Curitiba, German Heritage Valley & Island
Take a scenic train down the mountain from the ecological capital, pass through German-heritage towns, and head south to Florianópolis, combining urban culture and beaches.
This one-way route connects the urban sights and train ride of Curitiba, the German heritage of the Blumenau valley, and the island of Florianópolis. No car is needed for the first three days; rent a car from day 4 to drive south, and depart from the island after returning the car. Skipping Iguazu and the southern highlands allows for a more relaxed pace, perfect for first-time travelers looking to dive deeper into Southern Brazil.
December to February sees heavy traffic and crowds on the island; Blumenau accommodation is extremely tight during Oktoberfest in October.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival & Curitiba Old Town
Curitiba（Largo da Ordem Historic Center、Curitiba Metropolitan Cathedral、Rua XV de Novembro (Rua das Flores)）
Take a taxi from the airport to the city center (approx. 40 minutes). In the afternoon, walk along Largo da Ordem, Rua das Flores, and the Cathedral.
Stay: Praça Osório and São Francisco
Day 2 · Curitiba Architecture & Parks
Curitiba（Botanical Garden of Curitiba、Oscar Niemeyer Museum、Bosque do Papa (Polish Memorial)、Ópera de Arame）
Use the tourist bus or take taxis to connect the sights (approx. 15–20 minutes between points), returning to the Old Town area in the evening.
Museums are commonly closed on Mondays; check opening days before setting off.
Stay: Praça Osório and São Francisco
Day 3 · Serra Verde Express Train to Morretes
Curitiba（Serra Verde Express、Morretes、Estrada da Graciosa）
Take the train at 8:30 AM to Morretes (approx. 4.5 hours). In the afternoon, return to the city by tourist van via the historic Estrada da Graciosa.
The train does not run daily; arrive at the station at least 1 hour in advance.
Stay: Praça Osório and São Francisco
Day 4 · South to Pomerode & Blumenau
Blumenau（Rota do Enxaimel、Pomerode）
Pick up the car and drive via BR-101 to Pomerode (approx. 3.5 hours). Explore the Route of Half-Timbered Houses in the afternoon, and reach Blumenau by evening.
Entering Blumenau in the evening often involves traffic jams; allow plenty of time.
Stay: Centro
Day 5 · Half Day in Blumenau & Head to the Island
Blumenau（Rua XV de Novembro、Castelinho da Moellmann、Museu da Cerveja、Vila Germânica） → Florianópolis（Lagoa da Conceição）
Explore the city center and Vila Germânica in the morning, then drive along BR-101 to Florianópolis in the afternoon (approx. 2.5 hours).
Stay: Lagoa da Conceição
Day 6 · East Coast Dunes & Beaches
Florianópolis（Joaquina Dunes、Praia da Joaquina、Praia Mole、Barra da Lagoa）
Start from Lagoa da Conceição, head south to the dunes and Joaquina Beach, then head north to Mole Beach and Barra da Lagoa (approx. 15–25 minutes one way).
Stay: Lagoa da Conceição
Day 7 · Campeche Island & South Island Fishing Village
Florianópolis（Praia do Campeche、Ilha do Campeche、Ribeirão da Ilha）
Drive to Campeche and take a boat to Campeche Island. In the afternoon, drive to Ribeirão da Ilha via the southwest coast, and return to Lagoa by evening (approx. 40 minutes).
Boats to the island are subject to sea conditions, and visitor numbers are restricted during peak season.
Stay: Lagoa da Conceição
Day 8 · Half Day in City Center & Departure
Florianópolis（Praça XV de Novembro、Mercado Público de Florianópolis、Hercílio Luz Bridge）
Visit the Public Market and squares in the city center in the morning (approx. 30-minute drive), then head to the airport in the afternoon (approx. 25 minutes) to return the car and depart.
Most shops in the Public Market are closed on Sundays; try to avoid this day.