Discover Itá: Forests, Water and Wide-Open Views

Itá brings together native forest, canopy trails, thermomineral pools, and views of the lake and hydroelectric facilities. There are also activities that highlight movement, nature observation, and the history of technology in different ways. When planning a trip, you can start by considering which experiences you want to shape your stay: a trail with environmental information, time by the water, or a view of the dam and spillway.

Forest Trails and Nature Experiences

The Eco Parque of Itá Eco Turismo covers 25,000 square meters of native forest and has 1.8 kilometers of trails. The park also includes an elevated canopy trail and an airsoft arena. Nature and different activities are therefore offered side by side, without promising the same experience: the canopy trail takes you up into the treetops, while the forest trails focus on the terrain itself.

Another way to combine nature with educational activities is the Trilha do Serelepe. The trail is 1,064 meters long, fully shaded by trees, and paved. One route includes all the stops and topics; there is also an easier-to-access route for people with mobility impairments. Environmental information and interactive activities complement the trail. Visits are guided by the Environmental Outreach Center of Consórcio Itá. Advance booking is required Tuesday through Friday; no appointment is needed on Saturdays. Since visitor arrangements may change, it is advisable to confirm the conditions with the operator before traveling.

Itá Eco Arvorismo also takes you high among the trees: the route is about 200 meters long and passes between centuries-old trees. A 1,780-meter zipline route runs from the town center over Aqua Parque Itá Thermas and Eco Parque, across part of the lake, and on to Prainha de Itá. It thus links several of the named places in a single route description. When planning, you can choose between a nature trail, an elevated route through the treetops, and a route that includes a section over the lake.

Water, the Lake and Hydroelectric Power

Aqua Parque Itá Thermas offers twelve pools with thermomineral water for children and adults. This gives it a different focus from the forest trails and viewpoints. Operating conditions may vary by season, so check them before making firm plans to visit. Prainha is a bathing area on the lake of the Usina Hidrelétrica Itá. It includes a 2,000-square-meter stretch of sand.

Trilha Verde connects two stops in a set order: a visit to Horto Botânico is followed by Museu Usina Hidrelétrica Itá. The operator presents this as a selectable visitor experience with scheduled visits. This makes it possible to combine a nature visit with a museum focused on the hydroelectric facility. Those particularly interested in Itá’s technical side can also visit Funicular de Itá. Itá Eco Turismo describes it as the first funicular manufactured in Brazil and the second operating funicular in Brazil.

Views, Collections and Getting Your Bearings

Mirante offers views of the town and Lago de Itá. Mirante do Vertedouro da Usina Hidrelétrica de Itá, by contrast, looks out over the dam and the main spillway structure of Usina Itá. The two viewpoints thus offer different subjects: one looks out over the town and lake, the other over the hydroelectric facilities. They are good stops for travelers who want to take in the technical side of the area as well as its natural scenery.

The collection at Itá Eco Zoobotânico includes 106 catalogued plant species, as well as 100 native and exotic bird species. These species counts may change. Estação Galeria in central Itá offers a different kind of orientation: there is a shop, shopping, and restrooms. Individual offerings may change, so it is a good idea to check important practical information in advance if needed.

When choosing a vacation rental in Itá, it helps to decide on your priorities rather than treating all experiences as the same kind of outing. Nature trails and environmental information offer a different focus from the pools at Aqua Parque; viewpoints and the funicular, in turn, appeal to visitors who want to take in the lake and the hydroelectric facilities.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Garuva, Doutor Pedrinho, Siderópolis, Urubici, Rio Do Sul, Pouso Redondo, Rodeio, Ascurra.

For the main travel overview: Santa Catarina.