neighborhood · Resende, RJ
Visconde de Mauá
A mountain village on the banks of the Rio Preto (river), on the border with Minas Gerais, which grew from a colonial settlement created in 1908 and occupied by German and Austrian families. The area brings together valleys, trails and dozens of waterfalls in the Serra da Mantiqueira.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Visconde de Mauá
Visconde de Mauá is a district of Resende high in the Serra da Mantiqueira, on the border between Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais. The name is also used for the whole surrounding area, made up of small villages, valleys and forests crossed by the Rio Preto (river), which separates the two states.
Settlement began with a colonial settlement created by the federal government in 1908, which received families of European immigrants, among them Germans and Austrians. The settlement lasted only a few years, but some families stayed and, from the 1930s on, began welcoming visitors. In the 1970s the area drew many young people seeking country life, and tourism has grown ever since.
The three main villages are Mauá, at the entrance, home to the Igreja de São Sebastião (church); Maringá, split between the two states by a bridge over the Rio Preto, with shops, crafts and restaurants; and Maromba, more rustic and close to well-known waterfalls, such as the Poção da Maromba, the Cachoeira do Escorrega and the Véu de Noiva. The local cuisine is famous for dishes with trout and pinhão (araucaria pine nuts).
A visit combines nature, trails, horseback riding and waterfall swims with the feel of a mountain village. The routes between villages and waterfalls include dirt stretches and climbs, and some falls require short walks on trails.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
A long weekend, two to three days, lets you see the three villages and the main waterfalls.
Best time
In summer the waterfalls are fuller and more inviting for a swim, but there are afternoon rains and more crowds; in winter it is very cold, there is little rain, and the mountain atmosphere with fireplaces and good food is the big draw.
How to get there
On the Via Dutra, exit at Resende toward Penedo and take the RJ-163 highway, which climbs the mountains on a winding stretch to the village of Mauá. From there, roads lead to Maringá and Maromba. There are buses from Resende, but a car makes getting around much easier.
Tip
Fill up your tank before driving up the mountains, and stay out of the waterfalls when it is raining hard or rain threatens upstream, because of the risk of flash floods.
A look at the place
Visconde de Mauá in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Visconde de Mauá
Is Visconde de Mauá in Rio de Janeiro or Minas Gerais?
The village of Mauá is a district of Resende, in Rio de Janeiro. The area is on the border with Minas Gerais, marked by the Rio Preto (river), and the village of Maringá has one side in each state.
How do I get to Visconde de Mauá?
Take the Via Dutra to Resende, head toward Penedo and then take the RJ-163, which climbs the mountains to Mauá.
Do I need a car in Visconde de Mauá?
It is highly recommended. The villages and waterfalls are spread out and there are dirt road stretches. Without a car, you can use tours from local agencies.
What are the most famous waterfalls in Visconde de Mauá?
Among the most popular are the Poção da Maromba, the Cachoeira do Escorrega and the Véu de Noiva, near the village of Maromba, and the Cachoeira de Santa Clara, on the Minas Gerais side.
When is the best time to visit Visconde de Mauá?
For waterfall swimming, summer; for cold weather, fireplaces and good food, winter, which is drier.