If you’ve got a layover in Chapeco, don’t let it go to waste sitting at XAP. The city, in Brazil, is within easy reach — roughly 60 minutes by Taxi/Ride-share. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Before heading into Chapeco, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Brazil vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Chapeco is roughly 60 minutes from XAP via Taxi/Ride-share. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in BRL. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Getting to Chapeco from the Airport
From XAP, the Taxi/Ride-share gets you to Chapeco in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 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/Ride-share offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What to Budget for Your Chapeco Side Trip
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Chapeco might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$6 USD
- A meal: ~$12 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$28 USD
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Luggage storage options at XAP can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Chapeco for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
What to See and Do in Chapeco
For a layover visit to Chapeco, we’d suggest Arena Condá and Parque das Palmeiras. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Worth checking out if your schedule allows. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside XAP, you can spend time at Relaxation at Lanchonete do Aeroporto or try Browse Airport Gift Shop. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Eating Well on a Chapeco Layover
- In the city: Churrascaria Paladar Gaúcho and Galeteria E Cantina Italiana Nono Ludovico are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Chapeco.
- At the airport: Lanchonete do Aeroporto and Cafeteria Express will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at XAP, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and XAP is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Chapeco 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.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Chapeco exploring the streets or relaxing at XAP, 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.