Stand on the church square in the centre of Chapecó and you can see Arena Condá a few blocks away, the low outline of the stadium that gave this western Santa Catarina city its widest recognition. Around it, the everyday business of a regional centre for industry, commerce and education carries on, with the Uruguay River valley opening to the south.
Chapecó suits travellers passing through western Santa Catarina who want a city with a working cultural calendar, a football tradition, and easy access to the countryside and the river. It rewards those who are willing to make a few phone calls or ask locally, because some of the best experiences here are not advertised online.
This guide covers the specific sights and experiences worth your time, followed by a one-day plan and answers to common questions.
Top things to do in Chapecó
1. Chapecoense match at Arena Condá
Arena Condá is home to the city's football team, Chapecoense, and catching a match here is the most direct way to understand what the club means to Chapecó. The arena sits a few blocks from the church square, so it is easy to fold into a day in the centre.
Ticket prices vary, so check the club's ticketing page before you go. Arrive early enough to walk the surrounding streets and take in the matchday atmosphere.
2. Interstate zip-line (Tirolesa Interestadual)
This zip-line runs over the Uruguai river, which marks the border between Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina — hence "interstate". At 1.3 km, it is the longest zip-line in South Brazil.
It operates from Centro Nautico Faé in Goio-Ên, about 25 km from downtown Chapecó. Call +55 49 3321-4804 ahead of time to confirm conditions and availability.
3. Sede Figueira Grotto (Gruta de Sede Figueira)
The grotto at Sede Figueira consists of three small caves and an 8-metre waterfall. It is a straightforward outdoor stop rather than a developed attraction.
It sits about 1 km from BR-282, which makes it convenient to combine with a drive along that highway. Wear shoes you don't mind getting wet.
4. Tropeiro Velho Museum (Museu Tropeiro Velho)
This museum focuses on the tropeiro heritage of the region — the cattle-driving routes that crossed the southern plateau. It is a compact, focused stop rather than a large institutional museum.
Pair it with the Sede Figueira Grotto if you are already out on the road, and confirm access locally before making a special trip.
5. SESC Chapecó (Cultural Center)
SESC Chapecó on R. Brasília, 475 maintains a regular cultural programme. It is less active than its São Paulo counterparts, but it is still the most reliable place in the city to find scheduled performances and events.
The schedule is not published online, so you will need to call or drop by in person to find out what is on during your stay.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start in the centre and walk to Arena Condá, a few blocks from the church square, to see the stadium in the daylight hours. Continue on to SESC Chapecó on R. Brasília, 475 and ask at the desk what is programmed for the day.
Afternoon: Head out of the city towards BR-282 and visit the Sede Figueira Grotto, about 1 km from the highway, to see the three small caves and the 8-metre waterfall. If time allows, add the Tropeiro Velho Museum on the same outing.
Evening: If Chapecoense are playing at Arena Condá, build your evening around the match — check ticket prices in advance. If not, return to the centre for the evening and see whether SESC Chapecó has a performance scheduled.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find out what is on at SESC Chapecó?
The schedule is not available online. You need to call or visit in person at R. Brasília, 475 to ask about the current programme.
How much does the interstate zip-line cost?
The published rate was R$40 per person as of April 2017. Confirm the current price by calling +55 49 3321-4804 before you travel out to Goio-Ên.
Where do I buy tickets for a Chapecoense match?
Ticket prices vary, so check the club's ticketing page at chapecoense.eventicket.com.br for current details before matchday.
How far is the zip-line from downtown Chapecó?
Centro Nautico Faé, where the zip-line operates, is in Goio-Ên, about 25 km from downtown Chapecó.
Check the club's fixture list and the zip-line's operating conditions, then start mapping your days around the centre, BR-282 and the Uruguay River valley.