Discover the Nature of Serra Gaúcha

Feel the thrill of contemplating the iconic Caracol Waterfall, explore trails surrounded by centuries-old araucaria trees, and experience the essence of Serra Gaúcha in a single destination.

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The centuries-old history of Canela...

In 1847, Guilherme and Barbara Wasem left Germany in search of a new beginning in Brazil. The journey was difficult, marked by loss and challenges, but also by the courage to start over. After passing through several cities in southern Brazil, they found a place to put down roots in Canela — first in Canelinha, and later in Caracol, where their presence began to shape the landscape and the local way of life.

Over 140 years ago

Guilherme Wasem officially registered his lands in a place called “Caracol,” solidifying the name that would replace the former “Fundos do Faxinal.” From then on, the area evolved alongside the growth of Canela and the transformations brought by time.

This path of courage, discovery, and transformation marks the beginning of Caracol Park’s history — a story that continues to unfold and can be followed in the timeline below.

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Linha do Tempo

1944

Canela was officially emancipated on December 28.

1954

The State of Rio Grande do Sul declared the lands covered by Caracol Park as public utility.

1964

A restaurant and a viewpoint with privileged views of the waterfall and the Lageana Valley were inaugurated in Caracol Park. The Park, now commonly referred to as Caracol, made headlines in all the newspapers and gained both national and international fame.

1973

The Caracol State Park was officially founded, with an area of 100 hectares.

1978

Swiss acrobat Peter Healing crossed the waterfall on a tightrope, using a balancing pole.

1990

The “Wobbly Leg Staircase”, popularly known as the Escadaria, was built and became one of Caracol Park’s main attractions. The staircase led down to the base of the waterfall and had 730 steps, the equivalent of a 44-story building. This attraction is currently deactivated due to accessibility and safety concerns.

1992

An environmental education project created by Canela residents, called Projeto Loboguará, was launched and operated within the Park until 2007.

2002

The Panoramic Observatory of Caracol Park was inaugurated. Located 27 meters above the waterfall, it offers a 360° view, allowing visitors to admire the falls and the Serra Gaúcha horizon.

Grupo Iter

On December 1, 2022, the Caracol Park concession contract was signed by the Iter Group Holding. The official beginning of the new management took place on December 17, after improvements in infrastructure, signage, and visitor experience.

2025

After a temporary closure for renovations, Caracol Park reopened with new attractions, a deeper connection with nature, and an invitation to experience it with even more emotion. These are the ancestral memories of Caracol Park, eternalized at Casa Raízes. From now on, you’re part of this story!