Southern Brazil

Southern Brazil comprises the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul. These regions are shaped by strong European immigration, still evident in local culture, architecture, and cuisine. Though often overlooked, the South offers stunning diversity year-round, from summer beach escapes to winter canyon treks.

Paraná is best known for the awe-inspiring Iguaçu Falls, but there’s more to explore. The capital, Curitiba, is Brazil’s most efficiently planned city and the departure point for the scenic Serra Verde Express. This train journey winds through the Atlantic rainforest to the colonial town of Morretes, and onwards to the coast and Ilha do Mel, a backpackers’ and surfers’ haven.

Santa Catarina is beloved by Brazilians for its beaches, nightlife, and European flair. Inland, you’ll find vineyards and canyons, while Blumenau hosts the world’s second-largest Oktoberfest and proudly displays its German heritage. The state capital, Florianópolis (Floripa), is a summer hotspot often dubbed the “Ibiza of Brazil,” with hundreds of idyllic beaches. Just south, Praia do Rosa is famed for whale watching. Southern Right Whales can be seen from shore between June and November.

In Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre sits near Brazil’s top wine region, shaped by 19th-century Italian immigrants. Towns like Bento Gonçalves and Garibaldi produce excellent sparkling whites. Nearby, Gramado offers alpine charm and chocolate, while the nearby canyons of Aparados da Serra and Serra Geral are perfect for hiking and road trips.

Far from Brazil’s tropical stereotype, the South is a richly varied region worth discovering.