São Pedro De Nova Friburgo

São Pedro da Serra is surrounded by the Atlantic Forest and combines village life with experiences in nature. Waterfalls and rivers offer opportunities for canoeing, alongside walks through the village and trips to the surrounding area. When choosing a holiday apartment, it can therefore be helpful to first consider whether you mainly want to discover the village character or plan time for activities on rivers and at waterfalls.

Church history in the village

The Igreja de São Pedro da Serra has special historical significance: it was the first Catholic church built in the Municipality of Nova Friburgo. Its bell tower houses the original bronze bell donated by Emperor D. Pedro II. This connects the history of the place with a specific detail that stands out as you get to know its culture. This is distinct from the Capela de São Pedro, which is more than 150 years old. If you are interested in historic sites and buildings, you can take both names and their respective histories into account when planning your trip.

The Atlantic Forest and rural character

The surrounding Atlantic Forest shapes São Pedro da Serra’s connection with nature. Natural attractions include the Indiana Jones waterfall. Bicycle trips are also offered amid the Atlantic Forest. A walk through the village is another described outdoor activity; in the district, trails, excursions and waterfalls are also among the ways to discover its natural beauty. This lets you choose between exploring the village and activities with a stronger focus on nature, without having to combine both interests in the same activity.

Bocaina shows another side of the district: the neighborhood is predominantly rural and accounts for most of the district’s agricultural production. If you take the character of your destination into account when choosing accommodation, you can consider the difference between the village and this rural neighborhood. Its agricultural character is a feature of the place, not a description of a specific offering for visitors.

Waterfalls and trips to the surrounding area

The Poço Belo at Boa Esperança is about 7 km from São Pedro da Serra. There, you can climb on rocks and swim. Another option by the water is Encontro dos Rios: it is about 14 km from São Pedro da Serra on the RJ-142 in the direction of Casimiro de Abreu. There, you can swim in the river and access a natural pool in the Rio Bonito. The approximate distances and different activities make it easy to consider these destinations as separate excursion options.

Waterfalls and rivers are also part of the leisure activities in São Pedro da Serra itself, with opportunities for canoeing. This adds another activity to trips to Poço Belo and Encontro dos Rios.

Village life, culture and food

Praça João Heringer, also known as Praça do Coreto, is the main venue for cultural and sporting events in the village of São Pedro da Serra. It is a prominent landmark in the village’s cultural and sporting life. The village has restaurants serving Minas Gerais, Italian and Brazilian cuisine, as well as bakeries and snack bars. This selection complements the nature and culture on offer with different places to eat locally.

Getting there and choosing where to stay

São Pedro da Serra is reached via the RJ-116 between Itaboraí and Nova Friburgo. From the district of Mury, the RJ-142 heads in the direction of Lumiar. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can take these roads into account along with whether village culture, trips into the Atlantic Forest or destinations by the water will shape your trip.

More destinations

More destinations to explore: Vassouras, Angra Dos Reis, Iguaba Grande, Penedo, Cantagalo, Cardoso Moreira, Nova Friburgo, Japeri.

For the main travel overview: Rio De Janeiro.