miguel pereira sits 70 miles north of rio de janeiro, close to paty de alferes and petrópolis - situated among the hills, rivers and waterfalls of the interior of rio de janeiro state, in the sul fluminense, it has been declared after an official study to have the third best climate in the world due to its relative elevation.

though in terms of distance it is quite close to the marvelous city, landscape-wise it is worlds away, making the cultural events here delightfully distinct from the ones found in the beaches and the bustle of rio.

miguel pereira is one of 13 cities in the region that participate in the café, cachaça and chorinho festival, which honors and showcases the local coffee, liquor and traditional music.

now in its tenth year running, the festivities here include workshops and tastings of artisanal fares along with musical and dance performances. the festival takes place in april and participation is free of charge.