Recommended Nights: 3+
Recommended Hostel: Hostel Backpackers Sharehouse and Backpackers Sunset.
Florianopolis is one of the most popular backpacking destinations on the southern coast of Brazil. Many backpackers arrive here from other parts of Brazil and find it really worth spending a few days to enjoy its great beaches. "Floripa", as it is otherwise known, is a big island connected to continental Brazil by a famous bridge called Hercilio Luz.
Florianopolis is also the name of the city found on the island, which hosts nice hostels and restaurants. But the most interesting part of the island are the more than 40 outstanding beaches that promise fun and relaxation for backpackers. In the north part of the island you can visit the popular 'Ingleses', a wide beach filled with nice bars and frequent parties. You may also wish to visit Jurer Internacional, one of the most visited beaches and Canasvieiras with its calm sea and a great nightlife.
Inside the island youll also find two marvelous lakes called Lagoa do Peri (fresh water) and Lagoa da Conceio (salted water), as well as nice dunes and small islands. Ilha do Campeche is a great island that can be reached by boat from Florianopolis. Its beautiful nature and clear water are perfect for snorkeling and diving. If you are not shy around nudity and naturalist beaches then dont hesitate to visit Praia Galheta. Its a calm and comfortable area. Finally, the best beaches for surfing are Praia Mole and Praia Joaquina on the Eastern side of the island, Ingleses do Vermelho in the Northern part, and campeche in the Southern part.
There are also many incredible places off the island on continental Brazil that are great to visit. In the north you should try bombas and bombinhas, two beautiful beaches where it is possible to enjoy snorkeling, diving and surfing. Cuatro islas is also a tremendous place to consider for surf lovers.
If you go south of Florianopolis, there are many other interesting places to visit. For example Garopaba, a striking bay with nice beaches great for surfing. Close to Garopaba there are two stunning beaches with incredible nightlife called Ferrugem and Praia do Rosa. Enjoy their great bars and parties and youll never forget your visit to this part of Brazil.
Dont be surprised if you decide to stay more than what you have planned in Florianopolis. The great beaches invite a longer stay, and with Green Toad Bus we'll help you have the best backpacking experience in Brazil.
Recommended Nights: 2
Recommended Hostel: Hostel Bambu and Hostel Natura.
Foz do Iguau is the second most visited place in Brazil by backpackers after Rio. This is the place to come to see one of the most fascinating sceneries of South America and maybe even the world. The Iguazu waterfall is one of the places you shouldn't skip when backpacking in Brazil. It offers an experience difficult to describe, only comparable to places like the Grand Canyon, the Mexican Cenotes or the Galapagos Islands.
These enormous waterfalls, about four times the size of the Niagara falls (USA), are located in the limit between Argentina and Brazil, and very close to the border with Paraguay. A few kilometers from the waterfalls is Foz de Iguazu, the city close to the Brazilian side of the falls. The city has many hotels and restaurants and is well prepared for tourism. Foz is the base for exploring the falls.
The magic of Iguau waterfalls is that they're located in a tropical environment and surrounded by great rainforests. Big trees, beautiful flowers, toucans and others colored birds, small animals and even monkeys can be found in the area allowing a insight into the wild of South America.
Even though most of the waterfalls are found on the Argentinean side, the best views remain from the Brazilian side. It is recommended to visit both sides, with the Brazilian side offering magnificent panoramic views, but to admire them closer and to see the true force of the water you must venture to the Argentinean side. The boat trip on the Argentinean side is a must-do activity which takes you right under the falls. There are also many short walks to smaller cascades, great for photo lovers.
There's an elevator on the Brazilian side that takes you above the falls offering the best view. From there you can see the giant Floriano Fall and the part of the falls where 3 sides of water meet called the Devils Throat. If you want even more, then experience the tremendous view from a helicopter trip that takes about 7 to 10 minutes.
Traveling in Brazil is a once in a life experience, and the Iguau waterfalls are one of the most spectacular spots on Earth. Backpacking with the Green Toad Bus will take you there to enjoy it, and dont forget to bring your camera, as everywhere you look makes a great picture!