Best of Brazil (by The Times!): Waterfalls, Whales and... Wine!

A recent article in the The Times of London highlighted Southern Brazil: The Iguazu Falls, the coastal area of Santa Catarina - which host the amazing spectacle of Southern Right Whales in Winter and some of the best beaches in Brazil in Summer- , the canyons of Aparados da Serra and the wine regions of Santa Catarina and Rio Gande do Sul, which offer high quality wine unknown to the general international wine drinker.

Surprised? Before and after the Olympics come and discover with Brazil Ecojourneys what South Brazil has to offer in an easily combined, relaxed 2 week itinerary.

Iguazu Falls: http://brazilecojourneys.com/008.php?oq=destinations
Whale Watching in Santa Catarina: http://brazilecojourneys.com/004.php?oq=interests&onde=nature
Wines  & Canyons of Rio Grande do Sul:
http://brazilecojourneys.com/015.php?oq=destinations
http://brazilecojourneys.com/007.php?oq=destinations

Contact us for a customised itinerary.

Winter Hiking on Santa Catarina Island

Winter is a great time for hiking on Santa Catarina Island, as temperatures are mild and visibility is excellent.

Naufragados beach - photo by Augusto Nogueira

We have just uncovered a great new route for a full-day Coastal Path around the southernmost point of the Island- from Solidão to Naufragados beach. Coastal paths like this are great spots to enjoy the views and, with luck, to observe Southern Right ‪Whales just off the coast. We will walk through local isolated communities, pristine Atlantic rainforest and learn the natural and cultural history of this amazing Island and its setllers.

Atlantic Rainforest - Photo by Augusto Nogueira

For a 3-day loop trekking trip of the South of the Island contact us.

For other hiking opportunities in‪ Florianopolis and Southern ‪Brazil check the Adventure & Sports section of our site.

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.

Help preserve the River Otter- Eco-Voluntourism on Santa Catarina Island

 

The Brazilian river otter is listed as an endangered species by CITIES, mainly because of the destruction of their natural habitats, such as the Atlantic Forest, by pollution and human development.

A research project, carried out by the Ekko Brasil Institute in Florianopolis, tries to elucidate many aspects of its ecology to help the conservation of the species.

Brazil Ecojourneys teamed up with Projeto Lontra to offer a unique holiday experience for eco-minded travellers out there.

Our 8-day special River Otter voluntourism program will allow you to visit places that most tourists never get to see; you will enjoy active adventures, such as walking, trekking and canoeing, in one of the most beautiful destinations in Brazil, and, above all, you will give a serious contribution to a scientific and conservationist project for this most charming animal.

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.