festival takes place in Gramado, usually in August
(by the way, is happening this week). There are premieres, famous Brazilian and
South American artists and trendy parties. The best actors, actresses and
movies are awarded with a statue called Kikito.
In the Christmas time, the city really celebrates life. In Gramado, this
festival is called Natal Luz. In Canela, it is Sonho de Natal (or Christmas’
Dream). From the beginning of December to January, the cities are decorated with
lights and many other Christmas ornaments. There are lots of attractions that
pleases different preferences (music, parades, art, theater plays, etc).
MUSEUMS AND
THEME PARKS:
Besides the historical museums, showing in rich details the history of those
two cities, there are also very interesting and different museums, like the
delicious Chocolate’s Museum, the amazing Super Cars Museum, Fashion Museum
(one of my favorites) and the Wax Museum. For those who are not that into
museums, there are the theme parks like Snowland, Minimundo and Mundo a Vapor.
LANDSCAPE:
The pictures will speak louder than words...
 |
| Autumn in Gramado |
Lago Negro (Black Lake)
Spring time
Yeah, it snows here... sometimes!
Mini Mundo - Miniatures of the most impressive and important buildings around the world.
Natal Luz
Natal Luz
Natal Luz
Natal Luz - Gramado
Parque da Ferradura - Canyons in Canela
Parque da Ferradura
Cascata do Caracol - Canela (Caracol Falls)
Cascata do Caracol - Canela
Sonho de Natal - Canela
Sonho de Natal - Canela
Vale do Quilombo - Gramado (Quilombo Valey)
Hope you enjoyed it and I would love to know your opinion about this place!
