The Maria Fumaça (the name means 'smoky Mary' — local slang for any steam locomotive) operates weekend excursions along the Ferrovia Tereza Cristina, one of Brazil's last working heritage steam railways. The trips run on programmed dates, two to three times a month on Saturdays or Sundays, departing from Tubarão and travelling to coastal destinations including Laguna and Imbituba.
The wooden passenger carriages from the 1950s and 1960s accommodate up to 250 people in seats that face the windows — important, because the scenery is the point. The route crosses bridges over the Tubarão River, passes through farmland and fishing villages, and follows stretches of coastline not easily reached by road. Book in advance through the Museu Ferroviário; departures sell out.