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Gramado Stands Out in South American Tourism with Robust Infrastructure and Events That Attract Millions of Visitors.
Gramado, in the Serra Gaúcha, was chosen as the second-best destination in South America in the Travellers’ Choice – The Best of the Best 2025, an award from TripAdvisor based on traveler reviews made throughout 2024.
The small town of about 40,000 inhabitants ranks ahead of established destinations like Lima in Peru, and Cartagena and Medellín in Colombia, according to Embratur.
The ranking includes ten destinations on the continent that received the highest ratings on the platform over a 12-month period.
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According to TripAdvisor, the selection takes into account the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings left by tourists who stayed, dined at local restaurants, or participated in activities at the destination.
Gramado in the TripAdvisor Ranking
In the category “best destinations in South America,” Gramado appears just behind Cusco in Peru, the champion of the list in 2025.
Rio de Janeiro and Gramado are the only Brazilian representatives among the ten best-rated South American destinations on the platform.
The recognition is built from the experience of the average tourist.
Each comment, rating, or report published on TripAdvisor is included in the calculation for the annual award.
To compete, the destination must maintain an active profile for at least 12 months, receive a minimum volume of reviews during the analyzed period, and achieve a high average rating.
This type of exposure has a direct impact on the international promotion of the city.
Embratur itself highlights that Gramado’s presence at the top of the ranking reinforces Brazil’s image abroad and helps attract new visitors to the southern region of the country.
Tourist Infrastructure of Gramado
Although it has the size of a small town, Gramado operates with the infrastructure of a consolidated destination.
Data from Embratur indicates that about 86% of the local economy depends directly on tourism, in a municipality with approximately 40,000 residents.
This weight is reflected in the service offerings.
The town has 216 lodging options and more than 26,000 beds, in addition to over 300 restaurants catering to different audience profiles.
In recent years, the flow of tourists has grown significantly.
In 2023, Gramado received about 8 million visitors, a figure well above the fixed population.
How TripAdvisor Describes the Destination
In presenting the destination, TripAdvisor describes Gramado as a “picturesque and green haven that harbors charming surprises”.
The text cites pedal boats and the pine forests of the so-called Black Forest surrounding Lago Negro as classic outings.
The publication also recommends a visit to Snowland, described as “the only indoor snow park in Latin America” in the material used by Embratur to announce the award.
At the site, tourists find a snow mountain, a track for sports like skiing and snowboarding, ice skating, and attractions for children.
Other attractions frequently associated with Gramado include Mini Mundo, an open-air miniature park.
The city center is marked by gardens, facades inspired by European villages, and a strong presence of shops, cafés, and chocolate shops.
Tourism in Gramado All Year Round
The investment in a year-round events calendar helps keep hotel and restaurant occupancy spread throughout different times of the year.
Winter usually attracts visitors interested in cooler temperatures.
Long holidays and themed festivals reinforce the flow in other seasons.
Recent studies show that the infrastructure continues to expand.
New lodging and gastronomy projects are under analysis by the municipal government.
At the same time, authorities and the private sector discuss how to reconcile tourism growth with the preservation of residents’ quality of life.
Natal Luz: The Main Event of the City
Among the events that most contribute to the projection of Gramado is Natal Luz, which in 2025 will reach its 40th edition.
The official programming runs from October 23, 2025, to January 18, 2026, with paid shows and free attractions spread throughout the city.
During this period, streets and squares receive special decorations, with lights, Christmas scenes, and structures set up for themed parades.
Among the main attractions are the Grand Christmas Parade, the show Nativitaten, illusionist performances with Henry & Klauss, and the traditional Christmas Run and Walk.
One of the highlights of the 2025 edition is the show by singer Roberto Carlos, scheduled for December 12 at Serra Park in Gramado.
The performance is part of the recording of the end-of-year special for TV Globo and is expected to attract fans from various regions of the country.
Tourism and Future Challenges
Gramado’s performance in the TripAdvisor ranking adds to other recent results linked to local tourism, such as the title of best hotel in the world awarded in 2024 to Colline de France, a property located in the city.
These results are used as the international showcase of the destination.
The volume of visitors and the concentration of the economy in tourism services impose challenges in urban planning, mobility, environmental preservation, and large event management.
This combination helps explain why a city with 40,000 residents houses hundreds of hotels, inns, and restaurants.
The situation also reinforces the need to plan the future of the destination sustainably.
What do you consider most decisive for Gramado to rank among the best destinations in South America: the tourist infrastructure, the mountain climate, or the overall experience reported by travelers themselves?
Caros Senhores autores e editores do site/blog en.clickpetroleoegas.com.br existe uma foto, a quarta se não me engano, nesta reportagem que não recebeu a devida LEGENDA, pois não pertence a Cidade de Gramado e sim a Cidade de CANELA, vizinha de Gramado… muito visitada por todos os turistas!Na foto o cenário é a bela Igreja Nossa Senhora de Lourdes, também conhecida como CATEDRAL DE PEDRA, inconfundível!Como moradora e paroquiana convido a todos para que um dia venham conhecer nossa maravilhosa Igreja!
De 12/11 a 17/11, estivemos, eu e minha esposa, hospedados aí, no Laghetto Pedras Altas, com bons serviços prestados, profissionais excelentes, com acolhimento nota 1000!!! A cidade, Gramado/RS, nos fez sentirmos em algum lugar da Suíça. Um imenso jardim à céu aberto!!! Uma população muitíssima educada e um trânsito muito “humanizado”!!! E, pasmem!!!…Não existem semáforos (sinaleiras) pelas ruas e avenidas…Mil opções gastronômicas e segurança garantida, pelas polícias Civil e Militar. Enfim, Valeu cada centavo gasto e nos encantamos com o povo gaúcho. Bá tchê!!! Barbaridade!!! Até breve, em nosso retorno!!! Que Deus abençoe a todos aqueles que conhecemos e que aí residem. Tchau!!!…
Campo Belo, Campos do Jordão,…e agora algumas cidades do Nordeste querendo está fatia de turismo….é brincadeira…..