The city of Chapeco stands in southern Brazil, in the State of Santa Catarina, less than 1 miles from the border with Argentina. Visitors who hire a car in Chapeco find that the local air link - the Serafin Enoss Bertaso Aeroporto - is just five miles south west of the city. You'll also find that there's some wonderful countryside nearby. The highlights include the forest trails of Trilha do Pitoco, the waterfalls at Gruta de Sede Figueria, the hot natural spas at Balneario de Aguas Termais and the picturesque valley of the winding Uruguay River.
Chapeco is a busy modern city so escaping locals flood to its Ecopark, a semi wild area of flowers, ponds and trees with a well-maintained jogging track. Chapeco itself is a road hub, with six important roads converging on the city. If you hire a car here you'll be able to explore all the attractions. The highlights include the rather austere modern cathedral of St Antony and the enormous statue of 'Desbravador', or pioneer, that dominates Avenue Getulio Vargas. Look out too for the Tropeiro Velho Museum of local agricultural and life, housed in old wooden farm buildings.
