2 Best Sights in Canela, The South

This park is renowned for its breathtaking 400-foot waterfall that cascades straight down into a horseshoe-shape valley carved out of the basaltic plateau. It also includes 50 acres of native forests with several well-marked paths, dominated by Paraná pine and an environmental education center for children. The entrance area is somewhat overcrowded with souvenir shops and snack tents and the river water doesn't smell the best, but the tranquil hikes and stunning waterfall more than make up for this.

This private nature preserve has three lookouts to the Vale da Ferradura (Horseshoe Valley), formed by Rio Santa Cruz. You can hike across trails in more than 500 acres of pine forests through hilly countryside. A strenuous but rewarding two-hour trek reaches Rio Caí near its source. Make sure you remain alert while hiking: it's quite common to spot a variety of wildlife here, such as deer, anteaters, and badgers.