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Rio Grande do Sul
Rio Grande do Sul Travel Guide
Southern Brazil
Rio Grande do Sul attracts visitors to the wine region of Serra Gaúcha, alpine-style towns like Gramado and Canela, and coastal areas such as Praia do Cassino.
About the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Rio Grande do Sul is Brazil’s southernmost state, sharing borders with Uruguay and Argentina and covering an area of approximately 281,700 square kilometers. With a population of about 11 million, it is one of the most culturally distinct states in Brazil, shaped by waves of European immigration - especially German, Italian, and Polish. The state also has strong indigenous and gaucho (cowboy) traditions. The state capital is Porto Alegre, a major urban and cultural center known for its literary scene, historical architecture, and political activism. Historically, Rio Grande do Sul has played a central role in national conflicts, including the Ragamuffin War (1835–1845), a regional republican revolt that remains a key part of the state’s identity and is commemorated annually during Semana Farroupilha.
Geographically, Rio Grande do Sul features a diverse landscape that includes coastal lagoons, rolling plains, highland plateaus, and temperate forests. The Pampas region in the south is characterized by vast grasslands and a strong gaucho culture centered on horseback riding, mate (chimarrão) drinking, and traditional barbecue (churrasco). To the north and northeast, the Serra Gaúcha is a mountainous area known for its European-influenced towns such as Gramado and Canela, which attract visitors with their Alpine-style architecture, cooler climate, and seasonal festivals like Natal Luz (Christmas of Lights). The region is also home to national parks such as Aparados da Serra and Serra Geral, which feature dramatic canyons like Itaimbezinho and extensive hiking trails. Along the Atlantic coast, beach towns such as Torres and Capão da Canoa are popular summer destinations.
The economy of Rio Grande do Sul is highly diversified, with strong agricultural, industrial, and service sectors. It is a leading producer of grains such as soybeans, wheat, and corn, as well as livestock, particularly cattle and pigs. The state is also a major center for wine production, especially in the Serra Gaúcha region, Brazil’s largest and most developed wine region. Porto Alegre serves as the financial and commercial heart of the state. Cross-border trade with Argentina and Uruguay is facilitated by the state’s position in the Mercosur trade bloc, enhancing its strategic economic relevance.
Quick Facts: Rio Grande do Sul
Population of Rio Grande do Sul: Approximately 11.3 million (IBGE 2022 estimate)
Area of Rio Grande do Sul: 281,748 square kilometres
Nicknames: People from Porto Alegre are called portoalegrenses, while people from anywhere else in Rio Grande do Sul State are called gaúchos.
Major Airports in Rio Grande do Sul
Salgado Filho International Airport (Porto Alegre)
Regional Airport of Caxias do Sul
Pelotas Airport
Uruguaiana Airport
Santa Maria Airport
Climate and Best Time to Visit Rio Grande do Sul
Humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons: hot summers, cold winters
Rainfall evenly distributed throughout the year
Best time to visit: September to November and March to May
Top Tourist Attractions in Rio Grande do Sul
Porto Alegre historic centre and parks
Gramado (Serra Gaúcha region)
Canela (Serra Gaúcha region)
São Miguel das Missões Jesuit Ruins
Bento Gonçalves wine region and Vale dos Vinhedos
Aparados da Serra National Park and Itaimbezinho Canyon
Lagoa dos Patos (largest lagoon in Brazil)
Museum of the Gaucho (Santana do Livramento)
Parque Estadual de Itapeva (Serra do Sudeste)
Mercado Público (Porto Alegre)
Farroupilha Park (Porto Alegre)
Must-try Regional Dishes in Rio Grande do Sul
The cuisine of Rio Grande do Sul blends Gaucho barbecue traditions with European-inspired dishes, featuring fire-roasted meats, corn-based dishes, and preserved foods that reflect the state's ranching history.
10 Must-Try Regional Dishes from Rio Grande do Sul:
Churrasco Gaúcho – Traditional southern Brazilian barbecue where cuts of beef, pork, and lamb are seasoned simply with rock salt and slow-roasted on skewers over open flame; often served with chimichurri or vinaigrette salad.
Arroz de Carreteiro – A rice dish made with sun-dried beef, garlic, onions, and sometimes tomatoes, originally cooked by ox-cart drivers (carreteiros).
Galeto al Primo Canto – Young chicken marinated with garlic, white wine, and herbs, then grilled over charcoal. A staple of Italian-Gaúcho cuisine, often served with polenta and radicci com bacon (bitter greens with bacon).
Ximango – A lesser-known Gaucho dish made from beans, corn, dried meat, and squash, cooked together into a thick stew, especially popular in rural areas.
Pinhão Cozido – Boiled seeds of the Araucária tree (a native pine), traditionally eaten during the cold months. Most commonly found in the mountainous regions of the state.
Cuca Gaúcha – A German-Brazilian coffee cake made with a yeasted dough, topped with a buttery streusel and sometimes fruit or doce de leite
Entrevero – A mixed-grill stir-fry combining various meats (beef, sausage, chicken) with vegetables and spices, cooked in a large skillet. Popular at festivals.
Polenta Brustolada – Thick slices of cooked polenta grilled or fried until crisp on the outside, often topped with cheese or meat sauce
Sopa de Capeletti – A clear chicken broth soup with small meat-filled pasta dumplings, commonly served during family gatherings and holidays in Italian-descendant communities.
Chimia – A thick, jam-like preserve made from fruits such as apple, fig, or pumpkin, typically served with bread or cueca virada (fried pastry). Typically served for breakfast or as a snack.
Festivals & Events in Rio Grande do Sul
Semana Farroupilha: The biggest celebration of Gaucho culture in Rio Grande do Sul, held every September, featuring traditional dress, horseback parades, chimarrão rituals, music, and reenactments of the 19th-century Farroupilha Revolution.
Oktoberfest – Santa Cruz do Sul: The second largest Oktoberfest in Brazil, after Blumenau, this festival celebrates German heritage with traditional beer, folk music, dance, and authentic cuisine in one of the state’s biggest cities.
Festa Nacional da Música (FENAMU) – Bagé: A major music festival showcasing regional and national artists, focused on traditional gaucho genres like música nativista and sertaneja, with concerts, contests, and cultural exhibitions.
Festival Internacional de Teatro de Porto Alegre (FITPOA): An important event in the performing arts calendar, attracting national and international theater companies with plays, workshops, and street performances throughout the state capital.
Festa do Pinhão – Lages: Celebrating the pine nut harvest, this autumn festival includes typical foods, crafts, folk music, and dance, deeply connected to the mountain region’s traditions.
Procissão de São João Batista – Pelotas: A deeply rooted religious procession held every June, combining Catholic devotion with local culture, featuring colorful processions and folk rituals in one of Rio Grande do Sul’s most historic cities.
