Iguaçu Falls & the south holidays

Aside from the awe-inspiring Iguaçu Falls or the vast and cosmopolitan city of Sao Paulo, much of southern Brazil lies off the tourist trail. However, these affluent southern states offer some of the most modern cities in Brazil and the inhabitants have a diverse cultural heritage. The coast of Santa Catarina features beautiful beaches with large sweeping crescents of soft sand that are buzzing in summer and deserted in the cooler winter months. The luxurious Ponta dos Ganchos, close to Florianopolis, has its own secluded beach and private island, while further south, at Praia do Rosa beach, whale watching is possible between July and November.

Explore Iguaçu Falls & the south

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Places to Visit

Curitiba

The modern and prosperous city of Curitiba, capital of the progressive state of Paraná, is well-known for its innovative and efficient public transport system. Situated some 914 metres above sea level and with a cool climate, it derives its economic prosperity from its role as commercial and processing centre for the expanding agricultural and ranch areas in the interior of the state. Stroll through the many parks and forests, explore the historic centre and visit the modernist steel and glass opera house. The Serra Verde train ride offers scenic vistas as it descends on a winding route through the verdant Atlantic rainforest to the coastal town of Morretes. Curitiba lies just a little over an hour away by direct flight from Iguacu

Florianopolis

Florianopolis in the southern state of Santa Catarina lies partly on the mainland and partly on the island of Santa Catarina, and is linked by various bridges including the longest suspension bridge in Brazil. This state capital was first settled by Spaniards in 1542, but by 1675 the Portuguese took control. The area has a strong Azorean immigrant heritage dating to the 1700s, while later many German, Italian, Polish and Russian immigrants arrived. Today Florianopolis is a busy modern commercial city, yet surrounded by a beautiful coastline. The beaches are the main draw, with their large sweeping crescents of soft sands. To the north of the city lies the Emerald Coast, while further south, at Praia da Rosa beach, whale watching is possible between July and November

Iguacu Falls (Brazil)

Located in the state of Paraná in southern Brazil, on the border between Argentina and Brazil, Foz do Iguaçu National Park is home to one of the world's greatest natural wonders, the Iguaçu Falls, as well as a vast array of wildlife, including rare tropical birds and endangered jaguars. The name of the falls comes from the Guarani Indian word meaning 'great water' and numerous rocky and wooded islands on the edge of the escarpment over which the Iguaçu river plunges divide the falls into some 275 separate waterfalls or cataracts. The dramatic spectacle of thundering white water is complemented by other wonderful sights including rainbows straddling clouds of spray, screeching green parrots flying across the waters and colourful butterflies hovering over lush greenery. A long paved walkway leads through sub-tropical forest to the bottom of the Floriana Falls providing stunning views over to the Argentinian side. The rich and varied vegetation of the park includes orchids, bamboos, lianas and colourful begonias. Boat safaris and full-moon tours can also be arranged

Sao Paulo

São Paulo is overwhelming in its sheer size. With 17 million inhabitants, it is the world's third largest city and the largest in South America. São Paulo's attraction lies in its people and its vibrant cultures, and possesses significant ethnic minority communities, including substantial Japanese, Italian, Arab and Lebanese Christian neighbourhoods. Brazil's most modern cosmopolitan city has much to offer in addition to its outstanding cuisines; its museums are among the finest in South America and its entertainment and nightlife attract some of the best performers in the world