The region of Black Needlesin the State of Rio de Janeiro, has stood out among Brazilian tourist regions for managing to deliver the most difficult thing: diversity for all audiences.
The four municipalities that make up this beautiful region combine ecotourism, gastronomy and culture routes, in addition to rural tourism, with different attractions, which complement each other and attract different, increasingly broader audiences.
“Here we have a complete tourist destination that offers all visitors the opportunity to experience unique experiences, mixing segments. Both in rural tourism and haute cuisine, in contact with nature and a very lively culture”, says Pablo Kling, Vice-President of TurisRio.
The Itatiaia National Park is the region’s main postcard. Created in 1937, it is the oldest in Brazil and offers a wide variety of attractions, such as trails, waterfalls and rock formations, including Pico das Agulhas Negras, which gives its name to the region and is one of the highest mountains in the country. “The park is one of Brazil’s greatest natural heritage sites and one of the main reasons for tourism in the region. In addition to being a biodiversity sanctuary, it is also ideal for trekking, climbing and, more recently, we have a growing and significant public focused on bird watching”, says Kling. Furthermore, it is a public accustomed to nature destinations, which strengthens tourism in the region and contributes greatly to environmental conservation in the park.
In addition to the park, cities in the region offer other ecotourism and adventure sports options, such as rafting on the Paraíba do Sul River and horseback riding on century-old farms. The mild temperatures and mountainous landscape make the destination attractive all year round.
The region’s agricultural tradition is another strong point. Historic farms and productive sites offer guided tours, where it is possible to learn about the production of cachaças, cheeses and other local products. “We are strengthening rural tourism to enhance the culture and products of the region, such as artisanal cheese and award-winning cachaças, which are products that are increasingly recognized in the national and international market”, highlighted Pablo Kling.
The city of Quatis is one of the main destinations for fans of rural tourism. The city is home to the Feira da Roça, where tourists can find vegetables, cheeses, sausages, handicrafts, cachaça, honey, biscuits, medicinal plants and typical food, all set to the sound of forró.
At Quilombo de Santa, visitors can delve into the history of slave remnants and discover ancient churches and beautiful landscapes.
Cultural and gastronomic events also drive tourism in Agulhas Negras. Winter festivals, craft fairs and regional celebrations attract visitors looking for authentic experiences.
Porto Real, for example, still houses one of the first Italian colonies in Brazil. The customs and traditions of immigrants are preserved in the Casa do Imigrante, a museum that allows visitors to travel through time through a rich collection of objects and photographs.
Speaking of immigration, the Penedo neighborhood in Itatiaia brings back the memory of Finnish colonizers. The house of Santa Claus, a famous inhabitant of Lapland in Finland, is an attraction in itself, with decoration and lighting that delight visitors of all ages.
In Resende, the gateway to Serra da Mantiqueira, visitors can explore the historic Praça Getúlio Vargas and Parque das Águas, a leisure space that harks back to the city’s origins and is a meeting point for residents and tourists. “Resende is a gateway to adventure and rest. With its landscapes and leisure options, we have attracted a diverse audience”, says Pablo Kling, Vice-President of TurisRio.
Visconde de Mauá, a district of the city, is also home to several fine cuisine restaurants, with a constant flow of tourists.
In recent years, the region has received investments to improve tourist infrastructure. Roads, inns and information centers are being modernized to meet the growing demand from tourists. “Our goal is to make Agulhas Negras an increasingly competitive destination on the national scene, with adequate infrastructure and diverse experiences for visitors”, adds Kling.
The post Agulhas Negras region unites nature, culture and adventure in RJ appeared first on CNN Brasil V&G.
Source: CNN Brasil
Johanna Foster is an expert opinion writer with over 7 years of experience. She has a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking articles on a variety of subjects. Her work can be found on some of the top online news websites, and she is currently lending her voice to the world stock market.
