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Brazil (South)
South Brazil feels different, with cooler weather and towns that look like Europe. The biggest highlight here is the powerful Iguazu Falls crashing in the forest.
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Summary
Did you know?
Frozen Canyons – The high southern plateaus get so cold in winter that giant waterfalls regularly freeze completely solid into massive ice pillars.
Overview
Months
April, May, June, July, August, September, October, December, February, January, March, November
Vacation type
Beach, Couple, Family, Mountains, Surfing
Expenses
0-50€, <100€, <150€, <200€, Over 200€
Temperature
10-20°C, 20-25°C, 25-30°C
Rainfall
0-50mm, 50-100mm, 100-150mm
Safety
Safe
Continent
South America
Currency
Real
Languages
Portuguese
Currency Converter
When to visit
The best time to travel to South Brazil depends entirely on what you want to see. This is the only region in Brazil with four distinct seasons. For the beaches of Santa Catarina, the summer (December to March) is the best time, offering hot days and warm ocean water.
If you are heading into the mountains of Rio Grande do Sul for the wine regions and canyons, winter (June to August) is peak season. The weather gets genuinely cold, and locals cozy up around fireplaces. Foz do Iguaçu is spectacular year-round, but spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures for walking the national park trails.
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Plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Climate Data
Peak Season: December to March (Summer)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 7 to 9 hours.
Rain Frequency: 10 to 14 days per month.
Rainy Hours per Day: 1 to 2 hours.
Intensity: Heavy but short afternoon summer thunderstorms.
Duration: Quick showers that clear up by the evening. The days are hot and humid on the coast.
Off-Peak Season: June to August (Winter)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 5 to 7 hours.
Rain Frequency: 6 to 9 days per month.
Rainy Hours per Day: 2 to 3 hours.
Intensity: Light, continuous drizzle and cold wind.
Duration: Gray skies can linger for a few days. Frost is common in the highlands, and occasional light snow falls in the highest mountain towns.
Climate Chart
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Data Source: Global Historical Climatology Network
ClimateCharts.net
Weather, Crowds and Costs
Per one person
Tourist Season: December-March (Summer)
Budget Vacation ($50-80/day)
Accommodation: $15-25/night (hostels, simple guesthouses).
Food: $10-20/day (street food, pay-by-weight buffets).
Activities: $5-15/day (public beaches, city parks).
Transportation: $10-15/day (local buses, walking).
Other Costs: $5/day (bottled water, beach snacks).
Mid-Range Vacation ($120-200/day)
Accommodation: $50-90/night (comfortable coastal hotels, city apartments).
Food: $25-45/day (local barbecue, seaside seafood spots).
Activities: $25-50/day (boat tours, national park entry fees).
Transportation: $20-30/day (ride-sharing, intercity buses).
Other Costs: $10/day (sunscreen, coffee).
Luxury Vacation ($350-700+/day)
Accommodation: $200-450+/night (luxury beachfront resorts, boutique mountain chalets).
Food: $80-150/day (premium steakhouses, fine dining).
Activities: $80-200/day (private guided tours, helicopter flights over the falls).
Transportation: $70-150/day (rental SUVs, private drivers).
Other Costs: $30+/day (wine tasting, beach clubs).
Off-Peak Season: June-August (Winter)
Budget Vacation ($40-70/day)
Accommodation: $15-20/night (off-season coastal hostels).
Food: $10-15/day (local bakeries, cheap diners).
Activities: $5-10/day (museums, hiking).
Transportation: $10-15/day (buses).
Other Costs: $5/day (hot tea, umbrellas).
Mid-Range Vacation ($90-160/day)
Accommodation: $40-80/night (standard hotels).
Food: $20-40/day (fondue restaurants, cafes).
Activities: $20-40/day (wine tasting, indoor tours).
Transportation: $15-25/day (rental cars, app rides).
Other Costs: $10/day (warm layers).
Luxury Vacation ($250-600+/day)
Accommodation: $150-400+/night (high-end mountain lodges with fireplaces).
Food: $70-130/day (gourmet winter menus, imported wines).
Activities: $60-150/day (spa days, private vineyard tours).
Transportation: $50-100/day (private transfers).
Other Costs: $20/day (artisanal chocolates).
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You can find accomendations that fit your trip and budget on Booking.com, Vrbo and Hotels.com
Best Regions to visit
Cities
1. Florianópolis
- A major city that is mostly situated on a large island. It is the surfing and beach club capital of the south, known for high quality of life and stunning coastlines.
2. Curitiba
- The capital of Paraná, famous worldwide for its incredible urban planning, massive green parks, and highly efficient public transport system.
3. Gramado
- A picturesque mountain town in Rio Grande do Sul that looks exactly like a Bavarian village. It is famous for chocolate factories, fondue, and winter tourism.
4. Foz do Iguaçu
- The border town that serves as the gateway to the massive Iguaçu Falls. It sits exactly where Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay meet.
Florianópolis
Did you know?
Dinosaur Footprints – The streets and rock walls of some southern towns are embedded with real, fossilized dinosaur footprints from millions of years ago.
Islands
1. Ilha do Mel
- A rustic, car-free island in Paraná. You get around purely by walking sandy trails or renting bicycles, making it a perfect quiet beach escape.
2. Ilha de Santa Catarina
- The large island that holds most of the city of Florianópolis. It has 42 distinct beaches ranging from wild and empty to heavily developed.
3. Ilha do Campeche
- Often called the "Brazilian Caribbean," this protected ecological island near Florianópolis is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine white sand, and ancient rock carvings.
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Find the perfect place to stay in any of these top cities and islands with Booking.com, Hotels.com and Vrbo – offering entire homes and apartments for a comfortable and private experience.
Things to see
Natural Attractions
1. Iguaçu Falls
- One of the most spectacular waterfall systems in the world. Hundreds of individual falls span nearly three kilometers across the border of Brazil and Argentina.
2. Itaimbezinho Canyon
- A massive, sharp-edged canyon in the Aparados da Serra National Park. It features steep green walls and deep waterfalls plunging into the valley.
3. Serra do Rio do Rastro
- One of the most dramatic mountain roads in the world. It zigzags steeply down a sheer cliff face in Santa Catarina, offering incredible views.
Historical and Cultural Sites
1. São Miguel das Missões
- The stunning red-stone ruins of a 17th-century Jesuit mission built by indigenous Guaraní people, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
2. Pomerode
- Known as the most German town in Brazil. It has half-timbered houses, traditional breweries, and locals who still speak a regional German dialect.
3. Oscar Niemeyer Museum
- Located in Curitiba, this massive modern art museum is shaped like a giant eye balancing on a yellow pillar.
Unique Experiences
1. The Serra Verde Express
- A historic and incredibly scenic train ride that cuts through the dense Atlantic rainforest, traveling from Curitiba down the mountains to the coastal town of Morretes.
2. Drinking Chimarrão
- Joining the locals in the deep south to drink hot, bitter yerba mate tea through a silver straw out of a traditional gourd.
3. Vale dos Vinhedos Wine Tasting
- Exploring the Italian heritage region in Rio Grande do Sul, moving between steep vineyards and tasting excellent Brazilian sparkling wines.
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The best way to explore major cities and must-see attractions is by booking guided tours.* They offer convenience, local insights, and often save time when visiting popular sights.
São Miguel das Missões
Unique Accomondations/Foodspots
Accommodations
Pont dos Ganchos Exclusive Resort
Location: Ganchos de Fora, Santa Catarina, Brazil
An ultra-luxury clifftop sanctuary nestled on a private peninsula along the emerald southern coastline, featuring secluded bungalows with private heated pools, saunas, and sweeping ocean panoramas.
Restaurants / Bars
Churrascaria Fogo de Chão
Location: Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
The spiritual birthplace of authentic southern Brazilian churrasco, where skilled gauchos roast prime cuts of beef slowly over open charcoal flames and serve them tableside in traditional style.
Tours to do
1. The Romantic Route (Rota Romântica)
- A beautiful drive through the mountains of Rio Grande do Sul, passing through towns heavily influenced by 19th-century German and Italian immigrants.
Best Time: May to August (Winter).
Average Cost: $600 – $1,000 per person
2. The Cataratas and Canyons Loop
- Starting at the Iguaçu Falls, heading south through the pine forests of Paraná, and finishing at the massive canyons of the southern border.
Best Time: March to May, or September to November.
Average Cost: $800 – $1,300 per person
Iguaçu Falls
How to get around
1. Intercity Buses
- The south has the best and most luxurious bus network in Brazil. You can book fully flat bed seats (leito) for comfortable overnight travel between major cities.
2. Car Rental
- Roads in the south are generally in very good condition compared to the rest of the country. Renting a car is the best way to explore the mountain routes and canyons.
3. Domestic Aviation
- Well-connected regional airports make it easy to skip the long driving distances between Foz do Iguaçu, Curitiba, and Porto Alegre.
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You can find great car rental deals for your vacation on Expedia *
Did you know?
Underground Water Monster – The region sits on top of one of the world's biggest underground freshwater reservoirs, big enough to supply the whole continent.
What to eat
1. Churrasco Gaúcho
- The authentic origin of Brazilian barbecue. Huge cuts of beef, particularly picanha, are salted heavily and roasted slowly on large metal skewers over glowing charcoal.
2. Barreado
- A traditional dish from coastal Paraná. It is a dense meat stew cooked for up to 24 hours in a sealed clay pot until it falls apart, served mixed with cassava flour and bananas.
3. Café Colonial
- A massive, all-you-can-eat afternoon tea tradition brought over by German immigrants. Tables are loaded with dozens of cakes, breads, jams, cheeses, and cold cuts.
4. Pinhão
- The large seeds of the native Araucária pine tree. During winter, they are boiled or roasted on a wood stove and eaten as a warm, starchy snack.
Pinhão
Flights
Flight prices are approximate and vary by departure city, airline, and booking time. Check airlines or travel platforms for the latest details.
* Please note: All prices are rough estimates for orientation purposes only and may vary by region.
Main Airport: Afonso Pena International Airport (CWB)
Flight Prices and Seasons:
From Europe:
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $900 to $1,400 (Usually requires a connection in São Paulo).
- Cheapest Months: March and November.
- Peak Prices: December, January, and July.
From North America:
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $800 to $1,300 (Connect via São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro).
- Cheapest Months: February and October.
- Peak Prices: December and July.
From Asia:
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $1,500 to $2,400 (Requires two transfers, typically via the Middle East and São Paulo).
- Cheapest Months: May and September.
- Peak Prices: Lunar New Year and July.
From Australia (Domestic/Oceania):
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $1,400 to $2,200 (Fly through Santiago, Chile, then connect to the southern hubs).
- Cheapest Months: May and November.
- Peak Prices: December and January.
From Africa:
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $1,000 to $1,600 (Direct routes to São Paulo, connecting quickly south).
- Cheapest Months: March and October.
- Peak Prices: December and January.
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You can find the best flight deals with Skyscanner or plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Airport Location
Visa
1. Visa Requirement
- Most travelers need a visa to enter Brazil, including citizens of the U.S., Canada, and Australia, while citizens of some EU countries can enter visa-free.
2. Visa-Free Countries
- Citizens of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and several other South American countries can enter Brazil without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
3. Visa Application
- Travelers from countries that require a visa must apply at a Brazilian embassy or consulate before traveling.
4. Types of Visa
- Commonly issued as tourist visas (valid for up to 90 days) or business visas.
5. Processing Time
- Visa processing can take from a few days to a few weeks, so it's advisable to apply well in advance.
6. Duration of Stay
- Tourist visas usually allow stays of up to 90 days, with the possibility of extensions.
7. Health Requirements
- Vaccination against yellow fever is recommended if traveling to certain regions. Travel insurance is also advisable.
Important things to know
1. Payments
- The local currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL). Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in urban areas.
2. Tap Water
- Tap water is generally not safe to drink in many areas. Bottled water is recommended.
3. Electricity
- The voltage is 127V or 220V, depending on the region. Plug types C and N (two round pins) are used. An adapter may be needed for devices from other regions.
4. Tipping in Restaurants
- Tipping is customary, with 10-15% being standard for good service in restaurants.
5. SIM Cards
- Local SIM cards are available from providers like Vivo, TIM, and Claro. They can be purchased at stores, offering various prepaid data plans.
6. Driving Side
- In Brazil, people drive on the right side of the road.
Souveniers
1. Cuia and Bomba
- The traditional round gourds and decorative silver straws used for drinking Chimarrão. They are sold in markets across the region.
2. Gaucho Leather Goods
- High-quality leather belts, boots, and ponchos made by local artisans using traditional ranching methods.
3. Artisanal Wines and Cheeses
- The southern mountains produce excellent, award-winning sparkling wines and cured colonial cheeses that you can buy directly from the farms.
Cuia and Bomba
Location
Reviews
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