Imaruí sits quietly between sea and lagoon in Santa Catarina, one of Brazil’s most scenic states. This coastline was settled by Azorean immigrants in the 18th century; their fishing traditions, oyster farms, and pastel-painted villages still shape daily life. Inland, granite peaks and Atlantic Forest spill from Serra do Tabuleiro State Park to river flats and mirror-like lagoons.

In this 45-day itinerary, you’ll thread through Brazil’s classics and its best-kept secrets. Begin with city energy in São Paulo and samba sunsets in Rio de Janeiro, then fly south to Florianópolis for beaches, dunes, and oysters. Settle into Imaruí as your slow-travel base, add surf towns like Garopaba and Praia do Rosa, wander the historic lanes of Laguna, and soak in Gravatal’s thermal waters.

Expect an adventurous, mid-range trip (budget 50/100) with smart splurges—think hang gliding in Rio, sandboarding Joaquina dunes, and a paddle at sunrise on Lagoa de Imaruí. Brazil’s cuisine is a highlight: shrimp feasts, moqueca, market snacks, and ultra-fresh oysters. As always, use common-sense safety, keep valuables discreet, and rent a car in Santa Catarina for flexibility.

São Paulo

Brazil’s creative engine is a sprawling mosaic of neighborhoods: street art in Vila Madalena, design shops on Oscar Freire, and a food scene that runs from market mortadella sandwiches to destination restaurants. It’s efficient to catch your breath here, adjust to time zones, and taste Brazil’s range in one city.

Base around Avenida Paulista or Pinheiros for cafés, galleries, and nightlife. Ibirapuera Park by Oscar Niemeyer’s pavilions offers a green reset between museum visits and market grazing.

Days 1–3: Urban kick-off, markets, and modern Brazil

• Stroll & culture: Walk Avenida Paulista, then pop into MASP (for the architecture as much as the art). Head to Beco do Batman for street art and the Pinheiros area for indie shops.
• Market lunch: At the Municipal Market (Mercadão), try the classic mortadella sandwich at Bar do Mané or a codfish pastel at Hocca Bar. Go hungry.
• Neighborhood tastes: Pinheiros/Perdizes for modern Brazilian: Mocotó (northeastern flavors; arrive early) and A Casa do Porco (book ahead; pork tasting menu with Brazilian riffs) are worth the hype.

Viator picks (aligning with “Sightseeing” and “Living like a local”):

• São Paulo’s Full Day City Tour: Main City Sights in 7 Hours – (Shared Group)

  

• Amazing São Paulo overview in 4 or 5 hours with a private guide

  

Where to stay: Browse central options on VRBO São Paulo or compare hotels on Hotels.com São Paulo. Pinheiros and Jardins balance dining access with easy transport.

Coffee & dining: Start at Coffee Lab (experimental tastings) or Futuro Refeitório (industrial-chic brunch). For dinner, Mocotó for baião de dois and sun-dried beef, or A Casa do Porco for pork jowl with jabuticaba glaze; budget eats abound at Mercado de Pinheiros’ stalls.

To Rio (Day 4, morning): Fly 1h–1h10m; fares typically $50–$120 one-way if booked early. Search on Kiwi.com or Trip.com Flights.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio is amphitheater geography: granite domes, jungle folds, and lagoons opening to the Atlantic. Its icons—Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf—are classics for a reason, but the city also rewards hikers, sailors, and anyone chasing golden-hour light.

Base in Ipanema, Copacabana, or Santa Teresa depending on your vibe (beach, buzzy, bohemian). Pack for hot days, quick rain, and active outings.

Days 4–8: Iconic peaks, rainforest hikes, and sunset sails

• Full Day: Christ Redeemer, Sugarloaf, City Tour & Barbecue Lunch — See the big three in one day, with a churrasco lunch to refuel between viewpoints.

  

• Rainforest Hike in Rio: Tijuca Waterfalls, Wildlife & Caves — Hike through Tijuca National Park for forest, falls, and occasional toucan sightings.

  

• Sunset Sailing Tour in Rio de Janeiro — Glide across Guanabara Bay past historic forts as the city turns gold-to-rose at dusk.

  

• Experience Hang Gliding or Paragliding in Rio — Launch from Pedra Bonita and soar over jungle and surf. It’s pure adrenaline and pure Rio.

  

Eat & drink like a local: Breakfast at Confeitaria Colombo (belle-époque salon) or Café do Alto (Nordestino tapiocas) in Santa Teresa. Beachside, Bar Urca serves moqueca and ice-cold beer on the seawall; Cervantes does the cult pineapple roast beef sandwich; Braseiro da Gávea is a carnivore institution.

Where to stay: Browse beachfront apartments on VRBO Rio de Janeiro or compare Ipanema/Copacabana hotels on Hotels.com Rio de Janeiro.

To Florianópolis (Day 9, morning): Fly 1h30–2h; fares usually $70–$180. Check Kiwi.com or Trip.com Flights. In Santa Catarina, rent a car for flexible beach and park access.

Florianópolis

“Floripa” is an island city with 42 beaches, a lagoon at its heart, and a serious oyster culture. Surfers chase swells at Joaquina and Mole, while hikers disappear into trails to hidden coves like Lagoinha do Leste.

Base near Lagoa da Conceição for easy access to dunes, beaches, and cafes; or on the south island for quieter fishing villages and oyster farms.

Days 9–12: Dunes, oysters, and coastal trails

• City & market: Wander the historic center and eat at Mercado Público—Box 32 is a classic for shrimp pastel and seafood plates.
• Sand & surf: Try sandboarding on the Joaquina dunes, then cool off at Praia da Joaquina or Mole. Lessons and rentals are easy to arrange on the spot.
• Hike day: Tackle the challenging trail to Lagoinha do Leste (2–3 hours each way via Pântano do Sul). Reward: a wild crescent of sand and emerald water.
• Oysters at source: Head to Ribeirão da Ilha for an oyster feast at Ostradamus—baked, grilled, or raw, pulled straight from the bay.

Where to stay: Search apartments by Lagoa or the south island on VRBO Florianópolis or compare hotels on Hotels.com Florianópolis.

Cafés & eats: Start with a flat white at Café Cultura; craft beers and burgers at Books & Beers; seafood platters at Rita Maria Lagosteria. For a traditional “sequência de camarão” (shrimp feast), look to seaside restaurants around Lagoa da Conceição.

Drive to Imaruí (Day 13, morning): About 150 km/2.5–3 hours via BR-101 and SC-437. Stock up on snacks and cash; ATMs can be limited in small towns.

Imaruí

Imaruí is lagoon country—low-slung fishing docks, canoe silhouettes at dawn, and mirror-still water. It’s an ideal slow-travel base for kayaking, birding, and day trips into Serra do Tabuleiro’s foothills.

Expect simple, welcoming restaurants, weekend markets, and the rhythm of rural life. With a car, beaches and historic towns are within an hour.

Days 13–20: Lagoon life, paddles, and rural flavors

• On the water: Kayak or stand-up paddle at sunrise on Lagoa de Imaruí. Early mornings bring herons and kingfishers; sunsets turn the water copper.
• Rural visits: Seek out small producers (cassava flour mills, bee keepers) and fishing colonies—great for tasting smoked tainha (mullet) in season and learning local methods.
• Easy hikes: Explore short trails along the lagoon edge and viewpoints used by locals for sunset picnics; bring bug spray and a headlamp for dusky returns.
• Day trips: Plan for Serra do Tabuleiro’s eastern slopes on clear days and beach runs to Praia do Rosa or Garopaba when the forecast is sunny.

Where to stay: Country homes and lagoon-view cabins on VRBO Imaruí or modest inns via Hotels.com Imaruí.

Foodie notes: Seek lagoon-side spots for fried tilapia, moqueca, and “sequência de camarão.” For a broader dining scene, nearby Praia do Rosa and Imbituba offer standout kitchens (see below).

Garopaba

Once a whale-hunting port, Garopaba evolved into a laid-back surf town ringed by green hills. Silveira delivers powerful waves; Siriú’s dunes and beach feel wonderfully empty on weekdays.

Days 21–23: Dunes, surf lessons, and coastal viewpoints

• Siriú dunes: Rent a board at the base and spend a morning sandboarding; walk to the beach for a swim after.
• Surf time: Take a beginner lesson at Praia da Ferrugem where sand-bottom waves are forgiving on small-swell days.
• Views: Hike up the headlands toward Silveira for lookouts over turquoise coves and whale spouts in season (Jun–Nov).

Casual eats: Beach kiosks grill fresh fish plates; in the Ferrugem area, Bar do Zado is a local go-to post-surf for cold beer and snacks.

Stay nearby: Consider a base in Garopaba on VRBO Garopaba or hotels on Hotels.com Garopaba.

Imbituba & Praia do Rosa

Praia do Rosa curves around a protected bay backed by lakes and hills—one of Brazil’s most beloved beaches. It’s also the heart of APA da Baleia Franca, where southern right whales calve close to shore during winter and spring.

Days 24–30: Trails, whales (seasonal), and lagoon adventures

• Trail network: Walk from Rosa to Praia do Luz and on to Praia Vermelha; simple footpaths link beaches, lakes, and viewpoints.
• Whale watching: From June to November, scan from cliffs and platforms; boat trips operate in season when seas are calm.
• Ibiraquera lagoon: Try kitesurf lessons or a mellow paddle at golden hour when wind drops and water turns glassy.

Food highlights: Book dinner at Tigre Asiático (Pan-Asian comfort with candlelit garden), Refúgio do Pescador (seafood platters; try the octopus rice), Lua Marinha (sunset over the lake), and Goen Temaki Lounge (casual sushi). For café vibes, look for specialty coffee bars along Estrada do Rosa.

Where to stay: Charming bungalows and hilltop villas on VRBO Imbituba or browse Praia do Rosa-area hotels on Hotels.com Imbituba.

Palhoça (Guarda do Embaú & Serra do Tabuleiro)

Guarda do Embaú is a surfers’ sanctuary where you wade or paddle across a river to reach the ocean. Just inland, Serra do Tabuleiro State Park shelters Atlantic Forest peaks and waterfalls—prime hiking territory.

Days 31–34: River crossings, ridge hikes, and park days

• Guarda classic: Cross the Rio da Madre by barge or board to reach the beach; hike up Pedra do Urubu for a panoramic of the river-meets-sea estuary.
• Cambirela (advanced): Fit hikers can take on Morro do Cambirela (time your day and bring poles; steep with rewarding views). Choose a clear forecast.
• Park time: Visit Serra do Tabuleiro’s visitor areas for signed trails, swimming holes, and birdwatching—pack layers and insect repellent.

Eat & relax: Big Bamboo in Guarda do Embaú is a classic for post-surf snacks and caipirinhas; riverside kiosks grill fish and prawns with simple salads and farofa.

Stay: Search cottages near Guarda do Embaú on VRBO Palhoça or check hotels on Hotels.com Palhoça.

Laguna

One of Santa Catarina’s oldest towns, Laguna blends 18th-century streets, the story of revolutionary heroine Anita Garibaldi, and a lighthouse-tipped peninsula at Farol de Santa Marta. The town’s most extraordinary tradition is cooperative fishing with wild dolphins—locals still read the dolphins’ signals to cast nets.

Days 35–38: History, dolphins, dunes, and lighthouse

• Old town: Stroll pastel mansions and visit key Anita Garibaldi sites; cafés around the square are good for brigadeiros and espresso.
• Molhes & dolphins: Walk the jetties at the canal entrance to watch for the famed fishing partnership (best at calmer tides).
• Farol de Santa Marta: Drive to the lighthouse village for beaches, dunes, and dramatic sunsets from the cliffs.

Dining: Seek seafood houses near the canal for grilled tainha and prawn stews; in Farol de Santa Marta, casual cliffside spots excel at whole fried fish with rice, beans, and salad.

Stay: Base in town or at the lighthouse village via VRBO Laguna or check Hotels.com Laguna.

Gravatal (Thermal Springs)

Near the Serra do Tabuleiro foothills, Gravatal is known for mineral-rich thermal waters that feed hotel pools and spas. It’s the ideal mid-trip reset or a soft landing before your flight out.

Days 39–41: Spa days and slow countryside

• Thermal circuit: Choose a hotel with indoor/outdoor thermal pools and schedule a massage or mud wrap; the water is naturally warm year-round.
• Countryside strolls: Short walks around town pass chapel-topped hills and farm stands selling dulce de leche and colonial-style cakes.

Stay & soak: Find stays with on-site pools via VRBO Gravatal or browse resort-style hotels on Hotels.com Gravatal.

Florianópolis (North Bay) & Departure

Wrap up with a lighter few days exploring Floripa’s north and west—calmer waters, colonial lanes, and easy beach time before you fly.

Days 42–45: Calm beaches, colonial lanes, and farewell feast

• Santo Antônio de Lisboa: Wander Azorean lanes lined with craft shops; time sunset on the bay.
• Beaches: Jurerê and Daniela offer placid water and family-friendly kiosks—great for a final swim.
• Farewell dinner: Return to Ribeirão da Ilha for one more oyster feast or try a modern seafood spot downtown.

Where to stay: North-bay condos on VRBO Florianópolis or hotels via Hotels.com Florianópolis.

Flights out: From FLN, fly to São Paulo or Rio for international connections; most hops are 1–2 hours. Compare options on Kiwi.com or Trip.com Flights.

Practical Tips for This Route

• Budget (50/100): Mix VRBO apartments with mid-range hotels; splurge on a couple of headline tours (Rio hang gliding, sailing) and a seafood blowout in Floripa—save by cooking simple breakfasts and embracing “prato feito” lunch specials.
• Car hire: In Santa Catarina, a car unlocks remote beaches and trailheads; keep cash for tolls on BR-101 and fuel up before rural segments.
• Seasonality: Whale watching peaks Jun–Nov; summer (Dec–Mar) brings warm water and buzzy beach towns; shoulder seasons are ideal for hiking.

Across 45 days, you’ll scale Rio’s granite, savor São Paulo’s markets, then settle into the rhythm of Santa Catarina—oysters, lagoons, dunes, and trails. Imaruí is your quiet center point, a place to breathe between adventures and watch the light change over the water. It’s Brazil at its most outdoorsy and delicious.