waterfall · Canela, RS
Parque do Caracol
It's home to the Cascata do Caracol, a 131-meter waterfall that plunges through araucaria forest. There are viewpoints to see the waterfall from different angles.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Parque do Caracol
The Parque do Caracol exists because of a waterfall. The Arroio Caracol (stream) plunges more than 100 meters in free fall into an enclosed, forested valley, and that's the scene on Canela's postcards. The area was declared a public interest site in 1954, and the park was created in 1973. It covers about 100 hectares. Since December 2022 it has been run by a private concessionaire, under a 30-year contract with the Rio Grande do Sul state government.
The visit starts at the viewpoints. The main one, renovated, covers more than 400 square meters and has a glass-floor section facing the falls. Next to it is the Observatório, now called Torre Araucária, a themed tower shaped like a pine tree with a view of the valley from above.
If you want to walk, there are short trails. The Deck da Cascata do Moinho trail, of moderate difficulty, leads to another waterfall in the park. The Bosque dos Xaxins shows the forest of araucarias and giant tree ferns typical of the mountains. There's also a picnic area, a playground and adventure attractions that cost extra, such as a suspended walkway and a pendulum swing over the valley.
The park was closed for works between October 2024 and May 2025 and reopened with new facilities. The descent to the base of the waterfall, down the old staircase, is not available: today you see the waterfall from above, from the viewpoints. On the plus side, the visit is easier: there's no more long climb back up, and the outing fits into a morning or an afternoon, along with other Canela and Gramado itineraries.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
About two hours for the viewpoints and a short trail; half a day with the paid attractions.
Best time
After a few days of rain the waterfall is fuller. On days of heavy fog, common in the mountains in winter, the falls can vanish from the viewpoint: pick clear days.
How to get there
It's about 7 km from the center of Canela, via RS-466. Go by car (there's paid parking), taxi, ride-hailing app or tour. You don't need a guide.
Tip
The Bondinhos Aéreos (cable cars), right next door, belong to another company and have their own tickets, which are not sold by the park. Drones and swimming in the stream are prohibited.
Official website
A look at the place
Parque do Caracol in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parque do Caracol
Can I go down to the base of the waterfall?
No. Access to the base of the Cascata do Caracol is not available inside the park. You see the waterfall from the viewpoints and the observation tower.
Are the cable cars part of the park?
No. The Bondinhos Aéreos are next door, but they belong to another company and have their own tickets, which the park doesn't sell.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Animals are not allowed, except guide dogs or emotional support animals with the required documentation.
Can minors enter on their own?
No. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian, with proof of relationship or an authorization.