Biguacu

The village of Biguacu belongs to the municipality of Florianopolis within the state of Santa Catarina. Biguacu lies 12 kilometers north of the island of Florianopolis and is accessible via the highway BR 101 and BR 282.

Biguacu is one of the oldest regions in Santa Catarina. The first immigrants from the Azores settled down 1747 in Biguacu. The church of Biguacu "Acanjo Sao Miguel" was built in 1751. Another tourist attraction in Biguacu is the "Museu Etnográfico", the ethnographic museum. Visitors get an insight into the regional handcrafts, architectonic specialties, traditions and folklore of ancient immigrants. Located at the Beira Mar, the coast avenue of Santa Catarina, Biguacu offers a wonderful view over the island of Florianopolis and other offshore islands. The lookout point "Cascata do Inferninho" offers a unique panoramic view over the natural beauty of the surroundings.
In Biguacu you can also find the waterfall "Cachoeira do Amanico", which invites you to swim in the little natural pool. Biguaci is surrounded by Atlantic rainforest, which unfortunately diminished due to the construction of buildings and industry within the last years.
Biguacu is an important place for industry and trade for Florianopolis. The surrounding rivers are polluted, because a purification plant is not existent. The private University UNIVALI is also located in Biguacu. At the coastal street of Biguacu you can find many restaurants, hotels and pousadas.
Biguacu has 55.700 inhabitants, who are of mixed ethnicity from descendants of ancient immigrants of the Azores, Germany and Italy. Besides that, a little indigenous community of the Tupi-Guarani is living in Biguacu. It is a great challenge for them to preserve their traditions and habits in the current Brazilian culture.

Get to know more about the Tupi-Guarani Indians.