Urubici should be on your Brazilian itinerary! Don’t expect beaches, palm trees and coconut water… But expect mountains, Paraná pines and wine. Brazil has many faces and landscapes. Urubici is located in the Santa Catarina mountain range (Serra Catarinense), 170 km from Florianópolis. Its area is famous for waterfalls, viewpoints, natural sights, adventurous activities and the chance to see snow. Continue reading to find out the best things to do in Urubici.

Best things to do in Urubici, Brazil

On the following map (My Maps by Google Maps), you can see the top places to visit in Urubici, including viewpoints, waterfalls and restaurants. 

By clicking on the tab next to “Things to do in Urubici – Santa Catarina, Brazil”, you can see the actual points, and it’s also possible to turn off and on layers. Furthermore, you can also save this map (if you have My Maps account) by pressing the star next to the map title. 

To create your map, check out my blog post and video about How to plan your next travel itinerary with Google My Maps?. 

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5 reasons you should add Urubici to your Brazilian itinerary

1. Enjoy the panorama and watch the sunset from the best viewpoints of Urubici

Serra Catarinense is full of viewpoints thanks to its mountains and higher altitude. You won’t even have to hike for picturesque panoramas because many are easily accessible by car. 

Most of the lookouts wait for you with swings and other Instagrammable sets. So if you want THE PHOTO, expect some waiting time. I collected the top 5 viewpoints to explore in Urubici below. 

For more travel tips, entrance fees and opening times, read my other blog post dedicated to these viewpoints: Best viewpoints to visit in Urubici, Brazil.

Morro do Campestre

Morro do Campestre is famous for its natural sandstone formations, located at 1380 m above sea level. The most popular photo spot is the arch, and it’s also possible to go to its top. You’ll have a view of the Canoas river valley and the surrounding mountains. 

Mirante de Urubici

This viewpoint is located 5 km from the centre of Urubici. It’s basically a small parking area along the road to Avencal waterfall. Though I’d suggest stopping on the way back to Urubici because it’s located on the other side of the road at the sharp curve. 

It offers a panorama of the whole city with the mountains in the background. 

Morro do Parapente

Morro do Parapente provides a stunning panorama of Urubici with mountains in the background. It’s a perfect place to watch the sunset and have a picnic. 

The viewpoint waits for you with many infinity swings overlooking Urubici. So if you want a swinging Instagram photo, arrive before sunset and expect a waiting time. 

Don’t forget some extra layers! After the sun went down, it got cold. 

Morro da Igreja, the Pedra Furada viewpoint

Morro da Igreja is one of the highest points around Urubici, with 1822 meters. It’s part of Parque Nacional São Joaquim. The panorama was breathtaking from the cliffside. You can see so far, far away. On a brighter day, the ocean is also visible from here. Although, Pedra Furada makes this point so unique. As the name says, Pedra Furada (Hollow Stone in English) is a stone with a hole in the middle.

Due to its elevation, the park is windy and cold, even during the summer. So make sure to bring an extra pullover or jacket.

It’s obligatory to schedule your visit to Morro da Igreja

YOU MUST REGISTER BEFORE VISITING MORRO DA IGREJA. On the ICMBio website, you can select your visit’s date and time (morning or afternoon). The booking window is 6 days. You can pick up your ticket at ICMBio office in Urubici from 2 days before your visit (opening time: 8 am – 12 pm and 2 pm – 4 pm). 

Altos do Corvo Branco

Altos do Corvo Branco is more than a viewpoint. It’s 5 viewpoints, including 2 with glass surfaces, infinity swings overlooking the mountains, and a café. After buying the ticket at Serra do Corvo Branco (don’t miss the view from there!), you can drive up to the parking area. I’d recommend visiting all lookouts because they offer different panoramas. Depending on the crowd and photo time, count min. 2 hours!

Mirante 1 and 2, the glass viewpoints overlooked the surrounding mountains, Canoas river valley and Serra do Corvo Branco. They were the busiest because of their Instagrammabble glass surface and the panorama. 

Mirante 3, 4 and 5 can be reached by bus that leaves every 15-20 minutes. They all offer a panorama of Morro da Igreja and Morro da Pirâmide, the pyramid-shaped mountain. I can’t even describe the beauty… On clear days, even the coast is visible from here.

For more information and photos about the viewpoint, check out my other blog post dedicated to these 5 viewpoints: Best viewpoints to visit in Urubici, Brazil.

2. Adore the gorgeous waterfalls

This area is home to many waterfalls. However, we visited only the “must-visit” waterfalls in Urubici. The wet season (December-March) is ideal for visiting because more water flows down at the cascades. However, we had luck in July, so it’s also worth visiting in the dry season. Just don’t have high expectations.

Cachoeira do Avencal

The 100 m high Avencal waterfall is located in a scenic canyon. You can discover its beauty from many viewpoints and angles. The glass viewpoints on its right offer a great perspective of the waterfall and the other “attractions” like SkyBike, Pendulum jumping and Zipline stations (more on these later…). If you aren’t so adventurous, walk to the other panorama terraces to have a better glimpse of the canyon and the waterfall. 

There’s also a tail leading to the waterfall’s bottom, though from a different location. After leaving Urubici, you’ll see a road with a sign towards Pousadas do Avencal and Valle do Avencal (see it on the map above). Take that right and enjoy the hike. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to walk through this path. 

Cachoeira do Avencal visitor information

• Price: 30 BRL/person, price includes visiting Avencal, Novo Mundo waterfalls and the trail to the bottom of Avencal waterfall (ONLY DEBIT CARDS AND CASH ARE ACCEPTED.)
• Opening time: 9 am – 5:30 pm
• Large parking area
• Restaurant with food options and restroom 

Cachoeira do Papuã – Eco park

Just next to the entrance of Parque Mundo Novo and Avencal, continue your ride to Cachoeira do Papuã. Its direction was well signed. The drive was super scenic with rich vegetation, though the dirt road was shaky. 

You can see more Paraná pines (araucária in Portuguese) and other gorgeous plants in the Eco park, where long wooden walkways lead to the viewpoints. The round glass viewpoint offered a nice panorama of Cachoeira do Papuã and another waterfall, though they seemed distant. 

On the other end of the path, you can have a panorama of the valley and try out activities like SkyBike and Infinity swing (more on these later…). 

Cachoeira do Papuã visitor information

• Price: 30 BRL/person
• Opening time: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
• Large parking area
• Small restaurant and souvenir shop with food options and restroom 

Cascata Véu de Noiva, Cachoeira dos Namorados and Três Irmãs

All three waterfalls are situated in Parque Nacional São Joaquim and can be visited with one ticket. 

The 1st waterfall in the park is Cascata Véu de Noiva, translated as the Bride’s Veil because the flowing water resembles a veil. This 65-meter-high waterfall is the most picturesque in the park and the closest to the entrance. 

The other two can be reached through a wooden pathway in the forest. The palm trees and other characteristic plants were magical and mesmerising. Definitely another highlight of the park! After 10 minutes of walking, you’ll arrive at a meadow with a zipline station. From there, descend the staircase, and within a minute, you’ll hear the rumbling water of Cachoeira dos Namorados (Lovers’ waterfall). The waterfall is not as tall as Cascata Véu de Noiva, but still beautiful. The beginning of Cachoeira Três Irmãs is visible from there (a 40-minute long trail also provides a view of the waterfall). 

If you want to see more from the 3rd waterfall and the 3 waterfalls together, you must try out the zipline (more on that in the next point…). Spoiler alert! Seeing them together was a spectacular experience!

Cascata Véu de Noiva visitor information

• Price: 20 BRL/person (ONLY DEBIT CARDS AND CASH ARE ACCEPTED.)
• Opening time: 8 am – 6 pm
• Large parking area
• Restaurant and shop with food options and restroom 
• Don’t be scared if you see a long queue at the park. The cars are waiting for Morro da Igreja’s entrance. Just pass by and turn right. 

3. Try out memorable adventures like SkyBike and Zipline

SkyBike, Pendulum jumping and Zipline at Cachoeira do Avencal 

Cachoeira do Avencal is impressive from every angle. To discover it from even more perspectives, you must do some extreme activities…

To take a look from a higher point, try out the SkyBike. The 290 m long wires go above the valley close to the waterfall. You can cycle alone and with your friend or partner on a parallel wire next to you. 

I’ve never experienced something like this. Cycling 120 m above the ground close to a waterfall and having a fantastic panorama of the valley was unbelievable. The ride was a bit shaky to create some emotions, though I felt super safe with the helmet, belt and carabiner set. 

You can go for the pendulum jump for a closer view. I wasn’t brave enough for the pendulum jump. Even looking at the flying people, my legs were shaking. Would you have enough courage? 😛 

For both experiences, you can buy tickets at the white tent next to the pendulum jump station. Everyone was friendly and helpful there. Just answer a few questions and sign the paper. I was the 1st Hungarian, and with that, the 37th country. 

Zipline is provided by a different company. 

Cachoeira do Avencal activities visitor information:

• SkyBike price: 200 BRL/person
• Pendulum jump price: 500 BRL/person
• Opening time: Friday-Sunday: 9 am – 5pm
• Website: Tirolesa de Bike em Urubici and Salto de Pêndulo by Natural Extremo
• Instagram: @tirolesadebike and @saltodependulo

SkyBike, SkyTable and Infinity Swing at EcoParque Papuã

One SkyBike per day was enough for me, and I was happy that I tried it out at Avencal waterfall. That looked more scenic, and the waterfall was much closer to the wires than at Papuã waterfall. Although this is the highest SkyBike in Brazil with its 150 m height. 

It’s possible to cycle solo or with someone else on the 460 m long circuit, just like at Avencal waterfall.

Another unusual activity is the Infinity Swing, a C-shaped swing on the edge of the 150 m high cliff. I’m sure it’s more about the adrenaline than the panorama because the swing is pushed up to 7 meters. 

If you want more adrenaline rush and a romantic picnic hanging above the 150 m deep canyon, you can also book the SkyTable ticket combination. More info on the website…

We didn’t try out any adventures here. The activities can be booked on the website or at the park.

EcoParque Papuã adventures visitor information:

• Infinity Swing (Balanço ao Infinito) price: 60 BRL/person
• SkyBike price: 197 BRL/person
• All Adventure Combo (Infinity Swing and SkyBike with drone footage for 2 people) price: 680 BRL
• SkyTable Combo (SkyTable, Picnic, Infinity Swing and SkyBike with drone footage for 2 people) price: 1523 BRL
• Opening time: Every day: 9 am – 6 pm (SkyTable only 8:30 am – 10 am and 5 pm – 6:30 pm)
• Website: EcoParque Papuã
• Instagram: @ecoparquepapua

Zipline at Cachoeira dos Namorados and Cachoeira das Três Irmãs

As I mentioned before, 3 waterfalls can be visited in the park of Cascata Véu de Noiva. 

If you want to see all the waterfalls (and fly a bit…), try out the zipline because it provides a gorgeous view of all 3 waterfalls. They are located above each other, and seeing them together was a spectacular experience. 

The zipline starting point is after the forest path. The 1st wire is 280 m long. Just fly and enjoy the panorama of the lush forest and the waterfalls. After arriving on the other side of the 130 m deep valley, you’ll have to walk a bit to the 2nd line, which is 320 m long. Then another sssssh back and more time to adore the view. 

You won’t need any effort for the zipline. The staff will handle everything and secure you. 

Zipline (Morro da Igreja Tirolesa) visitor information:

• Price: 60 BRL/person (PAYMENT BY CASH OR PIX) 
• Opening time: only on weekends 
• Tirolesa Adventure Park Instagram: @tirolesamorrodaigreja

4. Foodie experiences in Urubici

Breakfast wasn’t provided at our accommodation, Colina do Sol. We brought some ingredients and prepared our breakfast there, though, for coffee, we drove to Urubici. Unfortunately, the coffee wasn’t tasty, not in Guardião do Avencal Bar Café, nor in Império Café e Bistrô.

For lunch, we always grabbed pastries and bites near the tourist attractions.

For dinner, we indulged in delicious dishes in the best restaurants of Urubici… 

Where to eat in Urubici?

Many restaurants open only for dinner time, so make sure to check out their opening time! For example, both of the following restaurants opened after 6:30 pm.

Lá Morena – Carnes Nobres

Lá Morena – Carnes Nobres is located on the main street of Urubici. They specialised in steaks. And even have their signature dish, wagyu, from their raised cows. Unfortunately, it wasn’t available during our visit. Though the steaks with homemade cheese sauce totally amazed us. On our last night, we returned to try a different meat. 

The meat is freshly grilled in the open kitchen. In the chef’s eyes, you can see the pure love for meat. After serving, he explained the orientation of the fiber and how to cut it. We chose a salad with tomato and cheese, farofa and rice for a side dish. 

The waiters were super friendly, and one even spoke English. I just ordered a “dry red wine”, and it looked like the waiter knew what I needed. 

The interior looked super cool with its wooden furniture, fur on the chairs, trunks on the shelves and leather covers, just to mention a few fantastic details.

Château du Valle Restaurante

Château du Valle Restaurante is nearby Cachoeira do Avencal. So it’s not the closest restaurant to Urubici. However, it’s worth driving a bit more to try out their wide selections of fondue and pasta. 

The restaurant is popular, so make a reservation because they are fully booked every day. We arrived a bit before 7 pm without reservation. They keep the reserved tables for 15 minutes, and luckily Brazilians are always late… So we got a table after 15 minutes of waiting 🙂 A friendly couple joined us from the waiting area, so we had more fun together and even shared some food. 

Our meat fondue consisted of meat selection with many sauces and a hot grill. We could roast the meat on it, then dip them into the tasty sauces. The bests were the onion, tomato, garlic, tomato and strawberry. It was an experience in itself. 

We asked for a small portion of doce de leite fondue for dessert. It was served with fruits and sweets like bananas, apples, melons, marshmallows and cheese. 

The couple ordered the fondue selection and invited us to try their fondues. The cheese fondue was super tasty but very intense and heavy. On the other hand, the chocolate fondue made of Belgium chocolate was more flavorful. 

All the waiters were super friendly. The owner, Marcelo was walking around and talking to the guests. The live music made the night even better. 

On their website, the English menu is also available. 

When we left around 10 pm, people were still waiting to get in. 

More restaurants around Urubici:

• Casa Negra Trutaria – Specializes in trout.
• Emporium Serra do Sol – It’s located at a hostel, and we didn’t like its interior, though the food might be good…

5. Chance to see snow during winter

Urubici is a popular tourist destination every season, especially during winter. Due to its altitude of almost 1000 m, the weather can be snowy, and that’s a rare thing in Brazil! 

We weren’t keen to see snow… Surprisingly, our winter weather was warm at the beginning of July. During the day, we wore T-shirts, though we sometimes needed sweaters in the shadow. Higher points, like Morro da Igreja, are colder and windy. It’s chilly after the sun goes down, so don’t forget to bring an extra jacket with you. 

Before visiting Urubici, make sure to check the forecast!

As you can see, these “top 5 things to do in Urubici” are much more than 5 things. Urubici and Serra Catarinense totally exceeded our expectations. 

Which would be your favourite activity to do in Urubici? 

Leave a comment below. 

For more travel tips about Urubici and Brazil, read the following posts:

• Colina do Sol – The best chalet to stay in Urubici – Santa Catarina, Brazil
• Brazil travel tricks – What to know when going to Brazil?
• 7 things to know before visiting Lagoinha do Leste in Florianópolis

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