Anyone looking for an immersive nature experience, filled with beautiful landscapes and themed gardens, should consider visiting Mátria Park. This park is located in the municipality of São Francisco de Paula, a locality near the well-known Gramado, approximately half an hour's drive away. Mátria Park is recognized as the largest park of its kind in Latin America and is part of the Campos de Cima da Serra region in Rio Grande do Sul.
Visitors have the opportunity to explore over 30 themed gardens, including the Sea of Roses, the Magnolia Garden, and the Cherry Blossom Garden. The themed areas house more than 500 varieties of plants. The park was designed with integrated paths, ideal for quiet and contemplative walks, offering resting benches, observation points, and a 102-meter wisteria tunnel that blooms completely during spring.
Spring, which began on September 22nd, is pointed out as the best time to visit, as most species are in bloom during this period, intensely coloring the gardens. Furthermore, the mid-season generally offers more pleasant temperatures, allowing visitors to appreciate the visual spectacle without suffering from excessive heat or intense cold.
However, even outside of spring, Mátria Park offers constant attractions because its flowers are present year-round, and the landscape transforms with each season. The operating hours remain unchanged, from 10 am to 6 pm; however, during the summer, the longer days can be advantageous for those who tolerate higher temperatures, as the sun sets only after the park closes.
The autumn and winter seasons also have their charms. In autumn, the gardens go through a transition period characterized by leaf fall and the appearance of typical seasonal plants, such as calendulas, ornamental cabbages, and cherry trees. In winter, miniature poinsettias and Cape daisies stand out. This time is also recommended for those who wish to enjoy the cold climate of Serra Gaúcha.
Regardless of the season, it is best to visit on a sunny day, as clear weather is most conducive to outdoor excursions and walks. Mátria Park is located in São Francisco de Paula, along the ERS-235 highway, about 35 kilometers from the center of Gramado. The journey to the park itself provides beautiful views, as the highway is lined with mountains and hydrangea fields. Access can be made by private car or via a tourist transfer.
Leaving from Gramado, the drive along the highway takes between 30 to 40 minutes. If the visitor is already in São Francisco de Paula, the trip from the city center takes only 15 minutes. Purchasing tickets is mandatory for entry into the park, which can be obtained at the ticket office or on the Mátria website.