What better way to relax than to head to the peace and beauty of the mountains? We thoroughly enjoyed seeing the spectacular Caracol Falls in Canela about 160kms from Porto Alegre. This German (Bavarian) enclave was established in 1878 at the invitation of the Brazilian Government, when Argentenian interests were eyeing this vacant part of Brazil for occupation. It is now a thriving tourist attraction, complete with historic houses (like above) and tourist parks.