Salto Ventoso Park, located in the interior of the Serra Gaúcha, in Farroupilha, Rio Grande do Sul, is recognized as an important ecotourism destination. Its main attraction is the waterfall, located in Arroio Pinhal, which has a height of 56 meters.
This location provides impressive scenery, having even been the setting for the film O Quatrilho, directed by Fábio Barreto. A notable feature is the walkway that allows visitors to walk behind the waterfall, inside a natural cave. To access this walkway, one must traverse a paved and safe trail; although the route is steep, the return journey can be challenging as it requires climbing an incline. Wooden benches have been installed along the trail to provide resting points.
Visitors should be prepared to get wet, as the path on the walkway is subject to splashes, especially during rainy periods when the waterfall's volume increases significantly. However, it is important to note that the waterfall is not suitable for bathing. In addition to viewing the waterfall, the park offers several other leisure options.
Attractions and Facilities
For nature and adventure enthusiasts, the park offers activities such as zip-lining (with a 131m extension over the river), rappelling (a 40m descent next to the waterfall), and guided quad bike tours on a 5km route. The area also features natural landscapes rich in native forest and typical Serra Gaúcha vegetation, such as araucaria trees, orchids, and bromeliads, as well as observable fauna, including coatis, agoutis, hedgehogs, and various birds.
The tourist infrastructure of Salto Ventoso Park includes a restaurant with Italian buffet, a gastro-pub, viewpoints, and rest areas. There are also remnants of a mansion dating back to the 1950s. The park has a playground for younger children and internal food options, but outside food is prohibited.
In practical terms, the park operates from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 5 pm, with permission to stay until 6 pm. Access requires purchasing tickets: adults pay R$ 20, while students, seniors, and children aged 6 to 13 receive half-price admission for R$ 10. Children under 5 pay only R$ 2. The location has no cell phone signal, and swimming in the waterfall or bringing outside food and drinks is prohibited. Pets are allowed on weekends, provided they are sociable and kept on a leash throughout the visit.