Southeast Travel Guide

Discover the natural and cultural wonders of Southeast in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Find the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Southeast

Located in the southernmost state of Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul, Southeast offers an abundance of natural and cultural wonders to explore. Nestled between hills and valleys, this region boasts stunning landscapes, charming towns, and unique cultural experiences.

In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into Southeast and highlight the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Southeast

Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a foodie, Southeast has something to offer. Here are some places you shouldn’t miss on your visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Farroupilha Museum: An essential landmark of the Farroupilha Revolution, the museum displays photos, documents, and objects related to this historical event.
  • São Pedro Theatre: A stunning 19th-century neoclassical theater, which offers a range of performances throughout the year.
  • Casa de Cultura Mario Quintana: A cultural center located in a refurbished hotel. It houses art galleries, theaters, and libraries, making it a gathering place for artists and intellectuals.

Natural Attractions of Southeast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Saint Lucia’s Park: A great place to hike, bike, or enjoy a picnic. The park features trails, waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the city.
  • Taquara Park: A vast green area with a lake, where you can rent a paddleboat or practice stand-up paddleboarding. Surrounding the lake, you’ll find trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
  • Caxias do Sul’s Countryside: A delightful region with charming towns, vineyards, and farms. Visit Bento Gonçalves, the heart of Brazil’s wine country, and enjoy a wine tasting.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southeast

Southeast offers a plethora of opportunities for hiking and bicycling enthusiasts. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

  • Rota das Cachoeiras: A 13-kilometer trail that passes by several waterfalls and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.
  • Caminho das Pipas: A scenic route that connects the wineries of Bento Gonçalves and Garibaldi. You’ll cycle through vineyards and admire beautiful landscapes.
  • Estrada do Mar: A picturesque road that runs along the coast of Rio Grande do Sul. It’s ideal for a scenic drive or a leisurely bicycle ride.

Best Things to Do in Southeast: Activities and Tours

  • Wine Tour: Visit the wineries of Bento Gonçalves and Garibaldi, learn about the wine-making process, and enjoy a wine tasting.
  • Historic Train Tour: Take a ride on the Maria Fumaça train and explore the picturesque towns of Bento Gonçalves, Garibaldi, and Carlos Barbosa.
  • Art and Culture Tour: Visit the São Pedro Theatre, Casa de Cultura Mario Quintana, and the Santander Cultural Center, and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Southeast

Day 1: Explore Porto Alegre, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul. Visit the Public Market, the Municipal Market, and the Farroupilha Park.

Day 2: Hike the Rota das Cachoeiras trail and enjoy the beautiful waterfalls of the region.

Day 3: Take a winery tour in Bento Gonçalves and Garibaldi, visit vineyards, and enjoy wine tastings.

Day 4: Explore the countryside of Caxias do Sul. Visit farms and charming towns like Nova Petrópolis and Gramado.

Day 5: Take a Maria Fumaça train ride and explore the picturesque towns of Bento Gonçalves, Garibaldi, and Carlos Barbosa.

Day 6: Visit the cultural landmarks of Porto Alegre, including the São Pedro Theatre and Casa de Cultura Mario Quintana.

Day 7: Relax at Saint Lucia’s Park and enjoy the views of Porto Alegre’s skyline.

Food and Drink Scene of Southeast

Southeast’s gastronomy is a blend of indigenous, African, and European influences. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Churrasco: Barbecued meat, usually beef or chicken, served with rice, beans, and salad.
  • Arroz de Carreteiro: Rice cooked with dried meat and vegetables. It’s a traditional dish of the gauchos, cowboys of the region.
  • Cuca: A sweet bread made with cinnamon and sugar. It’s a typical breakfast or snack food.

Local Beverages

  • Chimarrão: A popular drink made with yerba mate, hot water, and sometimes herbs. It’s a symbol of gaucho culture and often shared among friends.
  • Wine: Rio Grande do Sul is the largest wine producer in Brazil. Try the local varieties, such as Merlot, Cabernet, and Moscato.
  • Cerveja Artesanal: Craft beer is booming in Brazil, and Rio Grande do Sul has many breweries. Try the IPA, Pilsen, and Stout.

Where to Stay in Southeast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Southeast offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Here are some recommendations:

  • InterCity Porto Alegre: A modern and stylish hotel located in the heart of Porto Alegre’s financial district.
  • Hostel Porto Tchê: A cozy and affordable hostel with a prime location in Porto Alegre’s historic center.
  • Pousada do Chalé: A charming guesthouse in the countryside of Caxias do Sul. The rooms have a rustic decoration and a fireplace.

What to Buy in Southeast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Wine: Buy a bottle or two of the local wine varieties, such as Merlot and Cabernet. You can find them at wineries or specialty wine shops.
  • Leather goods: Rio Grande do Sul is famous for its high-quality leather products, such as shoes, belts, and jackets.
  • Handicrafts: Visit the Municipal Market and find handcrafted souvenirs, such as ornaments, bags, and pottery.

Local Culture and Customs of Southeast

Rio Grande do Sul has a rich gaucho culture, which is expressed in music, dance, and clothing. The gauchos are cowboys who roam the grasslands and have a unique lifestyle. When visiting Southeast, you might see people wearing typical clothing, such as boots, ponchos, and hats. Also, the chimarrão drink is a symbol of gaucho culture, and it’s often shared among friends.

Best Time to Visit Southeast

The best time to visit Southeast is from March to May and from September to November. These months offer mild temperatures and are less crowded than the high season (December to February). However, keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable, and rain is common throughout the year.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southeast

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and wine.
  • Respect the gaucho culture and traditions.
  • Bring comfortable shoes for hiking and bicycling.
  • Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas.

Don’t:

  • Wear flip-flops or sandals for hiking.
  • Take photos or film inside museums or cultural centers without permission.
  • Touch or disturb wildlife.
  • Drink tap water, always drink bottled water.

Safety and Health

Safety in Southeast

Southeast is a relatively safe region, but as in any city or town, you should take precautions to avoid theft or robbery. Avoid carrying valuables, especially when walking around in crowded areas. Also, be cautious when taking taxis or using public transportation at night.

Health in Southeast

Brazil has a high incidence of dengue and Zika virus, especially during the summer months. It’s advisable to use insect repellent and protective clothing when outdoors. Also, drink only bottled water and avoid raw or undercooked food.

Getting to Southeast: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Southeast

The nearest airport to Southeast is Salgado Filho International Airport (POA) in Porto Alegre. The airport receives domestic and international flights from major cities in Brazil and abroad.

Bus Stations Near Southeast

Porto Alegre Bus Station is the main bus terminal in the region. It offers connections to several cities in Rio Grande do Sul and other states in Brazil.

Other Options

You can also rent a car or hire a private car service to explore Southeast. However, keep in mind that some roads can be narrow and winding, so it’s important to drive carefully.

How to Get Around in Southeast

Public transportation in Southeast is limited, and the best way to get around is by car. Renting a car is an excellent option if you want to explore the countryside and visit several cities. You can also take taxis or use ride-sharing apps like Uber or 99.

Where to Go Next from Southeast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Southeast is a gateway to other exciting regions in Rio Grande do Sul. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions you can consider:

  • Gramado and Canela: charming towns known for their European-style architecture and Christmas decorations.
  • Porto Alegre: the capital of Rio Grande do Sul offers a range of cultural landmarks and gastronomic experiences.
  • Florianópolis: a picturesque island with stunning beaches and top-notch seafood restaurants.

Conclusion

Southeast is an incredible region in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, with a unique blend of natural and cultural wonders. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or a foodie, Southeast has something to offer. We hope this guide has helped you plan your trip and discover the best of this fascinating region.

São Gonçalo Canal, near Pelotas São Gonçalo Canal, near Pelotas Our Lady of the Assumption church with a section of the Dom Pedro II Citadel wall in the foreground in Caçapava do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul. Our Lady of the Assumption church with a section of the Dom Pedro II Citadel wall in the foreground in Caçapava do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul.


    Arroio Grande
    Chuí
    Pelotas