Petropolis is known as the Imperial city as this was where the Emperor, his family and his court went to escape the summer heat in the 1800's.
It is located in the mountains about two hours east of Rio by bus and has a European feel about it.
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The journey is actually a highlight of the trip. The bus follows a one way highway to the city and another on it's return journey so when the driver overtakes on all those blind corners there is no need to panic.
The journey begins by driving through the outskirts of Rio. After this the road twists and winds its way up through the lush, verdant forest known as the Serra de Orgoas. The scenery is dramatic with one side of the highway dropping away steeply. Try to sit on the left hand side of the bus on the way up as this will afford the best view.
I am sure at one stage this tropical rainforest covered most of the hills all around including Rio itself.
There are many museums and residences of the Royal family that you can visit in the town including the Cathedral and the Imperial museum. It gives a glimpse into life during the the 19th century, well life of the rich of course.
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I enjoyed the change in climate. The air up here was really crisp and without the humidity of Rio. Plus it made a nice change to the beach culture that had been formed in our opinion of Brazil.
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The best idea is to obtain a walking map and wander around using that. It points out the main sights (11 in total) within the town and you can pay to enter if they grab your fancy.
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We did this as a day trip so I cannot recommend a place to stay. However the Tourist Information Booth in the main centre of town are super helpful, friendly and speaks many languages so I am sure they could point you in the right direction.
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There are many restaurants in the main street. We opted for a local restaurant that was very cheap and cheerful and busy.
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Don't take an organised tour if you are coming from Rio. It is easy and much cheaper to get there yourself.
You can get to Rio's main bus station by local bus for 1 real each way from anywhere in the city.
Buses leave from there (the bus station) about every 15 minutes with either Facil or Unica buslines. The cost is about 6 - 7 reals or US$3 each way.
Once there pick up you walking map and off you go.
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Published on Thursday January 2th, 2003
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