BRAZIL:  THE SOUTH

Brazil's southern region lies to the south of the Tropic of Capricorn. It is the only region where all the seasons are clearly defined. Winter is cool in the South, and snow can even be seen in some towns. Geographically, wooded mountains and grassy plains dominate the region. A large number of European immigrants - especially Germans and Italians - settled in the region towards the end of the 19th century. Their influence is felt today in the region's architecture, culture, customs and cooking. The South is also famous for its beautiful beaches, different from the tropical beaches of the other regions.

IGUASSU FALLS
Iguassu Falls are located at the point where the borders of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina meet. Flights are available from all parts of Brazil as well as Paraguay and Argentina. The town of Iguassu has fine hotels, many providing exceptionally high standards of service and accommodations. The falls are formed by the meeting of the Parana and Iguassu Rivers. Their waters descend the great height of the falls with such torrential force that the sound is heard miles away. Great clouds of spray climb upwards, often carrying rainbows to the sky. The Iguassu Falls are the largest in the world. Helicopters are available for a closer view of the falls, and boats provide tours through "Devil's Pass". Iguassu is located 410 miles from Curitiba and can also be reached by highway.

CURITIBA
Curitiba is the capital of the state of Parana. Although it is a large, modem city, the strong influence of the immigrant groups that colonized the region (especially Germans, Italians and Poles) is apparent. Curitiba prides itself on being a "liveable" city, without the clutter and confusion that usually accompanies urban growth. There are wide, tree-lined avenues, pretty squares, parks and pedestrian walkways gracing the downtown area. The city is linked to most major cities in Brazil by regular air service. It may also be reached by highway and is located 253 miles from Sao Paulo and 449 miles from Porto Alegre. On the highway from Curitiba to Iguassu Falls near the town of Ponta Grossa is the exotic Vila Velha State Park where fascinating rock formations have been sculpted by centuries of erosion. The visitor can also see beautiful lakes at the bottom of depressions in the ground in Vila Velha.

FLORIANOPOLIS 
Florianopolis, capital of the state of Santa Catarina, is located 186 miles south of Curitiba. The city is set on an island, connected to the mainland by two bridges. Florianopolis was named after Floriano Peixoto, former Brazilian President who defeated a federalist insurrection in the city in 1849. Among the city's historic buildings are Santana and Sao Jose da Ponta Grossa Forts, Our Lady of Conceicao Church, the Jesuit Monastery and the Sambaqui Museum housing relics of a civilization that flourished in the region thousands of years ago. From Florianopolis, the visitor can travel inland to the lovely Itajai Valley where the "German" towns of Blumenau, Brusque and Joinville are located. The valley's landscape is said to resemble the Rhine River.

PORTO ALEGRE
Porto Alegre is the capital of Rio Grande do Sul, located on the banks of the Guaiba River. The city is accessible by highway (296 miles from Florian6polis and 688 miles from Sao Paulo) and airline service from most cities in Brazil as well as Montevideo and Buenos Aires. It is one of the most important points of entry to the region, but its growth has not detracted from its rich heritage which has been carefully preserved over the years. One interesting visit for those interested in "gaucho" culture is the Centro de Tradicoes Gauchas (Gaucho Cultural Center). Rua da Praia, downtown, is a popular area for a leisurely stroll. Boat tours along the Guaiba River are also very enjoyable. Inland in the state are the famous pampas, grassy plains where large herds of cattle graze. The man of the pampas is the legendary "gaucho", dressed in "bombachas" (baggy pants tied at the ankle), a poncho draped over his shoulders, broad-brimmed hat, bandanna tied at the neck and a large knife in his belt. The "gauchos" prepare the typical dish of the region, "churrasco", barbecued beef roasted over an open flame on spits and the typical beverage, "chimarrio", green matte tea.

The Mountains
76 miles uphill from Porto Alegre is the town of Caxias do Sul, center of the most important wine producing region in the country. The fine wines produced here are rapidly gaining international attention and acclaim. The neighboring towns of Farroupilha and Bento Goncalves also provide excellent opportunities to sample the local wares. Even further up the mountains are Canela and Gramado, charming towns reminiscent of the Black Forest region of Germany. The houses are built in a decidedly Bavarian style. Trails lead to valleys and waterfalls in Caracol State Park in Canela. 23 miles from Canela is Sao Francisco de Paula, a gracious town that is the gateway to Aparados da Serra National Park with its 25,327 acres. Among the park's attractions is Itaimbezinho Canyon, a restful and popular camping spot.