The São Joaquim National Park
Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase we will earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We chose these companies / hotels because of their quality and not because of the commission we receive from your purchases.
The São Joaquim National Park is an incredible place and a must visit if you are in Brazil. The national park is a spectacular area with unspoiled nature, mountains, rivers, canyons, waterfalls and clean air. Without a doubt, it is one of the most beautiful protected places of the country. 
Image by: Thousandwonders.net
São Joaquim National Park is located in the south of the country, more specifically in the mountain ranges of the state Santa Catarina. There is no access or gate because the attractions stretch over almost 50 thousand hectares between the municipalities of Urubici, Bom Jardim da Serra and Orleans. Access to the upper part of the park is via the municipalities Urubici and Bom Jardim da Serra. The National Park also has areas in the municipalities of Orleans, Grão Pará and Lauro Müller, which are located in the lower part.
When you make your way there look for highway SC-390, it is a route with many curves and waterfalls which passes through a spectacular scenery from start to finish. The British newspaper The Guardian, listed the Serra do Rio do Rastro as one of the 10 great scenic drives around the world. Below a short movie.
Among the many other attractions are the Pedra Furada, the Morro da Igreja, the Rastro and Corvo Branco mountains. Some attractions in the area are free, others are privately owned and are for a fee, usually at very reasonable prices. In addition to preserving existing ecosystems, the national park was created with the aim of promoting environmental education, research and public visitation.
Where to stay
If you end up visiting this national park we recommend to stay at least 3 nights. Since the park is so huge and there is much to discover you won't regret it. A great base for exploring is the Rio do Rastro Eco Resort. It is located close to the da Ronda Canion. At the beginning of the descent of the Serra. 
The cottages are all very lovely and set in nature with an amazing view. It is a very quiet and a super charming place. 
On booking they get a rating of 9.4.
Best time to visit
Rainfall is spread out evenly throughout the year. So best is to look at temperatures for deciding what is the best time to visit. That's why we recommend to visit the São Joaquim National Park from November to March. Click here for more climate details.