Rio Fortuna lies at the foot of the Serra Geral, surrounded by valleys and mountains. Areas of Cerrado and Atlantic Forest shape the vegetation; the area also features a river in the Atlantic basin, waterfalls and buildings with a history of their own. Traditional events add further variety. This makes it possible to plan a stay around nature, cultural history and festival dates.

Nature between the Serra Geral and waterfalls

The Fortuna River is one of the rivers that drain the municipality and flow into the Atlantic basin, which drains eastwards towards the Atlantic. One named natural attraction is Cachoeira do Salto: it is 50 metres high and lies in the locality of Salto do Rio Chapéu. At Gruta Nossa Senhora de Lourdes, a small forest path leads to the little waterfall behind the grotto. These are two distinct waterfall attractions: the 50-metre-high Cachoeira do Salto and the waterfall reached by the forest path from the grotto.

Architectural history and religious sites

Casa Enxaimel at Sítio Hemkemeier was built in 1931 by Bernardo Hemkemeier. The property is surrounded by an extensive garden with lawns, a stream and a lake. Casa Enxaimel is maintained and preserved with the aim of safeguarding the original character of this cultural heritage. Here, a dated building stands alongside a garden landscape described in detail.

Religious buildings are also associated with specific places and dates. Paróquia São Marcos in Rio Fortuna has been a parish since 1950. Igreja Luterana in Rio Claro was inaugurated in 1952, and Capela São Clemente in Rio Bravo Baixo in 1946. In Rio dos Bugres, Capela Sagrado Coração de Jesus was inaugurated in July 1971. The three inaugurations span the period from 1946 to July 1971; Paróquia São Marcos, by contrast, is dated by its establishment as a parish in 1950.

Festivals with different focuses

Festa do Padroeiro São Marcos is a traditional event held in late April, welcoming visitors from all over Santa Catarina. The municipal festival is a German celebration that revives the customs and traditions of the area’s first settlers. Expofortuna has a different focus: this multi-sector trade fair takes place every two years and showcases the gastronomy and culture of the people of Rio Fortuna. Its traditional programme includes Desfile das Realezas and Simpósio de Piscicultura. A religious festival, the traditions of the first settlers and the fair’s programme thus offer distinct cultural points of reference.

Getting there and planning

Rio Fortuna is about 200 kilometres from Florianópolis; the route follows the BR-101. To reach Gruta Nossa Senhora de Lourdes, follow the access road to SC-108 towards Braço do Norte. The turn-off for the grotto is on the left, shortly after the petrol station. The BR-101 information provides general directions to the municipality, while SC-108 and the landmark describe the route to the grotto.

If you would like to plan your stay around an event, note the different schedules: Festa do Padroeiro takes place in late April, while Expofortuna is held every two years. Check the dates for your chosen year before arranging your stay around them.

Discover more destinations: Bracinho, São Pedro de Alcântara, Palhoça, Bocaina do Sul, Guaraciaba, Presidente Nereu, São Francisco do Sul, Urupema.

For the broader travel overview: Santa Catarina.