Fazenda São Matheus

Once you’ve gazed up at the mountain views from your pitch, how about setting off for a closer look? The Serra do Rio do Rastro (40 minutes' drive) is a fabulous place to hike, and there are plenty of other scenic spots nearby to visit too, including Barrinha Falls (affectionately known as ‘Cascade Barry', 45 minutes) and craggy Cânion das Laranjeiras (an hour). While you’re touring the area, you may also like to stop in at Our Lady of Lourdes Cave (two hours), a natural feature that's also an atmospheric religious site now. With Santa Catarina being an emerging wine-growing area, there are also several places around where you can see vines and sample the wares. And perhaps you’d also like to try out the local honey at Meliponário Rio do Rastro (15 minutes)? Meanwhile, for a cool day out, head to the outdoor pools, waterslides and play areas of Balneário Godinho (20 minutes) – there are plenty of loungers and sheltered areas where parents can relax while the kids splash around in the water too.