History and beauty are twined in São Francisco do Sul, where a charming historic waterfront welcomes all with beautifully preserved Portuguese colonial buildings overlooking Babitonga Bay. This third-oldest city in Brazil is recognized by the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (Iphan) for its cultural significance beginning with the indigenous Sambaqui, followed by Spanish and Portuguese adventurers. Some even suggest this may be where the very first Europeans landed in South America. A treasure of natural wonders is discovered in ecological reserves protecting extremely rare Atlantic Forest, endangered wildlife, and the coastal ecosystem. A captivating blend of natural beauty and undisturbed tradition.