Brazil is the 5^th largest country of world and the country of richest flora and fauna, which means it is so huge in itself, that its weather varies from region to region, if it is summer in some parts of Brazil there will be winters in other parts. In general, Brazil is a year-round destination with temperatures rarely dip below 20°C (68°F), apart from in the mountains and southern regions. The climate varies from hot and dry in the arid interior to humid and sticky in the tropical rainforests of the Amazon jungle.The coastal cities of Rio de Janeiro, Recife and Salvador are hot and sticky for most of the year while plateau cities such as Sao Paulo, Brasilia and Belo Horizonte are milder.

Overall Brazil is a tropical country because till date we see Brazil as a tropical place, however very few know apart from the Brazilians that some of the cities mark temperature below zero degree every year during winters. Yes, that’s true Sao Joaquim, Santa Catrina, campos do jordao are the coldest cities of the country, these places are referred as the Switzerland of Brazil specially campos do jordao, which is 1,626 m high and situated in serra da mantiqueira, this place never witnessed snow fall but that doesn’t mean it’s not cold, it’s zero-degree temperature can give you chill nights.

If you also want to experience tropical cold the plan your 4-day trip to this weather fusion trip and do remember to pack your woolens.

Day 1: Cold in the mountains, hot in the cafes

The tour starts with the visit of Sao Joaquim, first take a direct flight to Florianopolis which is 200km away from the place from there take a rental car or board a bus to sao Joaquim. You first attraction if the day is sao Joaquim national park. The park is near to Urubici, in the Catarinense Mountain, it was founded to control the araucaria forest deforestation and to promote environmental research and education. There you can see beautiful views of the mountains and the landscape, mainly from the top of Morro da Igreja, which is 1,800 meters high. During the winter, it can snow, but it you luck to if you can catch this rare scene.

Visit sao Joaquim, city have sips of cocoa, or local drink to warm yourself in cold. From there head to São Joaquim Main Church which is the second attraction of the day, the church is entirely built of basalt gathered from the nearby hills. Its style is eclectic and its interior holds many works of art, such as sculpture of the 12 apostles and another of Adam and Eve surrounded by animals, and its stained-glass window is another eye catchy thing.

Day 2: Snow!

Try your luck and wait for snow, if it is snow, pull up your socks and cover yourself from head to toe in wool, because it’s time to visit snow valley. It is an incredible adventure park in the lap of nature. If you are lucky, you will find valley covered in white layer. The place offers several activities such as zip-lining, rappelling, tree top walk and trails.

Other attractions includeEnglish lessons with qualified instructors, and camping area, with all infrastructure necessary for those who like to sleep in tent.And when you feel hungry, you can try some local dishes in the local restaurant, we recommend you to taste pine nut pastry combined with coffee or hot cocoa.

Second attraction of the day is The Maçãnational Park, it is situated 2 km from São Joaquim it host a celebration in April which is known as the Maçã National Festival. If you visit the city in April, do not miss the festival. You can try some apple delicacies and enjoy several shows and performances at the event. The park is open to visitors during the rest of the year. One of its pavilions holds the Gaucho Traditions Center (GTC), which preserves the customs of the inhabitants of the region along withExponeve, which is a permanent fair of local products and handicrafts.

Day 3: Worldwide flowers

Sao Joaquim and campos do jordao are over 1,000 km apart. If you are visiting both cities, the best way to move from each other is by plane at Guarulhos airport in sao Paulo. From the airport to campos do jordao is 150 km by BR 116 road.Probably you won’t have much time for long tours after the trip so you can enjoy the rest of the day visiting the Amantikir Park. Its 35,000 m² area includes 22 gardens and plants species from several countries such as Japan, Australia, Germany, France and England. There is also a shrubs labyrinth that proposes an analogy with the paths we take in our lives, and invites us to contemplation and meditate.

Day 4: Peace and Contemplation

On the last day of the tour you first attraction will be Boa Vista Palace, which is built in English style, it was the official winter residence of governor of sao Paulo which was later changed into museum in 1970. It is the place where you can know the history of the city and admire works of renowned artists. Its collection has information and documents on the city, as well as pieces of famous artistsTarsila do Amaral, Candido Portinari, Anita Malfatti, Di Cavalcanti and Bruno Giorgi.

Second attraction of the day is Monastery of St. John, a place surrounded by endless flora and fauna. You can have a life time experience specially If you stay there until 5:45pm, when the Gregorian chant recital takes place, every day, in the Chapel of St John the Baptist at night, be sure to put your jacket on and leave to explore the streets of the city. Visit Capivari Village, where you canshop, restaurants, squares and art galleries. With this you can end up your tour and get back to you home safely.

Points of attraction:

• Sao Joaquim national park
• Morro da Igreja
• Maçãnational Park
• Amantikir Park
• Boa Vista Palace
• Monastery of St. John
• Chapel of St John
• Capivari Village