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Skyscanner analyzed millions of flight bookings and identified the cheapest destinations in Latin America for the 2026 winter season. Joinville, the largest city in Santa Catarina, ranked fourth with round-trip tickets for R$ 662. The research considered median economy class fares for the period from July to August, excluding promotions. Caldas Novas leads the list with R$ 548, followed by Caxias do Sul (R$ 590) and Bonito (R$ 613).
A study that analyzed millions of flight bookings revealed that one of the cheapest destinations in Latin America to spend the 2026 winter is in Santa Catarina, but it’s not Florianópolis nor Balneário Camboriú. The city that secured the fourth position in the Skyscanner ranking is Joinville, the largest municipality in Santa Catarina, with round-trip tickets totaling R$ 662 for the period between July and August. The surprise is that a city known for its industry and not for leisure tourism surpassed dozens of traditional holiday destinations.
The survey calculated the median round-trip fare in economy class for all departure cities in Brazil, excluding promotional fares that would distort the comparison. The data covers the winter season, a period when millions of Brazilians plan holiday trips and seek to balance cost, experience, and differentiation. For those thinking of traveling in July and August on a budget, the list offers alternatives that deviate from obvious itineraries and the inflated prices of the most popular destinations.
The 10 cheapest destinations in Latin America for winter
According to information released by the NSC portal, the complete Skyscanner ranking brings surprises that challenge the expectation of those who associate cheap travel only with destinations in the Northeast. Caldas Novas, in Goiás, leads with tickets for R$ 548, followed by Caxias do Sul (R$ 590), Bonito (R$ 613), and Joinville (R$ 662). The list also includes Santa Cruz, in Bolivia (R$ 716), Ilhéus (R$ 956), Campina Grande (R$ 1,160), Córdoba in Argentina (R$ 1,365), Asunción in Paraguay (R$ 1,402), and Montevideo in Uruguay (R$ 1,429).
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What stands out is the predominance of Brazilian cities among the cheapest: six out of ten destinations are in Brazil, and only four are international. For travelers who think they need to leave the country to enjoy winter, the research shows that domestic options are significantly more accessible and offer experiences that 81% of travelers find more interesting because they are places not yet explored by their social circle.
Why Joinville appeared on the list and what the city offers
Joinville is not the first name that comes to mind when thinking of a holiday destination, and perhaps that is precisely why tickets are so affordable. The largest city in Santa Catarina has 600,000 inhabitants, a strong industrial park, and a cultural offering that includes the Art Museum, the Zoobotanical Park, Estrada Bonita, and Portal do Mar, attractions that compete in quality with traditional tourist destinations, but without the price inflation that accompanies fame.
The winter in Joinville is humid and cold enough for those seeking a climate different from the Northeastern heat, but not as harsh as that of the Serra Gaúcha. The city serves as a base to explore the northern coast of Santa Catarina, the region of São Francisco do Sul, and even the Serra do Rio do Rastro, routes that combine beach, mountain, and colonial gastronomy within a radius that requires no more than two hours by car. The price of R$ 662 for the air ticket is just the beginning of a trip that can be significantly cheaper than competing destinations.
The trend of seeking destinations off the beaten path
The Skyscanner research identified a trend that is gaining momentum in the 2026 winter season. According to the data, 84% of travelers are opting for locations off the beaten path, away from the most well-known destinations, and 81% find it more interesting to travel to places not yet explored by friends and family. The search for authentic experiences is redefining travel planning in Brazil.
This trend explains why cities like Joinville, Bonito, and Campina Grande appear on a list where one would expect to see Gramado, Florianópolis, or Campos do Jordão. The 2026 traveler doesn’t just want a beautiful destination: they want a place that surprises, offers differentiation, and fits the budget. With 43% of Brazilians still actively researching where to spend the winter, the Skyscanner list serves as a guide for those who want to escape the crowds without spending too much.
The most popular destinations for those who want real cold
For Brazilians seeking winter with snow and ski resorts, Chile emerges as a traditional favorite. Santiago serves as a gateway with tickets for R$ 1,633, and from there the traveler can proceed to Chilean Patagonia, a less visited region that attracts those who prioritize tranquility. In Argentina, Bariloche costs R$ 2,848 in tickets, a value that reflects the demand for one of the most sought-after snow destinations in Latin America.
For those who prefer to escape the cold and enjoy the tropical climate during winter, the most sought-after domestic destinations are Rio de Janeiro (R$ 800), Recife (R$ 1,212), and Fortaleza (R$ 1,335). The price difference between Joinville (R$ 662) and Fortaleza (R$ 1,335) is over R$ 670, a value that can fund accommodation, food, and tours in a Santa Catarina city that offers surprising experiences for a fraction of the cost of traditional holiday destinations.
What to consider before choosing your winter destination
The Skyscanner research only shows the cost of air tickets, which is the first expense of the trip but not the only one. Accommodation, food, and local transport vary significantly between destinations, and a city with a cheap ticket might have a high cost of living that negates the savings. Joinville, for
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