When we think of cold weather and mountains, our minds often travel to destinations in Europe or North America. However, Brazil, despite its tropical reputation, is also home to mountainous destinations with cold weather and postcard-worthy landscapes. Some regions in the South and Southeast of the country offer a charming retreat for those who want to warm up around fireplaces, enjoy trails in the mountains or simply relax in a mountainous environment.
For those who love the mountain climate and the comfort of low temperatures, explore these five Brazilian destinations that guarantee an unforgettable winter experience.
Campos do Jordão (SP) – The Brazilian Switzerland
Located in the Serra da Mantiqueira, in the interior of São Paulo, Campos do Jordão is one of the most famous mountain destinations in Brazil. Known as the “Brazilian Switzerland”, the city attracts tourists who want to experience European charm without leaving the country. In winter, temperatures can drop to zero degrees, and the city’s streets fill up with tourists seeking a welcoming mountain climate.
Campos do Jordão offers a number of attractions that enhance its mountainous landscape, such as the cable car that takes you to Morro do Elefante, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. The Horto Florestal is another must-see, with trails through nature and outdoor activities. The city is also known for its cuisine, with fondues, wines and winter dishes that will make anyone feel like they are in an alpine chalet. For a complete experience, local inns and hotels offer fireplaces and cozy environments, perfect for warming up on cold winter nights.
Monte Verde (MG) – The Frozen Village in the Mountains of Minas Gerais
Monte Verde is a destination in Minas Gerais that combines tranquility and a cold climate in the heights of the Serra da Mantiqueira. With low temperatures all year round, the city is especially attractive in the winter months, when temperatures reach values close to zero. The small village is charming and has a typical mountain climate, ideal for those who want to relax surrounded by nature.
Monte Verde offers several trails, such as Chapéu do Bispo and Pedra Redonda, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the mountains. The city also has a good variety of cozy inns, many of them with fireplaces, hot tubs and environments designed to ensure comfort. Monte Verde is an ideal destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway or for families who want to enjoy winter in a mountain environment.
Gramado and Canela (RS) – European Charm in the Serra Gaúcha
Gramado and Canela, two neighboring cities in the Serra Gaúcha, are one of the top mountain destinations for those who love the cold in Brazil. Gramado is known for its European-inspired architecture, which stands out in every corner of the city. During the winter, temperatures in Gramado can easily reach zero degrees, making the city a cozy and ideal retreat for those who want to enjoy the cold.
Attractions include the Natal Luz festival, which lights up the city at the end of the year, and the Gramado Film Festival. In Canela, nature is the star attraction, with the famous Caracol Waterfall and trails that reveal the beauty of the region. Canela is the ideal destination for those seeking adventure tourism in a mountainous climate. Both cities offer a wide range of tourist infrastructure, with hotels, inns and restaurants specializing in fondues, wines and hot chocolates, providing the perfect combination for those who want to enjoy the cold weather.
São Joaquim (SC) – The Land of Snow and Wines
Located in the Serra Catarinense, São Joaquim is famous for its intense cold and is one of the few Brazilian cities where there is a chance of snow in winter. The city is known as the “Land of Snow” and attracts tourists from all over in search of freezing temperatures and landscapes covered in a thin layer of ice. In addition to the cold climate, São Joaquim has renowned wineries that produce high-altitude wines, and many of them offer tastings and tours of the vineyards, providing a unique experience for wine lovers.
Among the city's tourist attractions are the Mirante da Serra do Rio do Rastro, which offers impressive views of the mountains, and the São Joaquim National Park. In winter, the city's fields are covered in frost, creating an enchanting setting for those seeking the cold in a mountain environment.
Urubici (SC) – Exuberant Nature in the Serra Catarinense
Urubici, another gem of the Serra Catarinense, is known for its mountainous landscapes and harsh winter weather. With temperatures that can easily drop to below zero, Urubici stands out as one of the coldest mountain destinations in Brazil. The city is a paradise for ecotourism lovers, with attractions such as Morro da Igreja, the highest accessible point in southern Brazil, and the famous Pedra Furada, a unique rock formation that offers stunning views.
In addition to trails and viewpoints, Urubici is a place where visitors can connect with nature amid the cold weather. The city offers several accommodation options, many of which have mountain views and fireplaces to ensure comfort on cold days. Urubici is the perfect destination for those who want to experience the Brazilian winter in a region rich in natural beauty.
Conclusion
These five mountain destinations in Brazil are ideal for those who love cold weather and want to disconnect from their routine in a charming setting. With stunning landscapes, trails that reveal nature and welcoming inns, these destinations provide a complete winter experience, with all the charm and comfort that the mountain climate can offer. From the Brazilian Switzerland in Campos do Jordão to the Land of Snow in São Joaquim, each of these places offers a new way to experience the cold and charm of the mountains.
Choose your destination and get ready to explore the best of the Brazilian winter, enjoying low temperatures, wines, fondues and landscapes that are a true invitation to rest and contact with nature.
