Things To Do
in Resende
Resende is a mid-sized city in Rio de Janeiro state, set inland among hills and forests. It serves as a gateway to the Serra da Mantiqueira and Itatiaia National Park, offering a mix of historic neighborhoods and modern industry. The town’s riverside boulevards, markets, and family run eateries give it a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Visitors can explore colonial churches, nearby natural reserves, and a calendar of local events that highlight regional culture.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh Brazilian coffee and pão de queijo. Afterward, stroll through the charming streets of Resende's historic center, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant murals. Don't forget to visit the iconic Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, soaking in its rich history.
Grab lunch at a nearby restaurant, where you can enjoy traditional Brazilian dishes like feijoada or a hearty steak. After your meal, head to the Museu de Historia de Resende to delve into the region's fascinating past through its exhibits. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring local artisan shops and boutiques, picking up unique souvenirs.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a restaurant overlooking the Paraibuna River for a scenic dinner. Relish in local cuisine while enjoying the sounds of live music from nearby performers. Take a leisurely post-dinner walk along the riverfront, enjoying the cool evening breeze.
Kick off your adventure with an early breakfast, then gear up for a day at Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, one of Brazil's oldest national parks. Arrive at the park and start your hike through the stunning trails, surrounded by lush vegetation and majestic mountains. Keep an eye out for unique wildlife, including colorful birds and playful monkeys.
After several hours of hiking, take a break for a packed lunch amid breathtaking views of the mountains. Continue your exploration by visiting the park’s waterfalls, where you can take a refreshing dip in the cool waters. Capture the beauty of nature with your camera as you traverse the scenic paths.
Return to Resende in the early evening, where you can unwind after an exhilarating day. Treat yourself to a hearty dinner at a local steakhouse, enjoying the flavors of Brazilian barbecue. Share stories of your adventures with fellow travelers or locals as the night winds down.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $2-4 |
| 🚆One-way local transit ticket | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel per night | $40-90 |
| 🧺Basic groceries for a week | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Gateway to Itatiaia and Serra da Mantiqueira with easy access to nature
- Friendly, laid-back atmosphere with affordable prices
- Strong market culture and authentic Brazilian cuisine
- Growing infrastructure for visitors including services and transport
- Nearby natural parks offer excellent hiking and photography opportunities
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Some services can be basic, requiring travel to larger towns for specialized care
- Distances to major international flights may require long drives
- Smaller town amenities may mean slower service in peak periods
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Tudo bem?" - How are you?
- "A conta, por favor" - The bill, please
- "Eu não falo português" - I do not speak Portuguese
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Resende
Visit one of these nice places.
A scenic river crossing with light reflections at sunrise and sunset, ideal for landscape and street photography.
A hilltop viewpoint offering sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountains, perfect for panoramic shots.
Nearby park access points provide dramatic mountain scenery, cloud inversions, and highland flora ideal for nature photography.
Food in Resende
Resende Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich black bean stew with pork that is commonly found in restaurants throughout the city and is best enjoyed with rice, farofa, and orange slices.
Must-Try!
Cheese bread made with tapioca flour, a staple snack available from bakeries and snack stalls across town.
A flavorful fish stew with coconut milk and peppers, reflecting coastal influences and widely offered at seafood restaurants.
Brazilian style grilled meat served with side dishes like rice, beans, and salads, commonly available at churrascarias and larger restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market offering fresh produce, regional snacks, and prepared foods; a good place to sample local flavors and buy groceries.
Pastel stalls, fresh fruit cups, and simple savory bites around central squares provide quick, inexpensive options.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings such as bom dia, boa tarde, or oi are appreciated; a handshake is common in formal settings.
Be patient in lines, avoid loud conversations in quiet spaces, and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Ask when photographing people or private property; in markets and some sites photos may be restricted.
Tipping is optional but appreciated; sharing tables in casual eateries is common in Brazilian culture.
Safety
Tipping in Resende
Ensure a smooth experience
Rounding up or leaving about 5-10% is common if service charge is not included; in casual places tips are discretionary.
Cash is widely accepted, cards are common at larger establishments, and PIX is increasingly used for quick mobile payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and often humid with regular afternoon showers. Pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a rain shell; mornings and evenings are pleasant for outdoor activities.
Milder days and cooler nights; great for walking tours and photography with softer light. Expect less rain than in summer.
Mild to cool daytime temperatures with cooler nights; Itatiaia region can be brisk. Bring a light jacket and layers.
Warming temperatures with increasing humidity and sporadic rain. Ideal for outdoor exploration and green landscapes.
Resende at Night
Hiking in Resende
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A collection of routes through the park offering varied difficulty levels and stunning alpine scenery.
Ridge trails and scenic overlooks within a short drive of Resende, ideal for day hikes and photography.
Airports
How to reach Resende by plane.
Rio de Janeiro airport located about 150-180 km from Resende, with international and domestic flights and taxi or ride-hailing connections to town.
Rio de Janeiro city airport closer to central areas, typically used for domestic flights; transfer to Resende by road.
Major hubs in São Paulo region, useful for international connections; longer drive to Resende but common for travelers combining destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Resende has a strong family-oriented community with safe neighborhoods and accessible services.
Local schools and nearby colleges attract students who contribute to daytime activity in the city center.
The presence of industry and logistics sectors draws workers from surrounding regions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across communities with local teams and informal matches in parks and schools.
Common in schools and community centers, played in gyms and beaches nearby.
An emblematic Afro-Brazilian art form practiced in cultural centers and open spaces.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Resende.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most Brazilian dishes are meat heavy, but you can navigate by ordering beans and rice, salads, and cheese bread; ask for sem carne or sem carne e sem peixe to tailor plates; many restaurants can prepare vegetarian options with local vegetables.