Serra Gaúcha travel guide

Some of the Serra Gaúcha’s most stunningly beautiful scenery is around the towns of Gramado and Canela, 130 km north of Porto Alegre. There is a distinctly Swiss/Bavarian flavour to many of the buildings in both towns. In spring and summer the flowers are a delight, and in winter there are frequent snow showers. December is the busiest month for tourism, with Brazilian and Argentinian families flocking here in droves to see the genuinely impressive Christmas displays.

This is excellent walking and climbing country among hills, woods, lakes and waterfalls. The Rio Paranhana at Três Coroas, 25 km south of Gramado, is well known for canoeing, especially for slalom. Local crafts include knitted woollens, leather, wickerwork and chocolate.