Things To Do
in São João Batista

Capture the architecture and details of the main church and the surrounding square, especially during morning light or local religious festivals.

Small-town scenes with colorful houses, local shops and people going about daily life — great for street and cultural photography.

Short drives to surrounding hilltops provide panoramic shots of farmland, patchwork fields and the town nestled in the valley at sunrise or sunset.

Within an hour’s drive you can photograph dramatic coastal scenery and island views on the Florianópolis coastline — ideal for golden-hour seascapes.

Handshakes are standard for first meetings; friends and acquaintances often greet with one cheek kiss (or two in some regions) and casual warmth. Use formal greetings with older people until invited to be informal.

Brazilians are generally expressive and tactile in social interactions; expect close personal space in conversation and friendly physical contact among acquaintances.

Family ties and religious traditions are important — be respectful when discussing personal or sensitive topics and when visiting churches or community events.

Portuguese is the official language. Learning a few phrases goes a long way; many locals in small towns may not speak English fluently.

A 10% service charge is common in restaurants and may be included on the bill; if not included, leaving around 10% for good service is customary. Tipping small amounts to cleaners, bellhops and guides is appreciated but not mandatory.

Brazil uses the real (BRL). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, but smaller vendors and markets may prefer cash. Contactless payments and PIX (instant bank transfers) are popular locally — ask vendors if they accept PIX if you want a card-free option.

December–February: warm to hot, humid conditions; perfect for beach trips nearby but busy roads and some crowds during Brazilian holidays (Christmas, New Year, Carnival). Bring sunscreen, insect repellent and light clothing.

March–May: milder temperatures, comfortable days and cooler nights; good season for outdoor activities and fewer tourists.

June–August: cooler and drier, with chilly nights and occasional fog or frost inland; not cold by high-latitude standards but bring a warm layer for evenings.

September–November: warming temperatures, blooming landscapes and increasing humidity; a good time for hiking and enjoying countryside scenery before the summer crowds.

Vegetarian options are available but limited in small towns; ask for salads, egg-and-cheese dishes, vegetable stews or rice-and-bean preparations. Communicating in Portuguese helps — use phrases like 'sou vegetariano(a)' and check that dishes are prepared without beef broth or bacon.

Vegan and gluten-free choices can be sparse; larger supermarkets in nearby cities and specialty cafes in Florianópolis are better equipped. Bring basic snacks if you have strict dietary needs.