Brazil - The Rough Guide to South America on a Budget - page 255

PARQUE NACIONAL SERRA DOS ORGÃOS
The Parque Nacional Serra dos Orgãos is breathtakingly beautiful and refreshingly easy to
visit from Petrópolis's less attractive neighbour, Teresópolis . Dominated in its lower reaches
by lush Atlantic forest, the bare mountain peaks that emerge from the trees create a stunning
effect against the backdrop of a clear blue sky. It is these peaks that give the park its name,
the rocks reminding the early Portuguese explorers of the pipes of cathedral organs.
There are a number of walking trails in the park, most of them short, easily accessible and
suitable for people who like their hiking easy, though all have uphill stretches. Many of the
park's most recognizable landmarks are visible on the horizon from Teresópolis. The most
famous of all is the Dedo de Deus (Finger of God) - a bare, rocky pinnacle that points
skyward - while arguably more picturesque is the Cachoeira Véu da Noiva waterfall. The
longest and most challenging trail is the Pedra do Sino (Stone Bell), starting some distance
from the park entrance, passing the bell-shaped rock formation (at 2263m the park's highest
point) and emerging some 30km further on (close to the town of Petrópolis) - a guide is
strongly recommended.
For eating , there's plenty of por kilo lunch places for cheap eats, but if you're looking for
something a little different, try Cheiro do Mato at Rua Delfim Moreira ( T 21 2742 1899). This
reasonably priced vegetarian restaurant has a diverse menu that will satisfy even the
staunchest meat eater.

3

ARRIVAL AND INFORMATION
By bus Buses to Teresópolis run hourly from Rio and
every 1hr 30min from Petrópolis, arriving at the
rodoviária on Rua 1 de Maio.
Tourist information Rotariana (daily 8am-7pm;
T 21 2642 1737, W portaltere.com). Teresópolis is
located right at the edge of the park, the entrance
being just to the south of town (head towards the
Dedo de Deus). The park o ce at the entrance (daily
8am-5pm) rents out camping equipment and can
provide information on local guides. There is a R$3
entrance charge, increasing to R$8 if you wish to walk
the Pedra do Sino trail.

ACCOMMODATION
If you're not camping or walking straight on to
Petrópolis, you'll probably want to base yourself in
Teresópolis, where there are a couple of reasonable
accommodation options.
Pousada Villa Tiroleza Rua da Mariana 144 T 21
2742 7337, W pousadatiroleza.com.br. A handsome
chalet-style building wit h a rust ic wooden interior and
a sauna. Excellent value. R$140
Recanto do Lord Rua Luiza Pereira Soares 109 T 21
2742 5586, W teresopolishostel.com.br. An HI hostel,
some distance from the centre of town but well worth
the trek for the savings you'll m ake. Gr eat servi ce, with
glorious view over town. Dorms R$30 , doubles R$130

Ì Camoka Praça da Bandeira 3. Between the pier
and Santa Rita church, genial owner Marcão has found
a business niche in inexpensive eats (try the baked
escondidinha pie, R$15, or torta vegetarian , R$12) and
good beer served until late at night. Live music or DJ at
weekends.
Ì Istanbul Rua Manuel Torres, Shopping Colonial.
Home-cooked Turkish kebabs, rotis, meze, falafel and
choice of teas at this friendly and great-value snack bar
with tables upstairs, just across from the bus station.

Brazilian aristocracy. En route the scenery
is dramatic, climbing among forested
slopes that suddenly give way to ravines
and gullies, while clouds shroud the
surrounding peaks. You can easily tour
Petrópolis in a day - its cultural
attractions and stunning setting make it
well worth the trip.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO
he Palácio Imperial on Rua da Imperatriz
(Tues-Sun 11am-5.30pm; R$8;
W museuimperial.gov.br) is a grandiose
colonial structure, set in beautifully
maintained gardens. Upon entry, you're
given felt overshoes with which to slide
around the polished floors of this royal
residence, and inside there's everything
from Dom Pedro II's crown to the regal

PETRÓPOLIS
Some 66km to the north of Rio, high in
the mountains, stands the imperial city of
PETRÓPOLIS , so named because in the
nineteenth century Emperor Dom Pedro
II had a summer palace built here, rapidly
making the place a popular retreat for