Montanha Mágica

Spending time out and about in nature here is a cinch. If Serra Geral National Park doesn’t satisfy, it’s just 25 minutes’ drive to Aparados da Serra National Park where, as well as plenty of trails, there are waterfalls to visit and howler monkeys, ocelots and parrots to keep eyes peeled for. Does that pique interests in more wildlife watching? Nature preserve Parque Tupancy is an hour and 10 minutes from the site, with plenty of capybaras to spot. If longer jaunts are possible it’s a little under three hours to the zoo in Gramado. Closer at hand, the city of Torres can be reached in just under an hour. It’s a must visit for its surf- and swim-friendly sandy beaches and the scenic Guarita State Park. Well-timed stays will coincide with the ballooning festival, so be sure to have camera in hand if that's the case. If that trip to Gramado Zoo is on the cards, stick around the city to visit its museums, model village (Mini Mundo) and its Santa- and snow-themed park, then return via Canela (two hours and 40 minutes from the site) to explore its theme parks, cathedral, and museums dedicated to cars, fashion and the Beatles.