Cascata Vu do Ye - Cascata do Aracua

The Aracua waterfall complex sits in the Serra Geral mountains outside Urubici, where Santa Catarina's coastal state suddenly climbs to 1,400 metres and becomes cattle country, wine country and — in winter — snow country. The complex is a private nature reserve with a 100-metre main waterfall (Cascata Vu do Ye) and several smaller falls linked by a two-kilometre wooden boardwalk. It matters as the accessible showpiece of the Urubici highlands, which are Santa Catarina's mountain counterpart to its coast — and increasingly its slow-tourism, agroturismo hub.

The visit is a loop. From the entrance you follow a maintained boardwalk down through araucaria pine forest to the base of the main waterfall — 25 minutes descending — with viewing platforms at three levels. A pool at the base is swimmable in summer but ice-cold; a smaller side loop takes in Cachoeirinha and a mineral-water spring. Return climb is 40 minutes; there are handrails throughout and it's safe for anyone in reasonable shape but not stroller-friendly. The owners run a small cafe at the top with quentao (hot spiced wine, R$18) — Urubici is one of the few places in Brazil where you actually want it.

Best from May to September for the winter cold and clear air; December through February is warm and green with more insects. Book nothing — just show up and pay the R$25. Skip Tuesdays when the reserve closes. Combine Cascata Aracua with Morro da Igreja (Santa Catarina's highest paved lookout at 1,822 m) and the Pedra Furada rock arch — all three are within an hour's drive and make a solid Urubici day. Bring layers and closed shoes.

Hours & entry

Not free · R$25 entry to private reserve

Wed-Mon 8:30-17:00 · Closed Tuesdays · Last entry 15:30

What to see

{'what': 'Main waterfall from the lower platform', 'where': 'End of the wooden boardwalk, 25 min below the entrance'}

{'what': 'Mineral spring drink', 'where': 'Side loop off the boardwalk, halfway down'}

{'what': 'Quentao in the entrance cafe', 'where': 'Cafe da Cascata, top of the reserve'}

Tips from the ground

Do the descent early in the day — the light in the canyon is best 09:00-11:00.

In winter, the boardwalk can be icy at the bottom; grip-soled shoes matter.

Cash preferred at the gate; card sometimes works via Pix.