Many say that the year only begins after Carnival. If this is true for you, make a note: this year, the famous Friday that kicks off carnival activities will fall on February 9th .
One of the liveliest and most desired festivals in Brazil extends for many until Ash Wednesday, which in 2024 will fall on February 14th. These days are synonymous with partying for many people, but also with rest for others, who prefer to use the occasion to relax and prepare their body and mind for the coming months of the year.
If this is your choice, there are destinations in Brazil that are ideal for enjoying these days in a light, peaceful way and in contact with nature! Check out:
Campos do Jordão (SP)
Anyone who has heard of Campos do Jordão, in Serra da Mantiqueira, knows that the high demand for the city happens mainly in winter. The low temperatures attract tourists from all over Brazil who come in search of fondue, hot chocolate and, of course, that cozy atmosphere under the covers.
Campos, however, goes far beyond that and should be considered a destination for any time of year. Surrounded by nature, the city is 170km from São Paulo and can be a good option for those looking for a peaceful Carnival. There is no shortage of great accommodation options, as well as excellent restaurants that offer different types of cuisine, parks and tours available to tourists.
For the more adventurous, the Baú complex, a group of rocks of metamorphic origin, with options for trails, climbing and rappelling, is very close to there and there are specialized companies that organize the tour.
Gramado (RS)
Another very popular destination in winter, but which offers attractions all year round, is Gramado, in Rio Grande do Sul. The state is among the five most desired by tourists in 2024, according to a survey by Preply.
The city of Gramado is located about 120 km from Porto Alegre and is easily accessible. Just rent a car or take a bus and you'll get there in no time. Prepared for tourism, it has a wide hotel network, with excellent options, as well as abundant cuisine – including, of course, the famous colonial cafes.=
The good thing about visiting the city at the beginning of the year is the drop in prices, especially in accommodation. Romantic, with lots of nature and hospitable residents, the place has a wide cultural agenda and attractions that welcome tourists from various parts of the world throughout the year. The list ranges from parks to museums, including beautiful landscapes, wineries and famous shops in the region.
The city council developed an application that brings together the city's main cultural, gastronomic and functional attractions. It can be found in this link.
Ubatuba (SP)
With paradisiacal scenery and crystal clear waters, Ubatuba is 220km from São Paulo. For those looking for days of tranquility, there are more than 100 beaches along 106km of coastline alternated by extensive rocky shores, some of which are more reserved with limited access to boats and trails.
In the city, tourists can also find good restaurants focusing on fish and seafood, as well as other specialties. Ubatuba also has tour options for all ages, such as its Aquarium, which is a reference in Brazil with more than 400 animals and 100 species, and also visits to the Tamar Project, which has been based there since 1991.
Like every holiday, the various roads that give access to the city are crowded. If possible, plan your trip on alternative days and times to avoid traffic (since the main purpose of the trip is to relax!).
Bonito (MS)
Considered the Brazilian capital of ecotourism, Bonito, in Mato Grosso do Sul, is ideal for those looking for outdoor activities, contact with nature and tranquility. There, everything revolves around water, greenery and animals. Located about 300km from the capital Campo Grande, on the Bodoquena Plateau, popularly called Serra da Bodoquena, the city is in a transition area between the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado, which guarantees a great diversity of fauna and flora. The rivers have limestone origins, are transparent and home to a number of fish species. Several guided tours are available to tourists, who can explore everything the scenery has to offer. Among the more than 40 activities offered there (privately), diving, spas, floating and visiting waterfalls are the most popular. Find out a little more about the destination in this article written by CNN Viagem & Gastronomia.
Barra de Ibiraquera (SC)
Dunes, lagoon and white sand beach form Barra de Ibiraquera, in the municipality of Imbituba, in Santa Catarina. Very popular for wind and kitesurfing due to its strong winds, the beach is very quiet and ends up gaining more fans during the summer.
Ideal for relaxing, walking and enjoying quieter days, the beach has a wide strip of white sand and clean waters, as well as the lagoon guaranteeing greater tranquility. Surrounded by vegetation, the surrounding area also has trails to other beaches. The sunset remains in your memory and there are options of inns and restaurants in the region.
São Miguel dos Milagres (AL)
If your desire is to rest in the Northeast, but you are afraid of not escaping the liveliness of the region at this time of year, São Miguel dos Milagres, in Alagoas, could be a clear choice. Its crystal clear waters, natural pools, coral barriers and striking coconut trees make up the paradisiacal setting that is approximately 1h30 from Maceió airport.
There, the focus is on restaurants mainly inside the inns and tours that contemplate the landscape on bicycles or rafts, for example. The long length of its beaches means that you can walk for many kilometers without encountering absolutely anyone, even if the area is crowded (especially on New Year's Eve). The hotel chain is prepared to welcome tourists and ensure that the objective of not worrying about anything is fully achieved.
It is worth mentioning that Milagres is part of the so-called Ecological Route made up of three main municipalities: Passo de Camaragibe (14,763 inhabitants); São Miguel dos Milagres (8,013 inhabitants) and Porto das Pedras (8,419 inhabitants). The result of the union of these cities is the formation of 23km of beautiful beaches. Check out a mini guide to the place at this link.
Foz do Iguaçu (PR)
Year passes, year comes and Foz do Iguaçu is always among the options for those looking for an unforgettable destination. It is there where the Iguaçu Falls are located, one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During Carnival, the tour can be even more special. The season is marked by rain, making the waterfalls even more intense and voluminous.
Anyone going to the destination will find different tour options – on foot, by bike or even by helicopter. The most famous of them is the Macuco Safari, which mixes a trail through the forest and a boat trip, rafting and waterfall diving, to see the power of the falls up close. The tours have been taking place for over 30 years within the Iguaçu National Park. For those who prefer something lighter, away from the waters, there is a park focused on bird preservation as well.
As it is a very touristic city, there are many accommodation options. The highlight goes to the Hotel das Cataratas. Under the command of the renowned Belmond group since 2007, it underwent a major renovation without leaving aside tradition. Its guests have some perks that make their stay even more worthwhile.
Petrópolis (RJ)
For those looking for a destination that mixes beautiful landscapes with a lot of history, Petrópolis, in Rio de Janeiro, could be a good option for Carnival. Close to and at the same time far from the hustle and bustle of the Marvelous City, it is marked by imperial heritage, with several historical attractions such as the Imperial Museum, which houses hundreds of thousands of items related to the Brazilian empire, and the Princess Isabel House, which was purchased by it in the second half of the 19th century to serve as a residence when it was in the city.
In addition to this circuit, it is possible to visit local breweries and learn more about the drink production process, explore the trails and nature of Rio's mountainous region or even take the opportunity to shop on the well-known Rua Teresa, which has around a thousand beer stores. clothing and accessories. The destination also emerges as one of the trends for 2024 according to Booking.com. However, it is important to note that, as in many regions of Brazil, the travel season may be marked by rain in the region.
Olympia (SP)
Also known for its thermal waters, the city of Olímpia, in the interior of São Paulo, can also be a good option for those looking for a “lighter” Carnival, especially with children. The destination emerges as a trend for 2024 according to a survey by the Booking.com platform and is located around 440km from the capital of São Paulo. Its water parks, with wave pools, extreme toys and even an artificial beach are the highlights. There, tourists will also find attractions such as museums and parks, as well as extensive hotel facilities, with ideal suggestions for those who don't want to worry about anything during their stay.
Monte Verde (MG)
A small district of Camanducaia, in the extreme south of Minas Gerais, Monte Verde is famous for its gastronomy, mild, peaceful climate, abundant nature and delicious outdoor activities. There are experiences for all tastes: from trails and waterfalls to visits to breweries, including shopping in chocolate shops and practicing extreme sports. The city's official website Visit Monte Verde reserve good suggestions. In addition, CNN Viagem & Gastronomia did a series of articles on the city, with tips on restaurants, attractions and hotels. They can be found at this link.
Source: CNN Brasil
Johanna Foster is an expert opinion writer with over 7 years of experience. She has a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking articles on a variety of subjects. Her work can be found on some of the top online news websites, and she is currently lending her voice to the world stock market.
