Santa Catarina

This region has one of the best stretches of Brazilian coast and is famous for its beaches. The summer months are very busy and crowded but for the rest of the year they are pleasant and un-crowded. Rural tourism is becoming increasingly important and the highlands are among the coldest in Brazil, giving winter landscapes reminiscent of Europe rather than the tropics.

Florianopolis is the capital of this state and is halfway along the coast of Santa Catarina. The island is joined to the mainland by two bridges, one of which is Ponte Hercilio Luz, the longest steel suspension bridge in Brazil. The newer Colombo Machado Salles Bridge has a pedestrian and cycle way beneath the roadway. The natural beauty of the island, beaches and bays make Florianopolis a popular tourist Centre.

Blumenau is another city in this area and is notable for its textile centre. It is clean and orderly with almost caricatured Germanic architecture. Southern Santa Catarina runs south from Florianopolis, passing Paulo Lopes, which has the headquarters of the Parque Estadual da Serra do Tabuleiro with many birds and animals.

Here are some points that will make your trip more pleasant:
1) Take good care in your personal hygiene and dress to avoid ridicule and to fit in with the locals.
2) Remember to be polite by removing headdress (males) and shaking hands and waits for a reply before proceeding.
3) Be patient and don’t criticise.
4) When taking photographs with locals in them, always ask permission.
5) Generally be wary of what you do to avoid offending or causing trouble.

Most of Brazil can be visited comfortably throughout the year - it's only the south, which can be unbearably sticky in summer and non-stop rainy in winter, that has extreme seasonal changes. With many Brazilians on summer vacation from December to February, travel can be difficult and expensive, while from Rio to the south the humidity can be oppressive.
Summer is also the most festive time of year, as Brazilians escape their apartments and take to the beaches and streets. School holidays begin in mid-December and go through to Carnaval, usually in late February.