Cathedral, central square, high-altitude winery, waterfalls and the most photographed monument on the BR-116 highway. What is worth seeing in Vacaria, with real distances from the centre.
Many people arrive in Vacaria on their way somewhere else. They stop in town, sleep, and drive on the next morning. And they never find out there are good things a few minutes from where they parked.
This guide is for those people, and for anyone staying a few days who wants to make the most of it.
First, where you are
Vacaria sits at 971 metres above sea level in the Campos de Cima da Serra, the highland plateau of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil’s southernmost state, almost on the border with Santa Catarina. It is 240 km from Porto Alegre, the state capital, 116 km from Caxias do Sul and 105 km from Lages.
The name comes from the Spanish baqueria de los piñares, the cattle ranch of the pine woods, which is what Jesuit missionaries called these fields when they began raising the cattle that supplied their missions. Today the town is one of Brazil’s largest apple producers and one of the coldest places in the country.
It is also known as the Gateway to Rio Grande do Sul, since it is the entrance to the state for anyone coming from the north on the BR-116 highway.
Downtown, on foot
Cathedral of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira The town’s postcard. Imposing architecture, tied to Vacaria’s patron saint. A few minutes’ walk from the centre and worth the stop, even just to look from outside.
General Daltro Filho Square The central square. A meeting point, shade and a breather in the middle of the day. It is where the town comes together.
Municipal Museum and Cultural Centre To understand how the town was formed and the role of the cattle drovers in the region. A small collection, but well cared for.
Railway Linear Park A walk along the route of the old railway. Good for late afternoon.
A little further, by car
Campestre Winery — about 15 km Opened in 2019, it quickly became a Vacaria postcard. It is one of the most beautiful wineries in Rio Grande do Sul, and the region’s high-altitude wines have a character of their own. Book your visit in advance.
Fazenda do Socorro — about 30 km An 18th-century ranch, once a stopping point for the cattle drovers who came from Sorocaba, in São Paulo state, to buy cattle in Vacaria. It has a chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Socorro and is open to visitors. For anyone who enjoys history, it is the most interesting outing in the region.
Waterfalls Park — about 24 km Waterfalls, trails and ecotourism facilities in the 5th District. A good summer programme.
Gourd and Kettle Monument / Gateway to Rio Grande — about 40 km On the BR-116, by the Pelotas River bridge. One of the most photographed spots in the region and a symbol of gaucho hospitality. If you are entering or leaving the state on the highway, you pass it anyway.
Pelotas River Bridge Valley — about 40 km Canyon scenery on the border with Santa Catarina. Little explored by tourism, which is exactly its charm.
When to come
Summer (December to February) — 15 to 25 °C. The best time for the natural attractions. January brings many Argentine travellers on their way to the coast.
Autumn (March to May) — mild weather, apple harvest season.
Winter (June to August) — real cold. Frost almost guaranteed and occasional snow. It is when the highlands are at their most beautiful and hot food makes the most sense.
Spring (September to November) — apple trees in bloom. One of the most beautiful sights in the region, and almost nobody talks about it.
Where to stay
Plaza Hotel is in the centre, at Rua Júlio de Castilhos, 1560. From our door you can walk to the cathedral, the square and the shops. If you arrive by car, covered parking is included, which in practice means leaving the car parked and doing the town on foot.