Tourist Attractions & Monuments Brazil

These ruins are part of the "circuit of Jesuit missions", which like the region of Foz do Iguaçu straddles three countries: Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. The ruins of the mission of São Miguel das Missões are remarkable because, although they are in the open air, their ochre sandstone walls are still standing, at least for the most part. The size of this building, built in 1735, is impressive. One can imagine the size of the college, offices and houses that existed here. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the neighboring Argentinean and Paraguayan missions, it is the only Jesuit mission of the Guaraníes that is really worth a visit on the Brazilian side. Built by the Italian Father João Batista Primolli, his plan was to add a second tower as an astronomical observatory, but it was never realized. Inside there is a small and interesting museum with sacred sculptures from the 17th and 18th centuries, coming from the different ruins of the missions in the surrounding area, most of them made of painted wood. The place is enchanting, because here you can admire an exuberant nature where the roots of the trees have invaded the stones of the mission, just like in the temples of Angkor Wat. In the evening, you can watch a sound and light show projected on the façade. As an anecdote, the film Mission, directed in 1994 by Quebecer Roland Joffé, with Robert de Niro, deals with the 150-year history of the Jesuit missions of the Guaranis.

Built between 1953 and 1987, this "stone cathedral", also known as Our Lady of Lourdes of Canela, is the city's main attraction. This imposing building in English Gothic style is dominated by a 67-metre high bell tower with a carillon of 12 Italian bronze bells. Inside, the frescoes painted by the gaucho artist Marciano Schmitz represent the Apparition of the Virgin, the Allegory of the Angels and the Annunciation. You can go up to the bell tower to admire the landscape (entrance fee for the bell tower).

It is the unmissable pedestrian street in the centre, a gallery covered by a glass roof with terrace tables for a drink and tempting shop windows for shopping. It is a place where you can feel the energy of Gramado. Located in the heart of the city, it is a space that brings together restaurants, cafes and shops. It is the scene of several cultural presentations and events, including the film festival. It has an atmosphere somewhere between a Barcelona covered market and a Parisian "passage". Louis Aragon would have appreciated it!

The parque do Caracol is a nice park near Canela. The advantage of this regional natural park is that it offers a ride on a small train, a view of a beautiful and imposing waterfall in the middle of nature (almost 150 meters high!), and hiking trails for the more athletic. A 30-metre-high ecological observatory and a glass platform are located near the waterfall for a closer look. An opportunity to spend a pleasant day without making too much physical effort. Ideal for families.

Built in 1891 by the French with stones and whale oil, this lighthouse is a popular attraction for the view it offers from its heights. Today it is managed by the Brazilian Navy and the nautical signalling and repair association almirante Rego. Built on a promontory 45 metres above sea level, it is 30 metres high. It has a quadrangular tower. Situated on the easternmost point of the region, it has been signalling a reef, the "do campo bom" stone, to boats since the 19th century.

The park is only open in the morning and until early afternoon (closed on Tuesdays), so you have to make arrangements to avoid having to postpone your walks to a later date. As in many parks in Brazil, all visits to the park must be done with a guide. You cannot venture onto the park's trails alone, for safety and legal reasons. In case of an accident, you may not be covered by your insurance. You can book a hike by e-mail or by phone.

The Superagüi Park is administered, like most of the national parks in Brazil, by ICMBIO, the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation. The entrance to the park is free. It is advisable to use certified guides, duly registered with the local guide offices, for two reasons. The official local guides are trained in nature observation and will be able to present the biodiversity. They supervise the visitors in a concern of respect of the environment. Finally, they guarantee the safety of the visits.

It is surrounded by coconut trees. Many people in the summer.

It is the central beach where many shops are located. Starting point for excursions and cycling. Not the nicest of course, but the most lively and accessible. Many young people.

Beach between those of Jabaquara and do Poço with transparent waters ideal for diving. Calm sea, shaded beach thanks to many trees. One can see the ruins of a historical fortin, this beach was a high place for the slave trade. Access by boat or a 3-hour walk from Jabaquara through a balisé hiking path (only with guide).

It stretches over nearly 2 km of fine sand, its crystal-clear water is the reputation of this beach, which lies at the end of the 22 km long, long-standing ground that cuts the island into two (4 x 4). It is easier to access by boat, coming to excursions, but the athletes (real!) can hike 7 km from the beach of Bonete, more south.

It's the fastest and easy ride to go swimming in the fresh and clear water of a waterfall. Access from inside the Mata Atlântica. Departure of the estadual park. We will discover five falls along the 2,5 km journey.

During the high tide, these two beaches form only one. They border the areas of cossues houses located north of Guarujá. Where the Paulista bourgeoisie established its summer areas, rather VIP with its luxury houses.

Access to this beautiful beach which carries its name is done by a trail of 110 steps since the Morro de Sorocotuba (which is on the road to Bertioga, km 1). His isolation has preserved it and that is all the better.

It is the largest beach in Guarujá, stretching over 5 km along a very built coastline. Indeed, this beach still in the city is not what one imagines by thinking in Brazil. Wait for a very urban beach. In return, there are good facilities (restaurants, shops).

This beach, located 3 km far away from the Itamambuca Praia on the south side, is the most pleasant on this side. It is very much appreciated by the premises.

As usual, the most beautiful beaches are the most remote, despite the fact that there is a municipal bus service. Located 15 km from Fazenda, it is known for its good waves.

Located 15 km from Fazenda, this lost beach of the coastline is appreciated for its tranquillity, its wild beauty and its preserved surroundings. There will, however, be a vehicle to go there.

The beach of this former fishing village is picturesque, the atmosphere is rather cool. You have to walk 20 minutes from the Praia Preta to get there.

This is one of the last beaches in the direction of Bertioga. The surfers'favorite for his waves. Its waters are therefore turbulent.

Close to Saco Do, this beach is surrounded by steep, isolated and exclusive hills. A hidden paradise 300 metres wide behind the Ilha das Galhetas. A small fisherman's house is there. Scuba diving is popular there. The easiest thing is to access it by the sea by boat, but it can also be reached by foot through the Mata Atlântica. From the beach of Castelhanos, a footpath passes through the beaches Mansa and Vermelha and leads to Figueira beach. Take 2 hours of walking.

The Hercilio Luz bridge, made of steel, is reminiscent of the one in San Francisco by its architectural style, and by its success on the city's postcards. It was built in the same period, the 1920s, in the middle of the industrial revolution. It symbolizes the development of the city in full expansion at that time. From this bridge you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Floripa. At the foot of the bridge is the historical fort of Santana, built by the Portuguese in 1761.

La praça XV, is the heart of the city for the inhabitants of Floripa. This is where the bandeirante Francisco Dias Velho founded the city in 1662. It is the most beautiful square in the city, no doubt thanks to its central park where there is a majestic hundred-year-old mango tree that is unmistakable. The square is paved, pleasant and shady, at the entrance to the network of pedestrian streets that make up the historic centre of the city. There is the catedral metropolitana, built in the 1920s in place of the city's original chapel, all yellow and white