Who would have thought that in the middle of tropical Brazil you could find a piece of Europe? But this is exactly how Monte Verde can be described - a small town hidden in the mountains of the state of Minas Gerais. It is called the "Brazilian Switzerland", and for good reason: there are narrow cobbled streets, cozy wooden chalets, alpine landscapes and, most importantly, a moderately cool climate, which seems to be a real miracle among the hot Brazilian lands!
European charm among the tropics
Monte Verde seems to have stepped out of a postcard: neat houses with carved balconies, well-groomed gardens, flower beds - all this creates the feeling that you are somewhere in the Alps. Even the air here is special – fresh, cool, filled with the aromas of pine trees and coffee. Add to this fountains, street lamps with soft lights, cafes serving hot chocolate and fondue, and there you have it, the perfect place for a romantic stroll! That is why couples love the city so much: here you can not only enjoy solitude, but also take a thousand beautiful photos against the backdrop of the mountains.
Hospitality you want to remember
In 2022, Monte Verde was recognized as the most hospitable city in Brazil. These are not just words - the locals really know how to surround with care and create an atmosphere of comfort. No one is in a hurry here. In restaurants, the owners can go out to the guests themselves to recommend the best dish, in small family hotels they greet you as if you have returned home, and sellers in the markets will be happy to tell stories about their products and let you try everything.
Adrenaline and ecotourism for those who love outdoor activities
Monte Verde is not only about romance and walking. Adventure lovers will find a real paradise here! In the mountains, there are scenic routes leading to peaks with incredible panoramic views. For example, climbing Pedra Redonda or Pedra Partida will give you the feeling of flying over the endless green hills. For those looking for a more thrilling experience, there are plenty of activities to do in the city:
- Climbing trees – like in childhood, but with full equipment and at a height of several meters,
- Descents on cable cars - wind in the face, speed and the spirit of freedom!
- Quad biking is an opportunity to conquer mountain trails and feel like a real explorer.
Food that warms you
In Monte Verde, gastronomy is an art. Here you can taste dishes from traditional Minas Gerais cuisine to classic European cuisine. Fondue is the main hit: on a cool evening, it is especially pleasant to sit in a warm restaurant, dip slices of bread in melted cheese and enjoy the atmosphere.
Do not bypass the local chocolate shops. Incredible handmade chocolate is made here - thick, fragrant, with a slight bitterness. You can also try hot chocolate, which seems to be created specifically for walks in cool weather!
Of course, you can't do without wine. In Monte Verde, there are small wineries where you can taste drinks and choose something special for a cozy evening.
The Little Pleasures of Monte Verde
In addition to stunning nature and delicious food, the town is famous for cozy shops where you can find a lot of pleasant things:
- Handicrafts – from ceramics to knitted sweaters, invariably handmade,
- Local cheeses are soft, aged, with various additives,
- Cachaça is a famous Brazilian strong drink, which is made here according to special recipes,
- Orchids - in the nursery you can not only admire these flowers, but also buy rare varieties.
There is also an ice bar - incredible exoticism for a country where it is warm all year round!
Total
Monte Verde is a place where you can feel like you're in a different reality. The European atmosphere among the Brazilian mountains, cozy streets, a warm welcome, amazing cuisine and incredible nature - all this makes the city unique. People come here to forget about the hustle and bustle, enjoy the fresh air, try new things and just be happy.
