South Brazil Bliss
Expedition

Expedition Brief:

April 2025
Tailored itinerary
2 weeks long
Small group (8-10 travellers)
Students & non-students
Bilingual guides

Discover the wonders of nature and culture in this part of Brazil. This expedition embraces two different but exciting regions, Florianopolis and the Southern Canyons Pathways. Florianopolis, Santa Catarina State capital, is located in an enchanting island in the Brazilian emerald coast where the Atlantic Forest reaches the sea, inviting you to enjoy its charm and vibrancy. The Southern Canyons is the biggest canyons’ region in Latin America, with 71 canyons, offering a wealth of activities both for nature contemplation and adventure itineraries. In addition to enjoying the exuberant nature of both regions, the experiences of this 15-day trip include the opportunity of a deep immersion in the local culture, through workshops on Portuguese language for those interested, and on local gastronomy -three different types of local food- throughout the trip, besides many more cultural activities. You will be travelling across one of the safest regions of Brazil led by Rafael, Oniria’s founder, experienced traveller, and your main guide, teacher or interpreter.

Lagoinha do Leste

Ilha do Campeche

Lagoinha do Leste

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Maps & Destinations

First Stop, Florianópolis

“Floripa”, as dubbed by this city’s lovers, is one of the most sought after destinations in Brazil due to its natural beauty, local culture, and higher levels of safety. This city-island is also regarded for its more than 40 beaches, great surf and delicious seafood, but it has much more to be discovered, wandering around and choosing from a wealth of experiences, wherever you are on the island.
The proposed itineraries and activities blend nature and culture throughout the historic town centre, the vibrant Lagoa neighbourhood, where we’ll stay at a cool guesthouse or ‘pousada’, and the amazing south of the island enjoying country life, charming architecture, arts & crafts, and exuberant nature.

Floripa Historic Town and Mariquinha Community tours

Morning: Van transfer from accommodation to Floripa town centre (14km, ~20’). Meet Alex Correia, your guide, for the “Rolê (tour) da Mariquinha”. Duration ~3hs. He will explain the Mariquinha’s story, about its transformation from a dangerous ‘favela’ into an urban community through a cultural process, in which education and art played an important role. You’ll walk uphill and along the narrow streets appreciating the painted murals and stunning views of the city and landscape below.
Walk to visit at the Public Markets and lunch restaurants & cafés (BYO).
Afternoon: If on a Saturday, enjoy a Roda de Choro Mulheril, traditional popular music played on Victor Meirelles Street by a band of female musicians. They play from 2 to 4 pm, close to Praça XV (main town Square). Voluntary donation. There is a bar nearby where you can have a drink and assist the street presentation.
At 4.00pm: Meet “Manezinho” Rodrigo Stupp, your guide, for a 1.5 hour cultural walk across the historic town centre and learn about the place listening to Manezinho’s interesting stories. (Private group, English spoken).
7.00pm: Van transfer back to accommodation, enjoy the vibrant Lagoa’s night-time for dinner.

Duration: all day, ideally on a Saturday.
Meals included: Breakfast at accommodation.

Costa da Lagoa trail and boat ride

Morning: 9.00am Uber/taxi transfer to Canto dos Araçás to meet ‘Manezinho’ and board a boat towards Costa da Lagoa. You’ll wander around the place learning about this community, founded in 1750 by the Azorean migrants, that still preserves their traditions. Manezinho will tell local stories by the waterfall.’ You can have a refreshing bath at the waterfall (depending on weather conditions). Lunch at a restaurant by the Lagoa waterfront, fresh fish based, (BYO).

Afternoon/ Evening: 16.30 Uber drive to the Centrinho da Lagoa for a happy hour dinner at a nice restaurant (BYO).

Duration: all day

Meals included: Breakfast at guesthouse, 8.00am

What is included: Transport, boat ride, guided visit with storytelling by Manezinho.

Hiking the Lagoinha do Leste trail

Morning: Transfer to Matadeiro Beach. At 7am meet your adventure guides, André and the second guide to start hiking the 10 km trail from the north. While walking, admire stunning landscapes. The trail ends near the lagoon end of the beach. Stay at the Lagoinha do Leste beach of white sand and crystalline water to rest and have a light lunch. Then trek toward Armação do Pântano do Sul, via Morro da Coroa. There is a famous viewpoint -the “Pedra do surfista”- (Surfers rock) on this side of the beach offering a memorable panoramic view. This trail is classified as difficult. Option: Boat ride from Lagoinha do Leste to Pântano do Sul (extra cost). Have lunch at a Pântano do Sul restaurant (BYO) and return to accommodation. Free rest of the day. Dinner: at Selina’s or nearby cafés and restaurants in Centrinho da Lagoa.

Duration: 7.5-hour trail.
Meals included: Early breakfast at guesthouse (6.30am). Snack & water for the trail.
What is included: Transport, guided trail by 2 registered adventure guides, personal insurance, loan of leggings for sections of the trail, private group, English spoken.
The Lagoinha do Leste trails and beach are inside the Lagoinha do Leste Municipal Park, a well-preserved area of the Atlantic Forest biome, and are famous for their beauty and wilderness. There are two trails leading to the beach, one coming from the north, via Matadeiro Beach, which is longer but flatter and less busy, and the other trail coming from the south, via Pântano do Sul and Morro da Coroa.

Naufragados, trekking the Shipwreck Pathway. Meeting the local community and gastronomic workshop.

Morning: Transfer to Caieira da Barra do Sul, to meet your guide, Mazinho, who is a local resident and registered Environmental & Cultural guide. Naufragados trail is a moderate 3.5km one way, 1 hr duration, through lush Atlantic Forest. Mazinho will explain about the amazing local nature, flora and fauna, geographic aspects, and the rich history of this place, which is riddled with cannon fire and shipwrecks that give the name to this beautiful beach. He will introduce you to the local community and speak about the fishing activity, like the mullet fishing ‘pesca da tainha’ - the most rewarding season in the region, from which they make their living. Ideally, if the visit occurs during the mullet season, you’ll be able to help pushing off the nets full of fish.

Reaching the beach, on the right-hand side, you'll walk toward the river mouth, and see the lighthouse, cannons, ruins, and the continent shore. On the left-hand side of the beach, the way leads to the community. It is a small fishermen community and there is a restaurant where you will meet the owners who will gently show you how to cook a local meal for lunch, and savour it! After lunch, you'll return to Caieira by boarding a fishing boat that approaches the Araçatuba Fortress, listening to Mazinho's stories and learning about the history of place on the way.
Return to accommodation by van. Free rest of the day.
Dinner at Selina’s or Centrinho da Lagoa.

Duration: all day.
Meals included: Breakfast at guesthouse. Snack and water. for the trail. Lunch: local gastronomy workshop & degustation.
What is included: transport, guided visit, boat ride from Naufragados to Caieira da Barra do Sul.

Ilha do Campeche

Morning: Uber from Selina to Barra da Lagoa pier and depart by boat toward Ilha do Campeche. 1-hour boat ride, each way. The island is considered the most important archaeological site in Florianópolis. It still conserves many petroglyphes, carved by the first islander inhabitants, who lived around 5 thousand years ago, leaving behind a great legacy of the largest concentration of rock inscriptions in Santa Catarina.
This island is a conservation area managed by the IPHAN (Brazilian Heritage Institute) that set the number of visitors and time of permanence on the island for 4 hours/day, counting on arrival. It is crisscrossed by numerous trails, which can only be done with the accompaniment of an Environmental Monitor, based on the island. Difficulty level is medium (some points may be slippery), and time is between 1h and 2.5-hs - depending on the trail and the physical condition of the visitor. There are many ‘coatis’ on the island, introduced in the 19th century. Please do not feed them.

Attractions: rock inscriptions, panoramic views, beach, Atlantic Forest, boat trips, snorkelling (BYO equipment), restaurants and cafés on the beach.
Return to Barra da Lagoa by boat and enjoy wandering along this beautiful beach and visiting the fishermen village. Dinner at Barra da Lagoa, Selina’s or Centrinho da Lagoa.

Duration: ~6 hours.
Meals included: Breakfast at guesthouse.
What is included: Boat return trip Barra da Lagoa - Ilha do Campeche.

Arrival to Florianópolis International Airport

Van transfer to the accommodation in Lagoa neighbourhood, beachfront Praia Mole. Settle down and rest to adapt to the local time zone. Enjoy a welcome drink and the guesthouse amenities and beach.

Accommodation: Selina Floripa & Cowork - https://www.selina.com/brazil/floripa/

9 nights +1 night at the end of the trip. Double room, WIFI, air con, private bathroom, linen & towels provided.

Meals included: Breakfast (1st day depending on arrival time).

Special information: Guesthouse amenities included: free WIFI, Wellness Area, Social Events, Swimming Pool, Surf Club, Sightseeing, Surf Lessons, Movie Room, Shared Kitchen, Beachfront Bar, Live Music, Heated Swimming Pool, Spa (Additional Charge), Restaurant.

Boat ride to Arvoredo Biological Marine Reserve- ReBIO

Morning: Van transfer to Canasvieiras to board the Aquanauta boat, 1.5-hour navigation each way to/from the Arvoredo ReBIO, southern waters of Arvoredo island.

Activity: Snorkelling and/or Diving Baptism (your choice) and swimming in open waters.

Get ready to be amazed by the lush corals, forming true underwater gardens, and the rocks that shelter a unique diversity of marine life, from colourful fish to majestic sea turtles, rays, dolphins and much more. The Baptism is aimed at those who wish to explore the bottom of the sea without having to take a scuba diving course. It is a 30 minute tour of the underwater world in complete safety, as you will be accompanied by an instructor responsible for monitoring and controlling all diving equipment and who will focus solely and exclusively on you.

Afternoon: Van transfer to Santo Antônio de Lisboa (19km, ~38’), visit and 1st food workshop and degustation at Tonho’s Boteco (pub & restaurant).

Santo Antônio is a beautiful suburb in the north-west of the island. Wander around and enjoy Azorean architecture, a historic church, arts & crafts shops and a variety of cafes and restaurants by the beach, among them, Tonho’s Boteco. This is an amazing place where you’ll learn about Brazilian pub food and enjoy having a try in a dish making and degustation, while appreciating the sunset in this gorgeous place. Sunsets are particularly beautiful in Santo Antonio’s beach.

Uber transfer to accommodation (AUD 11/4 pax car – 31km).

Duration: All day Arvoredo ReBio: 7 hs (8.00am to 3.00pm). Santo Antônio:

Meals included: Early breakfast at accommodation (at 6.45am). Light lunch on board, and 1st. Gastronomy workshop & degustation for dinner.

What is included: Van transport to Canasvieiras, boat tour to Arvoredo Island or Mata Fome Island. Equipment: Neoprene, buoyancy vest, air regulators, cylinder, weight belt, mask, snorkel and fins.

Instructor for diving baptism: Exclusive diving instructor providing individual guidance for 30 minutes. Snorkelling: Snorkelling is free for the entire time the boat is anchored at the island. Snack: On board water and fruit (free). Private light lunch on board, along return way.

Cycling tour across the Ribeirão da Ilha outback and Oyster experience

Morning: Transfer to the beautiful south of the island. This is a cycling tour across the outback of the Ribeirão da Ilha, a rural and scenic region. You’ll meet your adventure guides, Lica Triskel Bike owner and the second guide. Those who won’t cycle can do the trip in the support van. It is an average 40km round trip. It includes a visit to an agricultural and goat farm, with a lunch made with local produce followed by a visit to a still (‘alambique’) to learn how ‘cachaça’ "traditional spirit" is made and enjoy a degustation. Then, take a trail to a spectacular lookout on a private property where you can have a panoramic view of both sides of the island, and enjoy a refreshing waterfall bath. Then, you’ll start the descent towards Ribeirão da Ilha to celebrate the ride with a cool glass of craft beer offered by Lica! This neighbourhood offers local arts & crafts, including well preserved Azorean architecture, a historic church, arts &crafts such as lacemaking, pottery and paintings. It is also a renown centre of gastronomy, with restaurants for all budgets and preferences. Seafood and fish-based ones are predominant, but meat based, and vegetarian food are also offered. We’ll head to the remarkable Ostradamus Restaurant, built up on top of a pier, to learn about oyster production, visiting their oyster farm and participating in the 2nd food workshop to cook and be delighted by a delicious dish.
Return to accommodation by Uber (AUD 14/4 pax car – 37km).

Duration: all day

Meals included: Breakfast at accommodation; lunch at the goat farm, dinner at 2nd food workshop degustation (drinks BYO).

What is included: Transport, bike & helmet hire and insurance, 2 guides, access to venues, cachaça degustation, oyster experience and 2nd food workshop.

Second stop, Southern Canyons Pathways

This fantastic canyon region is spread across 2,830km2 between Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul states. It holds the UNESCO Global Geopark containing conservation units with rich biomes and geological formations. Be ready to discover and enjoy contemplation and relax appreciating stunning landscapes and the opportunity to reconnecting deeply with nature. With our local guides, realise a wealth of adventure experiences such as trekking, horseback riding, ballooning, waterfall baths, try a zipline in an adventure park with many attractions, delicious food and much more!

Enjoy the sunrise from a balloon…and get a memorable birds eye view of the southern canyons!

Morning: 5.00am: The balloon team will pick you up at the accommodation and will take you in a van to the place where the balloon takes off. You’ll assist the process of setting up and inflating the balloon, then you’ll board it. The flight takes between 45’ and 1hour depending on weather conditions. You’ll enjoy the sunrise and the amazing landscape around: rice fields, the canyons, the ocean far away. The overflight area depends on the wind’s direction at the time. After landing, you’ll return to the accommodation for breakfast. Free time to get to know Cambará up to lunch time. Costaneira restaurant or others at town centre.
Duration: around 2 hours (transport & balloon flight)
Afternoon: Horseback ride across the Pinheirinho CanyonActivity: 3hs on horseback moderate ride. Riding on regular and irregular terrain, on farm roads and native fields reaching the edges of the Pinheirinho canyon.Dinner: see list of cafés and restaurants at town centre.Duration: ~5 hours (1 to 6pm)Transfer: 40km return trip to Pinheirinho Canyon.

Meals included: Breakfast at guesthouse.
What is included: transport and balloon flight, horseback riding/equestrian tourism instructor guide + trail insurance + transport vehicle + bottle of water. Snack for the horseback ride.

Trip to Cambará do Sul and the Southern Canyons UNESCO Global Geopark

Morning: You’ll travel by van around 390km south of Floripa to Cambará do Sul (~5.5 hour drive). Cambará is a small town located in the fantastic southern canyons’ region, renowned for its geological and geographic formations. With 71 canyons, it is the biggest canyons’ region in Latin America, and host of the UNESCO Global Geopark Southern Canyons Pathways, extended across 2,830km2. The Geopark offers amazing, preserved nature and a wealth of activities, both for nature contemplation and adventure itineraries. You can enjoy swimming in pristine waters, trekking, horseback riding, hot air ballooning, cycling, waterfalls, and an adventure park with many attractions. All these activities are immersed into stunning landscapes.
You’ll stay at Costaneira guesthouse in Cambará do Sul town centre, close to the most attractive canyons, Itaimbezinho and Fortaleza.
Settle down in the accommodation, have lunch or dinner (according to arrival time) and enjoy a free time to get around. See at end of this itinerary the list of cafés and restaurants at the town centre.

Delve deeply in nature: Trekking the Itaimbezinho Canyon

Morning: Itaimbezinho canyon. This is a name of Tupi-Guarani origin, "ita" means stone and "ai" means sharp. It is located in Cambará do Sul - RS, in the Aparados da Serra National Park, distant 18 km from Cambará do Sul town centre.
Light level walk, exploring the edges of the Itaimbezinho canyon. There are two trails to follow: the Vértex and the Cotovelo trails, that can be done on foot or on bike.
On the Cotovelo trail, in addition to walking a good stretch through the Araucaria Forest, there are beautiful views of the steep walls that make up the Canyon. The gorges reach more than 700 meters in height and are 7 km long. This trail is 6 km round trip walk along an old road.
Along the Vertex trail, you’ll walk through the nebular forest, a typical forest on the edges of canyons. This 3km round trip trail is partially paved, and there are several lookouts with views of the waterfalls that form the Canyon, namely: ‘Andorinhas’(Swallows) and Véu da Noiva (Bride’s veil). There is also a property within the National Park that belongs to the Marçal family where you can visit a house built in 1945. They offer snack options, pine nut pastries, coffee, and beautiful crafts. Return to accommodation and free time. Dinner: see list of cafés and restaurants at town centre.
Duration: about 5 hours.
Meals included: Breakfast at guesthouse; Snack for the trail.
What is included: Ecoturism & Adventure guide + transfer from Cambará do Sul to the Canyon + water bottle + Trail insurance.

Delve in nature and have fun at the Fortaleza Canyon!

Morning: The Fortaleza Canyon is accessed 23 km from Cambará do Sul, which makes the journey by car a little long, but the canyon always impresses its visitors.

Visiting the canyon involves two walks of approximately 2 hours round trip; one at the beginning of the canyon and the other at the end of it, the Pedra do Segredo (The Secret Rock) Trail and the Quebra Cangalha Lookout Trail.

The Pedra do Segredo trail takes you to the beginning of the Canyon where you can see the Tigre Preto (Black Tiger) waterfall, with a sequence of 4 rocks, which result in approximately 1,000m, and the Secret Stone that balances in a curious way on a small base.

The Lookout Trail takes you to the end of Fortaleza canyon where to have a panoramic view of the canyon walls and the coast between the south of Santa Catarina and the north of Rio Grande do Sul states. Another point to be highlighted is the finger of God stone, located at the bottom of the Canyon.

Optional: The Fortaleza also offers the highest zipline of the Americas and an amazing swing to enjoy a panoramic view in motion! BYO. Tickets at the park entrance.

Return to accommodation and free time. Dinner: see list of cafés and restaurants at town centre.

Duration: about 5 hours.

Meals included: Breakfast at guesthouse; Snack for the trail.

What is included: Ecoturism & Adventure guide + transfer from Cambará do Sul to the Canyon + water bottle + Trail insurance.

4WD Route das Cachoeiras (Waterfalls’ itinerary).

Morning: Private tour. 93km Circuit tour: adventure & contemplation. Crossing rivers and visiting waterfalls. Attractions: Cachoeira dos Venâncio, Passo dos S ''Parque Estadual do Tainhas'', Passo da Ilha ''Parque Estadual do Tainhas''). in two of the waterfalls, it is possible to have a refreshing bath.
Return to accommodation and lunch: see list of cafés and restaurants at town centre.
Evening: Optional Beer Degustation.

Duration: ~ 5 hours.
Schedule: 8.00am
Meals included: Breakfast at guesthouse and snack for the tour.
What is included: Ecotourism and Adventure guide + trail insurance + internal transfer (4w vehicles) + entrance tickets + bottle of water.

Total expedition cost from

AUD $6,916 + GST

Price includes:

all meals

15 nights accommodation

internal transfers (except airport transfers)

all activities included in the itinerary

all boat trips

Price does not include:

flights

travel insurance

airport transfers

Why travel with Oniria?
What makes us unique?

Oniria Expeditions designs customised travel for small groups that will remain as long lasting, memorable experiences for the participants. The main objective is to provide a genuine and deep connection with nature and the culture of each destination.
We research the various aspects of the chosen destinations in depth and work with passionate local guides and cultural producers that offer unique activities, experiences and workshops.
We produce our itineraries through a participatory process according to the groups' needs and preferences. This preparation aims to maximise the journey experience by being personalised, while also optimising timing and cost. South Brazil Bliss Expedition has been designed according to these objectives.
We will be holding regular briefings at our studio in Fremantle to introduce and tailor the itinerary to the group preferences - don’t miss this opportunity!!
Register your interest in our Expeditions Enquiry below to hold your place in our briefing session!

South Brazil Bliss
Expedition

Expedition Brief:

April 2025
Tailored itinerary
2 weeks long
Small group (8-10 travellers)
Students & non-students
Bilingual guides

Maps & Destinations

First Stop, Florianópolis

Free day

Suggestions:

Natural pools

Surf beaches: Mole, Joaquina

The Tamar Project (marine turtles rescue) nearby

Centrinho da Lagoa (Lagoa downtown)

Duration: all day

Meals included: Breakfast at accommodation; lunch at the goat farm, dinner at 2nd food workshop degustation (drinks BYO).

What is included: Transport, bike & helmet hire and insurance, 2 guides, access to venues, cachaça degustation, oyster experience and 2nd food workshop.

Second stop, Southern Canyons Pathways

Delve in nature and have fun at the Fortaleza Canyon!

Morning: The Fortaleza Canyon is accessed 23 km from Cambará do Sul, which makes the journey by car a little long, but the canyon always impresses its visitors.

Visiting the canyon involves two walks of approximately 2 hours round trip; one at the beginning of the canyon and the other at the end of it, the Pedra do Segredo (The Secret Rock) Trail and the Quebra Cangalha Lookout Trail.

The Pedra do Segredo trail takes you to the beginning of the Canyon where you can see the Tigre Preto (Black Tiger) waterfall, with a sequence of 4 rocks, which result in approximately 1,000m, and the Secret Stone that balances in a curious way on a small base.

The Lookout Trail takes you to the end of Fortaleza canyon where to have a panoramic view of the canyon walls and the coast between the south of Santa Catarina and the north of Rio Grande do Sul states. Another point to be highlighted is the finger of God stone, located at the bottom of the Canyon.

Optional: The Fortaleza also offers the highest zipline of the Americas and an amazing swing to enjoy a panoramic view in motion! BYO. Tickets at the park entrance.

Return to accommodation and free time. Dinner: see list of cafés and restaurants at town centre.

Duration: about 5 hours.

Meals included: Breakfast at guesthouse; Snack for the trail.

What is included: Ecoturism & Adventure guide + transfer from Cambará do Sul to the Canyon + water bottle + Trail insurance.

Final day - wrap up and farewell

Breakfast at accommodation and return by van to Floripa in the morning. Accommodation: Selena Hotel & Cowork (1 night). End of Expedition.
Depending on flight back home/other destination, free day or transfer to International Florianopolis Airport.

Total expedition cost from

AUD $6,916 + GST

Price includes:

all meals

15 nights accommodation

internal transfers (except airport transfers)

all activities included in the itinerary

all boat trips

Price does not include:

flights

travel insurance

airport transfers

Expeditions Enquiry

Join our mailing list

South Brazil Bliss Expedition

Expedition Brief:

April 2025 Tailored itinerary 2 weeks long Small group (8-10 travellers) Students & non-students Bilingual guides

Maps & Destinations

First Stop, Florianópolis

Second stop, Southern Canyons Pathways

Total expedition cost from

AUD $6,916 + GST

Price includes:

all meals

15 nights accommodation

internal transfers (except airport transfers)

all activities included in the itinerary

all boat trips

​​

Price does not include:

flights

travel insurance

airport transfers

Expeditions Enquiry

Join our mailing list

South Brazil Bliss
Expedition

April 2025
Tailored itinerary
2 weeks long
Small group (8-10 travellers)
Students & non-students
Bilingual guides