There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Canarana into a quick city adventure. From CQA, the Taxi can get you into town in around 30 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Three things to verify before you walk out of CQA:
- Can you legally enter Brazil? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 30-minute journey each way by Taxi, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the BRL. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Getting from CQA to Canarana
From CQA, the Taxi gets you to Canarana in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What’s Worth Seeing in Canarana
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Canarana, two standouts are:
- Praça dos Pioneiros (Pioneers’ Square) — Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
- Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora Auxiliadora — It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Canarana.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside CQA, you can spend time at Relax in the Terminal Waiting Area or try Browse the Airport Kiosk & Convenience Items. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food Worth Trying
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Canarana: Churrascaria Boi na Brasa and Panificadora e Lanchonete Vitoria. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Aeroporto Lanchonete (Airport Snack Bar) or Terminal Kiosk Refreshments. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Canarana, budget roughly $24 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $9 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $5 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
What to Do With Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at CQA may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Canarana’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and CQA is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Canarana and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Long overnight layover? Your options at CQA include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Brazil also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Canarana exploring the streets or relaxing at CQA, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.