Things To Do
in Campo Erê

Campo Erê is a small agricultural town in western Santa Catarina, Brazil, surrounded by rolling farmlands and green hills. It blends German-Brazilian heritage with warm Southern hospitality, creating a relaxed, village-like atmosphere. The economy centers on dairy, soy, and corn, giving visitors a genuine glimpse of rural life in southern Brazil.

The town provides easy access to scenic countryside, local markets, and quiet plazas ideal for slow-paced explorations.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Campo Erê
morning
:

Arrive at the small town of Campo Erê and check into your cozy hotel or local pousada. Take some time to refresh and acclimate to the surroundings. Enjoy a traditional Brazilian breakfast with fresh fruit, pão de queijo, and coffee.

afternoon
:

Begin your adventure with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Campo Erê, where you can admire the local architecture and vibrant colors. Visit the town's artisanal shops and pickup handcrafted souvenirs. Consider stopping for lunch at a local restaurant serving regional dishes.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a relaxing dinner at a local eatery, savoring the flavors of southern Brazilian cuisine. Engage with locals and perhaps learn a few words in Portuguese. After dinner, take a peaceful walk around the town to soak in the evening breeze.

day 2
Nature Exploration
morning
:

Embark on a guided hiking tour in the nearby Serra do Facão, where you can explore lush mountains and diverse wildlife. Capture stunning photographs of the landscape and keep your eyes peeled for local bird species. Stop for a mid-hike picnic, enjoying sandwiches while surrounded by nature.

afternoon
:

Continue your hike, visiting picturesque waterfalls that provide a perfect setting for a refreshing dip. Take a moment to relax and immerse yourself in the tranquil sounds of nature. Return to Campo Erê and take a brief rest before your evening activities.

evening
:

Enjoy a cozy dinner back in town as you share stories of the day’s adventures. Opt for traditional dishes like feijoada or grilled meats that the region is famous for. Conclude the evening by sampling local sweets or a dessert in a warm ambiance.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
🚌Local transportation (one-way)$0.50-1.50
🏨Budget hotel night$25-40
🥗Lunch with local produce$6-12
Coffee and pastry$2-4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Calm pace of life and friendly locals
  • Good value for money and easy day trips to nearby countryside
  • Limited nightlife and international dining options
  • Smaller selection of big-city attractions
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Campo Erê

Visit one of these nice places.

Praça General Osório

Central square with historic buildings, a charming fountain, and occasional locals at leisure—great for daylight and golden-hour photography.

Igreja Matriz de Campo Erê

A prominent church with classic architectural lines, ideal for exterior shots and ambient interior lighting if allowed.

Avenida Getúlio Vargas & Centro Histórico

Tree-lined streets and modest colonial-era storefronts provide authentic town-life photography opportunities.

Culinary Guide

Food in Campo Erê

Campo Erê’s cuisine reflects Southern Brazilian traditions with German and Italian influences. Expect hearty meat dishes, polenta, fresh dairy, and farm-to-table produce, often enjoyed in a rustic, family-friendly setting.

Campo Erê Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Churrasco Oeste

Regional take on Brazilian barbecue featuring beef and pork, typically served with polenta or beans and a simple salad.

Must-Try!

Polenta Cremosa com Queijo

Creamy, cheesy polenta, a staple comfort dish in the region, often paired with meat sauces.

Cuca Alemã

A traditional German-style cake with raisins or apples, widely found in bakeries and cafes across the area.

Pão de Queijo com Café

Brazilian cheese bread served with a robust Southern coffee—an easy, popular combo for breakfast or a snack.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Campo Erê

A local market offering fresh produce, dairy, pão, and everyday snacks; great for trying regional ingredients.

Rua de Queijos e Acarajé (Street Food Stalls)

Casual stalls in the city center offering quick bites, including cheese pastries and light street snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

The area experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons: hot summers, mild to cool winters, and rainfall spread throughout the year. Summers can be humid with thunderstorms, while winters are mild to cool but rarely freezing.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A warm “bom dia/boa tarde/boa noite” is customary. A handshake is common in formal settings, while casual environments may use a simple nod or wave.

Photography

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural or family settings; it’s respectful to say you’d like to take a photo.

Punctuality

Punctuality is valued in business settings, but social events in small towns can be flexible; plan with a relaxed mindset.

Safety Guide

Safety

Exercise typical travel caution: secure valuables, use licensed transportation, and stay aware of surroundings in crowded areas. For emergencies, call 193 (fire/medical) or 190 (police).

Tipping in Campo Erê

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants and bars, a 5-10% tip is common if service isn’t included; round up bills or leave a small amount for excellent service.

Payment Methods

Cash (BRL) and cards are widely accepted in town. Pix and other instant payment apps are increasingly common for small purchases; carry some cash for markets and rural shops.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm to hot days with occasional thunderstorms; stay hydrated, use sun protection, and plan outdoor photos for early mornings or late afternoons.

Autumn

Mild temperatures and changing foliage; comfortable for walking and capturing colorful landscapes around farmlands.

Winter

Cooler and drier mornings with chilly evenings; layering is essential; some days can be misty or drizzly.

Spring

Pleasant weather with increasing rainfall; ideal for green landscapes and blooming flora photography.

Nightlife Guide

Campo Erê at Night

Campo Erê’s nightlife is understated and community-driven. Expect small bars, friendly conversations, and occasional live music or community events on weekends rather than late-night club scenes.

Hiking in Campo Erê

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Trilha da Serra do Campo Erê

A scenic hill trail offering views over farmland and distant hills; suitable for hikers of varying levels.

Trilha do Rio Chapecó

Riverside trail along the Chapecó River with opportunities for birdwatching and shaded sections.

Airports

How to reach Campo Erê by plane.

Chapecó – Aeroporto Municipal de Chapecó

Regional airport about 120-150 km from Campo Erê; connects to domestic destinations with regular flights.

Xanxerê – Aeroporto Municipal de Xanxerê

Smaller regional airport approximately 60-90 km away; suitable for light aircraft and regional services.

Getting Around

Walkability

Campo Erê is walkable in the town center, with most services clustered around the Praça Central. Outside the core, a car or bike is helpful for reaching farms, markets, and scenic viewpoints.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

German-Brazilian heritage

A notable portion of residents trace ancestry to German immigrants, influencing cuisine, crafts, and local traditions.

Rural agricultural communities

Many residents live on farms or in small villages around Campo Erê, contributing to a strong agricultural economy.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Futebol

The dominant sport, with local clubs and matches drawing community support.

Vôlei

Popular in schools and community programs; often played in local gyms and clubs.

Transportation

Traffic

Roads are typically calm with light to moderate traffic. Public transport is limited; for convenience, a car or bicycle is recommended for longer excursions or visiting surrounding towns.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Campo Erê.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many dishes can be adapted; look for grilled vegetables, cheese-based polenta, salads, and dairy options. Ask the staff about meat-free options and confirm ingredients, especially in polenta and bread dishes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available in Campo Erê through UBS clinics. For more advanced care or specialists, residents typically travel to larger cities such as Chapecó or Joaçaba.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide