Things To Do
in Imaruí

Imaruí is a small municipality in Santa Catarina, Brazil, nestled among rolling hills, rivers, and pockets of Atlantic forest. The town preserves a rural, community-focused vibe with family-run farms, local markets, and traditional crafts. It serves as a quiet base for exploring the broader coast and countryside of the southern Atlantic region.

Visitors will find welcoming locals, simple home-style meals, and opportunities to experience authentic rural life away from the bigger tourist hubs.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the Beaches
morning
:

Start your day with a refreshing breakfast at a local café, sampling tropical fruits and traditional Brazilian pastries. After fueling up, head to Praia do Imaruí and enjoy swimming in its calm waters, while soaking in the beautiful coastal scenery. Don't forget to snap some pictures of the stunning sunrise illuminating the beach.

afternoon
:

After a morning of sun and swimming, join a guided beach tour to explore nearby hidden coves and lesser-known beaches. Indulge in a seafood lunch at one of the beachside restaurants, relishing the catch of the day. Spend the afternoon basking in the sun or trying out water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a beachfront bar for some refreshing caipirinhas while listening to live music. Dine at a local restaurant offering a taste of authentic Bahian cuisine, with flavorful dishes featuring coconut and shrimp. Cap off the night by taking a leisurely stroll along the beach, gazing up at the stars.

day 2
Cultural Immersion in the Town
morning
:

After breakfast, embark on a historical walking tour of Imaruí, visiting local churches and colonial architecture. Interact with friendly residents to learn about the town's history and traditions. Make sure to stop by the local market to enjoy fresh produce and regional handicrafts.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a local bistro, participate in a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Brazilian dishes using local ingredients. This hands-on experience will deepen your appreciation for Brazilian culture and cuisine. Spend your afternoon exploring art galleries and workshops showcasing local artisans.

evening
:

In the evening, attend a cultural event if available, such as a capoeira performance that showcases Brazil's unique martial art and musical style. Indulge in dinner at a family-run restaurant that specializes in regional dishes paired with local wines. Wind down the day by enjoying a nightcap at a cozy bar, filled with local spirit and charm.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
Coffee or tea$2-4
🍺Local beer$3-5
🚌Public transport fare$1-2
🧺Basic groceries for a day$8-20

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Tranquil, authentic travel experience away from crowded tourist hubs
  • Beautiful rural scenery and easy access to nature
  • Affordably priced food and accommodations
  • Friendly locals and rich local culture
  • Limited nightlife and fewer high-end dining options
  • Smaller infrastructure and fewer English-speaking services
  • Bonding with locals may require language patience
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica o [lugar]?" - Where is the [place]?
  • "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Sou vegetariano/vegetariana" - I am vegetarian
  • "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
  • "Quero um prato vegetariano" - I want a vegetarian dish
  • "Saúde!" - Cheers!

Places to Visit in Imaruí

Visit one of these nice places.

Praça da Matriz ao pôr do sol

Main square featuring the town church, with warm light and reflective pavements at sunset.

Margem do Rio Imaruí

Promenade along the river with mangrove glimpses and boats; ideal for daytime and golden-hour photography.

Mirante nas colinas ao redor

Hilltop viewpoints offering panoramas of patchwork fields and forests.

Trilha rural de fotografia

Pastoral scenes of farms, grazing cattle, and homesteads along quiet backroads.

Culinary Guide

Food in Imaruí

Imaruí's cuisine centers on fresh, local ingredients—cassava, corn, river fish, and seasonal fruits—prepared in simple, flavorful home-style dishes.

Imaruí Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Peixe assado com arroz

Grilled fish with rice and vegetables; a staple at family-run eateries near the rivers.

Must-Try!

Polenta caseira com queijo

Creamy polenta with local cheese, a comforting dish often served with beans.

Farofa de banana

Toasted cassava flour with fried banana pieces, a sweet-savory side common at family meals.

Caldinho de feijão

A warm bean broth flavored with herbs, perfect for cooler evenings.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Imaruí

A lively spot for fresh fish, cheeses, produce, and ready-to-eat snacks like pastel and tapioca.

Street food stalls

Casual stalls offering pastéis filled with cheese or meat, tapioca, and fresh fruit juice.

Climate Guide

Weather

The region experiences a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters. Coastal influence keeps humidity relatively high, and rainfall is common year-round with a tendency toward a wetter period in the late spring and summer. Expect comfortable temperatures most of the year, with hotter days in the summer months.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and conversation

Begin with a polite greeting: 'bom dia/boa tarde' and a handshake; small talk about family or weather is common.

Respect for privacy and family

Be considerate of personal space; ask before photography of people; in churches dress modestly.

Punctuality and queues

Arrive on time for events; form orderly queues; avoid loud talk in public spaces.

Religious and cultural sensitivity

Respect local religious sites and ceremonies; modest attire where appropriate.

Safety Guide

Safety

Overall, Imaruí is a quiet town with typical travel safety considerations. Keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded markets, use licensed taxis or rideshares, and avoid isolated roads after dark. Carry copies of vital documents and know the local emergency numbers. Exercise standard water-safety precautions when near rivers and during outdoor activities.

Tipping in Imaruí

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tips are appreciated but not mandatory; in restaurants rounding up or leaving about 5-10% is common if service is good; many casual places do not include service charge.

Payment Methods

Cash in BRL is widely accepted; credit/debit cards are common in towns; some rural vendors may prefer cash; mobile payments are less common but growing.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot, humid days with regular rain and afternoon thunderstorms; carry water, sunscreen, and lightweight rain gear.

Autumn

Moderate temperatures, clearer skies, and harvest-time colors; great for outdoor strolling and photography.

Winter

Milder daytime temperatures, cooler nights; occasional rain; layer clothing and plan outdoor activities for mornings.

Spring

Green landscapes and blooming fruit orchards; pleasant temperatures and accessible trails.

Nightlife Guide

Imaruí at Night

In Imaruí the nightlife is typically low-key—friendly bars, cafes with live regional music, and family-friendly gatherings. Expect forró and sertanejo styles at weekend venues, with late-night fried snacks and coffee/tea. The town is more about evenings with family and friends than clubbing, but nearby coastal towns offer more options for nightlife.

Hiking in Imaruí

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Trilha do Mirante das Encostas

Easy hillside loop with views over patchwork fields and forested slopes.

Trilha dos Rios da Região

Riverside path offering birdwatching and tranquil scenery; great for a half-day hike.

Cachoeira do Vale

Short family-friendly hike to a small waterfall with inviting swimming spots nearby.

Airports

How to reach Imaruí by plane.

Florianópolis – Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN)

Major gateway to the region with national and international flights; access by highway via BR-101 and local roads.

Navegantes – Ministro Victor Konder International Airport (NVT)

Smaller airport serving domestic routes; closer to the coastal corridor and convenient for some travelers.

Criciúma – Regional Airport (CCZ)

Regional airport serving southern Santa Catarina; longer drive from Imaruí but useful for certain itineraries.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and walkable, with most sights and eateries within easy reach. Surrounding natural attractions require a car or bicycle to access conveniently, but distances are short and scenic.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families in rural communities

Predominantly agricultural households with strong ties to local traditions.

Elderly residents

A sizable portion of the population has deep-rooted connections to farming and local culture.

European-descendant communities

Heritage from Portuguese, Italian, and German migrations reflected in cuisine and crafts.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Futebol (soccer)

The most popular sport across Brazil, played casually in streets and formally in clubs.

Surfe (surfing)

Coastal towns in Santa Catarina attract surfers; nearby beaches offer beginner-friendly waves.

Futsal

Indoor variant of soccer, common in community centers and schools.

Pesca (fishing)

Recreational fishing in rivers and streams around Imaruí.

Transportation

Traffic

Roads are generally light to moderate in this rural region. A car or motorbike is often the easiest way to explore; public transportation is limited outside the main towns. When traveling to coastal towns on weekends, expect occasional tourist traffic and slower speeds along major routes.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Imaruí.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian travelers can enjoy beans, rice, farofa, cassava, and fresh salads; ask for dishes without meat; many menus can adapt to vegetarian requests.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available in local clinics; for more specialized care, travel to regional centers such as Criciúma or Florianópolis. Travel insurance is recommended and bring any necessary medications and prescriptions.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide