Santa Maria Travel Guide

Explore the beautiful city of Santa Maria with our comprehensive travel guide, featuring top attractions, must-try dishes, accommodations, transportation options, and more.


Introduction to Santa Maria

Located in the Central West region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Santa Maria is a beautiful city that is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. With a wide range of attractions, gorgeous landscapes and hospitable locals, it is the perfect destination for travelers who seek adventure, relaxation, and a taste of Brazil.

List of Places to Visit in Santa Maria

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

There are many museums and historical places to visit in Santa Maria, including:

Memorial Mallet

The Memorial Mallet is a museum located in the city center that honors the legacy of the late musician, Mario Quintana. The museum showcases Quintana’s works, photographs, musical instruments, and personal belongings.

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary is a beautiful neo-Gothic church that was built in the early 20th century. Visitors can admire the stunning architecture and artwork inside, as well as attend mass services.

Dom Diogo de Souza Museum

The Dom Diogo de Souza Museum is a historical museum located in the old municipal palace. It houses a collection of local artifacts, art pieces, historical documents, and other cultural items.

Natural Attractions of Santa Maria: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Santa Maria is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes that offer opportunities for outdoor adventures and scenic views, including:

Ecological Park Anthero dos Santos

The Ecological Park Anthero dos Santos is a beautiful park that is located in the outskirts of the city. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna, as well as hiking trails, picnic areas, and a beautiful waterfall.

Morro do Elefante

Morro do Elefante is a popular hill located on the outskirts of Santa Maria. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. The hill is accessible by car or hiking, and there is a lookout tower at the top.

Camobi Lagoon

Camobi Lagoon is a tranquil lagoon that is located in the outskirts of the city. It is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and bird watching. Visitors can also take a relaxing walk around the lagoon and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Santa Maria

For hiking and biking enthusiasts, Santa Maria offers several scenic routes, including:

  • Morro do Elefante trail: A challenging hike that leads to the top of Morro do Elefante hill.
  • Anthero dos Santos trail: A moderate hike that leads through the Ecological Park Anthero dos Santos.
  • Camobi Lagoon trail: A scenic walk around Camobi Lagoon, suitable for all fitness levels.

Best Things to Do in Santa Maria: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of things to do in Santa Maria, including:

  • Attend a samba school lesson
  • Join a horseback riding tour to explore the countryside
  • Participate in a Brazilian cooking class
  • Take a city tour to learn about the history and culture of Santa Maria

Week-Long Itinerary for Santa Maria

Day 1: Memorial Mallet and Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary
Day 2: Dom Diogo de Souza Museum and city tour
Day 3: Ecological Park Anthero dos Santos
Day 4: Camobi Lagoon and horseback riding tour
Day 5: Morro do Elefante and samba school lesson
Day 6: Brazilian cooking class and local market visit
Day 7: Relaxation day at the hotel pool or spa

Food and Drink Scene of Santa Maria

Must-Try Dishes

Santa Maria is known for its delicious cuisine, enriched with European and indigenous traditions. Here are some must-try dishes:

  • Churrasco: A classic Brazilian barbecue dish
  • Feijoada: A stew made with black beans, meat, and spices
  • Sopa de Capeletti: A soup made with chicken broth and filled pasta
  • Tortei: A local pasta dish stuffed with meat or cheese

Local Beverages

When it comes to beverages, Santa Maria has plenty of options to choose from, including:

  • Chimarrão: A typical herbal tea drink made from a gourd and shared among friends.
  • Cachaça: A Brazilian liquor made from fermented sugarcane.
  • Wine: Rio Grande do Sul is the largest wine producer in Brazil, and visitors can taste some of the best wines in the region.

Where to Stay in Santa Maria: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Santa Maria has a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences. Some of the most popular options include:

  • Hotel Morotin: A 4-star hotel in the city center, with modern facilities and an outdoor pool.
  • Hostel Dom Ivo: A cozy hostel with private and dormitory rooms, located in the historic part of town.
  • Guesthouse Casa da Figueira: A charming guesthouse surrounded by nature, with a peaceful atmosphere and a delicious breakfast.

What to Buy in Santa Maria: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home from Santa Maria include:

  • Leather goods: Santa Maria is known for its high-quality leather products, including bags, shoes, and jackets.
  • Cheese: Rio Grande do Sul is famous for its artisanal cheese, such as Serrano cheese.
  • Handicrafts: Visitors can find beautiful handicrafts, such as pottery, weaving, and embroidery, at local markets and stores.

Local Culture and Customs of Santa Maria

Santa Maria has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its music, dance, art, and cuisine. Visitors should respect local customs and traditions when traveling to Santa Maria, and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Best Time to Visit Santa Maria

The best time to visit Santa Maria is from September to December when the weather is pleasant and the city is full of cultural events and festivals. However, visitors can enjoy Santa Maria’s attractions year-round, as the city has a tropical climate with mild temperatures, even in the winter months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Santa Maria

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Carry some cash for small purchases and street vendors.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothes when visiting religious sites.
  • Get into unlicensed taxis or buses.
  • Leave valuable items unattended in public areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Santa Maria

Santa Maria is generally a safe destination, but visitors should take precautions to avoid petty theft and pickpocketing. They should also avoid walking alone in deserted areas at night.

Health in Santa Maria

Visitors should be up to date on routine vaccinations and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, as dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent in the region. They should also drink bottled water to avoid water-borne illnesses.

Getting to Santa Maria: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Santa Maria

The nearest airport to Santa Maria is the Aeroporto Regional de Santa Maria, which serves domestic flights from major Brazilian cities. International visitors can connect to the airport in Porto Alegre and take a bus or taxi to Santa Maria.

Bus Stations Near Santa Maria

Santa Maria has a modern bus station that serves regular bus services to most cities in Brazil. Visitors can also take an executive bus service from Porto Alegre to Santa Maria.

Other Options

Visitors can rent a car to explore Santa Maria and its surroundings at their own pace. There are also taxi and ride-hailing services available in the city.

How to Get Around in Santa Maria

Santa Maria has an efficient public transport system, with buses serving most parts of the city. Visitors can also take taxis or cycle around the city if they prefer.

Where to Go Next from Santa Maria: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Santa Maria is situated in a strategic location that allows visitors to explore several nearby destinations, including:

  • Gramado: A beautiful mountain town that is known for its European-style architecture and winter festivals.
  • Porto Alegre: The vibrant capital city of Rio Grande do Sul, with historical and cultural attractions, shopping, and nightlife.
  • Cambará do Sul: A picturesque town that is known for its stunning canyons and outdoor adventures.

Conclusion

As seen from all the above mentioned details, Santa Maria is the perfect gateway to indulge in a wonderful experience. It offers visitors a variety of cultural and natural attractions, delicious cuisine, comfortable accommodations, and efficient transportation options. Book your trip to Santa Maria now and enjoy the best that Brazil has to offer!