Natural and cultural sites in South Brazil

This beach near Palhoça offers gentle waves for beginning and intermediate surfers. The meeting of river and ocean forms a sheltered estuary where the water flows more calmly. Guarda do Embaú sits among forested hills of Atlantic rainforest that reach down to the shore. Fishermen cross the river in small boats, and walkers follow the sandy path along the coast. The area feels secluded, with few houses and simple restaurants by the water.

This mountain road runs through the Serra Geral and connects the coastal plain with the highland plateau of Santa Catarina. The route was built in the 1920s and winds through dense rainforest. From the viewpoints along the road you can see the coast and the forested slopes. On clear days the view reaches across several valleys. The curves are tight and the drive takes about an hour. Along the route there are small stands selling regional products.

This island preserves prehistoric rock carvings that are thousands of years old. The waters around Ilha do Campeche are shallow and clear, good for snorkeling. Sandy beaches run along the coast. Visitors reach the island by boat from Florianópolis. The rock formations show patterns and symbols from earlier inhabitants. A trail runs through low vegetation to the archaeological sites. The number of daily visitors is limited to protect the surroundings.

This canyon has rock walls rising 720 meters (2,360 feet) in height. A waterfall flows through formations of red sandstone. The area sits in part of the southern Brazilian mountain region, where deep gorges and subtropical rainforest meet. Trails lead through the valley, where the river runs between steep walls and spills into natural pools.

This hiking route covers 14 kilometers through the Atlantic rainforest of Corupá and leads to 14 waterfalls. The falls range from 33 to 328 feet (10 to 100 meters) in height. The path goes through dense vegetation, past streams and through forest sections where the sound of water is often heard from a distance. Some waterfalls form natural pools at the base of the rocks. The route shows the landscape of the subtropical rainforest in South Brazil and connects nature reserves with hiking trails in the region.

This cave leads through an underground complex where stalactites, stalagmites and calcite formations appear across several chambers. The marked path extends for 200 meters and reveals geological structures formed over thousands of years by water deposits. The interior remains cool and damp, with irregular walls and ceilings that reflect the slow growth of mineral formations. Visitors follow a set route through the darkness while artificial light brings out the textures and shapes of the deposits.

This mountain in Urubici rises to 1822 meters (5978 feet) and features a rock formation with a natural opening near the summit. Morro da Igreja sits in the highlands of Santa Catarina and is often wrapped in thick fog that covers the landscape and limits visibility. Temperatures here can be cool even in summer, and snow occasionally falls in winter. Access is by unpaved roads that pass through grassland and low vegetation. From the top, on clear days, you can see across the surrounding valleys and hills. The rock formation with the hole is a popular subject for visitors who hike to the summit.

This waterfall drops one hundred meters over a rock face and belongs to the natural attractions in the highland region. The trail runs through subtropical forest and covers about two kilometers. Some visitors choose horseback tours that also reach the base of the falls. Cachoeira do Avencal sits in an area known for its geological formations and hiking opportunities.

This waterfall lies within the Atlantic Rainforest of southern Brazil. The grounds around Cascata Encantada offer seating areas where visitors can rest and listen to the water flowing through the forest.

These dunes spread across the southern part of Santa Catarina Island and belong to the geological formations of the region, shaped by wind and coastal dynamics. The sand hills rise up to 130 feet (40 meters) above sea level and cover several square kilometers along the eastern shore. Visitors use the slopes for sandboarding, while others enjoy views of the Atlantic or simply walk through the rolling landscape. The fine, light sand reflects sunlight and changes color throughout the day. In the late afternoon, people often gather to watch the sunset before heading down to the nearby beach.

This stone arch rises above the ocean and shows prehistoric paintings on its walls. You reach Pedra Furada along marked paths that lead through the vegetation. The natural opening in the rock has formed over thousands of years through wind and waves. At low tide you can step closer to the base and see traces of human settlement from earlier times.

This waterfall drops 60 meters (197 feet) over granite rocks and is surrounded by dense forest that shelters native plants and many bird species. Tigre Preto Waterfall sits in the mountains of Santa Catarina and offers a refreshing natural experience after a hike through subtropical rainforest, with clear water and moss-covered stones.

This canyon offers rock walls that drop 900 meters (about 3000 feet). Several hiking trails lead to viewing platforms at different heights, from where you can see the surrounding area. The trails are marked and pass through vegetation adapted to the elevation. The rock shows layers formed over long periods, and the edges fall sharply into the depths.

This valley lies south of Florianópolis and shows a landscape of meadows, forested hills and gentle rises. The terrain shifts between open areas and denser woodland sections where subtropical plant species grow. Walking paths lead through the different vegetation zones, and you can notice the changes in topography as you move through. The surroundings are used by local communities who come here to walk or explore the nature. The Vale da Utopia belongs to the natural areas in southern Brazil where mountains, forests and coastal proximity meet.

This park displays red sandstone formations shaped by wind and rain over millions of years. The rocks stand like natural pillars across the landscape and carry names that reflect their shapes. Plants native to the region grow between the stones, and local birds use the caves for shelter. Visitors walk along marked trails through the grounds and see the different structures up close.

This canyon cuts into the highland plateau of Rio Grande do Sul, showing steep rock walls that drop more than 2,300 feet (700 meters) below. Two waterfalls cascade year-round over the cliffs, while hiking trails wind through Atlantic rainforest and Araucaria woodland along the upper rim and down to the canyon floor. The base of Cânion Itaimbezinho lies covered in thick vegetation between the parallel rock walls, which extend for about four miles (six kilometers). Fog often drifts through the gorge, changing the view across to the opposite walls. Visitors follow marked paths that lead to different viewpoints along the cliff edge and one descent to the canyon bottom. This geological formation arose through erosion of basalt rock from volcanic origins that shaped the landscape millions of years ago.

This granite rock rises to 1160 meters and ranks among the most recognized mountain formations in the southern Brazilian highlands. The steep rock faces attract climbers from different regions, who find routes with varying levels of difficulty here. From the top of Pedra do Baú, views open across the forested slopes of the Mantiqueira range, where valleys and additional peaks extend to the horizon.

This mountain reaches 915 meters (3,000 feet) in height and offers views in every direction from its summit over the city of Blumenau and the Itajaí Valley. The ascent passes through subtropical rainforest that transitions to cloud forest at higher elevations. Several trails of varying difficulty lead to the top, where visitors often watch clouds drift by below. On clear days, the view extends to the surrounding mountain ranges. Morro Spitzkopf forms part of a larger mountain formation within the Atlantic rainforest of southern Brazil. Climbers find several routes along the rock faces. Morning and evening light conditions are particularly favorable for observation. Vegetation changes with elevation, from dense trees below to more open areas near the summit.

This summit in the Serra do Mar rises to 6088 feet (1856 meters) and offers hiking trails through Atlantic rainforest. Pico Caratuva sits surrounded by dense vegetation that shifts with altitude. Mist often moves through the upper slopes, wrapping the treetops in damp air. The climb follows rocky paths and roots, passing ferns and mosses along the way. At the top, views open over the surrounding ridges and valleys. Temperature drops as you gain height, and wind is common along the crest. This mountain forms part of the natural and cultural sites in South Brazil, where mountain formations meet subtropical forest.

This nature reserve protects over 2,300 hectares (5,700 acres) of Atlantic rainforest in the coastal mountain range. A 130-meter (425-foot) waterfall drops through dense forest and forms the centerpiece of the reserve. Trails lead through forest sections where more than 300 bird species live. Visitors hear the sound of rushing water from a distance and can explore different vegetation zones. The reserve shows how the Atlantic rainforest grows without human interference and which animal species find natural habitat here.

This national park sits on a high plateau along the border between the Brazilian states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina. The landscape is shaped by deep canyons carved from dark basalt rock, with walls that drop more than 2,300 feet (700 meters) in some places. Waterfalls tumble over the edges and disappear into the dense subtropical rainforest at the canyon floors. Hiking trails run along the rim and offer views of the forested slopes. Pumas, deer, and many bird species live in the forests. Mist often moves through the canyons and wraps the rock faces in damp air.

This rocky island in the Atlantic Ocean shelters South American fur seals and seabirds. Ilha dos Lobos lies off the coast of Torres and forms part of the nature reserves in South Brazil. Visitors watch the seal colonies from shore, as the island itself remains protected. The surrounding waters draw fishermen and nearby beaches belong to the known surf areas. Rough cliffs and open water define the character of this coastal landscape.

This sandy beach attracts surfers who come for the strong waves. Southern right whales arrive in the bay from July to November and stay close to the coast. You can watch the animals from the beach or take boats to see them up close. The water is cool and the currents are strong. Between the rocks there are calmer spots for swimming. Green hills reach down to the shore and frame the coast.

This park protects subtropical rainforest in the north of Rio Grande do Sul. Animals here include jaguars, tapirs, toucans and howler monkeys. The Yucumã waterfall on the Uruguay River falls across roughly 1800 meters (almost 6000 feet), forming one of the longest horizontal cascades in the world. Walking trails run through the forest and to viewpoints by the river.

This mountain stands in the coastal ranges of Paraná and reaches a height of 6,157 feet (1,877 meters), making it the highest point in southern Brazil. Pico Paraná lies within a protected area covered in dense Atlantic rainforest, where mist and clouds often wrap around the landscape. The climbing routes move through steep rock faces and require alpine equipment and experience in mountaineering. The ascent begins in a valley and crosses different vegetation zones before reaching the rocky sections near the summit. From the highest point, you can see the surrounding mountains and forested valleys on clear days.

Caracol Falls drops 130 meters (425 feet) over dark basalt cliffs into a forested valley. The water strikes granite formations at the base of the falls and sends a fine mist into the air. A panoramic walkway leads to several viewing platforms where you can see the full height of the cascade. Birds such as toucans and parrots fly between the trees along the edge of the gorge. The path winds through subtropical rainforest where ferns and bromeliads grow on tree trunks. On sunny days a rainbow often appears in the spray from the waterfall.

This park covers 16 hectares (40 acres) of subtropical rainforest in Foz do Iguaçu, in the south of the region. You will find more than 1400 birds from 150 species in large aviaries that recreate their natural habitat. Butterflies and reptiles also live here. The paths wind through dense forest, where parrots and toucans fly in the canopy.

This waterfall drops into the depths and often disappears into mist before reaching the bottom. The surrounding area is home to native plants and animals that live among the moist rock walls and forests nearby. Walking trails lead through the vegetation to viewpoints where you can watch the water as it tumbles into the canyon.

This island lies off the coast between the Atlantic rainforest and the open ocean. Ilha do Cardoso protects mangrove forests, undisturbed beaches, and dense woods where toucans, parrots, and other tropical birds make their home. The reserve preserves one of the last continuous coastal rainforests in the region and allows visitors to paddle through quiet bays or walk trails to observe the diversity of life. Small fishing villages on the island show the traditional ways of coastal communities, while the shores are washed by Atlantic waves.

This canyon cuts through a landscape of tall rock walls and dense greenery covering much of the floor below. Hiking paths lead over uneven ground and offer views into the gorge and across the surrounding plateaus. The stone shows layers formed over long periods, and some sections are steep and rocky. Those who walk here often hear birds and see small streams running between the stones. Vegetation shifts from open areas to wooded slopes, and in places trees grow from the ledges. The trail requires attention, but the perspectives into the depth and the expanse make the effort worthwhile. This canyon is one of the natural formations that define the South Region of Brazil, where you encounter gorges, waterfalls, and forested mountains.

This beach runs three kilometers along the coast and still shows traces of old shipwrecks. The lighthouse from the 19th century stands at the end of the sand and has marked the entrance for ships for over a hundred years. The water is usually calm, the sand light and fine. The paths here lead through dense rainforest, which makes access somewhat difficult. Few visitors come on an ordinary day. The name recalls the shipwrecks that happened here when the coast was still without beacons.