Here I’ve provided a more detailed description of the items in the must see and must do list from the recent article Itaipava: Experiencing This Beautiful City In One Weekend, including excellent tips for the things I really enjoyed doing.
For almost one and a half years, I lived in the city of Rio de Janeiro and I must say, of all the places I visited in Brazil, Itaipava holds a very dear place in my heart. If you only knew the frustration it took to get there and the amount of chaos I experienced during my time in Itaipava… Yet, I still left in complete adoration of this small city.
May you enjoy this list and may it help you to avoid the mayhem during your stay.
• Buy Something Local At Hortomercado: Itaipava’s Farmer’s Market
The Hortomercado in Itaipava is the best place to find fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products from the region.
Make sure to bring cash and a bag with you! You won’t leave empty-handed.
Address: Estrada União & Indústria, 9726 Itaipava, Petrópolis, RJ
TIP 1: This location isn’t exactly central. In regards to other attractions, it’s kind of a detour and not the most convenient to get to if you aren’t arriving by private transport.
TIP 2: Don’t plan to eat a full meal here. You’re better off eating before you go.
• Refresh and Refuel At Bar do Horto
Since you’re already going to the Hortomercado do Itaipava, you might as well stick around a little longer to check out Bar do Horto.
Because this place is quite a local treasure, though, it tends to fill up during market hours, so seating is quite limited.
• Have A Picnic At Municipal Park
If you aren’t too bogged down buy your purchases (or the fresh local beer) from the two bullet points above, you should take advantage of your location and meander 3 minutes down to Parque Municipal de Itaipava.
This park is the perfect must see to take some fresh fruit and cheese (maybe a nice bottle of wine if you find it) and have a small picnic.
Bask in the sun, cool off in the shade, you have plenty of room to wander.
• Check Out The Local Market: Feirinha de Itaipava
Still have the energy to walk around?
Then, you should check out Itaipava’s other market. Here you’ll find hundreds of stands selling anything from clothes to accessories to house decorations and more. The quality and the price of a lot of the items don’t exactly seem to match up, especially if you’re on a budget, but it’s still fun to have a look around.
Plus you’ll find some really tasty street food at the back of the market for cheap!
Address: Rodovia – Rio da Cidade, 63, BR-040 – Araras, Petrópolis – RJ, 25725-030, Brazil
TIP: It’s about a 36min walk from the park, depending on where you leave from. Bus time is the same, but it’ll only take you 5mins by car. So, I’d recommend taking a taxi or going via your own private transport if you did decide to rent a car.
• Climb The “Famous” Pedra de Itaipava (Itaipava Rock)
A journey up the “famous” Itaipava Rock should be on the top of your list, if it isn’t already.
The trek up this local gem is quite heavy since it’s mostly all inclines, but you won’t find many other hikers here. Meaning you pretty much have the entire landscape all to yourself. So feel free to take your time at this must see and ingest all of it at your own pace.
These must see views will leave you speechless.
Difficulty Level: Moderate Duration: ~1.5hr
TIP 1: It does get quite chilly at the top before sunset, even in summer. Make sure to bring something with you to keep you warm. You wouldn’t want to miss nightfall.
TIP 2: No cellular service is available here, so if you aren’t arriving by your own private transport and you haven’t arranged your ride home, plan to walk back to town.
NOTE: I say “famous” because it was recommended to us by our Airbnb host, but when asking anyone for directions on how to get there, not a single person knew what we were talking about – which resulted in one very long day, full of mayhem, followed by fits of frustration, tears, and pure bliss. Read more about that experience here.
• Bathe Under One Of The Nearby Waterfalls
Another reason to have your own car in Itaipava is that you can take full advantage of the nearby waterfalls.
The closest is Cachoeira da Macumba. Located 13km in direction towards Teresopolis. Once you arrive, you’ll find parking and the trailhead is very clearly marked.
The space is incredible – a must see!
Address: BR-495, 2596 – Itaipava, Petrópolis – RJ, Brazil
• Wander Through Valle da Lua
Valle da Lua is an excellent must see for cyclists and motorists.
Many people come here on wheels to journey through the forest. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t still heavy trafficked by those on foot. Valle da Lua offers many beautiful trails perfect for beginners or those wanting to take it a little lighter.
While you’re wandering through the tall eucalyptuses and araucarias, keep an eye out for Pedra de Itaipava!
Address: Estrada do Gentio, 4158 – Itaipava, Petrópolis – RJ
• Shop Around Downtown Itaipava
“Simple and charming” are best used to described the Itaipava Shopping center.
Located in the heart of the city, you’ll find plenty of small stores and services here.
If you get your fill of the place, but haven’t quite shopped til you dropped yet, also check out the Shopping Estação and Shopping Vilarejo.
Other Sites:
The Castle of the Baron of Itaipava is one of the most culturally rich castles in Brazil – historically speaking.
Constructed with the helped of 20 different families using only European materials. Here you’ll find Portuguese influences, Austrian, French, Italian, and Carracan to name a few. A medieval conglomeration of cultural diversity.
Definitely a must see!
