Things To Do
in Lontras
Lontras is a small municipality in Santa Catarina, Brazil, tucked into the Alto Vale do Itajaí region. It blends rural charm with a developing cultural scene, anchored by family farms, traditional architecture, and warm, welcoming locals. The surrounding hills, rivers, and farmland create a tranquil backdrop for outdoor exploration and slow, authentic interactions.
Visitors can experience a relaxed pace, local hospitality, and easy access to larger regional centers for day trips.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Lontras and settle into a cozy pousada nestled among eucalyptus trees. Meet your host family over fresh pão de queijo and strong café. Listen as they share stories about the town's founding and daily rhythms.
Stroll through the central plaza and visit the local church with its simple architecture and serene atmosphere. Chat with market vendors selling homemade cheeses, corn cakes, and seasonal fruits. Feel the warmth of community as children play and neighbors gather under the jacaranda trees.
Join a communal dinner featuring feijoada with slow-cooked beans and pork accompanied by lively forró melodies. Share laughter around a wooden table under string lights, sampling cachaça-infused desserts. End the night with stargazing on the pousada terrace, breathing in the cool mountain air.
Visit the unique blacksmith museum where age-worn tools and iron sculptures tell tales of Lontras’s industrial past. Watch a demonstration of traditional forging techniques and feel the heat of the forge on your face. Handle raw metal with the guidance of a skilled blacksmith, creating a small souvenir nail to take home.
Head to a nearby workshop specializing in leathercraft to learn how local artisans hand-stitch belts and wallets from rawhide. Select your own piece of leather and mark it with simple patterns inspired by regional flora. Discover how sustainable production methods honor both craft and environment.
Return to town for a tapas-style dinner featuring cassava chips, smoked queijo coalho, and honey-drizzled banana. Listen to an artisan-led story circle, where elders recount legends of the Blacksmith of Lontras. Sip herbal tea infused with lemongrass under the soft glow of lanterns.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel per night | $25-60 |
| ☕Coffee or soft drink | $2-4 |
| 🚗Local transport ride | $1-3 |
| 💧Bottle of water | $0.50-1.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming small-town feel with friendly locals
- Access to scenic nature and hiking nearby
- Affordable prices compared to larger cities
- Limited nightlife and fewer big-city amenities
- Some services may have shorter hours outside peak season
- Language may be a barrier for non-Portuguese speakers in isolated areas
- "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?
Places to Visit in Lontras
Visit one of these nice places.
A central church with a classic façade and colorful interior details, ideal for morning light and candid street scenes.
A panoramic hilltop viewpoint offering sweeping views of the valley and distant mountains, especially dramatic at golden hour.
Historic bridge over the Lontras River, perfect for sunset silhouettes and reflections in calm water.
Colorful façades, narrow lanes, and traditional storefronts provide charming urban textures for photography.
Food in Lontras
Lontras Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Brazilian barbecue featuring cut meats grilled over wood fire, commonly found in local churrascarias and restaurants in Lontras.
Must-Try!
Creamy polenta served with a tomato-meat sauce, a comforting dish typical of the region.
A banana-topped cake popular in Santa Catarina, perfect with a cup of coffee.
Fresh cheese bread paired with a strong local coffee, a staple snack in Lontras.
Traditional colonial-style spread with breads, cheeses, jams, and baked goods, often available at cafes and guesthouses.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market offering fresh produce, regional cheeses, breads, and small snack stalls. Try queijo coalho and pão de queijo while browsing.
Casual stands in the town center offering pastel, coxinha, and other fried snacks along with refreshing beverages.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a smile and say bom dia or boa tarde. Use senhor or senhora in more formal settings.
Always ask before photographing people, particularly in rural or intimate settings.
Dress modestly and remove hats when inside churches.
Safety
Tipping in Lontras
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is common but not mandatory. In restaurants, if service is not included, 5-10% is appreciated. Small tips for taxi drivers or hotel staff are customary.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and humid, with frequent afternoon showers. Carry water, sun protection, and a light rain jacket.
Milder temperatures and golden light; great for outdoor photography and city strolls.
Cooler days with occasional chilly nights. Layer clothing and enjoy crisp, clear skies.
Pleasant temperatures with fresh greenery and intermittent rain—ideal for hiking and markets.
Lontras at Night
Hiking in Lontras
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A moderate hike offering sweeping views of the valley and distant mountains.
Shaded path along the Lontras River with opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
Airports
How to reach Lontras by plane.
Regional airport with limited domestic flights; roughly a 2.5–3 hour drive from Lontras.
Major Santa Catarina hub for domestic flights; about a 3–4 hour drive.
Florianópolis airport with frequent domestic and some international flights; longer drive.
Coastal option with good connections; drive time varies with traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Mostly families with deep ties to agriculture and regional heritage.
Young people who commute to nearby towns for education and work.
A significant portion of the population is involved in farming and livestock in the Alto Vale region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region, with local leagues and casual games throughout the year.
Common in schools and community centers, especially during warm evenings.
Quiet rural roads and scenic routes attract cyclists and local clubs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lontras.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in Lontras—look for rice and beans, salads, polenta, roasted vegetables, and cheese-based dishes. When ordering, ask for vegetable starches or pasta without meat and request broth-free soups when possible.