Before you go
Your trip to São Francisco de Paula.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
São Francisco de Paula – RS Destination Serra Gaúcha about 112 km from Porto Alegre
How to get there
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Aeroporto Internacional Salgado Filho (POA) Porto Alegre
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Rodoviária de São Francisco de Paula
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
São Francisco de Paula is 112 km from Porto Alegre, about two hours by car, and about 45 km from Canela and Gramado. Citral and Unesul run buses from the Porto Alegre Bus Station. The nearest airport is Salgado Filho, in Porto Alegre.
How many days
One day for Lago São Bernardo and the Parque das Oito Cachoeiras. Two, if you include the Floresta Nacional, which can only be visited by appointment, and Mátria. The town is also on the way to the canyons of Cambará do Sul.
When to go
Winter is harsh, with frequent frost, and the Festa do Pinhão (pine nut festival) takes place in June. In summer, the trails and waterfalls are more pleasant. One of the trails at the Parque das Oito Cachoeiras closes on rainy days.
Do you need a car?
For almost everything, yes. Lago São Bernardo is about 4 km from the center, the Parque das Oito Cachoeiras about 5 km, up a steep street, and Mátria about 10 km, on the road to Canela. The Floresta Nacional (national forest) is outside town.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in São Francisco de Paula
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Morning
Parque das Oito Cachoeiras
Steep trails: set aside the morning and wear sneakers.
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Afternoon
Lago São Bernardo
The lakeshore, for a walk and lunch near the water.
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Late afternoon
Mátria Parque de Flores
The flower park on the road to Canela, on the way back.
2 days in São Francisco de Paula
Day 1
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Morning
Floresta Nacional de São Francisco de Paula
By appointment only and on weekdays. Two trails among araucaria trees.
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Afternoon
Lago São Bernardo
The lakeshore after the forest.
Day 2
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Morning
Parque das Oito Cachoeiras
A whole morning of trails. If it rains, some of them close.
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Afternoon
Mátria Parque de Flores
On the road to Canela. A relaxed way to end the trip.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book a visit to the Floresta Nacional?
Yes. Visits are booked in advance with ICMBio, by email, and only take place on weekdays. Swimming is not allowed.
Does it snow in São Francisco de Paula?
It can snow on rare winter days, but you can't count on it. Frost is frequent.
When is the Festa do Pinhão?
In June, centered on dishes made with pinhão, the seed of the araucaria tree.
Can I continue on to Cambará do Sul?
Yes, on a paved road, RS-020. Many people pass through São Francisco de Paula on the way to the canyons.