Things To Do
in Eldorado

Eldorado, Brazil is a small coastal town nestled between green hills and a winding river, offering a relaxed pace and warm Brazilian hospitality. The town blends colonial charm with modern cafés, markets, and friendly plazas that invite wandering and sunset-watching. Locals are welcoming and eager to share stories, making it easy to feel at home as you explore local culture and nature.

With nearby forests, mangroves, and a scenic coastline, Eldorado serves as a laid-back base for discovering southern Brazil’s natural beauty and regional flavors.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Adventure in the Amazon Rainforest
morning
:

Begin your journey by exploring the depths of the Amazon Rainforest, where a local guide will lead you on a thrilling nature hike. Keep an eye out for exotic wildlife, vibrant plants, and the sounds of the jungle awakening around you. After your hike, enjoy a traditional Amazonian breakfast with locally sourced fruits and fresh juices.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, embark on an exciting boat tour along the Rio Negro to discover hidden lagoons and swimming spots. This is a perfect chance to spot pink river dolphins and learn from your guide about the unique ecosystems of the area. After the boat ride, relax at a local café, sipping on refreshing drinks and reflecting on the beauty you've experienced.

evening
:

As the evening falls, enjoy a delicious Amazonian dinner filled with local flavors and ingredients. Watch a captivating cultural performance that showcases the traditions and stories of the indigenous tribes of the region. End your day stargazing by the riverside, listening to the soothing sounds of the jungle at night.

day 2
Cultural Exploration in Eldorado
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Eldorado Cultural Center, where you’ll learn about the rich history and artistic heritage of the region. Engage with local artisans, and view their masterpieces while discovering the stories behind their crafts. Broaden your understanding of Eldorado's cultural significance while enjoying a hearty breakfast at a nearby café.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, visit the local markets, where the vibrant colors and scents sweep you into a world of culture and commerce. Taste traditional Brazilian snacks and pick up unique souvenirs crafted by local artisans, making memories with each interaction. Take a leisurely stroll through the town's historic streets, capturing photos of colonial architecture and street art.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant praised for its authentic Brazilian cuisine. Experience the lively atmosphere as locals gather to enjoy music and dance. After dinner, find a cozy bar to enjoy a caipirinha as you mingle with locals and reflect on your day.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee or soft drink$2-4
🛏️Hotel or guesthouse (per night)$25-60
🚆Local transport ticket$1-3
🛍️Souvenir or casual shopping$5-20

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Relaxed, walkable town with friendly locals
  • Abundant nature nearby for easy day trips
  • Limited big-city amenities and nightlife
  • Seasonal rainfall can affect outdoor plans
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
  • "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Eu gostaria de..." - I would like to...
  • "Aceita cartão?" - Do you accept cards?
  • "Socorro" - Help
  • "Desculpe" - Sorry

Places to Visit in Eldorado

Visit one of these nice places.

Mirante do Rio Eldorado

Panoramic overlook where the river meets the coast, ideal for sunrise and wide-sea shots with the town skyline.

Passeio da Orla

Riverside promenade with colorful boats, docks, and reflections—great for golden-hour photography.

Mercado Municipal Façade

Photograph the market’s vibrant exterior and the lively morning rush inside, with stalls of fruit, fish, and flowers.

Igreja Matriz de Eldorado

Colonial-era church with a simple facade and tranquil interior, perfect for architectural and detail shots.

Trilha do Bosque Estadual

Forest trail with canopy light filtering through, ideal for nature close-ups and bird photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Eldorado

Eldorado’s cuisine is a mingling of coastal seafood traditions and inland Brazilian flavors, with fresh produce, herbs, and hearty meats taking the spotlight. Expect dishes that highlight fish, arroz (rice), pirão (a cassava or corn-based poaching broth), and comforting stews, all complemented by tropical fruits and coffee. Street food is common and markets are good places to sample small plates and pastries. Pair meals with regional juices, caipirinhas, and local beers for a complete experience.

Eldorado Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Moqueca de peixe

A fragrant fish stew stewed with coconut milk, palm oil, peppers, and cilantro; often enjoyed with rice and pirão at seaside eateries.

Must-Try!

Pirão

A creamy accompaniment made from fish stock and cassava or corn flour, served alongside fish or seafood dishes.

Arroz com peixe

Rice cooked with fish and herbs, a simple yet flavorful coastal staple found in many local restaurants.

Churrasco local

Brazilian barbecue featuring various cuts of meat grilled over open flame, commonly served with farofa and salads.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Eldorado

A bustling market area where you can sample fresh fish, tropical fruits, herbs, and ready-to-eat snacks from street vendors.

Praça de Comidas ao Ar Livre

An open-air food court near the riverfront offering fried pastries, pastel, queijo, and caldo de peixe on busy weekend afternoons.

Climate Guide

Weather

Eldorado experiences a humid subtropical climate with tropical influences. Year-round warmth is common, with a wetter rainy season typically from October to March and drier periods in the cooler months. Humidity can be high, especially in the summer, so light clothing and hydration are important.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A firm handshake or a warm “oi/olá” with a smile is common; address people respectfully, and use ‘senhor’/‘senhora’ with the surname when appropriate.

Conversation

Small talk about family and food is common; avoid controversial topics in initial meetings.

Politeness

Saying ‘por favor’ and ‘obrigado/obrigada’ is appreciated; tipping for good service is customary.

Safety Guide

Safety

Urban areas are generally safe during daylight, but exercise common-sense precautions at night and in crowded markets. Use licensed taxis or rideshares after dark, keep valuables secure, and be mindful of water safety when engaging in river activities. Travel with insurance that covers medical and trip disruptions.

Tipping in Eldorado

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

In Brazil, tipping is customary but not mandatory. A 5-10% service charge may be included; if not, leave 5-10% for good service in restaurants and cafes.

Payment Methods

Cash (reais) and cards are widely accepted; some small markets prefer cash. ATMs are common in town centers.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot, humid days with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Light clothing, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket are useful; water-based activities are popular.

Autumn

Pleasant temperatures with comfortable humidity; ideal for outdoor hiking and waterfront strolls.

Winter

Milder days but cooler nights; coastal winds can be brisk. Layered clothing is recommended for evenings.

Spring

Temperate and blooming landscapes; great for photography and market visits with abundant fresh produce.

Nightlife Guide

Eldorado at Night

The nightlife centers on relaxed bars and cafés, with live local music, casual conversation, and waterfront views. Small venues in the town square offer regional snacks and craft beers; later hours see people enjoying open-air patios or rooftop lounges with city lights reflecting on the river.

Hiking in Eldorado

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Trilha do Bosque da Serra

Forest trail with elevated viewpoints and opportunities for wildlife watching.

Cachoeira do Ouro

A scenic waterfall hike with a short, doable trek suitable for most visitors.

Cânion do Lago

Lakeside canyon route offering dramatic river views and photo opportunities.

Airports

How to reach Eldorado by plane.

Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN)

Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. Major international and domestic connections; driving or transfer options connect to Eldorado.

Navegantes International Airport (NVT)

Navegantes, Santa Catarina. A convenient coastal airport with domestic flights; car rental or bus to Eldorado.

Joinville-Lauro Carneiro de Loyola Airport (JOI)

Joinville, Santa Catarina. Regional flights with onward ground transport to Eldorado.

Afonso Pena International Airport (CWB)

Curitiba, Paraná. A larger hub offering numerous domestic connections; estimated drive or bus ride to Eldorado.

Getting Around

Walkability

Eldorado is compact with a concentration of sights around the riverfront and town center. Sidewalks are common in the core area, and many attractions are within comfortable walking distance, though some hillside viewpoints require a short hike or a steep climb. Overall, the town is very walkable for a relaxed weekend or a few days.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local families

A mix of multi-generational households that value community gatherings and local markets.

Students and tourists

Young people and visitors who enjoy coastal scenery, markets, and weekend events.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Futebol

The most popular sport in town, played casually in street arenas and local clubs.

Vôlei de praia

Beach volleyball common along riverfront and coastal edges.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typically light to moderate, with the town center experiencing more congestion during market days and evening hours. Public transportation is limited; most visitors get around by walking, biking, or a short taxi ride. If you plan day trips, a car provides the most flexibility.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Eldorado.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Choose arroz, feijão, and salads; ask for vegetarian-friendly moquecas or beans with rice; many seaside spots can omit fish from dishes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare facilities and clinics are available in town, with private options for sharper services. For more serious medical needs, regional hospitals in larger nearby cities provide advanced care. It’s wise to have travel insurance that covers routine care and emergencies.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide