Things To Do
in Cruzeiro do Oeste

Assorted grilled meats, a staple across southern Brazil; look for local churrascarias or weekend neighborhood barbecues where beef, pork and sausages are served with farofa and rice.

Must-Try!

Cheese bread made with tapioca starch — a common breakfast or snack available at cafés and bakeries.

A rich black-bean and pork stew typically served on weekends in many restaurants and family gatherings; try a local version at a 'comida caseira' (home-style) restaurant.

Corn is abundant in the region; polenta, pamonha (corn paste), and other corn preparations appear in markets and at festivals.

Small municipal market selling fresh produce, cheeses, breads and seasonal fruits — ideal for sampling local ingredients and buying snacks for picnics.

Look for pastel (fried pastry with savory fillings), coxinha (chicken croquette) and tapioca crepes at small kiosks near the central square or markets, especially in the afternoons.

Handshakes are common in formal or first-time meetings; friends and acquaintances may exchange one cheek kiss (or two in some areas) or a hug. A friendly 'Bom dia' (good morning) or 'Boa tarde' (good afternoon) is appreciated.

Use polite Portuguese phrases and titles when appropriate; small-town residents value courtesy and personal conversation — ask about family or local news as a friendly icebreaker.

Casual clothing is fine in most settings; dress smart-casual for nicer restaurants or community events. Agricultural visits may require boots and practical clothes.

Business appointments tend to be punctual, but social gatherings may start more relaxed; follow cues from hosts.

A 10% service charge is sometimes added in restaurants, but tipping beyond that is discretionary. For small cafés, bars or informal services, rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped heavily; rounding up to the nearest real or adding 5–10% is fine.

Credit and debit cards are accepted at many restaurants and shops in town, but smaller vendors, market stalls and rural businesses may prefer cash. Carry some cash (Brazilian reais) for convenience and transport; contactless payments are increasingly common but not universal.

Hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; good time for green landscapes and early-morning photography, but plan indoor or shaded activities during midday heat and expect occasional heavy rain.

Milder temperatures and gradually drier conditions; comfortable for outdoor activities and scenic countryside colors during harvest time.

Cooler and drier nights with pleasant days; frosts are uncommon but possible on the coldest nights in the region — pack a light jacket for evenings.

Warmer with intermittent rains and blossoming vegetation; good for birdwatching and farm visits as the landscape becomes greener.

Vegetarian options exist but are limited compared to larger cities. Expect salads, rice and bean dishes, cheese breads and vegetable sides; ask for simpler plates or visit a café for sandwiches and bakery items.

Vegan choices are limited; bring snacks or shop at the local market for fruits, bread and corn-based items. Communicate clearly that you do not eat dairy/eggs (use the word 'vegano').

Some naturally gluten-free options (rice, beans, grilled meats, corn dishes) are available, but cross-contamination is possible. Speak to restaurant staff and prefer simple preparations.

Portuguese-language cards stating your allergies can help (for example 'Sou alérgico a nozes / frutos do mar'). Small establishments may have limited ability to accommodate complex restrictions.