Things To Do
in Rio dos Cedros
Rio dos Cedros is a small mountain town in Santa Catarina known for its lush forests and quiet rural charm. Nestled in the Itajaí Valley, it offers scenic hills, waterfalls, and easy access to nature. The town reflects a blend of Brazilian rural culture with influences from German and Italian heritage common in the region.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, fresh local produce, and welcoming farm-to-table hospitality all year round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a stroll through the charming streets of Rio dos Cedros, admiring the well-preserved colonial architecture. Visit the local market where you can sample fresh fruits and local delicacies while engaging with friendly vendors. Capture the essence of this quaint town by stopping for a coffee at a nearby café, soaking in the morning atmosphere.
In the afternoon, head to the Museu de História Natural, where you can learn about the region's rich biodiversity and history. After immersing yourself in the exhibits, take a leisurely walk along the beautiful banks of the Rio dos Cedros, enjoying the lush greenery and tranquil surroundings. Consider a picnic lunch in one of the nearby parks, where you can relax and unwind.
As evening falls, explore the local dining scene at a traditional restaurant, sampling authentic Brazilian dishes like feijoada or moqueca. After dinner, enjoy a cultural performance at a small theater or a local venue, where you can experience traditional music and dance. Conclude your day with a stroll under the stars, appreciating the peaceful ambiance of this small town.
Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before heading out to explore the nearby nature trails. The morning sun will guide you through lush landscapes as you hike towards the breathtaking waterfalls that Rio dos Cedros is known for. Be sure to bring your camera, as the vibrant flora and fauna will provide stunning photo opportunities.
Continue your adventure by taking a refreshing dip in one of the natural pools beneath the waterfalls, enjoying the cool water on a warm day. Afterward, have a packed lunch while surrounded by nature, listening to the sounds of birds and water flowing. Spend some time relaxing in the sun or exploring the trails further, discovering hidden gems along the way.
As the day winds down, return to your accommodation to freshen up before heading to a local eatery for dinner. Try some regional specialties, perhaps complemented by a glass of local wine or caipirinha. End your evening with a peaceful walk along the riverside, appreciating the beauty of the setting sun reflecting off the water.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $18-35 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry | $3-6 |
| 🏨Hotel room per night (mid-range) | $50-120 |
| 🛍️Groceries for a week | $25-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, scenic setting with easy access to nature
- Friendly locals and strong farm-to-table cuisine
- Limited nightlife and fewer large-scale attractions
- Hilly terrain may require car travel and some walking
- "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 recomendar um lugar bom?" - Can you recommend a good place?
- "Eu gostaria de água" - I would like water
- "Fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Tudo bem?" - How are you?
Places to Visit in Rio dos Cedros
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic overlook offering sweeping views of the valley, pine forests, and distant hills—great for sunrise shots.
A picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and mossy rocks; ideal for long-exposure waterfall photography.
Forest trails featuring iconic araucária trees; capture textured trunks, lichen, and soft forest light filtering through the canopy.
Historic streets with colonial architecture, colorful façades, and local markets—great for street photography and portraits.
Food in Rio dos Cedros
Rio dos Cedros Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Seasonal roasted pinhão (pine nuts from araucária trees) served as a snack or side dish; a rustic staple in cooler months.
Must-Try!
Grilled rainbow trout from nearby streams, often served with lemon butter and herbs or a simple rice accompaniment.
Creamy or firm polenta topped with local cheese, a comforting pairing with grilled meats or mushroom sauces.
A traditional banana-centered cake with cinnamon; a popular dessert at cafés and bakeries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, pão, and homemade jams; great for sampling local produce.
Seasonal stalls around town where farmers showcase seasonal harvests, dairy products, and ready-to-eat snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly handshake is common in formal settings; among friends, a cheek kiss may occur in casual situations. Use polite phrases like por favor and obrigado/a.
Arrive on time for appointments but be flexible for social visits; family and friends may arrive a bit later.
In casual conversation, maintain close but respectful personal space and avoid overly loud public displays of emotion in formal settings.
Safety
Tipping in Rio dos Cedros
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of around 5-10% is appreciated if service is not included in the bill; in casual cafés and markets tipping is optional and based on service quality.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and humid days with afternoon showers possible; pack light clothing, sun protection, and a light rain jacket. Water activities and outdoor walks are popular, but be prepared for sudden rain.
Mild temperatures with scenic foliage; great for photography and scenic drives. Light layers recommended and rain is possible in some weeks.
Cool-to-cold nights and mild days; chimney-stoked restaurants and hearty dishes are common. Pack warm layers and a rain jacket; mornings can be misty.
Pleasant temperatures with blooming flora; ideal for hiking and outdoor markets. Bring a light layer and an umbrella for variable rain showers.
Rio dos Cedros at Night
Hiking in Rio dos Cedros
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Moderate trail to a lookout with panoramic valley views and possible wildlife sightings.
A forested hike to a scenic waterfall with mossy rocks and fern undergrowth.
Longer forest walk among iconic araucária trees, ideal for a half-day nature immersion.
Airports
How to reach Rio dos Cedros by plane.
Regional airport serving Joinville; about 60-90 minutes by road from Rio dos Cedros.
Coastal airport with broader domestic flights; roughly 1.5-2 hours drive to Rio dos Cedros.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Portuguese-speaking residents with rural and agricultural livelihoods.
Influences in architecture, cuisine, and family traditions common in the Santa Catarina region.
A significant portion of the population is involved in dairy farming, forestry, and small crafts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The region embraces soccer as a popular community activity, with local clubs and pickup games in public fields.
Common in schools and recreational areas, particularly in warmer months near rivers and lakes.
Active residents explore forested trails and quiet roads; suitable for beginners to intermediate enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Rio dos Cedros.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Rio dos Cedros, ask for vegetable stews, grilled vegetables, legumes, rice, polenta, and salads. Many restaurants can accommodate vegetarians if you request in advance; look for queijo, legumes, and mushroom-based dishes.