Parque da Cachoeira

Come set for outdoorsy adventures: a stay here demands that you make the most of your jungle surrounds. Walking trails of varying lengths and levels of difficulty are just outside the site, some leading to waterfalls and others focusing on wildlife spotting. Natural pools are a short walk away and an activity centre next to the site can hook you up with various ways to swing through the air, including abseiling, climbing, ziplining and bungee jumping. For something a little more relaxing, there’s tennis, horse riding and beach volleyball at Parque Fazenda da Serra (20 minutes’ drive), or you could head into Canela (half an hour) to visit its cathedral and peruse its collection of museums (dedicated to cars, fashion and, perhaps somewhat unexpectedly, the Beatles). Venture a little further to Gramado (45 minutes) for a whole heap of family-friendly attractions: Mini Mundo miniature town, Gramado Zoo, Alpen Park theme park and the winter-themed Santa’s Village and Snowland are all worth a visit.