Caracol Falls, Natural waterfall in Canela, Brazil
Caracol Falls is a waterfall near Canela that drops 131 meters over dark basalt cliffs in the Serra Geral range. The water splits into two separate cascades before flowing into Lageana Valley.
The waterfall formed through erosion of softer rock layers over harder basalt millions of years ago. This natural gorge-cutting process shaped the landscape and made it a geologically significant location.
The falls represent a meeting point between two distinct ecosystems: the Brazilian Plateau pine forests and the Atlantic Forest of the southern coast.
There are multiple ways to view the waterfall: from above via an observation tower with an elevator or by aerial cable car. You can also descend a long series of steps to reach the base, so sturdy footwear is important.
The waterfall doesn't drop straight down but shoots outward from a protruding cliff edge first. This unusual water trajectory creates a visual effect during the fall where the second cascade appears to emerge directly from the rock face.
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