Magé brings together a range of themes for an exploration: churches with documented construction histories, a historic trail, viewpoints, waterfalls and mangrove areas. The named sites are located in places including Suruí, Mauá, Raiz da Serra, Santo Aleixo and Rio do Ouro. Cultural history and nature offer different focuses for planning your trip.

Churches, Heritage Preservation and Historic Trails

The Igreja de São Nicolau in Suruí was rebuilt in 1710 and elevated to parish church status in 1755. The two dates mark different milestones: the rebuilding and its later ecclesiastical status. The Igreja do Senhor do Bonfim in Magé was built in 1883 and listed as a heritage site by INEPAC in 1989. This comparison distinguishes the year of construction from its later heritage designation.

In the center of Magé, the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Piedade features Baroque architecture with Rococo variations in its interior. This adds specific stylistic features to the construction dates. The Estação da Guia de Pacobaíba in Mauá was listed as a heritage site by IPHAN in 1954. It adds another chapter to the architectural heritage: a protected railway station.

The Caminho do Ouro, also known as the Caminho dos Escravos, is a hiking trail in the Serra do Estrela in Raiz da Serra, Magé, laid out around 1723 by enslaved people. Its date of origin, location and authorship all contribute to its historical context. The second name is also part of the trail’s designation; its history explicitly recognizes the labor of enslaved people.

Views, Waterfalls and Mangroves

From Morro do Bonfim in Magé, visitors can see the Serra dos Órgãos and the entire Baía de Guanabara. The view of two such different landscape landmarks makes this viewpoint a nature destination in its own right. Cachoeira Véu da Noiva in Rio do Ouro offers a different perspective: it is a popular hiking destination and has several pools nearby. The viewpoint and waterfall appeal to different interests in the landscape.

Cachoeira do Monjolo in Santo Aleixo lies in the buffer zone of Parque Nacional das Serra dos Órgãos. Magé’s mangrove areas offer another distinct focus: there are three in the districts of Magé, Suruí and Guia de Pacobaíba. Ecotourism and environmental education projects, as well as efforts to restore damaged areas, protect the ecosystem. Thus, the city’s nature destinations encompass not only landscapes, but also conservation and restoration.

Parque Barão de Mauá in Magé has a promenade or beach walkway and an observation tower more than eleven meters high. In Piedade, Poço Bento has developed into a popular destination with a high volume of visitors. These two places have different points of interest: the promenade and tower at the park, and Poço Bento’s popularity with visitors.

Choose a Focus for Your Trip

If you’re looking for accommodation in Magé, you can start by planning your trip around your interests. Churches, heritage protection and the Caminho do Ouro offer a cultural and historical focus, while viewpoints, waterfalls and mangrove projects provide different ways to explore nature.

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For the main travel overview: Rio De Janeiro.