Serra Gaúcha Wine & Canyons
A loop from Porto Alegre through Gramado, Canela, the Canyon region, and Vale dos Vinhedos, combining mountain towns, cliffs, and wineries.
This itinerary adds canyons and wine regions to the standard 5-day Gramado tour: spend the first three days in mountain towns, explore Itaimbezinho and Fortaleza canyons on days 4 and 5, and finish in Bento Gonçalves with a steam train ride and a tour of Vale dos Vinhedos. The driving distance is longer, but ample time is dedicated to each stop, making it ideal for couples and friends.
Canyons are often foggy, so keep your schedule flexible; Gramado accommodation is very tight during the Christmas season.
Day by day
Day 1 · Nova Petrópolis to Gramado
Gramado & Canela（Labirinto Verde (Nova Petrópolis)、Avenida Borges de Medeiros、Rua Coberta、Igreja Matriz São Pedro）
Pick up your car at Porto Alegre Airport and drive to Gramado via Nova Petrópolis (approx. 100+ km, 3 hours including stops).
Stay: Gramado Downtown
Day 2 · Gramado Lakes & Town
Gramado & Canela（Lago Negro、Lago Joaquina Rita Bier、Mini Mundo、Aldeia do Papai Noel (Parque Knorr)）
Mainly walking in the city center. Black Lake and Mini Mundo are not far from the center; you can take a short taxi ride or drive (approx. 10 minutes one way).
Stay: Gramado Downtown
Day 3 · Canela Cathedral & Waterfall
Gramado & Canela（Catedral de Pedra (Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora de Lourdes)、Castelinho Caracol、Cascata do Caracol (Parque do Caracol)、Bondinhos Aéreos (Parques da Serra)、Parque da Ferradura）
Drive to Canela (approx. 20 minutes), then head north to Caracol Park and Horseshoe Canyon (Parque da Ferradura), returning to Gramado in the evening.
Stay: Gramado Downtown
Day 4 · Itaimbezinho Canyon
Gramado & Canela（Itaimbezinho Canyon (Aparados da Serra NP)）
Drive from Gramado to Cambará do Sul (approx. 115 km, 2 hours), then take an unpaved road (approx. 18 km) into the park for an afternoon hike.
Some sources state the park is closed on Mondays; confirm with official sources before buying tickets.
Stay: Cambará do Sul
Day 5 · Fortaleza Canyon to Wine Region
Fortaleza Canyon
Visit Fortaleza Canyon in the morning, then transfer to Bento Gonçalves in the afternoon (approx. 230 km, 4 hours total).
The unpaved road to Fortaleza is weather-dependent; confirm if it is closed on Tuesdays.
Stay: Bento Gonçalves
Day 6 · Steam Train & Wine Towns
Gramado & Canela（Maria Fumaça Train (Trem do Vinho)）
Take the steam train from Bento Gonçalves Station towards Carlos Barbosa (23 km, approx. half a day including stops).
The train does not run daily; tickets must be booked in advance according to the schedule.
Stay: Bento Gonçalves
Day 7 · Vale dos Vinhedos Wineries & Return
Gramado & Canela（Vale dos Vinhedos）
Visit wineries in Vale dos Vinhedos in the morning, then drive to Porto Alegre Airport in the afternoon (approx. 120 km, 2 hours) to return the car and depart.
Do not drive after wine tasting; arrange for a driver or a winery shuttle.