Things To Do
in Capinzal
Capinzal is a small city in western Santa Catarina known for its rural charm and friendly locals. The town sits amid rolling hills and farmland, making it a gateway to the Oeste Catarinense countryside. Visitors discover a blend of traditional Southern Brazilian hospitality, a quaint historic center, and local markets with everyday harvests.
The surrounding countryside offers nature, small-scale crafts, and hearty regional cuisine that reflects German and Italian influences.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Centro Cultural de Capinzal, where you can immerse yourself in the local art and history. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a nearby café, savoring fresh Brazilian coffee and local pastries. Interact with local artisans and learn about their crafts.
After lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the town's main square, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and beautiful architecture. Stop by shops featuring handmade goods and local delicacies. Consider partaking in a cooking class to learn how to prepare typical Brazilian dishes.
As the sun sets, have dinner at a family-run restaurant, trying out regional specialties. Join a local event or performance, showcasing traditional Brazilian music and dance. Relax under the stars with fellow travelers, sharing stories of your experiences.
Begin your day with a hike at the nearby Parque Nacional de Lagoa do Peixe, surrounded by stunning landscapes. Enjoy the fresh air and the chance to see local wildlife, including colorful birds and unique plant species. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic overlooks.
Spend the afternoon kayaking on the tranquil lagoons, exploring hidden coves and enjoying the serenity of nature. Take a moment to unwind, soaking in the beauty and silence of the environment. If you're lucky, you might catch sight of playful dolphins swimming in the distance.
Return to Capinzal for a leisurely dinner at a lakeside restaurant, enjoying fresh fish and local cuisine. Gather around a bonfire with locals or fellow travelers to share stories and laughter. Reflect on the day’s adventures under the bright stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🧺Groceries for a week | $40-80 |
| 🚆Local transportation (one-way) | $0.80-2 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $25-60 |
| ☕Coffee in café | $2-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, safe, and affordable
- Friendly locals and authentic rural experiences
- Close to nature and scenic viewpoints
- Limited tourist infrastructure and nightlife
- Distances to larger cities can be longer for certain services
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica?" - Where is it?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Eu gostaria de..." - I would like to...
- "Pode recomendar?" - Can you recommend?
- "A conta, por favor" - The bill, please
Places to Visit in Capinzal
Visit one of these nice places.
Central square with historic buildings and daily life; a good place to catch locals and seasonal markets.
Historic church with classic architecture and a hilltop backdrop, ideal for daytime and golden hour photographs.
Hilltop viewpoint offering sweeping views of the town and surrounding farmland, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Food in Capinzal
Capinzal Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Brazilian barbecue with beef, pork, and sausage, usually served with rice, beans, and farofa.
Must-Try!
Homemade polenta topped or baked with regional cheese and herbs.
Herb roasted young chicken, a common family dish in the region.
Grilled cheese skewer served hot, a staple at markets and fairs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Morning market with fresh produce, dairy, and regional snacks; a good place to sample cheeses and baked goods.
Weekly street stalls offering fruit, pastries, and take away bites such as pastéis and tapioca.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a smile and a simple hello; address elders as senhor/senhora and use polite phrases; avoid loud conversations in enclosed spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Capinzal
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; many restaurants include service charge, otherwise 5-10% is common in fair service.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with occasional heavy afternoon storms; stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and seek shade during peak sun hours.
Mild temperatures and clear skies; great light for photography and outdoor walks as leaves turn gold.
Cool to chilly with occasional frost; layers are essential and some outdoor activities may be brisk in the morning.
Pleasant temperatures with regular showers; the countryside blossoms, making trails and markets vibrant.
Capinzal at Night
Hiking in Capinzal
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short ridge trail with views over town and valley.
Riverside trail through farmland and forest edge.
Airports
How to reach Capinzal by plane.
Primary gateway for western Santa Catarina; about 70-100 km by road depending on route.
Major international gateway in the state; about a 3-4 hour drive depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant in Capinzal with multi-generational households.
Influence on local culture, festivals, and cuisine.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local leagues and informal games are common in weekends.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Capinzal.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can enjoy plant based dishes like rice, beans, salads, grilled vegetables, polenta, and dairy; ask for no meat and look for set vegetarian options at main restaurants.