Estância Velha: Nature, Cycling Route and Local History

Estância Velha can be explored through a variety of topics: a remnant of original vegetation, a self-guided cycling route through several cities and the history of leather technology. Walks, a preserved chapel and the development of technical processes are other possible points of interest. You can decide which aspect you would like to shape your stay—nature, activity or local history.

Discover nature and learn about trees

The Reserva Ecológica Leopoldo Alberto Baeckel, also known as “Matinho da Prefeitura,” preserves a 680-meter-long remnant of the region’s original vegetation. Along the path, visitors can learn about important trees. This gives the nature theme a concrete focus: both the trees along the path and the vegetation remnant and its significance for the region take center stage. If you’re traveling with children, you can focus on these trees together and use them as a starting point for conversations about nature. For travelers particularly interested in vegetation, the Reserva is a reason in its own right to include Estância Velha in their travel plans.

Distinguish between the cycling route and a walk

The Circuito de Cicloturismo da Rota Romântica is a self-guided route designed for bicycles. It runs along side roads, mostly unpaved, through Estância Velha and a total of 14 cities. The route is 355 kilometers long. These details show that it is a cycling route spanning several cities, not simply a local loop. If you’re considering a longer cycling trip as the focus of your stay, you can think of Estância Velha as one of the places along the route. The road conditions and total distance are specific features you can take into account when planning.

Another way to get active is the Caminhódromo in Estância Velha, which is often used for walks in the late afternoon or early morning. Both the activity and the times of day mentioned for it are clearly defined. This distinguishes walking here from the cycling route that crosses several cities. If you would rather focus on walks than a longer cycling route when planning your trip, the Caminhódromo is the relevant point of interest among the experiences described here.

The chapel and the history of leather technology

A small chapel still stands next to the Paróquia Sagrado Coração de Jesus. Its location beside the Paróquia and the fact that it remains preserved make it a specific point of interest for travelers interested in religious history and culture. The chapel thus offers a different perspective from the nature reserve or cycling route.

The history of leather production offers another distinct perspective. The Centro Tecnológico do Couro - Senai was founded on May 5, 1965, to adapt leather production technology to Brazilian conditions. The date and purpose of its founding place the center within a specific technical undertaking: leather production processes were to be tailored to conditions in Brazil. This adds an industrial-history perspective to Estância Velha without limiting a trip there to nature or outdoor activities.

Plan your stay around your interests

When choosing a vacation rental in Estância Velha, the purpose of your trip can help you decide: if nature and trees are your priority, the Reserva offers a clear point of interest; for a cycling trip, the Circuito—with its 355 kilometers and 14 cities—is the defining feature. Walks, the chapel and the history of leather technology each offer a different focus.

Other destinations you can explore independently: Cambará do Sul, Palmeira das MissõEs, Guaíba, Não-Me-Toque, Feliz, Porto Alegre, Rodeio Bonito and Protásio Alves.

For the broader travel guide: Rio Grande Do Sul.