Beto Carrero World

Joao Batista Sergio Murad, who performed as Beto Carrero in a cowboy act and on television, opened this park in 1991 on land at Penha, and it grew into the largest theme park in Latin America by area - around fourteen million square metres, most of it undeveloped, with the attractions concentrated in themed zones. There are roller coasters including the inverted Firewhip, a large stunt and show programme with live performers, a zoo section, and a Madagascar-licensed area. Murad died in 2008 and is buried in the municipal cemetery of Penha; inside the park, the Memorial Beto Carrero in the Cowboyland zone keeps his clothing, honours and personal effects on display. It draws several million visitors a year, mostly Brazilian families.

What you actually see

• The largest park in Latin America - by area, most of it still undeveloped.
• Coasters and live stunt shows - the ride and performance programme.
• The Memorial Beto Carrero - the founder's museum inside his own park.
• Themed zones - including a licensed Madagascar area.

When to go

All year; avoid January and July for queues. Two days to cover it.

Honest expectations

Queues in holiday periods are long and the park is very large - walking distances are substantial. Tickets and food inside are expensive. The animal enclosures draw criticism on welfare grounds. Most shows are in Portuguese only.

Nearby

Penha is the local town; Balneario Camboriu is south down the coast.