Things To Do
in São José do Cerrito
São José do Cerrito is a small, rural municipality in the highlands of Santa Catarina, Brazil, surrounded by rolling pastures, Araucaria forests and low mountain ridges. The town has a quiet, agricultural character where family farms, cattle raising and small local businesses shape daily life. Visitors find a relaxed pace, friendly locals and views over valleys that change dramatically with weather and seasons.
Services are limited compared with larger cities, but the area offers authentic countryside culture and easy access to outdoor activities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the cozy Cafeteria Jardim, where you can savor local coffee and fresh pastries. After breakfast, explore the charming streets of the town, taking in the colonial architecture and vibrant local markets. Don’t forget to chat with the locals, who can share stories about the town's rich history.
Afterward, head to the stunning Parque Natural da Serra do Corvo Branco for a hike, where you'll be greeted by breathtaking views and diverse flora and fauna. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst nature, surrounded by the sounds of the forest. As you trek, keep an eye out for unique wildlife and beautiful landscapes that make this region special.
Return to town just as the sun begins to set, painting the sky with vibrant hues. Enjoy dinner at Restaurante do Lago, where traditional Brazilian dishes are served with a scenic view of the lake. Finish your day with a leisurely walk along the shoreline, reflecting on the beauty of the day.
Begin your day at the Museu Histórico de São José do Cerrito, where you can delve into the local culture and history through fascinating exhibits. Engage with passionate staff who can provide insights into the heritage of the area. Take your time to admire the artifacts and photographs that document years of community life.
Visit the local artisan workshop where craftspeople create beautiful handmade goods, and perhaps take part in a brief workshop to try your hand at crafting. Browse the unique souvenirs created from traditional techniques, perfect for remembering your visit. Enjoy a light lunch at a nearby café, sampling local treats while mingling with the artistic community.
Dine at a popular pizzeria known for its wood-fired oven and delightful toppings, where you can relax with friends or fellow travelers. As the evening unfolds, venture to a local bar that often features live music, creating an energetic atmosphere. Let the rhythm of the music guide you into the night as you enjoy the local nightlife.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry (padaria) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚌Local intercity bus ticket | $3-10 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse / pousada (per night) | $20-45 |
| ⛽Liter of gasoline | $1.00-1.40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Brazilian highland experience with friendly locals
- Scenic Araucaria forests and panoramic valley views
- Low cost of living and affordable food options
- Good base for outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching and agro-tourism
- Limited tourist infrastructure and dining options compared with larger towns
- Public transportation is sparse; a car is often necessary
- Medical facilities are basic—major care requires travel to a larger city
- Nightlife and entertainment options are minimal
- "Olá / Oi" - Hello / Hi
- "Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite" - Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado (man) / Obrigada (woman)" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica...?" - Where is...?
- "Sou vegetariano(a)" - I'm vegetarian
- "Sou alérgico(a) a..." - I'm allergic to...
- "Você pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Banheiro?" - Bathroom?
Places to Visit in São José do Cerrito
Visit one of these nice places.
Capture daily life, architecture and local religious traditions; good for morning and late-afternoon light.
Tall, sculptural Araucaria trees are iconic of the region — dramatic at sunrise, fog or after rain.
Several roadside viewpoints offer panoramic vistas of valleys and patchwork farmland — excellent for golden-hour and sunset shots.
Quaint fences, rustic barns and grazing cattle provide authentic countryside compositions, especially with low-hanging clouds or frost in winter.
Low light pollution makes for clear star photography on moonless nights; bring a tripod and warm clothes in colder months.
Food in São José do Cerrito
São José do Cerrito Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Brazilian barbecue is a regional favorite — grilled beef and pork prepared by locals; find it at family gatherings, local bars and festival grills.
Must-Try!
Corn-based polenta served with pork or beef stews and tomato sauce; common comfort food available at home-style restaurants and local events.
German-influenced sweet breads and cakes often filled with fruits or streusel, available at padarias (bakeries) in town.
Seeds of the Araucaria pine eaten roasted in colder months — a regional highland specialty featured at winter fairs and family tables.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small weekly markets sell fresh vegetables, cheeses and baked goods; great places to try regional cheeses and homemade preserves.
Local bakeries and snack bars serve pão francês, coxinha, salgados and strong coffee — ideal for quick bites and people-watching.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Friendly, informal greetings are common: handshake for first meetings, and among acquaintances a single cheek kiss or two kisses (regionally variable) is normal. Use titles and polite phrases for older people.
Families and community ties are strong; accepting invitations and being courteous at homes and festivals is appreciated. Gift a small token like regional sweets when visiting a home.
Dress is casual in town but modest when attending religious services. Be respectful during religious and civic events and ask before photographing people in private settings.
Safety
Tipping in São José do Cerrito
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants a 10% service charge is commonly added to the bill; if not included, a 10% tip is appreciated but not mandatory. For small services (taxi drivers, porters), rounding up or leaving small change is normal.
Major credit and debit cards are accepted in many restaurants and shops, but small vendors and farms often prefer cash (Brazilian reais). Carry some cash for markets, remote services and smaller purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days (often 20–30°C) with occasional heavy afternoon showers; ideal for green landscapes and agricultural activity. Dress in layers for variable mornings/evenings and be prepared for sudden rain.
Cooling temperatures, crisper air and changing colors in some tree species; pleasant for hiking and photography with less rain than summer.
Cool to cold conditions, possible frost and near-freezing nights; daytime temperatures often mild but layers and a warm jacket are essential. Pinhão season and local winter fairs occur then.
Variable weather, flowering plants and re-greening landscapes; muddy trails after rains and comfortable daytime temperatures for outdoor activities.
São José do Cerrito at Night
Hiking in São José do Cerrito
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Local paths through stands of Araucaria angustifolia with moderate hikes, excellent birdlife and atmosphere — suitable for half-day walks.
A short to moderate trail leading to a hilltop viewpoint over surrounding farmland and valleys; best at sunrise or sunset.
Unmarked dirt roads linking farms make for long walks or bike rides — explore rural scenery, chapels and small streams, but bring a map or GPS and water.
Airports
How to reach São José do Cerrito by plane.
The nearest major commercial airport offering domestic and some international connections; expect a drive of several hours to reach São José do Cerrito, depending on route and traffic.
Smaller regional airports in the interior of Santa Catarina may offer limited flights; these can shorten road transfers but check schedules and availability in advance.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of the population lives on small and medium farms producing dairy, beef and grain — family-run operations are common.
Cultural influences from Portuguese, German and Italian settlers are seen in local food, festivals and traditions.
Like many small towns, there is a noticeable older demographic tied to long-standing families and community life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport throughout Brazil — local matches, youth leagues and community games are common social activities.
Horseback riding, cattle work and rodeo-style events are popular in agricultural communities and at regional festas.
Indoor sports like futsal and volleyball are popular in schools and community centers, especially during cooler or rainy days.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting São José do Cerrito.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited but possible: request salads, rice, beans, polenta and vegetable stews at restaurants and bakeries. Carry snacks and communicate clearly—use the phrase 'Sou vegetariano(a)' to avoid confusion.
Vegan choices are scarce in small towns; bring supplies or shop at markets for fresh produce. Inquire about broths and cooking fats, as many dishes use animal fats.
If you have allergies, explain them in Portuguese ('Sou alérgico(a) a...') and be cautious with cross-contamination in home-style eateries; pharmacies in town sell basic antihistamines and remedy items.