Every July, the crisp air of Bom Jardim in Rio de Janeiro’s mountainous interior sharpens to a brisk edge. It’s here that Festival de Inverno de Bom Jardim awakens—the city’s winter festival bringing together the pull of local culture, music, and the fierce beauty of the surrounding landscape. Far from the city’s coastlines, Bom Jardim sits at 740 meters (2,428 feet), its hills and valleys a rugged playground for both casual wanderers and seasoned explorers.

The festival itself threads through the town’s streets and forested outskirts, inviting visitors to experience traditional music, craft markets, and outdoor gatherings under the cloak of early winter mist. This isn’t just a cultural event—it’s an entry point to explore natural trails where forest paths weave between stands of Araucaria pines that seem to watch every adventurer passing through.

One highlight is the hike to the nearby Pico da Mariposa, a moderate 8-kilometer round-trip trek with a steady elevation gain of approximately 400 meters. The trail’s terrain is uneven earth and rocky stretches, requiring reliable footwear but rewarding with panoramic views where the Serra do Mar mountains rise like ancient guardians. Rivers and streams along the route dare you to pause, their currents pushing forward relentlessly, reminding you of the wild heartbeat that powers this land.

Safety and preparation are vital here. Bring layered clothing: Bom Jardim's winter days are cool but can chill fast when the sun dips. Hydrate steadily—the mountain air is dry and can sneakily dehydrate. Start hikes early, maximizing daylight. Locals advise avoiding the trail after rain; the soil turns slick, and roots become natural tripwires.

After a day in wilderness, the festival’s warm gatherings offer a striking contrast. Sample local delicacies like banana cachaça and tapioca-filled treats while music beckons you back into the rhythm of this thriving community. Each performance, each stall is a chance to meet Bom Jardim’s fiercely proud residents who hold the landscape not as a backdrop but as a living companion.

Festival de Inverno de Bom Jardim is more than an event; it’s a balance of culture and challenge, an invitation to stand with the elements and feel the sharp pulse of Rio’s highlands. Whether you come for the hikes or the music, prepare to engage with a place that demands respect and offers rich rewards in return.