Ortigueira: Church, Lake and Nature Destinations

Ortigueira has different sides: a town centre with religious architecture and a centrally located lake for leisure and relaxation, as well as natural attractions in the wider municipality. This distinction can help you choose a holiday apartment: consider whether you mainly want to explore the landmarks and routes in town or also include the cycle route and rural landscapes in your plans.

Town Centre and Lago Municipal

Igreja Matriz de Ortigueira is in the town centre, at the end of the main street. Also known as Paróquia São Sebastião, it is considered an important religious and architectural landmark. Estátua do Cristo Redentor stands at the end of Lago Municipal. Stairs lead up to it; from the top, you can look out over Lago Municipal.

The centrally located lake is a place for leisure and relaxation. Lago Municipal has a playground and paths for walking and cycling. It is designed to be accessible to people with reduced mobility. As conditions on site can change, it is advisable to check them before your visit. These details give you several specific ideas for a day in town, without confusing activities at one location with those in the rural parts of the municipality.

Cycle Route and Rural Municipality

Ciclorrota Caminho da Cachoeira do Barroso begins at Lago Municipal. The 33.61-kilometre cycle route in Município Ortigueira opened on 13 August 2025. The rural localities of Lajeado Bonito and Espigão do Tigre lie along the route. The landscape there is shaped by fields and native forests, including remnants of Mata de Araucária. The route offers a different perspective on Ortigueira from the central landmarks by the lake.

One natural attraction along Ciclorrota is Cachoeira do Barroso. It is set in a rural landscape with native forest and small farms in Município Ortigueira. Colônia Augusta Vitória is also along the route. The culture and settlement pattern of this locality are strongly shaped by German colonisation. Ortigueira is accessible via the BR-376 federal highway.

Other regional attractions may also be of interest when planning your trip. Serra Pelada de Ortigueira consists of three rocky mountains with prominent exposed rock faces; its name refers to rock faces without vegetation. Free flight and mountaineering are listed as activities at Serra Pelada in Município Ortigueira. Destilaria e Cachaçaria Alambique Brasil produces artisanal, award-winning cachaça. If you are considering a visit, check the visiting arrangements locally in advance.

Waterfalls and Landscape

Cachoeira Véu da Noiva is in rural Ortigueira, about 27 kilometres from the town centre. Its two waterfalls have a combined height of approximately 150 metres. Rappelling is possible at Cachoeira Véu da Noiva; check the safety precautions locally before undertaking this activity. Cachoeira Dito Gardiano consists of three waterfalls on the Rio Barra Grande. The area is suitable for swimming; check current conditions before entering the water.

At Cachoeira Rio Bonito, water flows over several rocks to form a medium-sized pool that appears to be deep. These landscape features differ considerably from the central area around Lago Municipal: there, the focus is on the playground and paths for walking and cycling, while the waterfalls are natural attractions in the surrounding area of Ortigueira.

Choosing the Right Location for Your Stay

If Igreja Matriz, Estátua do Cristo Redentor and the facilities at Lago Municipal are your main priorities, the town area is a natural criterion when looking for a holiday apartment. If you would rather include Ciclorrota and the rural natural attractions, compare your accommodation’s location with the places you want to visit. The route begins at Lago Municipal, while the forests, waterfalls and localities described are part of the wider Município Ortigueira.

For the broader travel overview: Ortigueira.