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.
Location: Rio Grande do Sul
GPS coordinates: -29.31120,-50.85441
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03
The South Region of Brazil brings together nature reserves, waterfalls, beaches, and mountain peaks. Here you find geological formations such as canyons and caves, plus islands with archaeological sites. The landscape ranges from the Atlantic coast to inland highlands, where subtropical rainforest grows and rivers run through gorges. The region offers surf areas like Guarda do Embaú and Praia do Rosa, hiking trails through Cânion Itaimbezinho and Cânion Fortaleza, and mountain destinations such as Pico Paraná and Morro da Igreja. Nature parks like Parque Nacional de Aparados da Serra and Reserva Natural Salto Morato protect native species and ecosystems. Visitors can explore sandstone formations at Parque Estadual de Vila Velha, walk through caves like Gruta de Botuverá, or visit islands such as Ilha do Campeche. Serra do Rio do Rastro winds through curves into the mountains, while waterfalls like Cachoeira do Avencal and Cascata Encantada drop through forests.
Brazil has numerous waterfalls and hot springs across its varied landscapes. At Iguaçu, water flows over 275 individual falls. The Chapada Diamantina region contains several waterfalls, including the 1,247-foot (380-meter) Cachoeira da Fumaça. Serra da Canastra is home to the 610-foot (186-meter) Casca d'Anta waterfall. Natural pools with clear water are found at Poço Azul and Lagoa Azul. The thermal springs at Ibirá provide mineral water at constant temperature. These locations are distributed across different regions of Brazil, from the southern Serra Gaúcha with Caracol cascade to the tablelands of Jalapão in the north. The waterfalls vary in height and volume. Some plunge over steep rock faces, while others flow through narrow canyons. Several of these sites are located in national parks or protected areas.
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