Things To Do
in São Joaquim
São Joaquim is a charming town located in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Known for its cold climate, it is considered one of the coldest cities in Brazil. The town is surrounded by beautiful mountains and lush forests, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
São Joaquim also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with traditional festivals and local crafts adding to its unique charm.
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Obrigado" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Desculpe" - Sorry
- "Tudo bem?" - Are you okay?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $80
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.80 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café. Enjoy a stroll through the quaint streets of São Joaquim, taking in the charming colonial architecture.
Visit the São Joaquim Wine Route for an afternoon of wine tasting. Discover the local vineyards and enjoy the beautiful landscapes that surround them.
Dine at a traditional restaurant serving local cuisine. Relish the flavors of the region while enjoying the cool evening breeze.
Head to the Parque Natural Municipal da Serra do Rio do Rastro for a morning hike. Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty and fresh mountain air.
Enjoy a picnic lunch amid the breathtaking views of the valleys below. Continue your hike and explore the diverse fauna and flora in the park.
Return to São Joaquim and visit a local bakery for dessert. Unwind after your adventurous day with a warm slice of homemade cake.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful mountainous landscapes with a mild climate
- Known for apple production and other agricultural activities
- Strong community spirit and local culture
- Access to natural parks and outdoor activities
- Less urban congestion compared to larger cities
- Limited job opportunities compared to larger urban areas
- Infrastructure may be underdeveloped in some regions
- Cold temperatures during winter months can be challenging
- Limited access to healthcare facilities and specialized services
- Occasional issues with rural isolation and transportation difficulties
Best Activities in São Joaquim
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful trails and landscapes of Parque Nacional de São Joaquim, home to diverse flora and fauna.
Enjoy rock climbing in the stunning Morro da Igreja area, known for its scenic views and challenging rock formations.
Take a cycling tour through the picturesque rural valleys surrounding São Joaquim, experiencing the local culture and natural beauty.
Tours
Uncover the best of São Joaquim with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in São Joaquim
Visit one of these nice places.
Morro da Igreja is known for its stunning panoramic views of São Joaquim and the surrounding landscape. It's a popular spot for photography and is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
Pedra Furada is a natural rock formation that offers magnificent views of the rolling hills and valleys of São Joaquim. It's a great place to capture unique and breathtaking photos.
Canyon da Ronda provides awe-inspiring vistas of the rugged canyon landscape and is a great location for landscape photography. The dramatic cliffs and rock formations make for striking images.
Food in São Joaquim
São Joaquim Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty bean and meat stew, reflecting the French influence in the region's culinary culture, often enjoyed during the winter months. It can be found at Lages Municipal Market and traditional Brazilian restaurants like Panela Véia.
Must-Try!
Roasted pine nuts from the Araucaria tree, a local delicacy especially during the winter festivals. Look for them at street food stalls and markets across São Joaquim, particularly during the Festa Nacional do Pinhão.
Freshly caught from the region's abundant rivers and served in various styles at restaurants such as Rancho de Pelotas and Cantina do Tonho.
Unique Experiences
Get to know São Joaquim better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant market offering a wide variety of fresh produce, including local fruits like apples and grapes, as well as regional specialties such as pinhão and artisanal cheeses.
Located nearby, this market is a great place to savor traditional dishes like cassoulet, as well as purchase fresh local ingredients to prepare your own meals.
During the annual National Pine Nut Festival, the streets come alive with food stalls featuring a range of pinhão-based delicacies and other regional treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In São Joaquim, it is customary to greet acquaintances and friends with a kiss on the cheek. This is a common display of warmth and friendliness.
Respect for the elderly is highly valued in São Joaquim. It is important to address older individuals with formal titles and show them deference in social interactions.
Partaking in the local traditional cuisine, such as feijoada and churrasco, is a way to show appreciation for the culture. It is polite to fully embrace and enjoy the local culinary heritage.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of São Joaquim with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in São Joaquim
Ensure a smooth experience
In São Joaquim, Brazil, tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated in restaurants, cafes, and for taxi drivers. Tipping around 10% of the bill is a common practice.
Cash is widely used for payment in São Joaquim, especially in smaller establishments. Credit and debit cards are also commonly accepted, particularly in larger businesses.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into São Joaquim.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Ideal for visiting the vineyards and enjoying the blooming landscapes.
Perfect for hiking and outdoor activities in the warm weather.
Great for vineyard tours and wine tasting during the harvest season.
Best time for snow enthusiasts to experience the chilly temperatures and potentially see snowfall.
São Joaquim at Night
Hiking in São Joaquim
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A national park featuring a diverse range of ecosystems, including lush forests, mountains, and stunning waterfalls. It offers various hiking trails suitable for different skill levels.
A scenic trail that combines nature with spirituality, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and historic sites along the way.
This beautiful waterfall is accessible by a hiking trail that takes you through pristine forests, with opportunities for photography and relaxation near the water.
A challenging hike with rewarding views at the summit, ideal for experienced hikers looking to enjoy the tranquility of nature and breathtaking panoramas.
A dream trail that leads hikers through lush landscapes, ending with a picturesque view of the São Joaquim's valleys.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into São Joaquim through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach São Joaquim by plane.
Located approximately 65 km from São Joaquim, serves regional flights and limited international connections.
Located around 275 km from São Joaquim, the main international airport serving the southern region of Brazil.
Approximately 290 km from São Joaquim, it handles regional flights although not primarily international.
Situated about 360 km from São Joaquim, it handles domestic flights and international connections primarily to South America.
Located around 390 km from São Joaquim, serves both domestic and limited international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic, often having European ancestry.
Includes individuals of mixed European, African, and Indigenous descent.
A significant demographic primarily with African ancestry.
Comprising the original inhabitants of the region and their descendants.
A smaller demographic group, primarily of Japanese descent.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in São Joaquim, with many local clubs and passionate fans.
Volleyball is widely played and enjoyed in schools and community centers, with many amateur and semi-professional teams.
Basketball has a growing following, especially among the youth, with various local tournaments and leagues.
Cycling is popular both as a sport and a means of transportation, with scenic routes attracting enthusiasts.
Due to its mountainous terrain, hiking and trekking are popular outdoor activities for residents and tourists.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting São Joaquim.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional cuisine leans heavily on meat and dairy, many restaurants in São Joaquim offer vegetarian and vegan options, particularly centered around fresh produce available in local markets. Panela Véia and Cantina do Tonho are known for their accommodating menus.
Gluten-free options can be found at various restaurants, particularly those offering grilled or roasted dishes like trout and pinhão-based specialties. It's advisable to communicate dietary requirements clearly, and most places will make efforts to accommodate.