Florianopolis, a little-known island gem, is Santa Catarina's cool island capital. Unwind on its white sand beaches and swim in cool shimmering waters which, incidentally, produce some of the most flavoursome oysters you'll ever taste. Head into the rainforest and hike farm trails or take a surfing lesson on Joaquina Beach, famed for its perfect waves. Combine all this with some seriously chic city life and you're onto a winner.

Head out to sea on a whale watching adventure in southern Brazil's protected offshore marine reserves. From the (relative) comfort of your dinghy, keep a lookout for southern rights, humpbacks and baleen whales as they escape the cold Patagonian waters in favour of the warm northern climate off Brazil's coast. This is the best possible way of getting close to their barnacled underbellies and spraying blow holes.

If you visit Florianopolis, duck into the Catedral Metropolitana, an architectural feat that took 20 years to construct. This 18th century church underwent serious renovations in 2005 which revealed original frescoes in the cathedral canopy, grand altars and elegant neo-classical porches. Inside, you'll also find rare religious art such as the 'Escape to Egypt,' an impressive life-size cedar-wood sculpture.