Things To Do
in Candelária

Traditional southern Brazilian barbecue—various cuts of beef, pork and sausages grilled over wood or charcoal; best found at local churrascarias and family-run restaurants in town.

Must-Try!

A rustic rice-and-meat dish originally made by ox cart drivers; hearty and flavorful, commonly served in local eateries and farm lunches.

A bitter, hot herbal tea made with erva-mate and shared from a gourd; a social ritual of the gaucho culture and offered commonly in homes and informal gatherings.

Cornmeal-based polenta served with local cheeses or stews; reflects Italian influence found across Rio Grande do Sul and available in traditional family restaurants.

A small market where farmers and producers sell cheese, cured meats, fresh bread, fruits and home preserves; ideal for tasting regional products and buying picnic supplies.

Local padarias (bakeries) and small street stalls sell pão de queijo, coxinha-style snacks and sweet empadas—perfect for grab-and-go bites while exploring town.

Polite, friendly greetings are important—handshakes are common with new acquaintances; friends and relatives may exchange one or two cheek kisses. Use Bom dia (good morning) or Boa tarde (good afternoon) when entering shops or meeting people.

Show respect for elders and local customs, especially at community events and in religious settings; dress more conservatively at churches and formal gatherings.

If invited to a local home, bringing a small gift like sweets or a bottle of wine is polite—remove shoes if requested and reciprocate hospitality.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially during private or religious moments; many locals are happy to be photographed if you ask politely.

In restaurants a 10% service charge is sometimes included; if not, leaving 5–10% for good service is appreciated but not mandatory. For small services like taxis, rounding up is common; for guides or exceptional service, tip more.

Major restaurants and shops accept credit/debit cards; however, small businesses, markets and rural farms often prefer cash. Brazil’s instant payment system PIX is widely used—ask locals if it’s available for a business. Carry some Brazilian reais (BRL) for small purchases.

Warm to hot temperatures with occasional humidity and afternoon showers; long daylight hours make it good for outdoor activities, but bring sun protection and a light rain jacket.

Mild, comfortable weather with cooler evenings and clearer skies—great for photography, countryside walks and festivals; layers are recommended for variable temps.

Cooler and drier conditions with chilly nights and possible light frost on coldest mornings; daytime can still be pleasant—pack a warm jacket for evenings.

Blooming vegetation and increasing rain; temperatures rise but showers are common—ideal for birdwatching and seeing farmland come to life, bring waterproof footwear.

The closest regional airport serving the central Rio Grande do Sul area, offering regional flights and road connections to Candelária—useful for shorter transfers.

Major international airport for the state capital with national and some international connections; longer road transfer or bus required to reach Candelária but offers more flight options.

Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in large cities—look for salads, polenta dishes, vegetable stews and cheese-based plates at bakeries and cafés; ask staff to adapt plates and check for meat broths.

Vegan choices are scarce in traditional restaurants; self-catering, bakeries with fruit and simple salads or ordering vegetable sides are the most reliable options. Carry snacks and plan ahead for full meals.

Awareness of gluten-free needs is growing but not universal—ask at restaurants and bakeries; simple grilled meats and salads are usually safe, but confirm cross-contamination and sauces.

Bring translated notes for serious allergies (Portuguese) and communicate clearly; smaller kitchens may have limited allergy handling protocols, so opt for simpler dishes when uncertain.