South
The South is the Brazilian region that was most influenced by the colonisation of Europeans such as the Germans and Italians. The three states — Santa Catarina, Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul — have modern cities with a high human development index. Paraná state's capital, Curitiba, is like an experiment lab for modern urbanisation and is home to some remarkable buildings such as the metal-framed greenhouse of the Botanical Garden. At night, entertainment of Italian origin dominates the neighbourhood of Santa Felicidade, with its traditional canteens.
Santa Catarina is known for its artistically designed coastline. Its capital, Florianópolis, rests on an island of great beauty, where the Lagoa da Conceição provides the perfect destination for the practice of nautical sports. The cuisine, based mainly upon the surplus of seafood, is an attraction in itself. The cities of Joinville and Blumenau reflect the German colonisation of the late 19th century, with their stunning Bavarian-style buildings and high-quality breweries.
In Rio Grande do Sul countyside traditions are cultivated, with barbecues and horse rides in the vast fields of the Pampas, where the Aparados da Serra National Park boasts spectacular canyons. A visit to the region of Bento Gonçalves, where the best Brazilian wines are produced, is another highlight.
