Itaipava is a charming little village that lies about 40 Miles west of the city of Rio de Janeiro, close to the summer mountain resort of Petrópolis. Surrounded by rich, green mountainous scenery with forests and waterfalls, Itaipava is a popular weekend getaway for Cariocas (natives of Rio). In addition to its excellent gastronomy – Itaipava is considered a mecca for food lovers - and charming hotels, Itaipava also offers many other attractions for visitors such as tourism adventure with trekking, canoeing, mountain climbing, horseback riding; an eclectic mix of shops, bars and restaurants, among others.

With mild temperatures ranging from 50F - 86F and located at an altitude of 2, 655 ft, Itaipava is a district of Petropolis which include the city of Petropolis, also called downtown. The Downtown, pretty close to Itaipava, first gained fame when the Portuguese royal family fled from Napoleon's conquering army in 1808 and set up home in Petropolis, founded in 1843 as a summer refuge by Dom Pedro II, thus, Petrópolis is also known as The Imperial City of Brazil . Petrópolis, also a popular summer holiday spot, offers attractions such as the Imperial Museum - the former Summer Palace of the Brazilian Emperors, the Crystal Palace and Santos Dumont House. The total estimated population is 302, 477

Itaipava has a privileged location being connected to several major Brazilian cities including Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo by a developed highway system. From Rio de Janeiro - the marvelous city- it is only one hour or 40 miles west via the Roadway Washington Luis (BR-040). The BR-040 offers visitors scenic views of the exuberant Atlantic Forest. From Rio's international airport Petropolis is only 40 minutes away. From Sao Paulo the distance is 290 miles on the Roadway Presidente Dutra, and then BR-040. From Belo Horizonte, it is 233 miles and from Juiz de Fora at 83 miles, both cities having access to Petropolis via BR-040.