Like everywhere else in the world miniatures are also popular in Brazil. One of the most famous miniature parks in the world in located in Gramado, Rio Grande do Sul, the Mini Mundo attracts more than 60,000 visitors annually. The 179 buildings which are built in 1:24 scale include famous landmarks from Brazil and buildings from around the world. One of the most popular is the replica of the Neuschwanstein Castle. The original castle is located in Bavaria. Other buildings include the replica of the Sao Francisco de Assis Church, the original of which is located in Ouro Preto, Brazil, and the Bariloche Airport of Argentina.
Like most miniature parks the Mini Mundo has a railroad that travels through the buildings and gardens, running more than 2,000 meters long. In addition to famous buildings the park has a
n everyday houses, windmill, train stations and a playground and more than 2,888 miniature people figurines, 1.897 miniature trees and 114 miniature animal figurines. The miniature park experience includes lush gardens, sounds of a town and a train, rivers and roads, villages and cities. It is like a visit to Gulliver’s Lilliput.
The park was the creation of Otto Hoppner, a German immigrant to Gramado who wanted to make some miniature buildings for his grandchildren. As many miniature enthusiasts have found it is difficult to just stop at a couple of miniatures so the models and buildings grew and a park was created. Currently there are three generations of the Hoppner family involved in the management of the park in addition to managing a hotel also located in Gramado. Mini Mundo is a member of the International Association of Miniature Parks
If you are going to be visiting Mini Mundo, be sure to check their calendar to see if 
they are running any special events. Holidays are big occasions at the park including Easter, Christmas, the Festas Juninas and a children's day party. The park is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.