Rio dos Cedros combines outdoor activities with a distinct connection to Trentino culture. Its attractions offer different experiences: Parque São Bernardo brings together hiking trails and other recreational activities, while Cachoeira Formosa and the Rio Bonito Reservoir each offer their own natural highlights. Festa Trentina also provides a cultural occasion to focus on. As you plan, you can decide whether to prioritize hiking, water, or traditions.
Hiking trails and recreational activities at Parque São Bernardo
Parque São Bernardo has two hiking trails, a cascade, a swimming pool, and a camping area. The pool is used from November to March; this season may change. Sport fishing is also available. You must bring your own equipment, and sport fishing is charged separately. These facilities bring together trails, water, and camping in one place, while fishing has its own practical requirements.
Cachoeira Formosa in Alto Palmeiras
Cachoeira Formosa is in Alto Palmeiras, about 40 kilometers from the city center, and is approximately 40 meters high. It is one of the largest and most impressive waterfalls in Rio dos Cedros. While Parque São Bernardo brings together several recreational activities, Cachoeira Formosa is all about the waterfall itself. The distance and height provide different points of reference: around 40 kilometers refers to the city center, and around 40 meters to the waterfall.
Trentino roots and Festa Trentina
The connection to Trentino is reflected in more than just the festival. The municipality of Cedro Central, also known as São José, was founded during the fifth wave of immigration from Trentino to Rio dos Cedros. Its territory includes the area that is now part of the city center. Local culture can therefore also be understood through its founding history: the place’s connection to Trentino links this historical background with the traditions celebrated at Festa Trentina.
Festa Trentina is a traditional festival that celebrates the traditions, cuisine, music, and customs of Rio dos Cedros, which originate from Italian immigrants from the Trentino region. It usually takes place in September; dates and program details may vary from year to year. The program includes folk dances, traditional Italian music, and typical foods such as polenta, macarronada, and artisan cheese. Wines and other regional drinks, parades, competitions, and cultural activities are also part of the festival. If you want to travel for these traditions, September is a useful planning guide. Check the specific dates for the year you plan to visit.
Water activities at the Rio Bonito Reservoir
The Rio Bonito Reservoir (Palmeiras) is one of the two large reservoirs in Rio dos Cedros and a destination for fishing, swimming, and water sports. This gives it a different focus from Parque São Bernardo, with its hiking trails, cascade, seasonal swimming pool, and camping area. If fishing is on your list, you can compare the options: at Parque São Bernardo, you must bring your own equipment for sport fishing, which is charged separately. The reservoir is also a destination for swimming and water sports.
When to travel and how to find accommodation
When planning an overnight stay in Rio dos Cedros, your travel dates can be a helpful starting point. The swimming pool at Parque São Bernardo is used from November to March, while Festa Trentina usually takes place in September. These two timeframes point to different reasons to plan your trip. Check the pool season and event dates for the relevant year before basing your hotel choice on them.
Discover more destinations: Pirabeiraba, Nova Veneza, Bom Jesus, Brusque, Joaçaba, Itá, São Bento Do Sul, Ascurra.
Go to the main travel overview: Santa Catarina.
