Very flowery with rough terrain, Sierra Gaucha (so-called people from southern state of Brazil) remained uninhabited till European´s pioneer spirit arrived and started a fascinating lifestyle due to the geography and temperate climate in this region.
Canela was a small town, populated by family of farmers from up to the hills, German and Italian immigrants and their descendants. There was a Home of activities in the industry, and it was being developed sawmills. Canela was on the way for the cities over the hills to the state capital. So cowboys leading cattle, cheese and leather passed by Canela headed to Parobe, Taquara, Sao Leopoldo and Porto Alegre. Then also vendors used to go to the mountains for placing their products in the farms up there. It was the beginning of Canela´s tourism.
Situated up in the hills surrounded by pine trees, forests and parks, which survived the deforestation, tourism naturally became the natural trend of Canela. The low temperatures stimulate Canelenses to remain fireplaces and firewood lit, impregnating the air with various flavors of wood, pine, eucalyptus, and also Canela (cinnamon) ... But not only the natural beauty and climate happened to fascinate people.
The city offers tourists good hotels, restaurants, barbecue restaurants and the famous Cafe Colonial (a country home made brunch) with biscuits waffles, schmiers, apfelstrudell and during winter ... perfect time for the delicious hot chocolate and homemade liqueurs. People from Canela have always been concerned with its cultural development. Music, gastronomy and theater skills were developed in several immigrant generations, which experienced its tradition in different ways of communication. These were Canela´s European heritage. That´s what makes Canela unique in Brazil.
This park houses the largest attraction in Canela - a beautiful waterfall 130 meters drop.
Away only 7 kilometers from the center of Canela, displaying viewpoints, restaurant, recreation area and crafts fair, a staircase of 927 steps leads to waterfall bottom. It also offers four walking trails amidst the forest, train ride and the ecological Project Loboguará visit.
Parque do Caracol operates Monday to Friday, from 08:30 to 17:30 and on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 08:30 to 18:00.
The church has got a 65 meters high tower and a 12 bronze bells carillon, by Italian Iron Foundy Giacomo Crespi, wich installed it here in 1972. Situated in the Matriz Plaza, heart of the city of Canela, Rio Grande do Sul, is better known as "Catedral de Pedra" (Rock Cathedral) by its English Gothic style.
The parish was established in 1937 and the choice of its patron saint, Holly Mother of Lourdes, was made by the parishioners. In its interior there are three panels that are painted canvases by the artist gaucho Marciano Schmitz, depicting the apparition of Our Lady, the Allegory of the Angels and the Annunciation.
Via Sacra´s frames were made by Uruguayan, sculptor and restorer of Sacred Art Pablo Orono Herrera. Using wood and clay he painted the bottom of superimposed images in clay.
Parque da Ferradura (Horseshoe´s Park) is 6 km away from Parque do Caracol. It takes this name due to Cai River´s curvature at the place. Offers tracks for 10 minutes to 3 hours walking, three viewpoints with panoramic view and an snack place, playground, barbecues and toilets.
This is the right place for those who come to Canela in search of nature integration. You can climb canyon walls 420 meters depth or visit Arroio Caçador cascade trailing.
Parque da Ferradura works from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 to 17:30.
Alpen Park is the only sled park in Brazil. On a decline mountain in the midst of nature on board sledges up to two people, with individual control brake.
The park also has a spectacular Tyrol circuit between two trees, quadricycle ride you can explore beautiful trails, the super show "The Mystery of Monga" and the new 4 Dimension Cinema. Guaranteed fun for the whole family.
Alpen Park runs from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 to 18:00.
At Laje de Pedra Park you can take a relaxing walk by wooded streets and beautiful gardens. The path leads the visitor to the Valley of the Quilombo, where you can see the mountains and valleys of the region.
On the road to Caracol Cascade is one of the first residences of Canela, also known as Castelinho (little castle, away 5km from Canela downtown.
Built from 1913 to 1915 by the wooden Franzen family, made on Araucaria wood, wich was locally extracted and treated by immersion in Arroio Caracol during the 6 months. It´s built with only plug and long screws, but no nails. Residence rooms take a real back to the past, creating a natural museum that displays old furniture, objects, utensils and tools used by immigrants during colonization.
Caracol Castelinho operates daily from 9:00 to 13:00 and 14:20 to 17:40.
It reproduces the famous "Paris-Granville" railway accident on October 22 in 1895, when driver couldn´t stop in time to get to the station. It crashes against the blockade line, dragging them about 30 meters, after colliding against the wall outside the building and jumping out of the station at a distance of 10 meters in the "Place de Rennes", being supported by the front edge.
Just about reaching this park there´s a sign warning drivers go carefully due to a serious railway accident right in front. Emotion is from beginning to end. You will be delighted with industries thumbnails, the funding process and steel rolling, tiles and bricks manufacturing and other attractions.
Mundo a Vapor works Tuesdays to Thursdays, from 09:15 to 17:00.
The House of Rock of Canela was constructed in 1953 for the Agricultural Association of Canela. At the time it was constructed with internal and external wooden covering of basaltic rocks, possessing a 700 area of m ². Initially the House of Rock was shelter of the Agricultural Association of Canela, which lasted per many years in this place.
Today the city counts on the Theater House of Rock, with capacity for approximately 200 people, in full activity. Also a cinema, the Cine is adapted House of Rock with sessions in the Wednesday, thursday, Saturdays and sundays.
Waterfalls, natural pools, Super Cape Air, Pendulum, Rappel, Climbing, Trekking ... This is the Park of the Waterfalls. 20 minutes from the Cravo & Canela Inn, the park is a great choice of entertainment, sports and ecotourism. Operates daily from 8:00 to 18:00.
A nice option to ride for the family is the Cable Car of Canela, inserted into an area of 59 hectares of conservation, where the nature is beautiful and abundant.
The tour duration is approximately 20 minutes walk and provides a tranquil and relaxing. Visitors have the option to land at the ends which include a view of the canyon to the viewpoints of the Cascata Caracol and the Vale of Lageano in various ways. Operates daily from 9:00 to 17:00.
