Resende combines a historic cityscape with protected areas and outdoor activities. When planning your trip, it is worth considering the different highlights: the Centro Histórico showcases older building styles, while waterfalls, river areas and parts of Itatiaia National Park shape the landscape. Resende lies at the foot of the Serra da Mantiqueira and is part of the Agulhas Negras tourist region.

City History and Culture

The Centro Histórico de Resende features old buildings, townhouses and mansions built using techniques involving unfired earth. Those interested in architecture can explore not only the different types of buildings, but also the construction methods used. The Museu de Arte Moderna de Resende adds a founding story to this cultural offering: the writer Marques Rebelo founded it in 1950.

Another cultural venue nearby is the Centro Cultural Visconde de Mauá. It hosts art exhibitions, artistic workshops and environmental education workshops. Cultural programmes may change; check current dates before planning a visit.

Waterfalls and Protected Landscapes

The Parque Municipal Cachoeira da Fumaça–Jacuba protects Cachoeira da Fumaça, formed by the Rio Preto. The district of Fumaça in Resende gives its name to the largest waterfall cascade in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The APA da Serrinha do Alambari protects the upper catchment areas of the Alambari and Pirapetinga rivers. The waterfall and river areas thus highlight different aspects of the landscape.

The mosaic of protected areas also includes the Refúgio de Vida Silvestre Estadual da Lagoa da Turfeira (REVISTUR), established in Resende in 2016. This state protected area covers 269 hectares. The Parque Nacional do Itatiaia offers another perspective on nature: it protects important headwaters and rich biodiversity. The park encompasses parts of the municipalities of Itatiaia and Resende in the state of Rio de Janeiro, as well as Bocaina de Minas and Itamonte in Minas Gerais.

Hiking and Outdoor Activities

The Circuito Cinco Lagos is a hike approximately 11 km long. The Parque Nacional do Itatiaia officially opened the route in 2015; it passes through areas of Resende and Itamonte. Its length and route provide a guide for planning the hike. Trail conditions and access rules may change, so check them before setting out.

The Pedra-Selada hike offers a different kind of hiking experience in the wider Resende area. It begins on private land in the Parque Estadual da Pedra Selada and climbs steeply for 2,600 m to a summit 1,755 m high; the route is rated moderate to challenging. The rock formation lies about 12 km from the town of Visconde de Mauá, in the direction of Campo Alegre and Rio Preto. For the Circuito Cinco Lagos, the approximate route length is a key consideration; for Pedra Selada, the steep climb and difficulty rating are also important. As the trailhead is on private land and access conditions may change, check access arrangements before your hike.

There are also various activities beyond the hiking trails: the airfield in the municipality of Resende is used for skydiving and scenic flights. Nearby, in Visconde de Mauá, mountainboarding is practised as an outdoor sport. Cycling routes for cycle tourism run through different areas of Resende. These options vary in nature; check the latest conditions for the specific activities you have in mind.

Road Access

Two roads are useful for getting around the municipality: the Rodovia Presidente Dutra crosses the municipality of Resende, and the district of Visconde de Mauá is accessible via the paved RJ-163. Road conditions can change, so check them before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Nhangapi, Silva Jardim, Barra Mansa, Conceição de Macabu, Queimados, Mendes, Santo Antônio de Pádua, Cordeiro.

For the broader travel overview: Rio De Janeiro.