Southern Brazil & European Highlands

The South of Brazil feels distinct from the rest of the country, with a climate that includes four distinct seasons and a strong cultural influence from German, Italian, and Polish immigrants. The headline attraction is Foz do Iguaçu (Iguazu Falls) on the border with Argentina. The Brazilian side offers the best panoramic views of the 275 waterfalls. Families can take the walkway that extends out over the river to feel the spray of the "Devil's Throat." Right next to the park entrance is the Parque das Aves, an immense sanctuary where visitors walk through aviaries surrounded by toucans and macaws—often a highlight for younger children.

Further south, the Serra Gaúcha mountains attract families to the towns of Gramado and Canela. These towns look like Bavarian villages, with chalet architecture and hydrangeas everywhere. They are built for tourism, featuring attractions like Mini Mundo (a park of miniature castles and trains), huge chocolate shops, and "Snowland," an indoor snow park. During Christmas, Gramado hosts the Natal Luz, one of the largest Christmas festivals in the world, featuring parades and light shows.

The coast of Santa Catarina is home to Florianópolis, an island city connected to the mainland by a suspension bridge. The island has over 40 beaches; the north side (like Canasvieiras) has warm, calm waters ideal for toddlers, while the east side (like Joaquina) offers sandboarding on huge dunes. For thrill-seekers, the state is also home to Beto Carrero World, the largest theme park in Latin America, combining rollercoasters with a zoo and live shows.

Curitiba, the capital of Paraná, is known as Brazil's greenest city. It has an excellent public transport system and many parks. The Wire Opera House and the Botanical Garden with its art nouveau greenhouse are iconic stops. The city is generally organized and safe, making it a stress-free stopover for families traveling between the coast and the falls.