Activities at Iguazu and Southern Brazil are exceptionally diverse, mixing spectacular nature, tropical beaches and Europeanised culture.
At Iguazu, the must-dos are the falls themselves. Brazilian side (Foz do Iguaçu, Parque Nacional do Iguaçu): 1.2 km landscaped walkway along the canyon with panoramic belvederes on the 275 cascades, ending with footbridge reaching the base of Garganta del Diablo (guaranteed shower, umbrella or poncho recommended), 4-6h visit, €25-35/person entry, park shuttle included. Macuco Safari (€60-90/person): Zodiac boat excursion approaching the falls' base in full shower, memorable experience. Helicopter (€200-350/person, 15-20 min): panoramic helicopter flyover from Foz, extraordinary view on the whole site (ecologically controversial). Argentinian side (Puerto Iguazú, Parque Nacional Iguazú): three more immersive walkway circuits — Lower Circuit (1h30, view from below the falls), Upper Circuit (1h30, view from above), Garganta del Diablo (train from Visitor Centre + 30 min walkway over falls, supreme experience). 6-8h visit, €30-40/person entry. Moon Tour ("Luna Llena", full moon nights only, Argentinian side, €50): night visit to moonlit falls, exceptional but limited experience.
At Foz do Iguaçu, other activities: Itaipu Binacional (world's 2nd largest hydroelectric dam after Three Gorges China, 2h visit, €25, interesting for engineering enthusiasts), Parque das Aves (private bird park adjacent to national park, macaws, toucans, parrots, €30/person, pleasant for families), Three Frontiers (point where Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay meet, viewpoint in Foz, less spectacular than the myth suggests).
In Curitiba, must-dos: Serra Verde Express train (Curitiba-Morretes, 3h30 return, €60-100/person first class, extraordinary Serra do Mar view), Jardín Botânico (Crystal Palace-style glass main greenhouse, free), Largo da Ordem (preserved historic centre, Sunday morning artisan market vibe), Museu Oscar Niemeyer ("Museu do Olho", iconic eye-shaped building designed by Niemeyer, €25), Opera de Arame (metal-structure theatre in middle of park, €20).
In Florianópolis, beach and nature activities dominate. Classic beaches: Praia dos Ingleses (north, family, 12 km), Canasvieiras (north, popular, Argentinian vibe), Jurerê Internacional (north-west, chic and luxurious), Praia Mole (east, young and surf), Praia da Joaquina (east, world surf competitions), Praia do Campeche (south-east, wilder and natural), Pântano do Sul (south, preserved fishing village). Specific activities: surfing (€30-50/hour initiation classes, €15-25/day board rental, Praia da Joaquina world spot), sandboarding in Joaquina dunes (€10-20/hour), Magia das Lagoas boat excursion (catamaran in Lagoa da Conceição, €30/person), diving and snorkelling (Anhatomirim Island, €60-100), paragliding from Praia Mole (€90-150), Lagoa da Conceição (central lagoon with vibrant vila, restaurants, nightlife).
In Serra Gaúcha (Rio Grande do Sul, optional), Gramado and Canela offer a unique Swiss-European vibe: half-timbered architecture, festivals (Natal Luz December-January), raclette and fondue gastronomy, theme parks (Snowland), chocolate shopping. The wine valley between Bento Gonçalves and Garibaldi counts 200 Italian-Brazilian wine producers — cellar tastings (Casa Valduga, Miolo, Pizzato) €5-15/person.
Read also
- Iguazu (Brazilian side) — UNESCO 1986 Parque Nacional do Iguaçu, panoramic view over 275 cascades.
- Brazil — Complete country-continent guide: regions, formalities, best time.
- Pantanal — Combine with Iguazu: 1h30 flight from Cuiabá for a complete nature trip.
- Rio and Southeast — Combine with Iguazu: 2h direct flight Rio-Foz do Iguaçu.