Geoparque Caminhos dos Cânions do Sul EN

Caminhos dos Cânions do Sul Geopark

The Caminhos dos Cânions do Sul Geopark is a land marked by fascinating geological stories, exuberant biodiversity, and the way of life of communities that have inhabited the region for generations. Recognized by UNESCO as a Global Geopark, the place is an example of how nature and culture can integrate to foster education, research, responsible tourism and sustainable development. With 2,830 km² of extension, the territory covers seven municipalities between the states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.

The park is home to the Aparados da Serra and Serra Geral National Parks, but it goes further by turning monumental landscapes into experiences that touch and connect. In addition to the imposing canyons, the region is home to geological, archaeological and cultural sites that reveal a millennial past. The diversity of environments favors a rich fauna and flora, with endemic species that reinforce the importance of conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

With the support of initiatives such as the Cânions do Sul Geo-route, which brings together hundreds of local entrepreneurs, the Geopark bets on community-based tourism and the valorization of traditional knowledge. Visitors travel across an authentic route that combines nature, regional cuisine, cultural experiences and the hospitality of those who live in harmony with the land. This is an invitation to get to know Brazil through a deeper, more human, and more transformative path.

When to go

The Geopark is a destination that can be visited all year round. Between October and March, more pleasant temperatures and a more stable weather favor trails and outdoor activities. Although cold, the winter months (June to August) offer landscapes with fog and clear skies.

How to get there

The Geopark is located approximately 184 km from Porto Alegre (Rio Grande do Sul) and 205 km from Florianópolis (Santa Catarina). Both capital cities have airports with regular flights. Land access is mainly through highways BR-101, RS-020 (via Cambará do Sul), and other state roads that connect the municipalities of the region.

Opening hours

As the Geopark covers different municipalities and attractions, opening hours may vary according to the place visited.

Aparados da Serra and Serra Geral National Parks: Wednesday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (check-in allowed until 3 p.m.).
For other Geo-route attractions, check the schedules directly with travel agents, tour guides and enterprises in the region.

Entrance fee

Aparados da Serra and Serra Geral National Parks: R$ 107.00 (full price) | Sold exclusively online.
Other attractions of Geopark: fees may vary according to the chosen experience.

Curiosities

The first geotourism route in Brazil

The Cânions do Sul Geo-route is a pioneering initiative that connects authentic experiences in seven municipalities of the Geopark. It offers visitors the chance to experience nature, culture, gastronomy and local history, with the support of more than 300 small entrepreneurs in the region. Guided trails, family accommodations, handicrafts, typical cuisine and adventures in the middle of canyons are part of this journey, always focusing on respect for the environment and the appreciation of local cultural roots.

Photo: canionsdosul.org

A territory shaped by volcanoes

The impressive landscape of the Geopark’s canyons was shaped about 130 million years ago, during intense volcanic activity that gave rise to the basaltic flows of Serra Geral. These eruptions have left layers over layers of volcanic rocks that, across time, were carved into deep canyons.

Wines from the top of the mountain

In the canyon region, wine-growing activities have been standing out. High-altitude wines are grown on high lands, with a cool climate and wide temperature range, which are ideal conditions for fine grapes, resulting in award-winning labels and memorable wine tourism experiences.

Cambará do Sul (Rio Grande do Sul)

the city offers many attractions to fans of adventure and contemplation tourism, being a starting point for visiting the famous Fortaleza and Itaimbezinho canyons.

Jacinto Machado (Santa Catarina)

a perfect destination for ecotourism, the city delivers centennial trails used by drovers, waterfalls, natural pools, stony rivers and lush vegetation, in addition, of course, to the access to the Fortaleza Canyon.

Mampituba (Rio Grande do Sul)

privileged by its natural beauties, such as mountains, rocks, stone walls, waterfalls, natural pools and belvederes, trails and adventure tourism on the Mampituba River. The city offers rural tourism options and stands out for its gastronomy with local products.

Morro Grande (Santa Catarina)

the symbol of the municipality is the Realengo Hill, which offers one of the most famous and challenging mountain trails in southern Brazil. Religious tourism is also a highlight in the region.

Praia Grande (Santa Catarina)

surrounded by the largest canyons in Brazil, Praia Grande is a mix of hills, rivers, waterfalls and cascades, spas and natural pools. The two National Parks of Serra Geral and Aparados da Serra, are the main natural attractions of the municipality.

Timbé do Sul (Santa Catarina)

a town located at the foot of Serra Geral, from where you can glimpse the exuberance and grandeur of the stone walls and canyons that are characteristic of the landscape of this region.

Torres (Rio Grande do Sul)

a mix of beaches, hills, cliffs, caves, dunes, sea, island, river and lagoons. Throughout the year, Torres offers options for adventure and sports activities, such as surfing, kitesurfing, canoeing, climbing, paragliding and others.

Embratur and Visit Brasil are not responsible in cases of poor performance or not providing the experience conveyed. Service providers are solely responsible for the activities sold.

Soon, more natural parks itineraries will be launched.