For spectacular views all the way to Rio and the Baía de Guanabara, climb Pico da Caledônia (2310m), a popular local launching site for hang gliders. It’s a 6km uphill hike from the Alto do Cascatinha neighborhood; local buses marked Cascatinha-Interpass (R$4.20, 15 minutes) can drop you at the trailhead. Alternatively, with a 4WD vehicle, you can drive the absurdly steep, rugged approach road. Either way, the final summit climb is via a 650-step staircase (ID required for access).
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Parque Nacional Serra dos Órgaos – Teresópolis Entrance
26.25 MILES
About 6km south of Teresópolis, off the BR-116 Rio–Teresópolis highway, you'll find the main (and most accessible) entrance to magnificent Parque Nacional…
13.61 MILES
Only 80km from Rio's Galeão airport, Nicholas and Raquel Locke have created this nonprofit nature reserve, dedicated to restoring native ecosystems within…
25.25 MILES
Colina dos Mirantes, in the southern suburb of Fazendinha, is an especially good place to view the city and its mountain backdrop. On clear days you can…
11.49 MILES
Head to this park, 10km north of town, for the 30-minute climb via a moderate trail to the top of Pedra do Cão Sentado, a rock formation resembling a…
24.62 MILES
Dominating Teresópolis' central square, this Gothic-style stone church is a convenient downtown landmark.
Nearby Rio de Janeiro State attractions
11.49 MILES
Head to this park, 10km north of town, for the 30-minute climb via a moderate trail to the top of Pedra do Cão Sentado, a rock formation resembling a…
13.61 MILES
Only 80km from Rio's Galeão airport, Nicholas and Raquel Locke have created this nonprofit nature reserve, dedicated to restoring native ecosystems within…
3. Igreja Matriz de Santa Tereza
24.62 MILES
Dominating Teresópolis' central square, this Gothic-style stone church is a convenient downtown landmark.
25.25 MILES
Colina dos Mirantes, in the southern suburb of Fazendinha, is an especially good place to view the city and its mountain backdrop. On clear days you can…
5. Parque Nacional Serra dos Órgaos – Teresópolis Entrance
26.25 MILES
About 6km south of Teresópolis, off the BR-116 Rio–Teresópolis highway, you'll find the main (and most accessible) entrance to magnificent Parque Nacional…