Things To Do
in Casca

Casca is a small, leafy city in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, set among rolling farmland and gentle hills. The town exudes a quiet Gaucho charm, with friendly locals, rustic architecture, and easy access to nature. Visitors can experience traditional churrasco, regional cheeses, and tranquil riverside strolls in a relaxed, small-town atmosphere.

The surroundings offer scenic drives and simple, authentic moments that showcase southern Brazilian culture away from the larger tourist hubs.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Casca
morning
:

Arrive in Casca and settle into your hotel, taking a moment to appreciate the lush landscapes surrounding the area. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café where you can taste traditional Brazilian pastries. Spend some time strolling through the quaint streets, getting acquainted with the town's charm.

afternoon
:

Visit the Municipal Museum of Casca to learn about the cultural and historical significance of the region. Engage with local artisans at craft shops, where you can find unique handmade souvenirs. Grab a light lunch at a nearby eatery, sampling regional dishes made with fresh ingredients.

evening
:

Dine at a popular local restaurant, enjoying a mix of Brazilian and Italian cuisine that showcases the area's culinary diversity. After dinner, take a relaxing walk through the town square, where you may catch live music or a festive gathering. Wind down your day with a nightcap at a cozy bar, soaking in the warm atmosphere.

day 2
Exploring Local Culture
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Feira do Produtor, a farmers' market that bursts with local produce and handcrafted goods. Enjoy fresh fruit juices and pastries as you meander through the stalls, chatting with friendly vendors. Take in the vibrant colors and aromas, immersing yourself in the local culture.

afternoon
:

Participate in a cooking class that focuses on traditional Brazilian dishes, learning the techniques and secrets from expert chefs. Enjoy a hearty lunch made from the recipes you've mastered, feeling accomplished as you savor your creations. Post-lunch, stroll to the nearby parks, where locals gather to relax and socialize.

evening
:

Experience a lively evening at a local samba club, where you can see talented dancers perform and even join in. Engage in conversations with fellow visitors and locals, sharing stories and laughter over drinks. As the night unfolds, enjoy a delicious late-night snack of street food, a favorite among the locals.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Inexpensive meal$8-15
🍽️Meal for two (mid-range restaurant)$25-45
🛏️1-night stay (budget hotel)$40-90
🚗Local transportation day pass$2-6
🧺Groceries for a week$25-70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming small-town feel with warm hospitality
  • Accessible nature and scenic countryside
  • Authentic Gaucho cuisine and regional cheeses
  • Relaxed pace perfect for a slower, local experience
  • Limited nightlife and nightlife variety compared to bigger cities
  • Fewer polished tourist facilities in some areas
  • Public transportation options may be sparse outside town centers
  • Extreme weather can limit outdoor plans during rainy periods
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Pode me recomendar um bom restaurante?" - Could you recommend a good restaurant?
  • "Água sem gás, por favor" - Still water, please

Places to Visit in Casca

Visit one of these nice places.

Praça Central com Igreja Matriz

Historic town square framed by the church spire and colorful facades—ideal for daytime portraits and golden-hour shots.

Mirante do Morro das Araras

Panoramic overlook offering expansive views of farmland, hills, and distant valleys; excellent at sunrise or sunset.

Cachoeira da Serra Velha

Nearby forested waterfall setting with rocky pools and lush greenery; a rewarding nature photography spot.

Rua de Pedras do Centro

Old cobblestone streets and preserved storefronts provide a nostalgic backdrop for street photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Casca

In Casca, expect hearty, meat-forward dishes typical of Rio Grande do Sul, with fresh dairy, bread, and regional produce. Chimarrão (yerba mate tea) is a common beverage, often shared among friends. The cuisine blends gaucho traditions with simple, flavorful preparations that celebrate local ingredients. Fresh cheeses and cured meats appear in markets and at family-run eateries throughout town.

Casca Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Churrasco Gaúcho

Traditional gaucho-style grilled beef served with salad, rice, and pão; best enjoyed with friends at a churrascaria.

Must-Try!

Arroz Carreteiro

Rice dish cooked with dried meat, peppers, and spices; a staple comfort meal in the region.

Pinhão Assado

Roasted pine nuts from local Araucaria trees, a seasonal snack often found at markets and fairs.

Queijo Coalho Grelhado

Grilled queijo coalho skewers, commonly served with a drizzle of honey or molho.

Galeto

Roasted chicken dish popular in family-owned eateries; easy to share and pairs well with sides.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Casca

Local market offering fresh produce, cheeses, sausages, and regional snacks; a great place to sample daily foods.

Feiras de Rua

Weekly street stalls with pastel, snacks, chimarrão, and simple homemade treats—perfect for a casual bite.

Climate Guide

Weather

Casca experiences a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and cool winters. Rain is common, especially in spring and summer, so packing a light rain layer is wise. Overall temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities for much of the year, with cooler evenings in the winter months.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A firm handshake with eye contact; greet with 'Bom dia', 'Boa tarde', or 'Boa noite' depending on the time of day.

Gaucho culture

Respect rural traditions; compliment locally made products; engage in friendly conversation but avoid sensitive topics early in a chat.

Punctuality

In rural areas events may start later than posted; plan for a relaxed arrival.

Safety Guide

Safety

Casca is generally safe for visitors, but typical travel precautions apply: keep valuables secure in crowded areas, use licensed transport after dark, and stay aware of your surroundings when exploring rural roads. Carry a basic map or offline navigation and have local emergency numbers handy.

Tipping in Casca

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Brazil a 10% service charge may be included; if not, rounding up or leaving 5-10% is common for good service.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted; credit/debit cards are common in towns and shops; mobile payments are increasingly available.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid with frequent showers; stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and protect against sun and sudden rain.

Autumn

Mild temperatures and clear skies; great for outdoor walks and sunset photography.

Winter

Cool to cold nights; layers recommended; frost is possible in some mornings but daytime sun is often mild.

Spring

Moderate temperatures with blooming landscapes; ideal for hiking and market visits.

Nightlife Guide

Casca at Night

Casca’s nightlife is typically low-key, centered around local botecos (bars) and family-owned eateries. Weekends may bring live regional music or small-town dances; meals are often leisurely and social, with a focus on conversation and connection rather than nightclub culture.

Hiking in Casca

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Cachoeira Venâncio Trail

A scenic waterfall hike through mixed forests and open clearings; moderate effort with rewarding views.

Serra Geral Lookout Trail

Ridge walk offering panoramic views of farmland and distant hills; ideal for sunrise photography.

Caminho das Quedas

A network of short cascades along a forested stream; great for a relaxed half-day hike.

Airports

How to reach Casca by plane.

Porto Alegre – Salgado Filho International Airport

Main international gateway for the region; from here, you can connect to domestic flights to other Brazilian cities and international destinations. Ground transfer to Casca will require a regional drive or domestic flight to a closer airport, followed by road travel.

Passo Fundo Regional Airport

Smaller regional airport serving nearby towns with domestic flights; convenient for quick hops into the interior of Rio Grande do Sul.

Santa Maria Regional Airport

Regional airport offering limited domestic services; useful for travelers continuing to the western RS towns and rural areas.

Getting Around

Walkability

Casca is fairly walkable in the city center, with compact streets and a pleasant plaza. Sidewalks are common in the core, but rural routes and surrounding areas may require a car or bike for longer exploration. The town is best enjoyed on foot for urban sights, paired with short drives to nearby natural spots.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Rural families

Residents in farming communities and nearby villages, with strong ties to family and tradition.

Students and young professionals

People who study in regional centers or work in small businesses across the area.

Older residents

Long-standing locals with deep ties to gaucho culture and local history.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

A favorite pastime and gathering activity; expect local matches and passionate fans in nearby towns.

Gaúcho rodeo and cattle activities

Traditional rural sport and gaucho demonstrations common in the countryside and at regional fairs.

Volleyball

Popular recreational sport in schools and community centers; often played at local clubs.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Casca is light, with most travel on town streets and two-lane rural roads. Public transport is limited in scope; many visitors rely on private cars or regional buses. Always allow extra time when driving between towns, especially after rain when roads may be slick.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Casca.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Choose vegetable dishes, salads, and dairy products; request soups or risottos without meat stock and sauces.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Casca has basic local healthcare facilities and clinics; for more advanced care or specialists, residents typically travel to regional centers such as Passo Fundo or Santa Maria. Public SUS services are available, with private clinics providing faster appointments in nearby towns. In emergencies, call local emergency services or seek the nearest hospital.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide