Our review · GRAMADO AND CANELA TOURS
Quadricycle Tour to the Hills with Off Road 15km – 01 person
The best part of this Canela outing is the route itself: a 15km guided ride through the hills, with three viewpoints and smaller tracks through the woods. I like the mix of open mountain views and rougher off-road sections, and I like that the guide stops for photos rather than simply pushing you along.
Sven leads many outings and speaks English, German, Portuguese, and some Spanish. His safety briefing sounds especially useful for first-time riders. The main consideration is that this is an outdoor activity with changing conditions, and the ride is canceled in poor weather. You also need to contact the operator before booking to confirm a departure time.
Key Points at a Glance

- Three named hill stops: Morro Pelado, Morro Dedão, and Morro Burned give the route clear scenic targets.
- 15km of riding: The course combines wider quadricycle roads with smaller wooded tracks.
- A guide stays with you: You receive instructions and training before setting off, and all tours are guided.
- Good language support: Sven speaks English, German, Portuguese, and some Spanish.
- Safety equipment is supplied: Helmets and protective glasses are provided.
- Plan ahead: Contact Apoema through WhatsApp before purchasing, since departure times depend on availability.
A 15km Ride Above Canela

Canela is known for its cooler mountain setting, forested hills, and easy access to outdoor activities. This tour takes you away from ordinary town sightseeing and puts you on a quadricycle route across a timber farm covering three hills.
The advertised course lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes and covers 15km. That gives you enough time to ride, stop at viewpoints, and handle sections of trail without turning the outing into an all-day commitment. It fits neatly into a day in Canela or nearby Gramado.
The route is not just a straight ride on a broad dirt road. It includes wider tracks that can accommodate larger vehicles, plus narrower trails through the woods. That change of pace is what gives the activity its appeal. You get views from the high points, then a more enclosed ride among the trees.
You should think of this as a guided recreational adventure, not a quiet countryside drive. The route includes slopes and challenging sections, but the instruction is designed to help beginners get comfortable before the ride starts.
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Getting Ready at Apoema

You begin at Apoema Passeios de Quadriciclo na Serra Gaúcha, at Rua Godofredo Raimundo, 1740, in Vila do Cedro, Canela. The tour ends at the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate pickup from the trail.
Before riding, you read the terms of use and complete the liability form. The guide then explains how to handle the quadricycle and provides practical training. This initial step matters. A first ride can feel awkward if you are expected to work out the controls while already moving, so the briefing gives you a chance to understand the equipment first.
A helmet and protective glasses are supplied. Wear clothing that you do not mind getting dirty, since this is an off-road activity and the condition of the trail can change with the weather. The supplied information does not list a clothing requirement, but sensible outdoor clothing is the practical choice.
Sven is specifically noted for giving clear and precise instructions. That is useful if you are new to quadricycles, and it remains useful for experienced riders who need to understand this particular vehicle and route.
Morro Pelado, Morro Dedão, and Morro Burned

The ride passes three natural sights: Morro Pelado, Morro Dedão, and Morro Burned. The names give the route structure, but the real reason to stop is the view over the Serra Gaúcha.
At each scenic point, you have time to look around and take pictures. This is a small but important detail. Off-road tours can sometimes feel rushed, with the group moving from one section to the next. Here, the stops are part of the experience rather than an afterthought.
Morro Pelado is one of the first named hill sights on the route, and the higher ground gives you an open view across the surrounding countryside. Morro Dedão adds another high point and another chance to see how the hills fit together. Morro Burned completes the trio, with the ride between the stops supplying as much interest as the viewpoints themselves.
I would not expect an arranged sightseeing platform or a long walking visit at each place. The information describes stops to contemplate the view and take pictures, not extended hikes. That makes the tour a good fit if you want scenery without giving up the thrill of riding.
The Forest Tracks Are the Main Adventure
The smaller trails in the woods give this experience its off-road character. You leave the broader quadricycle roads and enter tighter sections where the trees surround the route. These tracks provide more variety than a simple ride along a farm road.
The route also includes climbs and descents. One detailed description of the outing compares the terrain to the Ozarks or Appalachians, with enough up-and-down riding to make the course feel like a real outdoor challenge. At the same time, the ride is presented as manageable for beginners when they follow the guide’s instructions.
That balance is worth noting. You do not need to arrive as an experienced off-road driver, but you should be comfortable with a physical outdoor activity and willing to follow directions. Maneuvers that put people or equipment at risk are prohibited. The point is controlled adventure, not racing or stunt riding.
The guide remains with the tour, which gives you someone to follow and someone to help manage the more demanding sections. The safety rules also protect the equipment, something that matters because a quadricycle tour depends on keeping the vehicle in good condition for the full route.
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What the Guide Adds
The guide is more than a person who points out the direction. You receive instruction before departure, and the route is accompanied throughout. That makes a meaningful difference on a course with hills, woods, and changing trail conditions.
Sven is the guide most often identified with Apoema. He speaks English, German, Portuguese, and some Spanish. If you are visiting from outside Brazil, the ability to receive safety instructions in English or another familiar language is a real advantage.
The tone of the operation also sounds personal. Apoema is run by Sven and Priscilla, and direct WhatsApp contact is available for scheduling. A guide has also taken photos during some outings and sent them afterward. Treat that as a possible courtesy, not as a guaranteed inclusion, since the formal tour details promise the ride, equipment, and guided service rather than a photo package.
If you want to ask about the current route, language support, or photo arrangements, do it when you contact the operator. This is especially sensible if any member of your party has never operated a quadricycle.
Is $81.35 Good Value?
At $81.35 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Canela’s hills. The value depends on what you want from your time in the region.
You are paying for about 90 minutes of guided riding, a 15km route, use of the quadricycle, a safety lesson, a helmet, protective glasses, and access to terrain that is not designed for ordinary sightseeing cars. The experience also combines scenery with active participation. You are not simply being driven to a viewpoint.
The price makes more sense if you particularly want an off-road activity or if your Canela itinerary already includes plenty of parks, shops, and formal attractions. It is less compelling if you only want a quick scenic lookout or if you dislike dirt tracks, hills, or outdoor weather.
Because the listed capacity is one participant, confirm exactly how the booking is configured when you contact Apoema. The product is identified as a tour for one person, and the equipment has a maximum capacity of 180kg. Do not assume that a second person can swap into the pilot position during the ride, since pilot changes are not allowed.
Timing, Booking, and Weather

The operator asks you to schedule through WhatsApp at +55 54 98137-4994 after purchase. Departure times depend on availability. The practical advice is simple: contact the company before buying to confirm that your preferred time is open.
The stated service window is Tuesday through Sunday, from 9am to 6pm. Separate opening information lists Tuesday through Friday, 9am to 5:30pm, so confirm the exact operating hours for your date rather than relying on a general schedule. The activity is commonly booked about five days ahead, which is another reason not to leave it until the last minute.
The tour requires good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. A cancellation made less than 24 hours before departure is not refunded, and changes inside that period are not accepted.
Weather is not just an administrative issue here. Rain can change the condition of the trail and affect visibility at the hill stops. One outing took place on a rainy day and still went ahead as an enjoyable ride, but the operator retains the right to cancel when conditions are unsuitable.
Who Will Enjoy This Most?
I would choose this tour if you want a short burst of outdoor action with a strong scenic element. It suits first-time riders because the guide provides training and stays with the outing. It also suits experienced quadricycle riders who want more than a flat, easy circuit.
The experience is a good match for:
- Adults and older children who meet the age rules
- Visitors staying in Canela or Gramado
- People who enjoy forest trails and hill views
- Riders who want a guided activity rather than independent vehicle rental
- Visitors comfortable with a little mud, movement, and changing weather
- Anyone who values clear instruction and language support
Children under seven cannot participate. Pregnant women are not allowed, and people with labyrinthitis problems should take note of the stated restriction. The supplied information says most people can participate, but you should contact the operator if you have a health concern not covered by those rules.
You also need to understand that the pilot cannot change during the journey. If two people are considering the outing, clarify the booking arrangement before paying. The listing specifies a maximum of one participant and a maximum equipment capacity of 180kg.
My Take on the Ride
The strongest reason to book is the combination of real trail riding and mountain scenery. Many short outdoor activities offer one or the other. Here, the wider farm roads let you make progress across the hills, while the wooded tracks add a more adventurous feel.
I also like the attention given to preparation. Clear instructions, a helmet, protective glasses, and a guide who stays with you create a safer setting for a course that includes slopes and tighter trails. That does not remove all risk, and you still need to ride responsibly, but it gives the outing a sensible structure.
The main weakness is the short duration. Ninety minutes passes quickly, especially once paperwork, instruction, stops, and photos are included. If you are looking for a full-day outdoor expedition, this will feel limited. If you want an activity that leaves room for other Canela plans, the compact schedule is an advantage.
Another point is the uncertainty around exact departure times and weather. This is not a walk-up attraction where you can casually arrive and expect an immediate start. Check availability on WhatsApp first, and keep some flexibility in your day.
Should You Book the Canela Quadricycle Tour?
Book it if you want a guided 15km ride with hill views, wooded trails, and enough off-road terrain to make the vehicle worthwhile. It is especially appealing for first-time riders who want patient instruction, or for experienced riders who still want a scenic route rather than a race.
Skip it if you dislike outdoor driving, cannot accept a weather-dependent plan, or want a long excursion. At $81.35, the value comes from the combination of equipment, guidance, access, and scenery. Contact Apoema before purchase, confirm the time, and arrive ready for a proper outdoor ride rather than a gentle sightseeing loop.
FAQ
Where does the quadricycle tour start?
The tour starts at Apoema Passeios de Quadriciclo na Serra Gaúcha, Rua Godofredo Raimundo, 1740, Vila do Cedro, Canela, Rio Grande do Sul.
Where does the activity end?
The tour ends back at the original meeting point.
How long is the tour?
The activity lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
How far does the route go?
The advertised route covers 15km and passes Morro Pelado, Morro Dedão, and Morro Burned.
Are helmets and protective glasses provided?
Yes. Participants receive a helmet and protective glasses for the ride.
Can children participate?
Children under seven years old cannot participate.
What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?
You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if the operator cancels because of poor weather.
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