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, and a Madagascar-licensed area; the zoo section, Mundo Animal, was closed to the public in June 2024. 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.

History

The park was created by the Brazilian businessman and entertainer Beto Carrero and opened on 28 December 1991 at Penha, on the north coast of Santa Catarina, and it grew into the largest theme park in Latin America, 14 square kilometres in seven themed areas. In 2012 it agreed a partnership with DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures to bring characters from both studios into the park (Wikipedia, Beto Carrero World).

What's there

• 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.

Before you go

Queues in holiday periods are long and the park is very large - walking distances are substantial. Tickets and food inside are expensive. The zoo, which drew criticism on welfare grounds, closed in June 2024. Most shows are in Portuguese only.

Nearby

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

Key facts