Salto Morato Nature Preserve

One of the greenest pieces of planet Earth you’ll ever see, the Salto Morato Nature Preserve (Salto Morato Foundation, tel. 41/482-1506, morato@founcacaoboticario.org.br) is a protected wildlife area with the capacity to receive visitors and campers (reservation required for camping). The area is full of tropical flora and fauna and has a principal trail that leads to the Salto Morato Waterfall. At a height of 130 meters, the falls and surrounding pools make up one of the most beautiful visions in the area. Along the way, you follow the stream with an opportunity to swim in some of the natural pools formed at a bend in the river. The hike takes only a couple of hours. You can also take a guided tour into a wet area of the park where the ecosystem is perfect for the proliferation of hundreds of tropical plants and animals. The tour takes about four hours to complete. If you don’t arrive early enough to take both tours in one day, there are campgrounds where you can stay the night. The park has a reception area with souvenir shop, auditorium, research labs, snack shop, and picnic areas.