Brazil Travel Packages: Praia Grande
In the deep South of Brazil, the municipality of Praia Grande is located on the border of the states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. The name "Big Beach" may seem misleading, as the city is also called the capital of the canyons and is located at the foot of the mountains of the Aparados da Serra and Serra Geral national parks. About 7,500 inhabitants live here, the descendants of Portuguese and Italian immigrants, sustaining themselves from the cultivation of rice, bananas, tobacco, beans, corn and vegetables, with the proportion of organically grown food growing steadily and becoming known beyond the region.
The natural attractions of the surrounding area have made Praia Grande a widely popular tourist destination and the region is looking forward to further develop sustainable eco- and adventure tourism. National and international visitors who appreciate hiking trails, waterfalls and natural pools in the canyons are rewarded with impressive nature experiences. In particular, the largest canyon, Itaimbezinho, which means "sharp stone" in the Tupi language, is one of the main tourist destinations in the region. The canyon is almost 4 miles (6 kilometers) long and 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) wide and the rock walls rise vertically up to 2,400 feet (720 meters). In the canyon there are also two big waterfall complexes, Andorinha and Veu da Noiva. Less known but still just as impressive is the Malacara Canyon in the Serra Geral National Park. At only 2.2 miles (3.5 kilometers), the canyon opens up with a depth of up to 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) and vertical rock faces. Countless waterfalls and other canyons attract visitors to Praia Grande. These include the gorges and valleys of Vale da Pedra Branca, Indioa Coroados, Fortaleza and the waterfalls of Magia das Aguas and Vista Alegre.
With a guide, who can convey a lot of interesting facts and point out the most beautiful spots, or on your own with a rental car, the surroundings can be explored optimally. The roads are relatively quiet, well maintained and the area is one of the safest in the country.
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Let yourself be enchanted by the diversity of the South of Brazil during this trip by rental car. From Porto Alegre you will start your journey to the most popular wine region in the country and learn about the history of Italian immigration and local wineries first hand. In the interior of the country, you will hike and admire an impressive landscape with canyons 3,000 feet (900 meters) deep and up to 160 miles (250 kilometers) long. You design your daily program and determine the rhythm of your journey. On the way to the "Magic Island" of Florianopolis, many interesting places pull you in every direction. Enjoy the rich cultural and culinary offerings as well as the region's exuberant hospitality.