Best attractions and places to see around Encantado include a mix of natural features, cultural sites, and significant landmarks. Located in the Taquari Valley of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, the region is characterized by its river landscapes and elevated viewpoints. Encantado offers diverse points of interest, from monumental statues to historical churches and recreational parks.
Last updated: October 26, 2026
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Climbing Highway 475 offers you a beautiful and rewarding ascent from the edge of historic Santa Fe, high up into the cool forests of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. You'll journey upwards through piñon-juniper woodlands that soon give way to stunning, dense aspen groves and fragrant conifer forests over approximately 15-16 miles. Gaining over 3,100 ft, you'll reach the very high altitude of the Santa Fe Ski Basin near 10,350 ft with a persistent climb averaging around 4-4.5% overall.
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The Upper Rio en Medio Trail is a popular, challenging 1.9-mile trail located near Santa Fe, New Mexico. It features a mix of steep grades, tight switchbacks, rock gardens, creek crossings, and scenic waterfalls, making it ideal for experienced mountain bikers seeking a backcountry adventure. This downhill-only trail begins near the Santa Fe Ski Area, following the river with a tough initial section before transitioning into smoother, faster segments. As you draw closer to Aspen Ranch, there are several alternative paths you can take if you want to change things up. At Aspen Ranch you have a few options: you can continue down the Lower Rio en Medio trail for a truly epic backcountry experience that takes you all the way down to the base of the mountains (shuttling cars is a must, unless you want an even more epic day), or, if you haven't shuttled a car to Aspen Ranch), you can turn back uphill to Ski Santa Fe on the Aspen Ranch Road (Forest Road 412), which you can connect to Pacheco Canyon (Forest Road 102) and either back up to the paved road or to the Winsor Trail. Although riding on trails is usually preferable, the Winsor Trail is usually ridden as a downhill trail and is very popular with hikers, making it for a sometimes trying uphill experience. Regardless of what you do at the end of the Upper Rio en Medio Trail, it's a truly fabulous section of backcountry downhill riding in the mountains above Santa Fe.
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The Winsor National Recreation Trail offers 23 miles (37.5 km) of thrilling singletrack through the Santa Fe National Forest and is popular with both mountain bikers and hikers. This section follows Tesuque Creek, with multiple crossings that might get your tires wet, but are not too, too deep. As you ride a ridge through dense ponderosa pines, you get the occasional catching glimpses of pretty views to the south. Be prepared to encounter a fair amount of hikers on nice days, so please be courteous and share the trail.
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La Tierra Trails is a well-designed trail system for hiking, mountain biking and trail running. There are 25 miles of trails and many connectors, making it easy to loop around and choose your own adventure here!
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Winsor Trail is the main access trail to get to Nambe Lake. Due to its nicely shaded run, it is a great hike even during the heat of the summer.
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A fun climb through the forrest. There are places to stop and refuel if need be (seasonal).
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Encantado is home to several notable landmarks. The most prominent is the Cristo Protetor (Christ the Protector) statue, which stands at 43.5 meters including its pedestal, making it the largest Christ statue in the world. You can also visit the Igreja Matriz São Pedro, known for its twin towers and the Memorial Santo Sudário, which houses a replica of the Shroud of Turin. Don't miss the colorful Escadaria dos Azulejos (Tile Staircase), a vibrant public art display.
Yes, Encantado offers beautiful natural spots and viewpoints. You can relax at Lagoa Garibaldi, a picturesque green-hued lake with walking paths and amenities, located about 6 km from the city center. For panoramic views, head to Mirante Principal do Belvedere, which overlooks the Taquari River, or Morro do Paraglider for elevated vistas of the river and surrounding region. There's also Prainha do Porto XV, a small beach area along the Taquari River.
To delve into Encantado's culture and history, visit the Casa de Cultura Dr. Pedro José Lahude, which houses the Municipal Museum and preserves the city's 106-year history. The Capela Histórica Santo Antão is another historical gem, notable for a significant painting created in 1714. Additionally, the Santuário Nossa Senhora de Fátima is an important religious site in the municipality.
Encantado provides several options for families. The Parque Multiesportivo is a great spot for various recreational activities, featuring an outdoor gym, tracks for skateboarding and BMX, a multi-sport court, and green spaces. Parque João Batista Marchese (also known as Parque Cinquentenário) is a large venue for municipal events and offers open spaces. The Jardim dos Sentidos (Garden of Senses) provides a unique sensory experience for visitors of all ages.
The region around Encantado is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find a variety of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. For example, La Tierra Trails offers 25 miles of well-designed trails. The Winsor Trail is popular for both mountain bikers and hikers, featuring multiple creek crossings. For challenging mountain biking, consider the Upper Rio en Medio Trail (163) with steep grades and rock gardens.
Yes, if you're looking for easier hikes, you can explore several options. The guide for Easy hikes around Encantado lists routes like the Borrego, Windsor, and Bear Wallow Trail Loop, or the North Bell Loop, which are suitable for a more relaxed outdoor experience.
Encantado and its surroundings offer great opportunities for cycling. For road cycling, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Encantado guide, which includes routes like the Palace of the Governors – New Mexico Museum of Art loop. For general cycling, the Cycling around Encantado guide features routes such as the Peña Oscura Hill – Old Santa Fe loop.
While specific seasonal recommendations for Encantado are not detailed, generally, regions with diverse outdoor activities like hiking and cycling are best enjoyed during spring and autumn when temperatures are milder. Summer can be warm, and winter might offer different experiences, though specific winter activities are not highlighted for this region.
The Monument to the Fisherman is a tribute located near the Igreja Matriz São Pedro. It honors the local fishing community, reflecting the historical and cultural significance of fishing in the region.
Yes, visitors interested in local craftsmanship should look for the Casa do Artesão (Artisan's House). This is typically where local artisans sell their handcrafted goods, offering a chance to find unique souvenirs and support local talent.
The Cristo Protetor statue is a major draw for Encantado. Standing taller than Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer, it is the largest Christ statue in the world. The tourist complex around it, completed in April 2025, includes viewpoints, shops, and restaurants, with future plans for an elevator to reach the heart of the monument, offering unparalleled views.


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