Located around 180 km from Porto Alegre, Cambará do Sul enchants visitors from the very first moment. Small and welcoming, with about 6,000 inhabitants, the city is world-renowned for its breathtaking canyons, such as the imposing Fortaleza Canyon and the famous Itaimbezinho Canyon. These true geological treasures of volcanic origin are framed by the Atlantic Forest and vast araucaria fields, creating landscapes unlike anywhere else in Brazil. But Cambará do Sul goes far beyond its canyons. The municipality is part of the UNESCO Global Geopark Caminhos dos Cânions do Sul, is home to two national parks and offers unforgettable experiences such as the astronomical tour, which allows visitors to observe the Southern Hemisphere’s Milky Way and up to 6,000 stars with the naked eye.
Cambará do Sul is an ideal destination for those seeking a deep connection with nature, a strong local culture, tranquillity and authentic experiences throughout the year. Located in the Campos de Cima da Serra region, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, the city brings together accessible trails, outdoor adventures, traditional cuisine, warm local hospitality, sustainability and rare natural phenomena, including one of the best night skies in South America for stargazing.
Fun facts
Cambará do Sul is home to a "moon tree". NASA confirmed that the sequoia in the central square grew from a seed that travelled to the Moon aboard the Apollo 14 mission in 1971. The mission was one of the first to study how seeds behave in zero gravity.
Known as the Land of Canyons, the city also stands out as the region’s Honey Capital, offering special tours focused on beekeeping and the production of this prized delicacy. Produced from the flowers of the Araucaria Atlantic Forest, this honey has a unique flavour and has already won the award for the best in Brazil.
Land of Canyons: monumental landscapes between two southern Brazilian states
Known as the Land of Canyons, Cambará do Sul is the main gateway to the largest group of canyons in South America, with around 70 natural formations. Giant gorges, waterfalls, valleys nearly a thousand metres deep, preserved Atlantic Forest and forests come together to create breathtaking scenery. With just over 6,000 inhabitants, the town impresses with the grandeur of its landscapes and a constant sense of immersion in nature. It is an ideal destination for both contemplative tourism and adventure tourism.
Climate and altitude
Located at more than 1,000 metres above sea level, Cambará do Sul experiences some of the lowest temperatures in the state of Rio Grande do Sul and in Brazil. In winter, and even on some summer days, the wind chill can drop to 0 °C or below in the early morning hours, making it the perfect destination for those who love the cold.
Outdoor experiences and adventure tourism
Cambará do Sul invites travellers to explore nature at their own pace. The region offers both gentle and challenging trails, horseback rides across the highland fields, waterfall excursions and adventure experiences within the canyons.
Culture, gastronomy and local hospitality:
Beyond its exuberant nature, Cambará do Sul preserves a rich cultural heritage shaped by Indigenous, Portuguese and migrant influences from different regions of Brazil. The city’s name has Tupi-Guarani origins, reinforcing this ancestral connection to the land.
Highland gastronomy and traditional country cuisine
Cambará do Sul’s gastronomy is one of the destination’s main highlights. The so called “country food” reflects the way of life in the interior of southern Brazil, with simple and flavourful dishes such as arroz de carreteiro, a traditional Brazilian dish made with rice cooked with meats like charque (dried beef), carne seca (sun dried beef) or roasted meat, sautéed with onion, garlic, tomato and spices so the rice absorbs all the flavour; farofa (toasted cassava flour) and paçoca de pinhão (pine nut paçoca, made from an edible seed typical of the region); roasted meats; and artisanal cheeses and sausages. The city is also recognized as the Capital of Native Flower Honey, with award-winning production from the flowers of the Atlantic Forest’s Araucaria trees. The Honey Tour allows visitors to meet local producers and taste different types of honey. All of this is complemented by cosy inns and the warm hospitality of the local people.
UNESCO Global Geopark Caminhos dos Cânions do Sul
Cambará do Sul is part of the UNESCO Global Geopark Caminhos dos Cânions do Sul, internationally recognised for its geological, scientific and cultural importance. The rock formations in the region tell the story of the separation of the continents and the intense volcanic activity that shaped southern Brazil. The geopark spans seven municipalities in two states, Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, bringing together canyons, waterfalls, and initiatives for sustainable tourism, environmental education, and the promotion of local culture.
If you’re looking for a destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, still little-known with natural beauty, rich culture, adventure, and good infrastructure, Cambará do Sul awaits you!
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, Visit Brazil recommends hiring certified service providers who comply with the technical standards for ecotourism and adventure activities.
Itaimbezinho Canyon
Located in the Aparados da Serra National Park, the Itaimbezinho Canyon is the best-known in Cambará do Sul and one of the most emblematic natural landscapes in Brazil. Its immense vertical walls reach approximately 720 meters in depth, creating a vast and striking landscape. The park features well organised infrastructure, easy and clearly marked trails, viewpoints with impressive views, waterfalls and preserved areas of the Atlantic Forest. It is an accessible option for visitors of all ages, ideal for contemplation, photography and learning about the region’s geology.
Fortaleza Canyon
Located in the Serra Geral National Park, Fortaleza Canyon is the largest canyon in Brazil in terms of length and width, impressing with its scale and sense of immensity. Its towering cliffs form a true stone wall that can rise to heights of up to 900 metres. The trails lead to natural viewpoints with breathtaking views. An unforgettable experience is taking a picnic tour in one of these cinematic settings, one of the most charming activities in the region. On clear sky days, the landscape stretches all the way to the Brazilian coast, offering an experience defined by silence, wind and a deep connection with nature.
Venâncios Waterfall
Venâncios Waterfall is a natural refuge located amidst the fields and rock formations characteristic of Cambará do Sul. The site features several waterfalls with crystal-clear waters that form shallow and tranquil pools, ideal for swimming and relaxing. Highly sought after during the summer, the waterfall offers a more intimate and unspoilt setting, with little human intervention and no major tourist infrastructure. It is perfect for those seeking to relax, cool off, and enjoy nature in a simple and authentic way.
Rio do Boi Trail
The Rio do Boi Trail is considered one of the most intense and unforgettable experiences in Cambará do Sul. The route takes place inside a canyon, following the riverbed, with water crossings, walks over rocks and towering vertical walls reaching up to 720 metres in height. With a length of approximately 16 kilometres and an average duration of seven hours, the trail requires good physical fitness and the mandatory accompaniment of certified guides. It is recommended for those seeking adventure, challenge and a deep immersion in the wilderness.
Hot air balloon flight
A hot air balloon flight in Cambará do Sul offers a unique perspective of the mountain landscape, revealing high-altitude fields, forests, and canyons seen from above. The experience takes place at dawn, when the soft light highlights the contours of the landscape and creates unforgettable scenery. During the flight, the silence and gentle movement create a feeling of freedom and quiet contemplation. It is a safe and memorable activity, ideal for those who wish to admire the region’s grandeur in a calm and inspiring way.
Astronomical Tour
Cambará do Sul is a reference in astronomical tourism in Brazil thanks to its very low light pollution and an approximate rating of 1.5 on the Bortle Scale. The night sky allows visitors to observe the Southern Hemisphere’s Milky Way, thousands of stars with the naked eye, constellations and celestial phenomena with remarkable clarity. The tour includes scientific explanations and opportunities for astrophotography. Activities take place within up to ten days after the full moon and require close attention to weather conditions, as temperatures can drop to –5 °C even in summer.
Photo gallery
How to get there?
Salgado Filho International Airport – Porto Alegre – RS
Porto Alegre Bus Terminal
Cambará do Sul Bus Station
