This Mountain Town In South America Will Make You Feel Like You're In Europe
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At a first glance, the town of Gramado looks as though it should be on a postcard from somewhere in Western Europe.
With chocolatiers at every turn, the smell of fondue wafting in the air, and Bavarian-style houses dotting the streets, it might be hard to believe you’re in South America. That's part of what makes this town so striking, along with the warm Brazilian hospitality and guacho (cowboy) culture. It’s a unique blend of elements you just won’t find anywhere else.
Gramado sits in the picturesque mountains of Serra Gaúcha in Brazil, a two-hour flight south from Rio de Janeiro. The town is considered a treasured part of the Rota Romantica (Romantic Route), a 124-mile tourist stretch that covers 13 scenic towns from the river to the highlands. The region’s European influence stems from the German, Italian, and Portuguese immigrants who settled in the area during the 19th century, says the Brazil Tourism Board.
Things to do in Gramado
Start your trip in downtown Gramado, where you’ll find scores of boutiques and European restaurants serving hearty Italian fare, French cuisine, and flavors from Germany. You’ll want to leave some room for fondue, as it’s readily available in dozens of bistros.
Gramado is also famed for its rich chocolate scene, with dedicated shops and factories peppered around town. There’s even the World of Chocolate, a museum with 200-plus art pieces made of cacao including the White House, Eiffel Tower, and Christ the Redeemer statue from Rio de Janeiro. Wash it all down with a glass of vinho at one of the area’s many wine bars.
When you’re ready to stretch your legs, head just outside the city center to Mindi Mundo. This miniature city spans more than three square miles and contains 3,268 miniature inhabitants. The buildings are 24 times smaller than the world you’re used to, making it a fun place to feel like a giant and snap a few photos.
For some rest and relaxation, head to Lago Negro (Black Lake). Between the swan boats, blue hydrangeas, and lush forest scenery, it only adds to the European fairytale ambiance that Gramado is known for.
Natural wonders and a taste of guacho culture
Beyond the European-inspired stops, there are plenty of attractions to remind you that you’re, in fact, still in Brazil.
Gramado Zoo is one of them. This animal reserve specializes in rehabilitating injured animals and rescuing wildlife from traffickers. You won’t find bars and cages here. Instead, picture open aviaries and large glass enclosures that mimic natural scenery. It’s a great place to sneak a peak of rainforest critters up close, like spider monkeys, capuchins, jaguars, tapirs, macaws, toucans, emus, and crocodiles.
Just outside of town, there’s another gem worth noting. The Parque Estadual do Caracol (Caracol State Park) has a staggering 434-foot waterfall. You can catch a glimpse from the viewing platform, a cable car, or by walking 730 steps down a staircase to the bottom of the canyon. Of course, bear in mind that you’ll have to walk all the way back up. Don’t forget a stop at the ecological observatory, which offers panoramic views from 88 feet up.
Of course, no visit to the mountains of Brazil would be complete without digging into the guacho tradition, most simply defined as South America’s cowboy culture. If you’re not already full from all the fondue, book a dinner at Garfo e Bombacha Barbecue House. You’ll get to tuck into a tasty barbeque dinner while performers sing and dance in traditional attire. There might even be a fire dancer or two.
From chocolatiers to cowboys, wildlife to waterfalls, that’s Gramado for you.
