Where you are
Vacaria, the gateway to Rio Grande.
At 971 metres above sea level, in the highlands of Campos de Cima da Serra.
The name comes from the Spanish baqueria de los piñares — the cattle ranch of the pine woods — which Jesuit missionaries gave to these fields when they began raising the cattle that would supply their missions. Today Vacaria is one of Brazil's largest apple producers, home to the biggest gaucho rodeo in Latin America and one of the coldest towns in the country. It sits in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil's southernmost state, in the highlands known as the Serra Gaúcha. And Plaza is right in the centre of it all.
Getting here
Real distances.
| From | Distance |
|---|---|
| Porto Alegre | 240 km via BR-116 |
| Caxias do Sul (nearest airport) | 116 km |
| Lages (SC) | 105 km |
| Bento Gonçalves | 130 km |
| Gramado | 120 km |
Caxias do Sul Airport is the most practical option if you are flying in. From there it is about 1 h 30 on the BR-116 highway.
In town
On foot, from our door.
- ~5 min on foot
Cathedral of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira
The postcard of the centre, with imposing architecture and a history tied to the town's patron saint.
- ~3 min on foot
General Daltro Filho Square
Vacaria's central square, a meeting point and a breather in the middle of the day.
- ~8 min on foot
Municipal Museum and Cultural Centre
The collection that tells the story of the town and the Campos de Cima da Serra.
- ~10 min by car
Horseman Monument
A tribute to the International Gaucho Rodeo, at the town entrance on the BR-116.
- ~12 min on foot
Railway Linear Park
Walks and leisure along the old railway line.
- ~15 min by car
Replicas of the Past Cultural Space
A village of replicas and museum collection portraying old buildings, such as a forge and a water-wheel mill.
Out of town
Worth the detour.
- ~15 km
Campestre Winery
Opened in 2019, it became a Vacaria postcard. High-altitude wines and one of the most beautiful wineries in Rio Grande do Sul.
- ~30 km
Fazenda do Socorro
An 18th-century ranch, once a stopping point for cattle drovers coming from Sorocaba to buy cattle in Vacaria. It has a chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Socorro and is open to visitors.
- ~24 km
Waterfalls Park
Waterfalls, trails and ecotourism in the 5th District.
- ~40 km
Gourd and Kettle Monument / Gateway to Rio Grande
On the BR-116, by the Pelotas River bridge. A symbol of gaucho hospitality and one of the most photographed spots in the region.
- ~40 km
Pelotas River Bridge Valley
Canyon landscape on the border with Santa Catarina.
When to come
Every season, a reason.
Dec–Feb
Summer
Temperatures of 15 to 25 °C, ideal for the natural attractions. High demand from Argentine travellers in January.
Mar–May
Autumn
Mild weather and a changing landscape. A good time for the apple harvest.
Jun–Aug
Winter
One of the coldest towns in Brazil. Real cold, with frost and occasional snow. Time for wine and hot food.
Sep–Nov
Spring
Pleasant temperatures and apple trees in bloom — one of the most beautiful sights in the region.
Events
What moves the town.
- 01
Vacaria International Gaucho Rodeo
Held in even-numbered years, it is the largest gaucho tradition festival in Latin America and part of the history of the gaucho and the cattle drover. The whole town comes alive.
- 02
Vacaria Open (ITF)
A professional women's tournament on the ITF World Tennis Tour, played on indoor clay courts at Tênis Santa Teresa. It welcomes players from several countries.
- 03
Winter festivals and events
The busiest season for food and culture in the Serra.
Whatever brings you here — work, an event, a stopover or a trip — Plaza is in the centre, with covered parking and a few steps from everything.
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