Southern Brazil Beach Hopping

This 11-day beach hopping tour in the south-east of Brazil will take you from Curitiba in Parana to the beaches of Santa Catarina. Travel in a historic train along the magical Atlantic Forest, to the charming villages of Morretes and Antonina, visit the secluded island of Ilha do Mel, then head down south to the beaches of Bombinhas. It is well worth stopping for a few days in the modern city of Florianopolis which has so much to offer. Later head on to the beautiful hidden gem of Guarda do Embau and finish off in the renown Praia do Rosa. In the right season you can definitely see whales here. The South of Brazil has long beaches with calm waters, perfect for families travelling with toddlers. Swim, snorkel, go on easy hikes, take boat trips, practice stand-up paddling, learn how to surf and more. Stay in charming small hotels, taste local delicacies and recharge the batteries. The length of the trip can be adapted and the start and finish can be the other way around.

11 Days – From £1,800 per person

*equivalent in USD, EUR accepted

Itinerary: Curitiba, Morretes, Antonina, Ilha do Mel, Bombinhas, Florianopolis, Guarda do Embau, Praia do Rosa

Included

Price is per person, based on two people sharing in a double/twin room
Accommodation with breakfast (more hotels HERE)
All the excursions mentioned in the itinerary
All transfers by car on a private basis
Entrance & guiding fees to all the mentioned National Parks
All mandatory local taxes

Excluded

Visa, where applicable
International Flights (See Flights to Brazil)
Domestic Flights
Personal Expenses
Insurance
Tips & Gratuities
Meals not mentioned in the description.

Flights

International flights are not included in the package price. We give you the freedom to book the flights yourself, use miles and choose your preferred airline, and if you are stuck we can help you find the right connections. Return flights to Brazil start from £800 per person, depending on the connections and time of the year. Fly to Curitiba (CWB) or to Florianopolis (FLN).

For families and groups (starting with 5 pax), we can book domestic flights in Brazil, during the high season, and if the trip is part of a more complex itinerary. This is to ensure a seamless travel and no complications.

How to Book

Send us a message on WhatsApp or email us at brazil@boutiquetravelexperts.com to check availability, discuss your preferences and get a quote.

This is a sample itinerary and prices are correct at the time of writing. We can tailor it to suit your plans by changing the length of the trip or the order of activities. More days can be added. Other hotels can be chosen, according to your liking. You can also combine this trip with other sights in Brazil, like the cosmopolitan Rio de Janeiro, the exciting Amazon rainforest, the fascinating Pantanal or the deep canyons of the south. For more travel inspiration check our Brazil Itineraries.

When to Visit

Best time to visit: year round. It is best to avoid the weekends when the beaches are very crowded.

December to mid-March – warm, rainy and busy
March to May – chillier, beautiful days, calm beaches
May to August – cold and deserted beaches
September to November – chillier, beautiful days, calm beaches
For whale-watching: best from August to October
For surfing: avoid April and July – forbidden due to mullet fishing

To avoid unpleasant weather surprises, we recommend to check our Brazil Weather Guide to plan your trip in the right season. Click on the month you want to travel in and see the tours which are best for each month of the year.

Day 1 - Curitiba

Today discover Curitiba. Start at the Botanical Gardens with French gardens, the gorgeous art nouveau greenhouse, water fountains, waterfalls, lakes and walking paths. Continue to the alien looking museum of Oscar Niemeyer and Ópera de Arame. Constructed in the serene environment of Parque das Pedreiras, this unique, wire, shallow-domed building is an intimate setting for performances, as it currently houses just 1000 spectators. In the afternoon, closer to sunset, end the day by visiting the Panoramic Tower for a 360° view of the city. Appreciate all the greenery and stunning architecture the city has to offer. Overnight at Hotel Johnscher.

Day 2 - Serra Verde Express

After breakfast, experience one of the greatest train journeys in South America by taking the spectacular Serra Verde Express Train down to Morretes and Antonina (4 hours). You will pass through beautiful Atlantic Forest, rolling hills, Pico do Marumbi, sparkling rivers and lakes, tunnels, bridges and viaducts. There is no better way to get up close and personal with the rainforest. At Viaduto do Carvalho you might feel as if flying through mid-air. The traditional steam train moves at perfect speed, allowing you to enjoy the views. In Morretes stroll through the picturesque streets and enjoy authentic food of Parana. In Antonina the scenery is mezmerising. Overnight at Recanto Berço das Águas.

Day 3 - Ilha do Mel

Today depart to Ilha do Mel (3 hours). This car-free tiny island is still scarcely inhabited with only handful of hotels. Cycle along calm and stunning scenery, along beaches and the preserved Atlantic Forest. Visit the historic Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres Fortress, which has old cannons, and the Farol das Conchas lighthouse with panoramic views of the region. You can also explore the local sambaquis (middens), which are shell heaps with archaeological remains. Praia da Fortaleza is unspoiled and deserted, Praia das Encantadas is popular with young people, and Praia Grande has great waves for surfing. Choose the one you like best. This is a great island for a holiday with children. Overnight at Pousada Praia do Farol.

Day 4 - Bombinhas

Today depart to Bombinhas, further to the south (5 hours). This charming coastal town has a dozen of crystalline beaches for every taste, from wild waves for surfers to quieter spots for families. With a laid-back atmosphere, fishermen boats and a very calm sea, this town is great for unwinding. After check-in, spend the afternoon at the peaceful Praia Mariscal, just in front of the hotel, or go snorkeling in the transparent waters of Praia da Sepultura, Praia do Ribeiro or Praia da Lagoinha near the center. If you are going to the center, the nearby Praia das Quatro Ilhas is also great for swimming and relaxation. Overnight at Hotel Marin Château.

Day 5 - Bombinhas

After breakfast, take a boat trip to the romantic hideaways of Praia do Cação and Praia da Tainha in the south. After swimming and snorkeling, hike along one of the two scenic coastal trails that you can take from Bombinhas: Zimbros Coastal Trail or Galheta Trail. Pass through beautiful deserted beaches, natural pools, waterfalls and lagoons. The trails can takes up to 6 hours, but you will stop plenty of times, refresh, swim, relax and enjoy the scenery. In the late afternoon, go up to Morro do Macaco or Mirante ECO 360 for spectacular sunset views. Praia de Zimbros is also a very good place to watch the sundowner in Bombinhas. Overnight at Hotel Marin Château.

Day 6 - Florianopolis City

Today depart to the vibrant capital city of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis (2 hours). After check-in, explore the historic center, visiting Palacio Cruz e Sousa, the historical museum of Santa Catarina, which used to be the seat of government in the 18th century. Have lunch at Mercado Publico, where fresh food is served in a relaxed atmosphere. The historical building belongs to the architectural heritage of the island. Then visit the fort of Santa Cruz de Anhatomirim, located on a small island. For sunset go to Av. Beira Mar Norte, which connects the Hercílio Luz Bridge to the north of the island. Walk along the boardwalk and have dinner at one of the traditional seafood restaurants. Overnight at Pousada Ilha Faceira.

Day 7 - Florianopolis Beaches

Today stroll around Lagoa da Conceição then head to the beaches. Florianopolis has some of the nicest urban beaches in Brazil. The real jewel of Florianopolis is definitely Ilha do Campeche, a paradise islet located about 1, 5 km into the sea, in front of the hotel, and which can only be reached by boat. To visit the island, the schooners leave from three points: Campeche, Praia da Armação or Barra da Lagoa. Enjoy and relax in this paradisaical landscape. After lunch, take a long slow-paced walk from Morro das Pedras to Praia Mole, passing by Praia da Joaquina dunes and Praia do Campeche. Overnight at Pousada Ilha Faceira.

Day 8 - Florianopolis Hiking

Today relax on the beach and explore some scenic hiking trails. Head to the peaceful crowd-less beaches of Praia do Matadeiro and Praia da Armação. These beaches are preserved from noise, cars and hype. There are only a few bars serving snacks and drinks. People go there to relax, fish and surf. After lunch, walk from Pantano do Sul to Praia de Lagoinha do Leste, one of the most untouched beaches in Florianópolis. The first part will lead you through the lush forest, which provides a welcoming shade from the sun. Hike up, along a steep path, to the lookout with a beautiful view over the beach (30 min). Return to the beach after the hike. Overnight at Pousada Ilha Faceira.

Day 9 - Guarda do Embau

Today visit Guarda do Embaú, a paradise beach village, discovered by surfers a few decades ago, with breathtaking landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere, located 50 km south of Floripa (1 hour). The island is accessible by boat from the banks of Rio da Madre. Check-in and go straight to the beach. There are stalls that sell snacks, drinks and rent umbrellas and chairs. After lunch, hike up, along the peaceful trail of Pedra do Urubu (30 min). From above, you can see the meeting of Madre River with the sea, Prainha, Praia de Garopaba and Praia da Gamboa in the distance. Return to the quiet beach of Prainha and spend the rest of the day relaxing. Overnight at Pousada Xaxa.

Day 10 - Praia da Rosa

Today depart to Praia do Rosa, on the way stopping at Praia da Silveira and Praia da Ferrugem (2 hours). White sands, wonderful waters, calm atmosphere, cliffs and enchanting landscapes make Praia do Rosa one of the nicest beaches in Brazil. Discovered by surfers in the 70s, it still preserves its fishing vibe. Hike to Praia Vermelha and Praia do Ouvidor (30 min), passing by natural pools with beautiful stones, or to Praia da Luz (20 min), passing by lush greenery. Between the months of June to November whales arrive to feed their younger ones. You can see them from higher points along the hiking trails, or on boat trips. The best period is from the second half of August to the first half of October. Overnight at Pousada Bungalow.

Day 11 - Return to Floripa

Today is your departure day. After breakfast, the transfer to the airport in Florianopolis (FLN) will be organised according to your flight. The return back shall take around 2 hours. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the relaxing moments. If you have more time at hand, we recommend heading to the interior of Santa Catarina and visiting the Brazilian Canyons. This region host the spectacular mountains of Aparados da Serra National Park, with dramatic views and beautiful hiking trails. The itinerary can be adapted in a different order, starting with the canyons and ending at the beach. The length of the trip can also be changed.