Winter in Santo Amaro da Imperatriz: Live This Experience
There's a curious thing that happens every time winter arrives in Santa Catarina: people are torn between staying home under the covers or going out for some adventure. And then comes the question that those who live here already know the answer to with their eyes closed: why choose between one and the other when you can have both at the same time?
This is what Santo Amaro da Imperatriz offers in winter: natural thermal waters, lush Atlantic rainforest even on the coldest days, trails shrouded in mist at dawn, hot cafes, and the rare feeling that time slows down — in the best possible way.
Those who live here know: the winter in Santarém is not something to endure. It's something to enjoy. And very much so.
First, a confession from someone who lives here.
When the temperature drops and that early morning chill sets in, the first thing that comes to mind isn't "I miss the heat." It's: Today is a good day to relax in a hot tub..
There's something almost inexplicable about stepping into a natural hot spring pool when the air around you is freezing. The steam rises, the water envelops your body, your muscles relax in a way that not even the best massage can achieve. It's a warmth that comes from within the earth—literally—and it seems to be waiting for you right there, at that exact moment.
Santo Amaro da Imperatriz has this rare privilege: being a city with natural hot springs, surrounded by the Serra do Tabuleiro mountain range, less than 40 kilometers from Florianópolis. In the summer, everyone knows this. In the winter, those who discover it for the first time never forget it.
This text is an invitation — from someone who lives here and loves this place — for you to stop putting it off and come experience it for yourself.
Hot springs in the cold: an experience unlike anything else.
Let's be direct: any time of year is good for the thermal waters of Santo Amaro da Imperatriz. But winter has a particular charm that's hard to describe without sounding exaggerated. So let's try a different way: imagine leaving home in the morning, with that 10°C cold that pinches your nose and makes your breath hazy, and entering water that's around 38°C. The contrast is physical, but the sensation is emotional.
The municipality has two thermal spas that are well worth a visit: the Hotel Caldas da Imperatriz and the Plaza Caldas da Imperatriz Resort & Spa, both located in the district of Caldas da Imperatriz, which is almost a destination within a destination — a community nestled in the valley, surrounded by Atlantic rainforest, with that small-town atmosphere that slows anyone down.
O Hotel Caldas da Imperatriz It has a history that's worth a visit in itself. It's one of the most traditional establishments in the region, with architecture reminiscent of the imperial period—it's no coincidence that the town's name itself carries this reference. The story goes that the region became famous precisely for its thermal waters, which attracted the Brazilian aristocracy of the 19th century, including visits from the imperial family. You don't need to be royalty to enjoy this. But it's easy to feel that way.
Already Plaza Caldas da Imperatriz Resort & Spa It's a more modern option, with a complete spa structure, thermal pools at different temperatures, and that resort vibe that's perfect for a weekend getaway for two, with family, or with friends. In winter, it's quieter, the service is more personalized, and the experience is even more exclusive.
Nature that doesn't stop in the cold.
One of the things that most surprises those who visit Santo Amaro da Imperatriz in winter is realizing that nature doesn't know what an off-season is. The Atlantic Forest that surrounds the municipality remains lush, green, and alive — and at times it becomes even more beautiful, with the morning mist creating scenes that seem straight out of a movie.
O Serra do Tabuleiro State Park, The National Park, one of the largest conservation parks in Brazil, is the great natural guardian of this entire region. It encompasses over 84,000 hectares of biodiversity, embracing Santo Amaro da Imperatriz and creating that landscape of mountains and valleys that we see every day and never tire of.
In winter, the trails become even more interesting. The vegetation doesn't obscure the landscape as much, and the fresh air makes hiking easier and more enjoyable. Anyone who has tried hiking in Santa Catarina during the summer knows how much the heat can weigh on the legs—in winter, that's not a problem.
Here are some trails and natural attractions that we especially recommend during this time of year:
Morro do Queimado — For those who enjoy heights and panoramic views. At the top, the view of the Florianópolis metropolitan area and the Serra do Tabuleiro mountain range on the horizon is simply epic. In winter, when the sky is clear (and it gets very clear), you can even see the ocean in the distance.
Cycling Circuit — Paths of the Empress — For cyclists, winter is the ideal season. Without the heat, with beautiful landscapes on the rural roads of the municipality, this circuit passes through traditional communities, rural properties, and offers breathtaking views of the mountains. Perfect for those who want to combine physical exercise with tourism in a light and contemplative way.
Rafting on the Cubatão River: because adrenaline goes hand in hand with cold weather.
Some people think extreme sports are just for summer. Well, that person has never gone rafting on the Cubatão River in winter.
O Cubatão River It is one of the great natural treasures of Santo Amaro da Imperatriz — and one of the best rivers for rafting in all of southern Brazil. The company Apuama Rafting It offers guided experiences that combine safety, professionalism, and plenty of adventure.
In winter, the river level rises, which means more intense rapids, more excitement, and that feeling of literally being in the heart of the wilderness. The fact that it's cold? It becomes part of the experience. The group shouts, laughs, gets wet, freezes a little—and in the end, that's what makes the story last for months in conversations.
It's one of those activities that blends adrenaline with unspoiled nature in a rare way. And then, you know what goes perfectly with it? You guessed it. Thermal baths.
Tree climbing, paragliding and other adventures with a view.
For those who like heights — both literally and metaphorically — Santo Amaro da Imperatriz has a few more tricks up its sleeve.
O tree climbing It's a perfect activity for children and adults who want to challenge themselves in a playful and safe way, crossing platforms and bridges in the treetops. In winter, with fewer tourists, the pace is more relaxed and you can enjoy each obstacle without rushing.
And after all of that, there's one experience that literally puts you above everything else: the free fly and the ballooning. Imagine flying over the Santo Amaro da Imperatriz valley on a cold winter morning, when the sun has just risen and there is still mist at the bottom of the valley. The surrounding mountains, the Cubatão River winding below, the rooftops of the rural communities nestled among the trees. It's a perspective that changes your relationship with the place—and with life, without exaggeration.
O ballooning It is especially recommended in winter because wind stability is greater, the sky tends to be clearer and sharper, and the lower temperatures leave the images with that impressive photographic clarity.
Culture, history and art: winter is also a time for contemplation.
The traveler's life isn't all about adventure. And Santo Amaro da Imperatriz has a cultural layer that many people don't know about—and which winter invites you to explore at a leisurely pace.
A Santo Amaro da Imperatriz Mother Church, Located in the city center, this is the starting point for understanding the history of the municipality. The Azorean influence is present in the architecture, traditional festivals, and the identity of the people here — and the Azorean Ceramics Workshop It's the perfect place to see this with your own hands, literally. It's a space where artisans keep the tradition of Azorean ceramics alive, creating pieces using techniques passed down from generation to generation. Visiting and participating in a workshop is a completely different experience from any museum.
O Atelier Sebastião da Cruz It's another must-see for art lovers. A space where regional art interacts with nature and local history, with works that capture the essence of this territory in a sensitive and original way.
And for those interested in faith and architecture, the Conventinho do Espírito Santo — Frei Hugolino It is a place of silence and beauty, nestled in nature, perfect for a contemplative visit on a cold winter afternoon.
Eating well in winter: because the food here warms you from the inside out.
Those who visit Santo Amaro da Imperatriz and only focus on the natural attractions miss an important part of the experience: the local cuisine, which takes on even more comforting flavors in winter.
The municipality has a culinary scene that blends Azorean and German influences — and this combination results in dishes that seem made especially for cold days.
For a breakfast with the energy the day demands, the Beirão Bakery & Cafe and the Maria João Ranch These are two places that locals frequent regularly. Fresh bread, strong coffee, that kind of conversation at the counter — that's what makes breakfast in Santa Amaro more than just a meal.
A different kind of sip: the Emperor's Cachaça
Speaking of warming local experiences, the Emperor's Cachaça This is a visit that cannot be missed for anyone who appreciates the culture of artisanal cachaça. Produced with locally grown sugarcane, it is a product that carries the identity of the municipality in its name and flavor.
Visiting the space, understanding the production process and — of course — enjoying a responsible tasting is a complete rural and cultural tourism experience. In winter, appreciating one of the white or aged cachaças, or even one of the liqueurs produced on site, takes on a completely new dimension.
Where to stay: from chalets to resorts, always surrounded by nature.
Winter in Santo Amaro da Imperatriz calls for coziness, and the town's lodging options deliver exactly that.
O Hotel Caldas da Imperatriz It's the classic choice for those who want to sleep with the thermal waters within easy reach. The hotel's historic structure has a unique charm — it's the kind of place that tells a story through its architecture alone — and being within the thermal complex means that at any time, even in the middle of the night, you can immerse yourself in the warm waters under the starry sky.
O Plaza Caldas da Imperatriz Resort & Spa It's the option for those who want more sophistication and a complete leisure and wellness infrastructure. With different thermal pools, spa services, and a privileged location among mountains and forest, it's perfect for those who want to completely disconnect from the world for a few days.
For those who prefer something more intimate, the Chalet Morada dos Tucanos and the Belle Vue Ranch These are vacation rental options that offer that "country house" experience that winter calls for. Fireplace, balcony with a view, silence — that sort of thing.
Follow winter in real time: follow us on Instagram.
Throughout the winter season, the municipality's official tourism profile will be full of tips, suggested itineraries, news, and special content designed to help you make the most of the coziest season of the year in Santo Amaro da Imperatriz.
Follow now: @turismosantoamarodaimperatriz
There you'll find tips from locals, nature photos, culinary suggestions, and even those discoveries that only residents of the municipality know about—but which we're happy to share with anyone who wants to make a grand entrance.
Quick itinerary: a perfect winter weekend in Santo Amaro
For those looking for a starting point, here's a suggested weekend itinerary showcasing the best that winter in Santa Amaro has to offer:
Friday night: Arrive, check in, and head straight to the thermal baths. Afterward, have dinner at one of the local restaurants—a hot dish, a glass of wine or hot chocolate, and some good conversation.
Saturday morning early: rafting on the Cubatão River with the Apuama Rafting. At night: thermal baths again. Because yes, once is not enough.
Sunday: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at one of the local cafes. Visit to Azorean Ceramics Workshop. Passage through Emperor's Cachaça To take home a souvenir. And, if there's still time, one last dip in the thermal waters before leaving.
Why is winter here different from anywhere else?
Because in few places in the world can you, all in the same weekend, go whitewater rafting, fly over a misty valley, dive into natural hot springs, eat well, hike in a state conservation park, and buy handmade ceramic crafts made using centuries-old techniques.
And still be able to reach Florianópolis in less than an hour, if you want.
Santo Amaro da Imperatriz isn't a winter destination despite the cold. It's a winter destination because of the cold. Because the thermal water needs the cold air to work its magic. Because the trail is better without the heat. Because the cozy chalet only makes sense when the temperature drops outside. Because hot chocolate with a mountain view is one of the simplest and most complete experiences one can have.
Anyone who hasn't visited in winter hasn't truly experienced Santo Amaro.
And those who have already been here know exactly what we're talking about.
