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SANTA CATARINA

Tourist Passport

 LOCATION
Curitiba

PARAN
Dionsio Cerqueira

Porto Unio Caador

451 302

280

ARGENTINA

BORDER ROUTES

GREAT WEST
163

So Miguel do Oeste
158

Maravilha
283

RIO GRANDE DO SUL

303 Treze Tlias Videira 466 282 Seara Irani Pinheiro Preto Tangar Chapec Concrdia Joaaba 462 303 It 470 Piratuba Campos Novos Vargem 153

Xanxer

CONTESTADO VALLEY

116

Federal/State highway Main highway Main dual highway Secondary highway International Airport Airport Port Capital
North America Central America South America Paci c Ocean Brazil Atlantic Ocean
Antarctica

Venezuela Colombia Ecuador

Guyana Suriname

French Guiana

SANTA CATARINA MOUNTAIN RANGE

Blumenau Itaja Ibirama Balnerio Cambori Brusque Bombinhas Rio do Sul Botuver Itapema Porto Belo 470 Governador Nova Trento EUROPEAN Curitibanos Celso Ramos 101 VALLEY Santo Amaro FLORIANPOLIS 282 116 da Imperatriz Palhoa Bom Retiro So Jos 282 guas GREATER do Cerrito Lages Mornas FLORIANPOLIS Urubici
439 438 430

Fraiburgo

Rio Campo Itapo Alegre 101 280 Negrinho So Francisco Jaragu do Sul So Bento PRINCES' do Sul 280 do Sul Joinville ROUTE Corup 416 GREEN Balnerio Piarras Pomerode COAST Penha AND SEA Timb Navegantes

Peru Bolivia
Europe

Braslia

Rio Grande do Sul Mountain Range

So Joaquim

Bom Jardim da Serra

Urussanga Nova Veneza Cricima
285

Gravatal

Garopaba Imbituba

Atlantic Ocean
N W S E

Chile

455

Paraguay
SANTA CATARINA

Laguna Tubaro
SOUTHERN CHARMS

Argentina
Africa

Uruguay

CANYONS' ROUTE
450

Ararangu
101

Downtown So Bento do Sul. Campeche Beach, in Florianpolis. Oktoberfest in Blumenau.

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Praia Grande Porto Alegre

Treze Tlias. Panelo Mountain Range, in Urubici. Aparados da Serra canyons.

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People of Austrian descent.

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SANTA CATARINA
A different Brazil
In addition to native Indians, Portuguese and people of African origin, the ethnic mix of Santa Catarina includes Germans, Italians, Ukrainians, Polish, Austrians, Russians, Japanese, Hungarians, Greeks, Irish, Syrians, Lebanese and several other peoples.
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Clockwise: Native Indians and people of Italian, Japanese and Polish descent.

The state of Santa Catarina remained set apart from the colonization process for the first two centuries of Brazil's history. During this period, besides the native Indians, the only other people to set foot, in passing, on the territory were adventurers, navigators and military personnel. By mid 17th century, bandeirantes (pioneers) from So

Paulo had founded three villages So Francisco do Sul, Desterro (currently Florianpolis) and Santo Antnio dos Anjos da Laguna bringing African people with them. But it wasn't until a century later, as of 1748, that the actual occupation of the territory began in earnest, with the arrival of immigrants from the Azores islands.

The Azorean people settled along the coast. The countryside was occupied as of the 19 th century by successive migratory waves of diverse European origin, which had Santa Catarina as their destination. Pioneering Germans, Italians, Polish, Ukrainians and Norwegians, among other nationalities, needed to brave the wilderness of

nature, extract their livelihood from the land and develop an enterprising spirit. During the course of the 20 th century, other European people, Asians and Arabs, as well as Brazilians from other regions came to sow the seeds of their dreams and hopes in Santa Catarina's soil.

People of German descent. Gaucho culture in the Santa Catarina Mountain Range.
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Portuguese folk dance groups. People of African descent.

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Herclio Luz Bridge, in Florianpolis.

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SANTA CATARINA
Geographical, historical and economic diversity
The state, colonized by dozens of ethnic groups, has a variety of landscapes and ecosystems, and the most beautiful beaches in the South of the country.
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Santa Catarina is a place privileged by the diversity of its natural beauty and the mosaic of its ethnic and cultural make-up. The state is only 95.3 thousand km 2 in size the equivalent to 1% of the Brazilian territory , and it boasts an amazing variety of landscapes. Its coast is 560 km long with paradise-like beaches. Its moun-

tains, with altitudes close to 2,000 meters, are covered by ample extensions of preserved forests, which alternate the exuberance of the Atlantic Forest with the grandiosity of the araucaria woods. In addition to this, there are rivers, lagoons and dozens of thermal water springs.

Clockwise: Inside the Itaimbezinho Canyon, in Praia Grande. Beto Carrero World, in Penha. Oysters. Ferradura Viewpoint, in Chapec.

SANTA CATARINA AT A GLANCE

Area: 95,346 km2 Population: 6.2 million inhabitants Population density: 65.3 inhabitants/km2 Capital: Florianpolis Highest altitude: 1,827 meters (Bela Vista Mountain Urubici) Temperature: Between 13C and 25C Minimum: -5C | Maximum: 35C Distance
Between Florianpolis and Brazil's and Mercosur's main capital cities Curitiba (PR)302 km Porto Alegre (RS)466 km So Paulo (SP)693 km Rio de Janeiro (RJ)1,180 km Braslia (DF)1,667 km Asuncin (Paraguay)1,160 km Montevideo (Uruguay)1,390 km Buenos Aires (Argentina)1,760 km Santiago (Chile)3,180 km

View of Laranjeiras Beach, in Balnerio Cambori. House in the halftimber style, in Pomerode.
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Horseback riding in Lages. Night life on Beira-Rio Avenue, in Blumenau.

Rio do Rastro Mountain Range, in Bom Jardim da Serra. Ibiraquera Lagoon, in Imbituba.

The rural and wild landscapes, some of which remain untouched, are present in many cities, and coexist in harmony near these urban centers. The seasons are well defined a tropical summer, a cold winter with snowfall in a few places, a pleasant and mild autumn, a colorful spring tinged by the many hues of nature.

The art of providing good service

Santa Catarina's ethnic mosaic is com-

prised of several peoples who contributed to shaping the multifaceted face of the state's current population Portuguese, German, Italian, Spanish, African, native Indians, Polish, Austrian, Ukrainian, Japanese, French, Russian and Hungarian, among others. Regardless of their origin, Santa Catarina's people are known for their hospitality, their enterprising spirit and for cultivating the art of providing a good service.

Good economic indexes

In addition to a diversity in landscapes, climates, cultures and human types, Santa Catarina features high social indexes, a sophisticated and competitive economy, a complete infrastructure and its unique developmental model based on balanced regional poles the most populated county municipality, Joinville, has a little over 500

thousand inhabitants. Santa Catarina's economy has grown 340% in the last three decades and is well-founded on the strength of small to medium-sized companies. In order to maintain and increase its leadership, it has invested in the diversification of activities, in technological upgrades, in the training of the work force and in the universalization of knowledge.

Harbor in So Francisco do Sul. Hotel in Santo Amaro da Imperatriz.

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Economic summary
GDP: US$ 70.4 billion (2008) Per capita income: US$ 11.6 thousand (2008) HDI (Human Development Index): 0,840 Exports: US$ 7.6 billion (2010) Number of industries: 29,022 (2009) Number of people employed in the industries: 593,750 (2009)
 Brazil's largest producer of pork,

apples, onions, oysters and mussels.

 Brazil's second largest producer

of rice, poultry and honey.

 Second largest exporter of poultry

and pork.

Germanic Village, in Blumenau.

Mole and Galheta beaches, in Florianpolis.

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Ten Tourist Regions

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The state of Santa Catarina with 293 municipalities is divided into ten tourist regions, the territorial borders of which reproduce geographic, economic and historic-cultural affinities.

 12 | Greater Florianpolis  14 | Green Coast and Sea  16 | Santa Catarina Mountain Range  18 | Southern Charms  20 | Canyons' Route  22 | European Valley  24 | Princes' Route  26 | Contestado Valley  28 | Great West  30 | Border Routes

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Snowy winter in So Joaquim.

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View of Conceio Lagoon, in Florianpolis.

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Greater Florianpolis
A charming capital with quality of life
The Island of Santa Catarina is the highlight of this itinerary full of exuberant nature, a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant night life.
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So Jos da Ponta Grossa Fort and Jurer Beach. Colonial rowhouses in Ribeiro da Ilha.

ters. In the direction of Santa Catarina Mountain Range there is So Pedro de Alcntara, Angelina and Rancho Queimado. These are municipalities which offer the peace of a rural environment and the cattle drivers' culture. Santo Amaro da Imperatriz and guas Mornas feature hydrothermal spas.

Main cities: Florianpolis, Governador Celso Ramos, So Jos and Palhoa. Other cities of interest: Biguau, guas Mornas, Santo Amaro da Imperatriz, Rancho Queimado, So Pedro de Alcntara, Angelina, Antnio Carlos, Anitpolis and So Bonifcio. Attractions: Beaches, mountains, hydrothermal spas and historic-cultural heritage. Main event: Fenaostra (National Oyster Fest), in Florianpolis (October). Economic activities: Tourism, technology, aquaculture and commerce. So Jos is the region's industrial center.
Hotel in guas Mornas.
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The itinerary is comprised of 13 municipalities. Florianpolis is a special city and a highlight of this itinerary. Almost all of its territory is located on an island with just a few of its neighborhoods situated on a continental peninsula. It is considered Brazil's fourth capital in quality of life it combines environmental and historical heritage preservation with a high rate of schooling and income, as well as a good urban infrastructure and services. The nature is simply spectacular. Magnificent beaches one hundred of them, of all kinds , Atlantic Forest, islands, restinga vegetation, dunes, mangroves and lagoons. Around 45% of the island is comprised of permanent preserva-

tion areas. The Azorean architecture and a group of Portuguese forts dating from the 18 th century are some of the highlights on offer. There are good hotels, shopping malls, an international airport and a vibrant night life.

Places of interest to visit

`` Florianpolis: The historical district,

Metropolitan region
Four continental municipalities along with the Island of Santa Catarina form two large bays. So Jos and Biguau share their Azorean origins and possess important historical heritage. Palhoa is famous for its Guarda do Emba Beach. The Governador Celso Ramos municipality features 22 beaches. The Anhatomirim Island and the Santa Cruz Fortress (1744) are located in its wa-

the beaches and the Portuguese fortresses, which offer a tourist infrastructure (Santo Antnio, on the Ratones Grande Island, and So Jos da Ponta Grossa, in Jurer).

Special programs
`` Florianpolis:

Boat trips to Costa da Lagoa and to Campeche Island. `` Governador Celso Ramos: Trips to Anhatomirim Island, crossing the Baa dos Golfinhos (Dolphins Bay), a bay inhabited by a hundred dolphins of the tucuxi type.

View of Central Beach, in Balnerio Cambori.

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Green Coast and Sea

Balnerio Cambori, vibrant day and night
The splendid nature, the beauties of Porto Belo, Bombinhas and Itapema, the port city of Itaja and the Beto Carrero World Park complete the attractions.
Peaceful or lively beaches, good restaurants, bars and nightclubs that cater to all tastes and the offer of a variety of activities is what makes Balnerio Cambori one of the preferred destinations by summer holidaymakers its populations of 108 thousand inhabitants welcomes on average 900 thousand visitors over the summer months. The Central Beach concentrates the largest bustle of people, with entertainment options offered along its 7 km coast. Itaja, a port city, is Southern Brazil's only city to have an exclusive pier for luxury cruise ships. It features beautiful beaches, a preserved historical heritage, and good gastronomic options. Navegantes with its international airport and Penha, the location of the Beto Carrero World park, are located to the north of Itaja.
Porto Belo Island and the Enseada do Caixa D'Ao cove, in Porto Belo.

Islands
The Arvoredo Biological Marine Reserve is Southern Brazil's best diving location. Ancient rock engravings, trails in the Atlantic Forest and a good infrastructure can be found on Porto Belo Island.

Main cities: Balnerio Cambori, Itaja, Itapema, Porto Belo, Navegantes and Balnerio Piarras. Other cities of interest: Bombinhas, Penha, Cambori, Ilhota and Lus Alves. Attractions: Beaches, Azorean folklore, historical heritage and a great entertainment infrastructure. Main event: Marejada Portuguese Fest and Fish Fest, in Itaja (October). Economic activities: Fishing, ceramics, ship-building and tourism. The Port of Itaja, Brazil's largest fishing port, is the state's second largest exporter.
Diving in the Arvoredo Reserve.
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Places of interest to visit

`` Emerald

Emerald Coast
The shade of green of the sea between Itapema, Porto Belo and Bombinhas is what gives this coastal stretch its name, which features semi-deserted beaches, peninsulas, sheltered bays and crystal-clear waters, ideal for diving. The beach resorts offer good services and a lively night life. Itapema, the largest city, offers the best tourist infrastructure. Bombinhas and Porto Belo have some common features: a winding coastline, beautiful beaches, fishing villages and a touch of Azorean culture.

Coast: The beautiful beaches of Bombinhas, Porto Belo and Itapema. `` Balnerio Cambori: There are all kinds of beaches, including the Pinho Beach, Brazil's first naturist beach. `` Itaja: Historical center and beaches.

Special programs
`` Penha:

Weekend at Beto Carrero World park. `` Balnerio Cambori: Enjoy a cable car trip and sledging on the mountain at the Unipraias Park.

Rio do Rastro Mountain Range, in Bom Jardim da Serra.

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Santa Catarina MOUNTAIN RANGE

Rural tourism on the snowy paths
The Mountain Range charms visitors with its human warmth, delicious food and outdoor activities. This is where tourists tune into nature.
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Bonfire at a ranch resort. Pedra Furada (Holed Rock), viewed from Morro da Igreja (Church Hill), and Campestre Hill, in Urubici.
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Santa Catarina Mountain Range is Brazil's coldest region. It is the only place in the country where it snows every year in wintertime, even if only for a few days. It is then that frost and snow cover the Araucaria trees, the fields and the stone walls covered with a white blanket, and even the waterfalls freeze up. The cold, the pine trees, the vast fields with grazing cattle and the huge canyons compose a foreign scene within an almost entirely tropical country such as Brazil even in summer, the mountain air is invigorating, and at mere 100 km from the coast. It's not by chance that this region is the cradle of rural tourism in Brazil. Century-old farms, cattle drivers' gastron-

omy, horse trekking and rural villages complement Santa Catarina Mountain Range spectacle of rustic nature.

Joaquim: An opportunity to venture into the Vale da Neve (Snow Valley) trails.

Special programs
`` Rural

Places of interest to visit

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Jardim da Serra: Enjoy the stunning views of the Rio do Rastro Mountain Range and visit the Laranjeiras Canyon. `` Urubici: The Corvo Branco Mountain Range road also offers amazing views. Enjoy the view from the top of Morro da Igreja (Church Hill 1,822 m), including the Pedra Furada (Holed Rock), and the Avencal Hill, where the Avencal Waterfall and the stone walls with ancient engravings are located.

tourism: There are ranch resorts, located in various cities, which offer horse trekking and other trips

throughout the region their restau- 17 rants are open to the general public and serve hearty traditional country food, such as barbecue and pine nuts-based dishes, a local delicacy. `` Urupema: Trout fishing in the icy, crystal-clear rivers.

Main cities: Lages, So Joaquim, Urubici, Urupema, Bom Jardim da Serra and Bom Retiro. Other cities of interest: Bocaina do Sul, Correia Pinto, Anita Garibaldi, Campo Belo do Sul, Cerro Negro, Capo Alto, Otaclio Costa, Rio Rufino, So Jos do Cerrito, Painel and Palmeira.

Attractions: Snow, country traditions, gastronomy, nature and rural tourism. Main events: The Pine-Nut Festival, in Lages (May or June) and the Apple National Festival, in So Joaquim (April). Economic activities: Farming, logging and tourism.

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Right-Whale watching in Imbituba.

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SOUTHERN CHARMS
Ecotourism and tradition
The coast is a sanctuary for Right-Whales. In the countryside municipalities, the joyful Italian culture captivates the visitor.
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Rosa Beach, in Imbituba. View of the Santa Marta Lighthouse and a statue of Anita Garibaldi in Laguna's historical district.

Places of interest to visit

`` Laguna: The historical district, the Gi

Main cities: Laguna, Imbituba, Garopaba, Cricima and Tubaro. Other cities of interest: Urussanga, Nova Veneza, Orleans, Gravatal, Jaguaruna, Iara and Balnerio Rinco. Attractions: Historical heritage, hydrothermal spas, beaches and whale-watching. Main events: The Republic in Laguna (Laguna), an open air theatrical performance (July), reenacts the meeting between Anita and Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi. Urussanga holds two major celebrations. In odd years, there's the Ritorno alle Origini (April); and in even years, the Wine Fest (August). Economic activities: Ceramics, plastic products, farming and tourism.

Beach and the Santa Marta Lighthouse.

`` Jaguaruna: Dunes, beaches, lagoons

The South is amazing in its diversity. Along the coast, the predominant influence of the Portuguese settlers can be found. Laguna, Anita Garibaldi's birthplace (1821-1849), is Santa Catarina's third settlement. It features hundreds of preserved historical buildings. Garopaba and Imbituba are lively coastal resorts. Between June and November, Right-Whales come to the region to procreate and feed their calves on Santa Catarina's coastal waters and these cities welcome hundreds of tourists eager to watch the marine giants.

Italian cities
This was the first region in the state to receive Italian immigrants, in 1875, and it was these settlers who founded the two largest cities in the Southern Santa Catarina Cricima and Tubaro. In the countryside, Italian tradition is at its most authentic, present in cities such as Urussanga, Nova Veneza and Orleans. The famous hydrothermal spas are located in the city of Gravatal and in the districts of Guarda and Rio do Pouso, in Tubaro. The tourist complex associated with Termas do Gravatal is the largest in Brazil's Southern region.

and ancient shellmounds. `` Imbituba: Rosa and da Vila beaches and the Ibiraquera Lagoon. `` Garopaba: Ferrugem, Silveira, Siri and Gamboa are some of its most famous beaches. `` Orleans: The Open Air Museum and the walls featuring sacred art. `` Urussanga and Nova Veneza: Enjoy Italian gastronomy in the local canteens.

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Special programs
`` Imbituba

and Garopaba: RightWhale watching. `` Laguna: Watch the dolphins in the sandbar canal of the Santo Antnio Lagoon helping the fishermen catch grey mullet.

Itaimbezinho Canyon, in Praia Grande.

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CANYONS' Route
A region of great adventures
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Lively resorts, simple-life cities and the Aparados da Serra and Serra Geral national parks are some of the highlights.
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Boi River Trail and Vu de Noiva Waterfall, in Praia Grande. Conventos Hill, in Ararangu.

Places of interest to visit

The extreme South of Santa Catarina is a great adventure set amid exuberant nature. The coastline stretches from Balnerio Arroio do Silva all the way to the border with Rio Grande do Sul, in Passo de Torres. Balnerio Gaivota is the right place for those looking for excitement. Santa Catarina's largest freshwater lagoon and a cave complex are located in Sombrio. Convent Hill, in Ararangu, features a spectacular combination comprised of beach, lagoon, river, cliffs and dunes. quaint towns and their hospitable people, whereas on the border with Rio Grande do Sul, the landscape is one of a kind: imposing ravines that are a challenge to courage and bravery. The Aparados da Serra and the Serra Geral national parks are where the Itaimbezinho and the Fortaleza canyons are located. The sudden deep cuts into the mountainside are the main attraction for ecotourists in search of adventure amid the magnitude of nature. For lovers of ecotourism, the Aparados da Serra canyons are a stunning scenery to behold. The canyons are accessed through Praia Grande municipality.
`` Sombrio:

The four-cave complex (the largest of which, has an opening of 17 m and an area of 1,118 m2) is located 2 km from downtown, next to the BR-101 highway and the Sombrio Lagoon, the largest freshwater lagoon in Santa Catarina. `` Ararangu : A sight seeing trip through the Balnerio Morro dos Conventos is a summary of the region's attractions.

Main cities: Ararangu and Sombrio. Other cities of interest: Passo de Torres, Balnerio Gaivota, Santa Rosa do Sul, Jacinto Machado, Turvo, Timb do Sul, Meleiro, Morro Grande, Maracaj, Balnerio Arroio do Silva and Praia Grande. Attractions: Canyons, extreme sports, ecotourism and beaches. Main events: Truck race, in Balnerio Arroio do Silva, after Carnival; Tractor race, in Turvo (August, in odd years). Economic activities: Fishing, production of wine and honey.

Special programs
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The canyons
Across the region, the lively coastal resorts contrast with the simple,

Grande: Enjoy a visit to the Itaimbezinho and the Fortaleza canyons, located within the Aparados da Serra and the Serra Geral national parks.

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European Valley
The contagious joy of German celebrations

Oktoberfest in Blumenau.

Blumenau, Pomerode and Brusque make up a Germanic enclave in the Itaja River Valley. Small Italian cities complete the itinerary.
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An ephigy of Saint Paulina, in Nova Trento. View of downtown Blumenau, by the Itaja-Au River banks. Pomerode's portal.

Places of interest to visit

`` Blumenau

The Itaja River Valley is a part of Germany set in the tropical south of Brazil. The region was colonized by Germanic people who began to arrive in the region in 1850. Their descendents keep the ancestral traditions alive in their gastronomy, folklore, architecture, dances and celebrations. Pomerode is considered Brazil's most Germanic city. Its buildings feature the traditional halftimber style, the customs of the people and the overall feeling of the place make visitors feel like they're in another country. Blumenau, the center of this Germanic enclave in Brazil, has been organizing the Oktoberfest

since 1984, the largest German celebration in the Americas. The average annual number of visitors is around 600 thousand. In neighboring Brusque, the Fenarreco (National Duck Fest) is held, which also welcomes thousands of visitors every year.

and Pomerode: These two cities feature the majority of the halftimber style old houses and the German colonization museums. `` Brusque: Cable car trips.

Main cities: Blumenau, Pomerode, Brusque, Nova Trento and Rio do Sul. Other cities of interest: Gaspar, Indaial, Timb, Botuver, Ibirama, Apina, Rodeio, Rio dos Cedros, Presidente Getlio, Doutor Pedrinho and Benedito Novo. Attractions: Folklore, gastronomy, nature, historical heritage and typical celebrations. Main events: October celebrations: The Oktoberfest, in Blumenau; the Fenarreco, in Brusque; the Immigrant's Fest, in Timb; and the Kegelfest, in Rio do Sul. Pomerana Fest, in Pomerode (January). Economic activities: Textile and clothing industry, farming and tourism.

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Special programs
`` Blumenau:

Religious tourism
Nova Trento, a city settled by Italians, is home to Saint Paulina, Brazil's first saint. Thousands of pilgrims visit the sanctuaries in Vgolo, where Paulina lived. Azambuja Valley, in Brusque, is another of the region's pilgrimage destinations, known as Valley of Miracles.

A trip to Vila Itoupava, where the customs and habits of the settlers are kept alive. `` Ibirama and Apina: The thrills of rafting down the Itaja-Au River. `` Rio dos Cedros: Sightseeing in the lakes region, on the Alto Vale do Itaja. `` Botuver: Exploring the Botuver Caves Municipal Park. `` Gaspar: Cascania Water Park.

Historical district of So Francisco do Sul.

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Princes' Route
European charm, the splendor of the Coastal Range and beautiful beaches
The historical cities and the traditions of the settlers are the outstanding feature present in Santa Catarina's Northern and Northeastern regions.
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A performance by the Bolshoi Theater School, in Joinville, and the city's portal.

Places of interest to visit

The National Museum of Immigration and Colonization. `` So Bento do Sul: Morro da Igreja (Church Hill) and Getlio Vargas Square. `` Corup: The Waterfalls' Route. `` Campo Alegre: Enjoy a rural ambiance with Polish traditions in Bateias. `` So Francisco do Sul: A historical district, with 150 buildings, among which the National Museum of the Sea, the mother church and the Municipal Public Market.
`` Joinville:

`` Itapo,

Balnerio Barra do Sul and Barra Velha: Sailing and fishing options.

Special programs
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Landscaped cities, clean and floweradorned streets, drapes framing the verandas, curtained windows, colorful frescos adorning the walls. The Princes' Route is essentially a tourist route despite housing important urban and industrial centers, such as Joinville the largest city in the state Jaragu do Sul and So Bento do Sul, the latter with a strong German influence. Along the coast, there are beautiful beaches and ample mangroves. The Island of So Francisco do Sul, colonized by the Portuguese, was Santa Catarina's first settlement. Campo Alegre, Rio Negrinho and Corup are vibrant, welcoming cities.

Joinville
Every two years the city holds the world's largest dance festival, which merited an entry in the 2005 Guinness Book of Records. In addition to this, it is home to the world's only branch of the Moscow's Bolshoi Theater, the Bolshoi Theater School in Brazil.

Negrinho: Old steam train tour to So Bento do Sul. `` Joinville: To sail on the Babitonga Bay on the Prncipe de Joinville III boat. 25 `` So Francisco do Sul: Visiting Vila da Glria and other islands in the bay.

Main cities: Joinville, Jaragu do Sul, So Bento do Sul and So Francisco do Sul. Other cities of interest: Rio Negrinho, Campo Alegre, Corup, Balnerio Barra do Sul, Barra Velha, Itaipolis, Mafra and Itapo. Attractions: Beaches, historical heritage, fishing, folklore and gastronomy.

So Francisco do Sul
A historical city with preserved old houses. Located on a maritime island, on the Babitonga Bay, it features over a dozen beaches and provides excellent sailing conditions.

Main events: October celebrations: Schtzenfest, in Jaragu do Sul. The Festilha, in So Francisco do Sul (April); Joinville's Dance Festival (July); and the Flower Fest, in Joinville (November). Economic activities: Joinville is Santa Catarina's largest industrial pole. The Port of So Francisco do Sul export is the state's largest in container transit.

Castelinho in Fraiburgo.

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Contestado Valley
The charms of the Mid-West
The region's varied attractions are surprising: vast apple orchards, hydrothermal spas, typically European cities and preserved traditions.
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Ren Frey Native Forest, in Fraiburgo. Austrian Honorary Consulate, in Treze Tlias. Bandstand and the Mrio de Pellegrin Wine Museum, in Videira.

The spectacle of the waters

The municipality of Porto Unio is an attraction in its own right, with over 100 waterfalls, cascades and falls of varied sizes and types. The It Lake, which flooded the old town, also draws plenty of tourists.

Araucrias L ake capt ivate t he visitors. `` Piratuba: Thermal park and Engenho Route (mill). `` Videira: The Mrio de Pellegrin Wine Museum and the Wine Station.

Special programs
`` Fraiburgo: Jeep tours across apple 27

The Contestado War (1912-1916) took place in this region; and it was one of the bloodiest popular uprisings ever recorded in Brazil's history. Around 20 t housand nor t herners fought against police forces to avoid dispossession of their lands to the Brazil Railway Company, an American company. The northerners were religious zealots who followed a messianic leader known as Monk Jos Maria. The evidence left over from this epic event is still present in the region's municipalities, particularly in Caador and Irani. Currently, the Contestado Valley's main attraction is its multitude of landscapes, people and cultures.

The Friendship Route

This is comprised of seven cities. The city of Fraiburgo, was founded by immigrants from the Alsace region and accounts for 26% of the national apple production. Italian culture is the attraction in the municipalities of Videira and Tangar. Treze Tlias looks like a town out of a fairy tale. The city was founded by immigrants from the Tirol region and features houses and buildings in Alpine style, with typical decorations and adorned with flowers. Piratuba is a pleasant and well-structured hydrothermal spa. Joaaba and Frei Rogrio complete the itinerary.

Places of interest to visit

Tlias: The entire city is an attraction. The sculpture studios are a highlight. `` Fraiburgo: The Steiner Park, the Ren Frey Native Forest and the
`` Treze

orchards, native vegetation and preservation areas, organized by the Casa do Turista (Tourist House). `` Frei Rogrio: A small community, typically Japanese.

Main cities: Videira, Treze Tlias, Fraiburgo, Tangar, Pinheiro Preto, Piratuba, Irani, It, Caador, Curitibanos and Porto Unio. Other cities of interest: Canoinhas, Frei Rogrio, Seara, Rio das Antas, Campos Novos, Capinzal, Concrdia, Joaaba and Herval d'Oeste.

Attractions: Tirolese and Italian culture, gastronomy, nature and hydrothermal springs. Main events: Tirolerfest, in Treze Tlias (October), and Carnival in Joaaba. Economic activities: Farming (poultry, pork and apples), and logging industry.

Santo Antnio Cathedral and the Desbravador monument, in Chapec.

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Great West
Italo-gaucho culture
Colonized by the descendents of Italian immigrants from Rio Grande do Sul, the region offers a variety of tourism activities with a good infrastructure.
The Italian-descent majority is responsible for the emergence of the largest cities in the Great West, among which is Chapec. However, as the region's occupation is a fairly recent event which took place in the first half of the 20 th century , the Italian people from the west of Santa Catarina, as opposed to the Italians from the south, are the children and grandchildren of the immigrants. The majority of them came from Italian colonies in Rio Grande do Sul, along with other people of European descent, bringing with them some gaucho traditions.
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Parque das Quedas (Falls Park), in Abelardo Luz. Thermal water pool in a So Carlos hotel. Old Cattle Driver Museum, in Chapec.

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The Thermal Springs Route

Along the Uruguay and Chapec rivers, hydrothermal springs and a good infrastructure are the attractions in the guas de Chapec, Palmitos, So Carlos and Quilombo municipalities.

Places of interest to visit

`` Chapec:

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Diversified tourism
Rural, events and religious tourism. Chapec has all of this to offer, including a good infrastructure. The Tancredo Neves Expo Park holds important farming-related events. Xanxer's natural beauties and good infrastructure attracts ecotourists, as in the case of So Domingos municipality, where the Bonito and Chapec rivers meet. Some of Abelardo Luz's waterfalls are over 20 m high.

The Italian Route, the Uruguay River Valley Route (with the Ferradura Viewpoint), the the Cattle Drivers' Route and the Irani River Valley Route. `` Abelardo Luz: Parque das Quedas (Falls Park).
Expo-Market). Every two years, on odd years.

Main Cities: Chapec and Xanxer. Other cities of interest: Xaxim, So Domingos, Vargeo, Abelardo Luz, Monda, So Loureno do Oeste, Saudades, Maravilha and Guatambu. Main events: EFAPI (Chapec Farming, Industrial and Commercial

Attractions: Hydrothermal springs, natural beauty, Italian and gaucho culture. Economic activities: Farming (poultry, pork), and logging industry.

So Miguel Arcanjo Mother Church, in So Miguel do Oeste.

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Border Routes
Ethnic and cultural diversity
The region, located between the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Paran, is the only one in Santa Catarina to share a border with another country, Argentina.
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Thermal springs in So Joo do Oeste. Oktoberfest in Itapiranga. The Yucum Falls seen from Itapiranga. So Joo Berchmans Mother Church, in So Joo do Oeste.
`` Dionsio

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The Border Routes region is influenced by a variety of cultures in addition to being close to the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Paran, it is the only one in Santa Catarina to share a border with another country, Argentina. People of European descent, mainly German, Italian and Polish, contribute to the cultural diversity that captivates the visitors. In many of the municipalities, the tourist infrastructure is incipient, but its people's welcoming and the adventure of exploring new destinations are pleasures that more than make up for it. Among the attractions are beautiful, still-unspoiled scenery, extreme sports in nature and diverse cultural appeal.

Nature and adventure

The local geography offers a series of activities in tune with nature; from the calm walks, fishing and bathing in the waterfalls to the extreme, such as running the river rapids and canyon rappelling. The world's widest cascade, Yucum Falls (Rio Grande do Sul) is located just 35 km from Itapiranga.

Places of interest to visit

`` Itapiranga:

Home to Brazil's first ever Oktoberfest, in 1978. The fest's opening and closing ceremonies take place in the Linha Becker, oneof the main preservations centersof the municipality's culture.

Cerqueira: The Marco das Trs Fronteiras (Three Borders Mark), enables the visitor to be simultaneously in two Brazilian states and in an Argentinean province. `` So Joo do Oeste: The So Joo Park Thermas, is a leisure complex, with an inn and a campsite. `` Guaraciaba: Edvino Hlscher Historical Museum, one of Brazil's largest rural museums. `` Descanso: Around 80% of its population is of Polish descent. The pierogi is one of the city's gastronomic specialties.

MAIN CITIES: So Miguel do Oeste, Dionsio Cerqueira and Itapiranga. OTHER CITIES OF INTEREST: So Joo do Oeste, Guaraciaba, So Jos do Cedro and Descanso. MAIN EVENT: Oktoberfest, in Itapiranga (October). ATTRACTIONS: Cultural diversity, campeira (peasant), Italian, German and Polish cuisines, beautiful nature. Economic activity: Farming.

 Editora Letras Brasileiras, 2011

5 th edition

Editorial Production
Editorial Conception: Jakzam Kaiser and Werner Zotz Executive Editor: Chuchi Silva Art Direction: Fernanda Hinnig Production Coordinator: Claudia Grandi Graphic design: Lya Zumblick DESKTOP PUBLISHING: Juliana Ges Portuguese revision: Claudia Carvalho Image DATABASE: Carolina Peixer TRANSLATION: Cetraid Centro de Tradues e Assessoria em Idiomas

Photos
Editora Letras Brasileiras IMAGE DATABASE: BK Bia Karasiak, CF Carlito Ferreira, FA Felipe Aguillar, FC Felipe Christ, FH Fernanda Hinnig, HB Hermes Bezerra, IC Iolita Cunha, JK Jakzam Kaiser, LL Leo Laps, MG Mauro Goulart, MK Markito, MS Marcello Sokal, RH Renata Hinnig, RR Ricardo Ribas, SH Silvia Hudak, WZ Werner Zotz. other image DATABASES and promotional images: AME/D Andra Melo/City Hall Promotion, CF/B Carlito Ferreira, DBC Beto Carrero World Promotion, DHB Divulgao Hotel Fazenda Boqueiro, DHI Hotel e Spa Caldas da Imperatriz Promotion, EF/D Enio Frasseto/City Hall Promotion, EL/D Enrique Litman/Promotion, DP City Hall Promotion, FA/B Felipe Aguillar, JCF/B Joo Paulo Cauduro Filho, LFS/D Luiz Fernando Soares/City Hall Promotion, MG/D Marco Gamborgi/Promotion, PB/F Plnio Bordin/Fotomundo, RI/D Ralf Ilg/Divulgao.

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