Rio Grande do Sul · Brazil
In the destination Serra Gaúcha.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The city
São Francisco de Paula lies in the Campos de Cima da Serra highlands, among lakes, grasslands and araucaria forests. Walks along Lago São Bernardo can be combined with outings through the town's rural landscape.
4 places to stay in São Francisco de Paula.
3 places picked to eat.
how to get there · how many days · itinerary · questions
The local experience
The town's postcard image, the lake is fed by eight springs and has landscaped shores, with pedal boats and an exercise area. Nearby are a small shrine and a mural honoring the tropeiros (cattle drovers) tied to the town's origins.
A preserved private area about 5 kilometers from the center, it has eight waterfalls spread along four trails of varying difficulty. The tallest, the Cascata da Ronda, is about 100 meters high.
Discover Parque das Oito Cachoeiras
Created in 1968, this federal protected area covers about 1,600 hectares, with araucaria forest and areas of planted species. It has signposted trails, a grove of centuries-old araucarias and more than 200 bird species; visits require an appointment.
Discover Floresta Nacional de São Francisco de Paula
Along RS-235, it has more than 30 themed gardens with about 300 plant species, connected by paths totaling 8 kilometers. One of the highlights is the 102-meter wisteria tunnel.
Discover Mátria Parque de Flores
