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State of Brazil
Photo: Fernando Stankuns, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Rio Grande do Sul is the southernmost state in Brazil, bordering Uruguay and Argentina. It is in some sense a unique region that merges clearly identifiable elements of Brazilian culture, the culture of Pampas region which also includes Uruguay and a large portion of Argentina, as well as the culture of German and Italian immigrants.
Famous for paleontological tourism along the "Paleorrota"
A major center of gaúcho culture, hosting the state's most important art event in the city of Santa Cruz do Sul
Contains part of the Serras Gaúchas, with a rich Italian heritage, and part of the Aparados da Serra National Park
Contains the Sete Povos das Missões, a collection of Jesuit ruins, one of them a World Heritage Site
The most visited part of the state, containing the capital city Porto Alegre, the popular destinations of Gramado and Canela in the Serras Gaúchas, and the state's most popular beaches
The Patos and Mirim lagoons, the Taim Ecological Station, and very tranquil beaches
The vastness and cultural richness of the Pampas region on all its glory
By car
Rio Grande do Sul can be easily accessed by land from several roads coming from Argentina and Uruguay.
By bus
Buses are available from Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, and other parts of Brazil. Porto Alegre is the big transportation hub.
By train
Just like in the rest of Brazil, in Rio Grande do Sul, railway transport was being scrapped from the 1960s onwards.
By car
The state of Rio Grande do Sul has one of the worst road networks compared to the more developed Brazilian states, such as the state of São Paulo, or even the neighboring state, Santa Catarina.
By plane
Flying within the state may not be a viable option, as flight schedules are limited to a few flights per week and it can cost more to fly than traveling within the state in a comfortable,…
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Santa Maria · Regional · RIA
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The state capital and home of the World Social Forum, is a vibrant metropolis with a buzzing nightlife.
The second largest city in the state, has a rich Italian heritage and traditional wineries in the region.
Charming city with Italian heritage, with many vineyards and exuberant food culture. Brazilian capital of grapes and wine.
Often visited as a side-trip from Gramado but with enough attractions to visit on its own, it's a great area for ecotourism.
With cool weather, a picturesque city center and lots of family activities, it's where Brazilians go to feel like they are in Europe.
A city with a rich heritage left by German immigrants, it is home to Rio Grande do Sul's Oktoberfest and ENART, the largest gaucho art and culture event in the state.
Where Brazil and Argentina meet and mix with each other.
Containing the Ruins of São Miguel das Missões, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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