Things To Do
in Turvo

Turvo is a small municipality in southern Brazil, set among rolling farmland and gentle hills. The town offers a calm pace, friendly locals, and easy access to nature and rural life. Its culture blends European immigrant influences with Brazilian hospitality, reflected in meals, crafts, and everyday conversations.

Turvo serves as a welcoming base for day trips to nearby rivers, forests, and scenic viewpoints.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Turvo
morning
:

Arrive in the charming town of Turvo and settle into your cozy accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast featuring local delicacies that will set the tone for your adventure. Take a stroll around the town to familiarize yourself with its beautiful landscapes and warm community.

afternoon
:

Visit the historical landmarks of Turvo, including the Church of Santa Rita, where you can appreciate the architecture and serene atmosphere. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Brazilian restaurant, sampling local dishes unique to the region. Spend the afternoon exploring local artisan shops and engaging with friendly locals.

evening
:

As the sun sets, experience the vibrant nightlife of Turvo by dining at a local churrascaria where you can indulge in a succulent barbecue. Attend a cultural event or live music performance to immerse yourself in the local rhythms and traditions. Wrap up your night with a leisurely walk under the stars, taking in the tranquil beauty of the town.

day 2
Nature Exploration
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the Turvo State Park for a morning of hiking. The trails offer stunning views of the diverse flora and fauna native to the region, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts. Keep your camera ready to capture the breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife.

afternoon
:

After a refreshing hike, enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by nature in the park's picnic areas. Explore the park further by visiting its waterfalls, where you can take a dip in the cool waters. Spend the rest of the afternoon birdwatching or simply relaxing in the tranquility of the environment.

evening
:

Return to Turvo and unwind after an adventurous day by dining at a local pizzeria. Engage with the locals and share stories of your day's explorations, enhancing your cultural experience. Conclude your evening with a visit to a rustic bar for some traditional Brazilian drinks!

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🍽️Three-course dinner for two (mid-range restaurant)$25-50
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$40-90
🚆Public transport day pass$3-6
🧺Local souvenir item$4-15

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Tranquil, safe and friendly town
  • Access to nature and outdoor activities
  • Rich cultural heritage and European influences
  • Relatively affordable travel in the region
  • Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
  • Fewer direct international flight options
  • Distances between attractions may require a car
  • Seasonal services can vary
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica...?" - Where is... ?
  • "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Eu não entendo" - I don’t understand
  • "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?

Places to Visit in Turvo

Visit one of these nice places.

Praça da Matriz and Historic Center

A quiet plaza with a historic church and charming buildings that shine in golden hour light.

Ribeiro Viewpoint

A scenic overlook along the river and hills, ideal for wide landscape shots.

Forest Trails near Turvo

Wooded paths with ferns and dappled light, perfect for nature and macro photography.

Sunrise Riverbank

Early mornings along the water offer misty reflections and serene compositions.

Culinary Guide

Food in Turvo

Turvo's cuisine reflects its agricultural roots and European heritage, resulting in hearty, comforting dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Turvo Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Arroz de Frango

Rice with chicken and regional seasonings, a comforting staple found in many family-run eateries.

Must-Try!

Churrasco Gaúcho

Grilled meats served with farofa and molho à campanha, capturing southern Brazilian barbecue traditions.

Polenta Cremosa

Creamy polenta, often served with cheese or a savory meat sauce, a popular comfort dish.

Pinhão Assado

Roasted pine nuts from nearby forests, a seasonal snack that pairs well with coffee.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Turvo

A small market offering fresh produce, cheeses, and locally baked goods from nearby farms.

Feiras de Final de Semana

Outdoor stalls selling pão de queijo, pastel, caldo verde, and fresh juices on market days.

Climate Guide

Weather

Turvo experiences a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. Rain is common in the warmer months, while mornings and evenings can be cooler, especially outside peak summer.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a friendly 'Bom dia' or 'Boa tarde' and shake hands; among friends a light cheek kiss may occur in informal settings.

Politeness and Language

Use polite forms like Senhor/Senhora with elders and keep conversations warm and respectful.

Safety Guide

Safety

Petty crime is uncommon in tourist areas, but stay aware of belongings in markets and crowds. Use common sense at night, travel with companions when possible, and keep emergency numbers handy.

Tipping in Turvo

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tips are appreciated but not obligatory; 5-10% is common if service is not included.

Payment Methods

Cash (BRL) is widely accepted; credit/debit cards are common in town, and mobile payments are increasingly used.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers; plan outdoor activities for the morning and carry sunscreen and water.

Autumn

Mild temperatures and changing leaves; great for hiking and photography with comfortable conditions.

Winter

Cooler days with crisp mornings; light jacket recommended and rain is possible at times.

Spring

Warming temperatures and new growth; ideal for outdoor exploration and markets reopening with fresh produce.

Nightlife Guide

Turvo at Night

Turvo offers a quiet, family-friendly nightlife with small bars and occasional live local music on weekends. Evenings are typically relaxed, with most venues serving regional dishes, coffee, and light bites rather than large-nightclub scenes.

Hiking in Turvo

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Trilha do Morro do Vento

A scenic ridge trail with views over farmland and forest, suitable for a half-day hike.

Cascata da Trilha do Rio

Waterfall trail along a forested river with lush flora and birdlife.

Ponte da Mata Verde Lookout

Short hike to a canyon overlook offering panoramic photos of the valley.

Airports

How to reach Turvo by plane.

Florianópolis – Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN)

Regional hub with many domestic flights and some international connections; transfer to Turvo by road takes several hours.

Joinville - Lauro Carneiro de Loyola Airport (JOI)

Domestic and regional connections; accessible by road from Turvo via highways.

Navegantes – Ministro Victor Konder International (NVT)

Coastal airport with frequent flights to major Brazilian cities; rental car or bus to Turvo.

Chapecó – Serafim de Jesus (XAP)

Regional airport serving western Santa Catarina; longer drive but useful for certain routes.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is walkable with short distances between markets, squares, and cafes; outside areas are best explored by car or bike.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Brazilians

Residents primarily of mixed heritage with strong agricultural roots.

European Heritage

Significant influence from German and Italian immigrant communities in architecture, cuisine, and traditions.

Families and Rural Communities

Many residents are connected to farms and small businesses in surrounding areas.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Futebol (Soccer)

The most popular sport, with local teams and casual games around town.

Futsal

Indoor version of soccer widely played in community centers and youth leagues.

Rodeio and Equestrian Activities

Horse riding and local rodeos are part of regional culture.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is light in Turvo; highways connect to larger cities, while in-town traffic is calm. Public transportation is limited; most visitors hire a car or use taxis and ride-hailing services.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Turvo.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Look for veggie plates such as rice and beans, polenta, and salads; when needed, ask for sem carne or sem queijo to suit dietary preferences.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available through local UBS clinics and a regional hospital; more advanced care can be found in larger cities with private clinics and hospitals. Carry travel insurance.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide