Caracol Falls or Cascata do Caracol is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Brazil at 131 m tall waterfall by far is not the tallest or largest but it has a rare quality. There are tremendous lookouts where the beauty of Caracol Falls and surrounding forests and mountains can be observed.
Caracol Falls have formed on the basalt cliffs of Serra Geral volcanic formation. Caracol waterfall has two cascades one is the upper cascade consists of multiple smaller cascades; its total height is approximately 10 m and after some 100 m comes the 2nd by far the largest plunge. Here the stream falls over an overhanging cliff edge.
So far it is not confirmed whether the height of 131 m includes both cascades or is just the height of the main, tallest cascade. However; the upper part of the waterfalls starts in the pine forest latitudinal zone with quite a few gorgeous araucarias and the lower end is located already in the moist Atlantic Forest. Caracol waterfall’s majestic beauty is harder to observe, therefore it is a lot less popular tourist destination.
The area nearby Caracol Falls may seem to be unspoiled and remote but in reality, this is a very widespread tourist destination with nature trails, a 27 m tall observation tower, cable car, tourist train, restaurant, and shops. 25 ha large Caracol State Park has been established around the falls and without any doubt, this is one of the most famous natural landmarks in Brazil, perhaps the second most visited after the famous Iguazu Falls.
The waterfall’s popularity could be explained by the vicinity to major cities and definitely by the rare beauty of this waterfall which becomes particularly beautiful during the sunset.
