Santa Catarina

A state of islands and European flavor in southern Brazil, where the beaches of Florianópolis and German-influenced towns each have their own character.

Santa Catarina lies in southern Brazil, with the Atlantic to the east and mountain plateaus inland, and it has been strongly influenced by German and Italian immigrant cultures. The capital, Florianópolis, lies largely on Santa Catarina Island, ringed by dozens of beaches that are good for surfing, hiking and eating oysters. The German-heritage city of Blumenau is known for its Oktoberfest, while Balneário Camboriú is a seaside resort city of high-rises. The beach season runs from December to March, and the mountains occasionally see snow in winter. The gateway is Florianópolis International Airport.

Destinations

• Florianópolis
• Blumenau
• Urubici & Serra Catarinense
• Cambará do Sul
• Gramado & Canela

Itineraries

• Southern Brazil: Falls to Canyons 14-Day Overland – Journey south from Iguazu through Curitiba, German-heritage valleys, coastal islands, and high plateaus, ending at the…
• Curitiba, German Heritage Valley & Island – Take a scenic train down the mountain from the ecological capital, pass through German-heritage towns, and head south t…
• Serra Gaúcha Wine & Canyons – A loop from Porto Alegre through Gramado, Canela, the Canyon region, and Vale dos Vinhedos, combining mountain towns, c…