In Brazil for business? Find here tips of places to escape for the weekend.

You came to Brazil on business and have a very limited time to explore this gigantic country, besides the odd weekend off. At the same time, you feel it is a shame to not get to know a bit of the Brazil of your imagination, away from the big business cities.

SO...If you have only a weekend to spare, where would you go? 

Brazil is continental in size: you will not be able to do the Amazon or the Pantanal and would barely have time to unpack if you go to the Northeast coast but there are some 2-night or 3-night break destinations just over an hour’s flight from São Paulo (or even without flying if you are in business in Porto Alegre or Curitiba) that can show you some highlights as well as some hidden gems of Brazil.

Iguazu Falls, gorgeous beaches to relax, active adventures in the Southern canyons, a stunning train journey,  learning to surf, wine tasting ... Whatever makes you tick, you can do it in a Weekend Break.

Brazil Ecojourneys is a boutique tour operator, specializing in tailor-made tours. Consult us for these and other customised itineraries to make the most of your weekends in Brazil.

Spring Break in Santa Catarina, Brazil

Summer is ending this week in the Southern hemisphere but our early Autumn is the best time to enjoy the beaches of Santa Catarina. Warm sea, blue skies and NO crowds.

The gorgeous autumn light and the pleasant temperatures make for a great season to enjoy the outdoors as well as the beach.

On top of that there are some last minute promotions.

Consult us now and come to relax on your own (almost) private beach!

Short Breaks from Sao Paulo for Business Travellers

In Sao Paulo for business? Here are 5 great places to escape it for the weekend. 

Sao Paulo is the megalopolis of Brazil and the business centre of Latin America. People from all over the world come to this highly energetic city for work every week. Although it has its hidden charms, Sao Paulo is definitely not love-at-first-sight and most foreign visitors would rather escape from it as soon as possible.   

If you have only a weekend to spare, where would you go? 

Brazil is continental in size: you will not be able to do the Amazon or the Pantanal and would barely have time to unpack if you go to the Northeast coast but there are some 2-night or 3-night break destinations just over an hour’s flight from the city that can show you some highlights and also some hidden gems of Brazil.

1) The un-missable sight “do-able” in 2 full days is without doubt the Iguazu Falls. Direct flights from GRU will take you there in 1h30 min. Planning your flights right, you can do both sides of the Falls and still have time for some relaxation by the pool.

2) A great beach destination in just over an hour? Do what a lot of Paulistas executives do- go to Florianopolis for the weekend. If you enjoy beautiful beaches, sports and outdoor activities, this is definitely your Island.

3) If you rather have just 2-days of perfect relaxation, your first choice should be a weekend at Ponta dos Ganchos, one of the most exclusive resorts in South America, less than an hour by car from Florianopolis airport. Even better if you bring your significant half: it is one of the most romantic hotels in the world, according to The Daily Telegraph.

4) Ever dreamed of learning to surf? If you manage to leave Sao Paulo earlier on Friday go a bit further down the Santa Catarina coast. One hour south from Florianopolis airport you will be in the rustic-chic beach resort of Praia do Rosa,  a laid-back destination with charming guesthouses, starred restaurants and some of the best waves on the Brazilian Coast- that you can tame with the help of  a great surfing coach, Capitao David. Already a surfer?  Come in winter and you get the bonus of big swells and whales!

5) Colonial towns+Rainforest+the most spectacular Train Journey in Brazil? All of these you will find in this short tour from Curitiba, a mere 30-min flight from Sao Paulo. Arrive earlier on Friday and add contemporary Brazilian culture to the mix by visiting the excellent Oscar Niemeyer Museum.

Brazil Ecojourneys is a boutique tour operator, specializing in tailor-made tours. Consult us for an itinerary to make the most of your weekend in Brazil.

Top Relais & Chateaux Chefs in Santa Catarina in August

Our special program of the month is a gourmet's dream.

This year the Cycle of Chefs is bringing the flavours of Italy, France and the Iberian Peninsula to Ponta dos Ganchos, through the hands of top Chefs from Relais & Chateaux properties. The Guest Chefs focus on fresh, authentic, high-quality produce, brings to the event the essence of each region’s gastronomic culture.

ITALY – 3^rd to 5^th of August

A weekend of Barolo wine, Black Truffles, Veal, Pastas, Parmesan Cheese, Risottos and many more of the best Italian products, to provoke a range of sensations.

Chef Roberto Pession, from the Relais & Chateaux Hotel Hermitage in Cervínia has prepared a menu especially for the weekend, working with the old time flavours of the Valle d’Aosta and based on regional products.

Roberto will prepare two dinners, one of which will be matched to a selection of Italian wines by the Decanter Sommelier, Guilherme Corrêa, who was voted Best Sommelier in Brazil in both 2006 and 2009. On Saturday afternoon, Roberto and Guilherme will hold a workshop, explaining a little more about the traditions of this remarkable country.

FRANCE – 10th to 12th of August

One of the dinners during this spectacular weekend will be matched to the peerless champagne Taittinger. Try the very best of delicacies such as Foie Gras, Coquille Saint-Jacques and Lobster plus many more delights from the world-famous French cuisine.

Chef Vincent Farges, from the Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho, will make his Michelin star shine even brighter with the innovative menu he has prepared for us.

There will be two incredible dinners, one matched to the very best French wines, a workshop, in which Vincent will talk about his native country and his specialties, and a Taittinger champagne tasting overseen by Sommelier Ana Rita Zanier, making this an unforgettable weekend.

IBERIAN PENINSULA – 24 a 26 de August

To round it off perfectly Chef Koerper, from the Eleven restaurant in Lisbon, has prepared a mouth-watering weekend for us. He is bringing only the very best that Portugal and Spain have to offer, like Pata Negra ham, Serra da Estrela cheese and, of course, cod.

Joachim is considered one of the best chefs in Europe. He has worked in several Michelin restaurants and has become famous for his elaborate dishes that feed all of the senses; offering truly memorable gastronomic experiences.

In common with the other two weekends, the Iberian weekend includes two spectacular dinners, one matched to the best wines from the region, as Ferreirinha Reserva Especial, from the same winery as Barca Velha, and a workshop during which Joachim will reveal all of the Iberian Peninsula’s secrets.

Brazil Ecojourneys has special weekend deals for the Cycle of Chefs.

Consult us.