Enjoying the cold weather

The nearest airport is in Florianópolis, 200 km away so it is better if you arrive early in the capital. There are two options to visit São Joaquim: by bus or renting a car. TWith a rental car, your trip gets easier to the first attraction, São Joaquim National Park.

The park is near of Urubici, in the Catarinense Mountain, and it was founded to control the araucaria forest deforestation and to promote environmental research and education. It has beautiful views of the mountains and the native landscape, mainly from the top of the lookout and the Morro da Igreja, at more than 1,800 meters altitude. One more attraction: during the winter, it can snow.

In São Joaquim, stroll through the city, whose population of 20,000 inhabitants multiplies during the winter. Be sure to warm yourself with a nice hot cocoa or a glass of local wine.

Then head to the São Joaquim Main Church, entirely built of basalt from the nearby hills. Its style is eclectic and its interior holds many works of art, such as sculpture of the 12 apostles and another of Adam and Eve surrounded by animals, in addition to its beautiful stained glass windows.

Did it snow? Then go to the Snow Valley, an incredible adventure park in the nature. If you are lucky, you will find a white scenario just like in the movies. The place offers several activities in the nature such as zip-lining, rappelling, tree top walk and trails if you`d rather to avoid the cold temperature.

Other attractions you can find: English lessons with qualified instructors, and camping area, with all infrastructure necessary for those who like to sleep in tent.

And when you get hungry, you can try some local specialties in the restaurant or to have a delicious pine nut pastry combined with coffee or hot cocoa.

The Maçã National Park is 2 km from São Joaquim and where is celebrate in April the Maçã National Festival. If you are in the city in April, do not miss the festival and try some apple delicacies and enjoy the several shows and performances of the event. The park is open to visitors during the rest of the year. One of its pavilions holds the Gaucho Traditions Center (GTC), which preserves the customs of the inhabitants of the region; and Exponeve, a permanent fair of local products and handicrafts.

São Joaquim and Campos do Jordão are over 1,000 km apart. If you are visiting both cities, the best way to move from each other is by plane at Guarulhos airport in São Paulo. From the airport to Campos do Jordão is 150 km by BR 116 road.

Probably you won't have much time for long tours after the trip; you can enjoy the rest of the day visiting the Amantikir Park. Its 35,000 m² area includes 22 gardens and plants species from several countries such as Japan, Australia, Germany, France and England. There is also a shrubs labyrinth that proposes an analogy with the paths we take in our lives, and invites us to contemplation and meditation.

Built in English style, the Boa Vista Palace is the official winter residence of the governor of the state of São Paulo. Changed into a museum since 1970, is also a great place for those who want to know the history of the city and admire works of renowned artists. Its collection has information and documents on the city, as well as pieces of famous artists: Tarsila do Amaral, Candido Portinari, Anita Malfatti, Di Cavalcanti and Bruno Giorgi.

Campos do Jordão seems to call peace and quiet. And this is what you will find in the Monastery of St. John, a place surrounded by lots of nature and stunning landscapes. Visiting the city is a unique experience. Mainly if you stay there until 5:45pm, when the Gregorian chant recital takes place, every day, in the Chapel of St John the Baptist.

At night, be sure to walk through the streets of this charming city. If you can, go to Capivari Village, the main meeting spot, with many shops, restaurants, squares and art galleries. Do not forget your jacket.