Teresópolis in Brazil

Because of its altitude and the relatively cool temperatures, the area was not exploited by the early colonists since they could not grow the tropical crops that were in demand in Europe. The existence of

in the region was first documented in the early 19th century, the best known being that of George March, an Englishman. In order to accommodate a constant stream of visitors, March added lodgings to his farm; not long after other landowners followed suit. Before taking the name of the empress, the parish was called Santo Antônio de Paquequer.

Numerous buses run between Teresópolis and Rio's

daily. Eight buses a day run between Teresópolis and Petrópolis. Information is available from the

, www.teresopolis.rj.gov.br

, at the entrance to town from Rio. 

The

is a 30-minute steep climb from Rua Jaguaribe (2 km from the centre; an inexpensive taxi ride), and offers sweeping views of the city and surroundings. Around the town are various attractions, such as the Sloper and Iaci lakes, the Imbui and Amores waterfalls and the

, which has mineral-rich water, and is accessed from Avenida Oliveira Botelho, 4 km southwest. Just off the road to Petrópolis is the

.

The road to Nova Friburgo is known as the

because it passes through a zone where vegetables and flowers are cultivated. There is an interesting rock formation called

, 12 km out of Teresópolis on this road.