Things To Do
in Santa Maria
Santa Maria is a charming city located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil. It is known for its beautiful parks, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The city is home to a prestigious university, attracting students from all over the country.
Santa Maria also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and exploring the surrounding natural landscapes.
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Obrigado" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Desculpe" - Sorry
- "Tudo bem?" - Are you okay?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.80 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Praia da Barra, a beautiful beach ideal for a morning swim. Enjoy a breakfast at a beachfront café, savoring local fruits and pastries.
Spend the afternoon at Praia do Forte, where lounge chairs and vibrant beach bars await. Engage in water sports or simply relax under the sun.
As the sun sets, stroll along the beach and take in the stunning views. Dinner at a nearby seafood restaurant is a must for fresh local catches.
Begin your journey with a hike at Parque Natural Municipal de Santa Maria, where trails weave through lush landscapes. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and unique flora.
Have a picnic lunch within the park, enjoying the serenity of nature. Continue exploring further trails or spot a scenic viewpoint.
Return to the city and enjoy a calm evening at a local park. Relish in the fresh air while enjoying a simple meal from a nearby vendor.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and diverse community
- Beautiful natural scenery, including parks and riverfront areas
- Growing economy with opportunities in agriculture and industry
- Friendly atmosphere and sense of community
- Access to educational institutions and health services
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
- Incidents of crime in certain areas
- Infrastructure challenges, including public transport
- Economic disparity and unemployment in some sectors
- Hot climate which may not be comfortable for everyone
Best Activities in Santa Maria
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the beautiful beaches in Santa Maria, such as Praia Grande and Praia do Cardo, for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Explore the lush natural surroundings of Santa Maria by hiking or walking along the nature trails in Parque da Medianeira and Parque Itaimbé.
Take a cycling tour to explore the city and its outskirts, including the scenic countryside and coastal areas.
Experience the beauty of Santa Maria from the water by going on a sailing trip or joining a boat tour along the nearby rivers or coast.
Tours
Uncover the best of Santa Maria with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Santa Maria
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a panoramic view of Santa Maria and the surrounding landscape, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria
Scenic park with walking trails and lookout points providing picturesque views of the city and its natural surroundings
Overlooks the city and provides a great vantage point for capturing the skyline and surrounding areas
Food in Santa Maria
Santa Maria Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try local dish, churrasco is a traditional Brazilian barbecue featuring various cuts of meat, skewered and grilled to perfection. It's best enjoyed at Churrascarias like Bodegão do Léo or Churrascaria Braseiro.
Must-Try!
Feijoada, a hearty stew of black beans, pork, and sausage, is a Brazilian staple. It can be savored at Casa do Chef or Restaurante Churrascaria Prata.
For a quick snack, try pastel, a deep-fried pastry filled with assorted fillings such as cheese, meat, and palm hearts, often found at local street vendors or Pastelarias like Pastel da Praça.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Santa Maria better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The Mercado Público offers a vibrant street food scene with a variety of stalls offering traditional Brazilian snacks, fruits, and beverages. It's a treasure trove of local flavors and a great place to sample authentic street food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Santa Maria, it's important to be punctual when meeting locals or attending events. Being on time shows respect for others' time and is considered a sign of good manners.
In Santa Maria, it's common for people to greet each other with a kiss on the cheek, especially among friends and acquaintances. This custom is a sign of warmth and friendliness.
Respect for elders is highly valued in Santa Maria. It's important to show deference and courtesy towards older individuals, addressing them with appropriate titles and showing consideration for their knowledge and experience.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Santa Maria with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Santa Maria
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not commonly expected in Brazil, including Santa Maria. However, some upscale restaurants may include a service charge on the bill, in which case tipping is not necessary. If no service charge is included, leaving a small tip of 5-10% is appreciated but not obligatory.
In Santa Maria, cash is widely used for day-to-day transactions. However, credit and debit cards are also widely accepted in most establishments, especially in urban areas. It's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases and to confirm payment options before making a transaction.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Santa Maria.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is the peak tourist season with hot and humid weather, perfect for beach activities and vibrant festivals such as Carnival.
Autumn brings slightly cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making it a great time for outdoor activities and exploring the city.
Winter offers comfortable temperatures and is ideal for sightseeing and enjoying cultural events and local cuisine.
Spring brings pleasant weather and is a good time to visit botanical gardens, parks, and enjoy outdoor sports.
Santa Maria at Night
Hiking in Santa Maria
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A natural park offering various trails for hiking, surrounded by lush vegetation and local wildlife.
A protected area with diverse ecosystems, featuring hiking trails through beautiful landscapes and opportunities for birdwatching.
A scenic hiking trail that takes you through rural landscapes, showcasing the local flora and fauna along the way.
A popular hiking destination offering panoramic views of the region, with trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes.
An adventurous hiking trail leading to the summit of Morro do Fogo, providing stunning views of the Santa Maria area.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Santa Maria through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Santa Maria by plane.
Also known as Santa Maria Airport, it serves the city of Santa Maria and surrounding regions.
Located in Caxias do Sul, approximately 180 km from Santa Maria, it serves both domestic and international flights.
Located in Porto Alegre, about 300 km from Santa Maria, it is the largest international airport in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, offering various international and domestic flights.
Located in São Luís, around 500 km from Santa Maria, it handles a substantial number of domestic and international flights.
Located in Rio de Janeiro, approximately 1,100 km from Santa Maria, it primarily serves domestic flights but also has some international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Santa Maria, comprising individuals of European descent.
A significant portion of the population, consisting of mixed racial backgrounds, primarily Euro-Brazilian and Indigenous.
This group represents a smaller percentage of the population, consisting of individuals of African descent.
A small demographic group, including Japanese, Chinese, and other Asian communities.
The original inhabitants of the region, making up a very small percentage of the population.
The Soul of Santa Maria
Discover the essence of Santa Maria through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport in Santa Maria, Brazil, with numerous local teams, leagues, and passionate fans. The city's rich soccer culture is evident through various championships and community support.
Volleyball enjoys great popularity in Santa Maria, with many schools and clubs participating in regional competitions. The sport is played both indoors and on the beach, fostering a strong community connection.
Basketball is widely played in Santa Maria, with local clubs and schools promoting the sport. The city has historical ties to basketball and often hosts tournaments and events.
Futsal, a variant of soccer played indoors, is immensely popular in Santa Maria. It is played at various levels, from amateur leagues to youth teams, emphasizing skill and teamwork.
Martial arts, including judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, are growing in popularity in Santa Maria, with several academies offering classes for all ages. These sports promote discipline, fitness, and self-defense skills.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Santa Maria.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Brazilian cuisine is meat-centric, many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options. Look for dishes like moqueca de banana (banana stew) and aipim frito (fried yucca) at eateries like Pangea Vegan Restaurant & Café.
Those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy tapioca-based treats, such as tapioca crepes or beijus, available at various street food vendors and cafés around Santa Maria.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Santa Maria with these cultural adventures.
