Florianopolis Excursions

One of the benefits of studying abroad is the ability to venture outside your host city and explore the surrounding area. Excursions are offered for all programs. Semester students are typically offered two to three excursions, and summer students are typically offered one to two excursions. You will receive a calendar of the specific CEA excursions offered for your program during orientation.

Blumenau and Itajai River Valley

A city founded by German immigrants, Brazil’s Blumenau teems with cultural German flavor – buildings, festivals and statues alike. The historic settlers of this fertile land and surrounding Itajai River Valley decided in 1850 to reside here for its bountiful nature, energized by the agricultural potential the city promised. Today, German language and traditions intermingle with the Portuguese language and Brazilian traditions in Blumenau – with Oktoberfest acting as one of this city’s most well-known festivals. On their daylong excursion to Blumenau, students encounter the city feet first on a walking tour, followed shortly after by a lunch consisting of all dishes traditionally German.

Serra Catarinense

Sporting an ensemble of rural style, Brazil’s Catarinense mountain ranges portray yet another side of this country’s multi-faceted personality. Staggering peaks, stark plateaus and profound canyons consume the Santa Catarina mountain regions, providing adventure-seeking students with many opportunities to scratch their exploratory itches, including hiking, horseback riding and white water rafting. A break from the tropical climate of Florianópolis, the Catarinense Mountains claim Brazil’s coldest year-round temperatures due to the elevations to which they soar.   

Balneário Camboriú

Crisp, azure waters tumble in and out of Brazil’s idyllic Balneário Camboriú, a beach city located on the northern coast of Brazil’s Santa Catarina state. A bustling hot spot for many South American summer travelers, Balneário Camboriú’s pristine beaches, exquisite selection of restaurants and constant live music entertainment makes visiting this locale an unforgettable experience for most. Students enjoy one day in this town where land and ocean meet, exploring the city via boat tour, cable car ride to Unipraias Park and culinary curiosity with a meal at Laranjeiras Beach. For students seeking a bit more of a thrill in this serene beach town, mountain sled rides act as a popular activity in Balneário Camboriú.    

Iguaçu Falls - Optional

Witness firsthand the thunderous waters of the Iguaçu River as they plummet over the Paraná Plateau on an optional excursion to Iguaçu Falls. Students that decide to make the journey will be mesmerized by the enthralling landmark and witness the sheer grandeur of Mother Nature’s creation. Due to the vastness of the Falls (they span over the Brazilian border into Argentina), the national park provides for all spectators a border bridge which transcends the Brazilian country limits, and allows students to experience Iguaçu Falls in its entirety. This excursion is not included in the program price and may not be available during all sessions.