Things to do in

Petrópolis

After boarding the jeep in Rio de Janeiro, drive for 2 hours to reach Vale do Amor, located in the Petrópolis mountains. This sanctuary is a peaceful, scenic spot where you can enjoy looking out for different bird species.  Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour, with explanations about the history of the construction of the sanctuary. Learn how the gardens were designed and built based on themes around Mother Nature and the divine. Afterward, take advantage of some free time to meditate, practice yoga, or simply relax in the peaceful surroundings. Then, head to the waterfall, which features a deep pool where you can dive and enjoy swimming while surrounded by nature. Finally, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Rio.

After pick up from Rio, relax on the 2-hour drive as you ascend into the hills towards Petrópolis, located 823 meters above sea level. Historic Petrópolis is famous for the period that Brazil was a monarchy, ruled by Dom Pedro II. Start the tour with a stop at the Casa do Alemão. Located at the entrance to the city, the diner is famous for German sausage and croquettes. Next, marvel at the gardens outside the Quitandinha Palace. Continue the tour at the Imperial Palace. Explore the interior of the palace, and see the original furniture, paintings, clothes, and jewelry used by the Royal Family in their former summer house. Next, revel at the neo-gothic architecture of the Cathedral of Saint Peter of Alcantara. Take photos at the Crystal Palace, once used as the princess’s private garden. After this, take a break and enjoy lunch at a buffet restaurant (if option selected). Otherwise, use your free time to wander. See the Santos-Dumont House, the former home of the famous Brazilian inventor and aviator, from the outside. Finally, visit the Bohemia Brewery (if option selected) and learn the techniques of beer making in the region. Stop at the Casa de Chocolate Katz before returning to Rio de Janeiro.

Explore Petrópolis, also known as the Imperial City, which is located in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy the city’s mild climate and quiet, charming streets. See many historic buildings and the Atlantic forest on your tour. Located among the forested mountains of Serra dos Orgaos, Petrópolis is a very well-known and popular place to visit in Rio with numerous tourist attractions. Enjoy the mild climate, memorable architecture, and preserved forest. Along your tour, stop at some of Petrópolis’ most iconic locations: • Quitandinha Palace: originally the largest hotel-casino in South America • Sao Pedro de Alcantara Cathedral: a cathedral featuring Gothic architecture • Imperial Museum: a historical thematic of the Brazilian monarchy • Santos Dumont’s House: the house of one of the pioneers of aviation • Crystal Palace: a palace built in 1884 • Bohemia Brewery: the first beer factory ever established in Brazil

Visit rural Brazil on a day trip to Brejal, a 2-hour drive from Rio de Janeiro. See where most of Rio’s supplies come from and even taste the freshly picked goods. After your transfer from Rio, explore 5 farms and plantations in an open top 4x4. See where herbs, vegetables, fruit and flowers are cultivated from up close, and even have a chat with the people who work there. Also available for exploration are traditional bonsai cultivations, a beautiful stud farm with horses and equestrian champions, a charming chapel, and a warehouse with totally sustainable production. Lunch is also included using fresh, local ingredients. Added optional activities that can be paid for on the day include horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. A beautiful waterfall and natural pool are also available for swimming.

Leave the bright beaches of Copacabana behind on a guided tour into the old imperial city of Petrópolis. Walk down the Rua Santa Teresa and visit a beer factory, after following your guide to Quitandinha Palace, Liberty Square, the Cathedral Saõ Pedro de Alcantara, and the Imperial Museum. Get picked up from your accommodations in the Copacabana and drive into the mountains to discover the fascinating city of Petrópolis. Explore what is known as the "imperial city," the summer residence of the emperor in the 19th century. See the Quitandinha Palace, Liberty Square, the Cathedral Saõ Pedro de Alcantara, and the Imperial Museum. Make a visit to the beer factory and take a walk down Rua Santa Teresa, checking out the avenue of clothing stores. If you visit at Christmas, admire the decorative lights and festive shows that happen every day.

Visit 3 breweries and enjoy tasting some beers directly from the tank.  Listen to the master brewers and their stories about the history of the breweries, Learn a little bit about their recipes, and discover the whole manufacturing process. The first two breweries visited are depending on the availability and can be Colonus, Dr.Duranz, or Brew Point. It is not possible to guarantee which brewery will be visited. The last brewery visited is the most famous brewery in the city: the Bohemia Brewery complex. There you can visit the historic beer museum. In addition to the entire manufacturing process, you will be able to explore sensory experiences.  Enjoy lunch at the restaurant inside the Bohemia complex while you are overlooking the Crystal Palace.  Petrópolis is often called the State Capital of Beer. The city is full of renowned breweries, bars, and beer festivals. It is known for the purity of its waters its link to the route of Rio Brewery Route that brings together all state breweries.

Sightsee around Petrópolis, The Imperial City, on this tour with a professional guide. As you explore palaces and other iconic sights of Petrópolis, learn about the history and culture of the city. This tour includes an entry ticket to Petrópolis’ Imperial Museum. After pickup, the first stop will be at Palacio Quintadinha and the second at the Cathedral of Petrópolis, the mother church of Petrópolis. Along the tour, visit the Imperial Museum of Petrópolis, one of the places seen as mandatory to visit to get to know everything about the Brazilian monarchy. The museum is housed in the Petrópolis Imperial Palace, the former summer residence of Emperor Pedro II. As the tour continues, visit the house of Santos Dumont, a picturesque residence that’s now a museum. Learn Dumont’s story before heading to the Crystal Palace. At the Crystal Palace, marvel at the pre-assembled structure that was commissioned by Count d'Eu, being built in the workshops of the Saint-Souver Lés Arras Corporation in France. The structure is inspired by the Crystal Palace in London and the Crystal Palace of Oporto. See these sights and much more on this tour of Petrópolis.