The impressive mountain panorama of theSouthern Brazilian High Sierra, with 1 National- and 2 State parks offers a variety of superb natural attractions, such as wide open and hilly grass, bush and woodland , lush patches of magnificent South American Araucária pine forest, a great number of clear rivers and rapids, lovely green valleys and the canyons of the Serra Geral mountain range.

Animal and plant live of this parts of the tropical highlands is well preserved, specially what endemic birds like red-headed macaws, trogons, siriemas and corucacas and many others, are concerned. The area is also habitat of puma and you may be lucky to discover its trail, while he is far ahead or...behind you.

The region is scarcely populated by small dairy farms and cattle ranches that seem almost lost in the vastness of the land. This is the home of the mountain gaúchos and horsemen. They have conserved and show proudly their traditions. On weekends, folks gather in the rustic galpões, the barn and animal shelters of the farmhouse and dance and sing while an opulent churrasco bbq is prepared at the open fireplace. At the frequent rodeos they show their typical dresses, put on fandango dance shows and enjoy their beautiful country music, live, of course. Guests have no choice but joining in with the dancing.

The Salgado mountain ranch, at Santa Barbara, is located within the limits of the São Joaquim National Park and is embedded in this natural and historic environment. In fact, it is part of it, for exactly 5 generations. About 700 cattle graze on 600 ha land. The Salgado is, as all the other Ranches in the region, a small Ranch by Central Brazil standards, like the Pantanal. It is family run and non-touristy. Guests are treated like friends and have the rare opportunity to participate in the day to day live of a traditional southern Brazilian mountain ranch.

Right behind Salgada ranch invites the Pelotas river for trout fishing with species that reaches 4 kg and more at times. Host Elvio knows not only all the secrets of ranching, but is also a skilled fisherman, while his wife Anna Rose takes care of the kitchen, where the trouts end up for dinner belle meuniere style.

Talking about food: it consists of enormous portions of delicious, regional food (also vegetarian, if required), most of it homegrown and homemade. Beverages, even alcoholic, like the world famous caipirinhas, are included. An authentic churrasco from the fogo do chão and the stimulating Mate tea from the chimarrão, a gourd with a silver spoon, both as traditional to the gaúchos as are their crioulo horses, can be enjoyed by the guests.

Riding is at all paces, at 1200-1800 m above sea level, sometimes on top of the clouds and right amidst them at Morro da Igreja mountain for example. Guests who stay at the Salgado Ranch will ride out every day with the gauchos to tend, round-up or trail cattle, or just undertake a fun-ride to neighbouring ranches for a chat.