18 days in Brazil Itinerary

Instantly notable for its striking skyline featuring the large conical spire of a distinctive cathedral, Maringa stands out as one of the world's greenest cities.

On the 26th (Tue), take in nature's colorful creations at Parque do Japao.

To see reviews, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Maringa attractions planner.

Auckland, New Zealand to Maringa is an approximately 22- hour flight. You'll gain 15 hours traveling from Auckland to Maringa due to the time zone difference. Expect much warmer weather when traveling from Auckland in December: highs in Maringa hover around 35°C, while lows dip to 24°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 27th (Wed) early enough to travel to Curitiba.

The word "Brazil" isn't often mentioned in the same breath as "excellent urban planning"--except in Curitiba.

Curitiba is known for parks, museums, and shopping. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: take in nature's colorful creations at Jardim Botanico de Curitiba, stroll around Tangua Park, steep yourself in history at Ukranian Memorial, and admire the landmark architecture of Castelo Hauer.

To see ratings, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Curitiba online driving holiday planner.

You can do a combination of taxi and flight from Maringa to Curitiba in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and flight; or drive. Traveling from Maringa in December, expect Curitiba to be slightly colder, temps between 30°C and 20°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Morretes.

A small town dating back to colonial times, Morretes represents a major draw to the coastline of Parana, one of Brazil's southern states.

Start off your visit on the 30th (Sat): take in the views from Ponte Velha and then contemplate the waterfront views at Nhundiaquara River.

Plan a Morretes trip in moments using our itinerary builder.

Getting from Curitiba to Morretes by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. Plan for somewhat warmer temperatures traveling from Curitiba in December, with highs in Morretes at 34°C and lows at 24°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sat) so you can travel to Vila Velha.

Founded in the 1530s, Vila Velha features a modern skyline of tall buildings pressed against the curved coastline of the Atlantic Ocean.

On the 31st (Sun), enjoy the sand and surf at Camburi Beach, then kick back and relax at Costa Beach, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Nossa Senhora da Penha Convent.

For photos, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Vila Velha trip planner.

You can do a combination of bus, flight, and taxi from Morretes to Vila Velha in 8 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Vila Velha are 36°C, while nighttime lows are 27°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Mon) early enough to travel to Ilha do Mel.

Situated in the mouth of the Baia de Paranagua, scenic and tranquil Ilha do Mel boasts many natural and man-made attractions.

Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 2nd (Tue): enjoy the sea views from Farol das Conchas, kick back and relax at Farol Beach, and then stroll through Praia Encantadas.

For more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Ilha do Mel journey planner.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Vila Velha to Ilha do Mel. In January, plan for daily highs up to 36°C, and evening lows to 25°C. On the 3rd (Wed), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Florianopolis.

Divided between island and mainland, the distinctive city of Florianopolis charms visitors on first arrival with its impressive skyline.

Florianopolis is known for beaches, nature, and historic sites. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: wander the streets of Santo Antonio de Lisboa, enjoy the sand and surf at Praia do Campeche, tour the pleasant surroundings at Lagoinha do Leste, and step off the mainland to explore Campeche island.

To find ratings, traveler tips, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Florianopolis travel planner.

Explore your travel options from Ilha do Mel to Florianopolis with the Route module. Expect a daytime high around 34°C in January, and nighttime lows around 25°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 7th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Balneario Camboriu.

A resort town located just 10 km (6.2 mi) south of the city of Itajai, Balneario Camboriu is sometimes called the Brazilian Dubai--a reference to its dominant skyscrapers, sandy coastline, and jet-set appeal.

Explore Balneario Camboriu's surroundings by going to Praia de Bombas (in Bombas) and Praia de Mariscal (in Bombinhas). On the 8th (Mon), spend the day riding on Parque Unipraias Camboriu. There's more to do: enjoy the sand and surf at Praia das Laranjeiras and stroll through Itapema Beach.

To see photos, traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Balneario Camboriu trip builder app.

You can drive from Florianopolis to Balneario Camboriu in 1.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. In January in Balneario Camboriu, expect temperatures between 34°C during the day and 26°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 10th (Wed) so you can travel back home.