Weekend in Teresópolis, Brazil

Teresópolis is a great getaway from the fast paced lifestyle of Rio. It's only about an hour and a half by car from Rio de Janeiro and probably about 2 hours by bus. The town has a great German influence, which gives it a ginger-bread cutesy feel. There are markets, a great orchid display and great fruits and vegetables that grow in the area.

Perhaps the most famous part of Teresópolis is the "finger of God" mountain, which actually looks like a huge hand with the forefinger pointing up. It's incredible to stand at the lookout and be in the presence of such a massive and mysterious piece of nature.

For nature lovers, Teresópolis offers the Serra dos Órgãos National Park (the PARNASO), which is one of the three oldest national parks in Brazil, created by a decree of president Getúlio Vargas in 1939. You can enter in Teresópolis, although the park itself stretches for miles and miles and also has entrances in Petrópolis and other towns. For residents the cost is R 11 and for foreigners the cover is R 22, but I believe that's a one time fee and includes access to the camping grounds, beautiful natural pools, etc. It's definitely worth a look!