Petropolis & Serra Dos Orgaos

Petropolis: Brazil’s Imperial City

Although Rio de Janeiro stands on its own as a vacation destination, the mountainous areas outside the city offer relaxing options for day trips and itinerary extensions. These destinations provide welcome relief from the heat of Rio, especially during the December to February summers.

Petropolis, located in the Orgãos Mountains 40 miles north of Rio, is known as Brazil’s Imperial City. Its pleasant alpine climate prompted Emperor Dom Pedro II to construct a summer palace here in 1848. The Palácio Imperial now serves as a museum, housing the crown jewels, as well as 19th century furnishings and artworks. The surrounding city (named in Dom Pedro’s honor) is noteworthy for its French-Gothic cathedral, leafy parks and canals.

Visitors from Rio can also enjoy rock climbing, hiking and whitewater rafting in the neighboring Serra dos Orgãos National Park, which protects roughly 42 square miles of forest and mountain habitat. The park’s name means “Range of Organs”—a reference to the number of mountain peaks resembling organ pipes.

What to do in Petropolis

Visitors can tour the Imperial Museum, the Cathedral of Saint Peter of Alcântara, the Crystal Palace, and the House of Santos Dumont. Beyond its historic center, Petrópolis offers mountain trails in Serra dos Órgãos National Park and local breweries.

What is the Weather Like?

Petrópolis enjoys a mild subtropical highland climate. Daytime highs average 73–82 °F in summer (December–March) with humid afternoons and frequent rain showers. Winters (June–August) are cooler and drier, with highs near 68–70 °F and crisp nights in the low 50s. Rain is most abundant from November through March.

These averages are changing, please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.

Getting There

Petrópolis is reached by road from Rio de Janeiro, about a 1.5–2 hour drive from Galeão (GIG) or Santos Dumont (SDU) airports.

Start your journey today

LANDED delivers the finest in custom, private travel to Central America, South America, and Antarctica. These regions are our passion; we know them first-hand and by heart. Speak with one of our travel designers and let us create a tailored itinerary for you in Petropolis.