Things To Do
in Barros Cassal

Barros Cassal is a quiet municipality in Rio Grande do Sul, characterized by open plains and a close-knit rural community. It sits amid rolling farmlands and cattle ranches, offering a calm pace and easy access to regional gaucho culture. The town serves as a gateway to nearby countryside, dairy farms, and traditional Brazilian and Gaúcho cuisine.

Visitors will find authentic local flavors, simple charm, and opportunities for relaxed day trips.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Barros Cassal's Charm
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the local market, where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere and sample traditional Brazilian fruits and snacks. Stroll through the quaint streets, taking in the architecture and friendly faces of the locals. Don’t forget to stop by a café for a rich Brazilian coffee to fuel your adventures ahead.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the nearby natural reserves, where you can observe the diverse flora and fauna unique to the region. Engage in some eco-tourism activities, such as bird watching or hiking along scenic trails. Enjoy a picnic lunch prepared with local delicacies amidst the serene surroundings.

evening
:

As the sun sets, gather for a traditional Brazilian barbecue known as Churrasco at a local restaurant, where the sizzling meats and side dishes showcase the country's culinary pride. After dinner, indulge in the vibrant nightlife by visiting a local bar featuring live music performances. Wrap up your day by experiencing the cultural richness of Barros Cassal through dance or art displays in the area.

day 2
Cultural Immersion in Barros Cassal
morning
:

Begin your day at a local art gallery, where you can appreciate the works of local artists and learn about their inspirations. Join a workshop where you can create your own piece of art to take home as a memorable souvenir. Afterward, visit the municipal museum to dive deeper into the history and traditions of Barros Cassal.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon visiting a family-owned farm to see traditional farming practices in action, and participate in activities like fruit picking. Taste farm-fresh products that make their way into local markets and restaurants. Enjoy the rustic charm of the countryside as you learn about sustainable agriculture from the locals.

evening
:

Experience a unique dinner event where locals gather for storytelling sessions, sharing folklore and history over hearty meals. The ambiance will be filled with laughter and camaraderie as everyone enjoys traditional Brazilian dishes. End the evening by joining in a local folk dance, immersing yourself in the culture and community spirit.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurantR$25-40
🚖Taxi ride (1-3 km)R$8-15
Coffee or cafézinhoR$4-8
🧺Groceries (basic basket)R$40-80
🚌Local transit or bus ticketR$3-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Quiet, authentic Gaucho town experience
  • Gateway to rural landscapes and local culinary traditions
  • Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
  • Fewer luxury amenities compared to big cities
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado" - Thank you
  • "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Barros Cassal

Visit one of these nice places.

Praça da Matriz

Central square with shaded trees, colonial-style buildings, and the town church, ideal for street photography.

Igreja Matriz de Barros Cassal

Historic church with architectural details and interior murals; good for exterior and interior shots.

Centro Histórico and Farmlands

Old homes and rural landscapes along the main avenues transitioning to rolling fields.

Hilltop Overlook

A small viewpoint near the outskirts offering panoramas of farmland and distant hills.

Culinary Guide

Food in Barros Cassal

Barros Cassal sits in the Gaúcho heartland, where beef is central and dairy is abundant, and the social ritual of chimarrão is common.

Barros Cassal Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Churrasco Gaúcho

Traditional regional barbecue with various cuts grilled over charcoal, served with rice, beans, farofa, and pão.

Must-Try!

Arroz de Carreteiro

A hearty rice dish cooked with dried beef or pork and spices, a staple of cattle ranching regions.

Galeto com Polenta

Grilled chicken served with creamy polenta, a common pairing in southern Rio Grande do Sul.

Pão de Queijo

Brazilian cheese bread, widely found in bakeries and cafés.

Chimarrão

Traditional mate tea served in a hollow gourd with a metal straw, a social staple of the region.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Barros Cassal

Small-town market offering fresh dairy, fruits, vegetables, local cheeses, and simple street bites.

Rua das Padeiras Food Stalls

Street-food stalls along the main street offering salgadinhos, pão de queijo, and fruit juices.

Climate Guide

Weather

Barros Cassal experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters; rainfall is fairly distributed year-round, with wetter summers and drier winters.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a friendly 'Bom dia / Boa tarde' and a handshake; it's common to exchange a brief pleasantry.

Dress and behavior

Dress modestly in churches and family homes; avoid loud public displays; show respect for gaucho traditions.

Safety Guide

Safety

Take standard travel precautions: lock vehicles, keep belongings secure in crowded areas, watch for pickpockets, and use reputable taxi services; emergency numbers are standard Brazil-wide (192 for SAMU).

Tipping in Barros Cassal

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is customary in Brazil; leaving around 5-10% in restaurants if service isn’t included.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards are widely accepted in towns; many places take debit/credit cards; keep some cash for smaller vendors.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm to hot days with occasional thunderstorms; stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and seek shade in the afternoons.

Autumn

Mild temperatures with colorful foliage; ideal for outdoor photography and strolls.

Winter

Cooler days with possible frost in rural areas; layers recommended and indoor heating more common.

Spring

Moderate temperatures and blooming scenery; great for hikes and markets.

Nightlife Guide

Barros Cassal at Night

In Barros Cassal, nightlife is low-key, centered on family-friendly gatherings, small pubs, and occasional community events. Expect casual socializing, music, and a slower pace compared to big cities; some churrascarias host evening meals with local tunes.

Hiking in Barros Cassal

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Rural Trail to Morro da Pedra Encantada

An easy hike offering views of farmland and distant hills.

Arroio do Barroso Loop

A short loop along a river with opportunities for birdwatching.

Airports

How to reach Barros Cassal by plane.

Porto Alegre – Salgado Filho International Airport

Major gateway for international arrivals; access by road is a few hours drive to Barros Cassal.

Santa Maria Municipal Airport

Regional airport offering domestic flights; closer to Barros Cassal than POA.

Pelotas Airport

Regional airport serving the southern region; additional option for access.

Getting Around

Walkability

Barros Cassal is walkable in its compact town center, with most sights reachable on foot; distances to rural farms require a car or bicycle; signage is basic outside the center.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

European-descended Gaucho heritage

Many residents trace ancestry to German, Italian, or Portuguese roots; strong rural farming culture.

Rural workers and families

Dairy farmers, ranchers, and local workers form a core part of the community.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport; local matches and casual play are common in town facilities.

Futsal

Indoor small-sided football played in community centers.

Transportation

Traffic

Roads are mostly rural and lightly trafficked; in town, expect slower speeds; public transit is limited, so a car or bike is convenient for exploring the surrounding countryside.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Barros Cassal.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

In Barros Cassal, vegetarian options exist in most cafés and churrascarias, and you can ask for sides like rice, beans, polenta, salads, and cheese; communicating dietary needs in Portuguese helps (e.g., 'Sem carne, por favor').

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Barros Cassal is served by local clinics with basic care; more advanced services are available in larger nearby towns; keep SUS card ready and have travel insurance if possible. In emergencies, call local hospitals or the Brazil-wide emergency line 192 (SAMU).

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide