10 day itinerary for Santa Catarina

Itinerary

A 10-day road trip from Rio de Janeiro to Santa Catarina sounds like an amazing adventure! Let’s dive into an itinerary that covers all the must-see spots in Curitiba and Balneário Camboriú, while also enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. Buckle up, and let’s hit the road!

## Day 1: Rio de Janeiro to Curitiba

• Morning: Start your journey early from Rio de Janeiro. Grab some breakfast at a local café and hit the road. The drive to Curitiba is about 7-8 hours, so make sure to take breaks along the way.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Curitiba. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Evening: Head to the Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden) for a lovely stroll. The glass greenhouse is a perfect spot for photos! Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps trying some traditional Brazilian cuisine.

## Day 2: Exploring Curitiba

• Morning: Visit the Museu Oscar Niemeyer (Oscar Niemeyer Museum) to appreciate some stunning architecture and art.
• Afternoon: Explore the Largo da Ordem, where you can find local crafts and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Don’t miss the Catedral Basílica Menor.
• Evening: Have dinner in the Santa Felicidade neighborhood, known for its Italian restaurants. Try some delicious pasta!

## Day 3: More of Curitiba

• Morning: Take a ride on the Curitiba’s Wire Car (Ferroviária) and visit the Parque Tanguá for breathtaking views.
• Afternoon: Head to the Museu de História Natural and the Parque Barigui for a relaxing afternoon.
• Evening: Enjoy a night out in the Batel neighborhood, where you can find bars and live music.

## Day 4: Curitiba to Balneário Camboriú

• Morning: Depart from Curitiba to Balneário Camboriú (about 3-4 hours drive). Enjoy the scenic route!
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and head to the Praia Central beach. Relax and soak up the sun.
• Evening: Stroll along the Avenida Atlântica and enjoy dinner at a beachfront restaurant.

## Day 5: Exploring Balneário Camboriú

• Morning: Take the Bondinho (cable car) to Parque Unipraias for stunning views and some hiking.
• Afternoon: Visit Praia do Laranjeiras, a beautiful beach accessible by the cable car. Enjoy some beach time and maybe a water sport!
• Evening: Head back to the city and enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the local restaurants.

## Day 6: More of Balneário Camboriú

• Morning: Visit the Cristo Luz, a giant statue of Christ that offers panoramic views of the city.
• Afternoon: Explore the Molhe da Barra Sul, a lovely pier area perfect for a leisurely walk.
• Evening: Check out the nightlife in Balneário Camboriú. There are plenty of bars and clubs to choose from!

## Day 7: Day Trip to Itajaí and Blumenau

• Morning: Drive to Itajaí (about 30 minutes) and visit the Praia Brava beach.
• Afternoon: Head to Blumenau (about 30 minutes from Itajaí) and explore the Vila Germânica, where you can learn about German culture and enjoy some local beers.
• Evening: Return to Balneário Camboriú and have a relaxing dinner.

## Day 8: Balneário Camboriú to Florianópolis

• Morning: Depart for Florianópolis (about 1.5 hours drive).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and head to Praia Mole for some beach time.
• Evening: Explore the Lagoa da Conceição area for dinner and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

## Day 9: Exploring Florianópolis

• Morning: Visit the Mercado Público for some local shopping and snacks.
• Afternoon: Head to Joaquina Beach for some sunbathing or surfing.
• Evening: Enjoy a sunset at Ponta do Papagaio and have dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

## Day 10: Return to Rio de Janeiro

• Morning: Start your journey back to Rio de Janeiro. You can take a different route to enjoy new scenery.
• Afternoon: Stop for lunch along the way and take in the beautiful landscapes of the Brazilian countryside.
• Evening: Arrive back in Rio de Janeiro, concluding your fantastic road trip!

Tips:

• Make sure to check the weather and road conditions before you go.
• Keep your camera handy for all the beautiful sights!
• Enjoy the local cuisine and try to interact with locals for the best experiences.

I hope this itinerary helps you have an unforgettable trip to Santa Catarina! Safe travels! 🌞🚗🌊