The City
São Francisco de Paula – also known as São Chico – is a calm little town in the hills of Rio Grande do Sul. It has 18.000 inhabitants, being 6.000 in the urban area, with a predominantly Portuguese background. It is a land of forests, waterfalls, lakes, and untouched scenery.
One of its main tourist attraction is the authenticity of its people, who can be found still today walking around in typical garments, or horse riding on one of the main streets, in a big contrast with the developed part of the town, with its banks, hospital, and local stores.
Situated at 1.000 m (above Gramado and Canela), São Chico has four very distinct seasons, but with a winter taste to the whole year – even in the summer the evening can call for a fireplace!
The town is strategically located within reach of the best trips around the area (Canela 34 km, Gramado 40 km, canyons Itaimbezinho e Fortaleza, 96 km), and assures you will find pleasant and peaceful accommodation.