Pousada Paraiso Açu

Top choice in Rio de Janeiro State


Outdoors enthusiasts need look no further than this family-run, end-of-the-road hideaway, 20km northeast of Petrópolis adjoining Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos. Surrounded by mountain peaks, with an attached restaurant serving home-brewed Odin beer and local trout, it has cozy chalets, spacious lounging areas, a spring-fed pool, wood-fired sauna and ample recreation facilities, including a zip line and via ferrata.

Owner Marina accompanies guests on weekend hikes to swimming holes in the national park and takes kids to visit the bunnies, chickens and tangerine orchard at the adjacent mini-farm. There's a two-night minimum on weekends.


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