On this page you will find photos and some information from Gramado, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil.
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Florianopolis
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Many people in Brazil say Gramado doesn't look like Brazil. Why is that? Well, most of the tourists think of Brazil as a hot place, with sunny beaches and people dancing to the samba rythm along the streets all year round, isn't that so? Not exactly. As you could expect from a country as large as USA, Brazil has a lot of places that are totally diferent from each other, of many of them doesn't match with the traditional Idea of sand and beaches. Gramado is surely one of them. Located at the mountains of Rio Grande do Sul state, southern Brazil, the city of Gramado reminds maybe some hidden place in Europe, among tall pines, flowers, lakes, hot in the Summer but extremely cold during winter. Charming, cozy, lovely, picturesque, Gramado is the right place for those looking for something different in Brazil then just samba or beaches. |
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This is the welcome sign you will see when arriving in town. Gramado is located just two hours drive from Porto Alegre, the capital city from Rio Grande do Sul state. It is the most important host of the Gaucho Mountains, and use to be the starting point for touristic tours at those mountains, which includes many cities not far from it, like Canela, Bento Gonçalves, Garibaldi, Nova Petropolis, Carlos Barbosa and Caxias do Sul. If you are planning a visit to the Gaucho Mountains, try to stay there for at least a week, to be able to get the most of your visit. |
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Start your Gramado tour visiting Caracol Park, just 10 miles from town (left photo). There you will find Veu de Noiva Waterfall, take a cable car to see it from above, or, for the daring ones, go down (and after that up again...) a giant stairway all the way to the base of the waterfall and refresh yourself at the lake. There is also an observation deck at the edge of the canyon, restaurant and a souvenir shop. Also do not miss Park Knorr and Dark Lake (first photo of this page), a beautiful location where you will be able to hike, bike or just take some time as you prefer. The best place in town for shopping is along Borges de Medeiros Ave, where all the main shops are located. Gramado is a small town, and you won't need a car to visit the most important attractions. |
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Gramado had many Italian and German settlers. Do not miss Aldeia dos Imigrantes, where the first german imigrants settled down. Now a park and touristic attraction, this small town where time stopped you will find the church, stables, children school, the original ball room, a restaurant and much more. Aldeia dos Imigrantes Park is located at the city of Nova Petrópolis, just 20 miles from Gramado. |
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Itaimbezinho Canyon is one of the largest in Brazil. Located at Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina state border, is really worth a visit. The best option to get there is taking one of the many one day tours that are available in Gramado. |
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Looking like a railway crash, but actually this is just for fun. Next to the entrance door of Museu do Vapor (Steam Museum) you will see this real locomotive, reminding a famous accident that happened in a Paris Gate, on the 19th century. Inside you will have the chance to check for yourself the importance of steam on last century everyday life. Factories, industries and much more, all in a tiny scale, but all really working. This is a specially fun attraction if you are travelling with children. Inside the Steam Museum there is also souvenirs stores and a restaurant. |
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Mini Mundo (small world) brings a replica of many international landmarks, from Europe to the Americas. Here you will be able to walk among the Vatican, London Tower, Eiffel Tower, Neuschwenstein Castle, and many other famous monuments.
Gramado's chocolate is famous all over Brazil, and even exported to many other countries. There are more than twenty chocolate manufacturers here, and it's really hard to say which brand is best. It's up to you to decide... Watch the video we made visiting one Gramado Chocolate Store: Visiting Chocolate Heaven |
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Do you still remember those days? Well, why not take a tour onboard those lovely iron horses along the Gaucho Mountains and see it from a different perspective? The touristic railroad trip Retorno ao Passado (Returning to the Past) runs every wednesday and saturday, linking the cities of Bento Gonçalves and Carlos Barbosa. Two hours of fun, wonderful views of the mountains and valleys, while on board you will enjoy traditional songs and dance, including free wine and cheese. To make your reservations please contact your hotel concierge. |
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Did you know that Rio Grande do Sul state is worldwide famous for its wines? The state is Brazil main wine producer, and no trip to the Gaucho Mountains would be complete without a visit to one of the many vineyards in the area. The most important one is Vinicula Aurora, located at the city of Bento Gonçalves. Visitors start the free tour with a video explaining the basics of wine producing followed by a visit to oak barrels halls, steel tanks, wooden wine barrels, corridor of flags of every country which imports Aurora's wine, and famous Cave Di Bacco, the tasting room. |
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Save the best for last: This is Cafe Colonial Bela Vista, and you gotta see to beliave! The Cafe Colonial tradition started with the first european settlers, decades ago. They woke up very early to work and had just one meal for that day, so it should keep them full all day long. Cakes, eggs, cheese, ham, jams, juices, chocolate, pizzas, pies, juices, wine.... Well, those days are gone, but the Cafe Colonial tradition ramained, and got even better. Today this fixed rate all you can eat system offers more than 90 different dishes served at you table. Open all day long. Located at 3500 Hortencias Ave. |
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Still hungry? We doubt it... Anyway, on the following day, there is more to try. Gramado is also famous for its many Italian and German cuisine restaurants, and below are just some of them: Galeto Italia and Galeto Mamma Mia: Italian Cuisine.Try the traditional Galeto (Fried Chicken). At a fixed rate you will eat as much as you like, and that includes not only the Galeto but also capeletti soup, polenta frita, costelinha de porco, saladas de maionese, radiche com bacon, and many pastas, like fetutine bolognesa, lasagna, tortei, nhoque, red, white wines, etc. 707 Hortecias Ave (Galeto Italia) and 3500 Hortencias Ave (Galeto Mamma Mia). Swiss Cottage and La Famille Gazon: Delicious swiss style racletttes ande fundues, served a la carte. The right option for a romantic night. 1008 Hortencias Ave (La Famille Gazon). |
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Above, a shot of the City Cathedral. Next to it is the Palacio dos Festivais, where every August the city celebrates the Brazilian Film Festival, a kind of Tropical Academy Award. Gramado is a lovely place to visit all year round, but there are two ocasions when every one seems like dying to go there: Winter vacations (July and August) and Christmas time, so, if this is your case please remember to book in advance to avoid any frustration. If you visit Gramado on christmas time you will be able to witness the beautiful Natal Luz (Enlighted Christmas Celebration), when all city turns itself on a living air Nativity Scene, including Christmas parades and carols constests at the main street. |
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Those visiting Gramado on July and August may find out that Brazil is not just hot beaches everywhere. If you enjoy a cozy place by the fireplace, a good wine or a delicious fondue you couldn't choose a better place to spend some days. No wonder that Gramado is the number one choice for hundreds of just married couples in Brazil. A small and nice place, with a lot of lovely things to do, Gramado and the Gaucho Mountains are a sure bet in Brazil for those looking for something else than just beaches. |
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