Things To Do
in Erechim

Erechim is a medium-sized city in the northern part of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, known for its strong agricultural and industrial base and a visible European immigrant heritage. The city has a calm, small-city rhythm with tree-lined avenues, neighborhood parks and a welcoming local community. Cultural life blends gaucho traditions with Italian and German influences visible in food, festivals and local architecture.

Erechim is a convenient base for exploring rural landscapes, nearby hills and the broader north-RS region.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the Historic Center of Erechim, where you can admire the beautiful architecture and vibrant street life. Visit the stunning Igreja Matriz de Erechim, a symbol of the city's cultural heritage, and take in the intricate details of its façade. Stop by a local café to enjoy a traditional Brazilian coffee and a pastel, soaking in the morning atmosphere.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a nearby restaurant serving regional cuisine, explore the Museu do Colégio, which showcases the history of the local community through engaging exhibits. Spend some time wandering the charming streets lined with shops selling handmade crafts and local products. Don't forget to take a few photos at the iconic Praça da Bandeira, a lively square perfect for people-watching.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a local eatery for dinner where you can savor traditional dishes like feijoada or churrasco. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Erechim by visiting a bar where you can listen to live music featuring local bands. Wind down your evening with a leisurely walk back to your accommodation, taking in the illuminated streets and the peaceful ambiance.

day 2
Nature Walks in Parque da Pedreira
morning
:

Start your day with a refreshing hike in Parque da Pedreira, a beautiful natural park that offers scenic trails surrounded by lush greenery. The morning air is invigorating, making it a perfect time to connect with nature and enjoy the sounds of local wildlife. Bring your camera to capture the stunning views from the lookout points along the trails.

afternoon
:

After a morning of hiking, take a break and have a picnic lunch in one of the park's designated areas, soaking in the serene environment. In the afternoon, explore more of the park's trails, or visit the nearby pond where you can observe various bird species and perhaps even spot some turtles. The tranquility of the park provides a perfect backdrop for relaxation and reflection.

evening
:

Return to the city for dinner at a restaurant that specializes in local dishes, where the flavors of the region come alive. After your meal, consider watching a traditional dance performance or cultural show that showcases the rich heritage of Erechim. End the evening with a walk through the park, where the stars twinkle above and the sounds of nature create a peaceful atmosphere.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$7-12
Coffee at a bakery$1.50-3
🚕Short taxi ride (within city)$2-6
🍺Domestic beer (bar)$2.50-5
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$35-80

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Calm, friendly small-city atmosphere with strong local culture
  • Good access to rural landscapes and authentic gaucho/immigrant traditions
  • Lower costs compared with major Brazilian cities
  • Safe and easy to navigate for visitors
  • Limited late-night entertainment and fewer tourist-specific services
  • Fewer international flight connections — travel often requires a regional drive
  • Vegetarian/vegan options can be limited in traditional eateries
  • Public transport options are more limited than in larger cities
  • "Olá / Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite" - Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado (male) / Obrigada (female)" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Sou vegetariano / Sou vegetariana" - I am vegetarian
  • "Sou alérgico(a) a ..." - I am allergic to ...
  • "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?

Places to Visit in Erechim

Visit one of these nice places.

Downtown square and main cathedral

Classic civic architecture, church facades and street life provide great shots of local daily life and heritage buildings in soft morning light.

City parks and tree-lined avenues

Parks inside the city offer green spaces, sculptures and paths ideal for portrait and nature photography, especially at golden hour.

Rural roads and farmlands

Winding dirt roads, crop fields, farmhouses and silos in the surrounding countryside are excellent for wide landscapes and sunrise/sunset images.

Lookouts and small hills on the outskirts

Short drives out of town lead to viewpoints with panoramic vistas over the plains — best for sunset panoramas and city-overview shots.

Local markets and street scenes

Markets, bakeries and weekday feiras are rich in candid moments, colorful produce and texture details — ideal for documentary-style photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Erechim

Erechim’s cuisine reflects southern Brazil’s gaucho traditions and the Italian/German immigrant influence of the region. Expect hearty, meat-forward dishes, fresh breads and cheeses, and seasonal produce from surrounding farms. Bakeries, family restaurants and churrascarias are staples, while small cafés and markets serve local snacks and sweets.

Erechim Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Churrasco (regional barbecue)

Assorted grilled meats served in churrascarias and family restaurants across the city — look for rodízio-style places or smaller local churrascos for an authentic experience.

Must-Try!

Arroz carreteiro / rice with beef

A rustic rice-and-meat dish common in gaucho cuisine found in family kitchens and neighborhood restaurants.

Polenta and homemade pasta

Italian-influenced side dishes and simple pasta plates are common at local trattorias and family eateries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Municipal market / neighborhood feiras

Small markets and weekly street fairs sell fresh fruit, cheeses, breads, homemade preserves and small snack stalls; ideal for tasting regional products and meeting local vendors.

Bakery kiosks and pastel stands

Street-side bakeries and pastel stalls offer quick snacks like coxinha, pastel and traditional pão de queijo — great for an afternoon bite.

Climate Guide

Weather

Erechim has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid with frequent thunderstorms; winters are cool and can be chilly with frosts possible overnight. Spring and autumn are transitional and generally pleasant. Rainfall is distributed through the year, so pack a light rain jacket year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Handshakes are common in formal or first-time encounters; friends may use one cheek kiss or a warm embrace. Use 'senhor'/'senhora' and last names in formal situations until invited to use first names.

Hospitality

Locals are friendly and hospitable — if invited to someone’s home, bringing a small gift like wine, sweets or flowers is appreciated.

Conservative dress and respect

Dress is generally casual but modest in public and religious settings; show respect at churches and community events and observe local customs in rural areas.

Punctuality

Social events are often flexible on time, but business meetings and appointments should be punctual and professionally handled.

Safety Guide

Safety

Erechim is generally safe for visitors, with lower violent crime rates than larger cities, but petty theft and opportunistic pickpocketing can occur. Take normal precautions: keep valuables discreet, avoid poorly lit or deserted areas at night, use official taxis or ride-hailing apps, and secure your accommodation. For hiking or rural visits, tell someone your route and take water, phone, and basic first-aid supplies.

Tipping in Erechim

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

A 10% service charge is common in restaurants and may be added to the bill; otherwise tipping is discretionary — rounding up taxi fares or leaving small change for good service is appreciated. For porters and hotel staff, small tips are appropriate for assistance.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants in town center; smaller market stalls, bakeries and rural vendors may prefer cash. ATMs are available but carry some cash for markets and remote purchases.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

December–February brings warm to hot weather with humid days and the occasional heavy afternoon thunderstorm. Dress light, carry sun protection and be prepared for sudden rain; outdoor activities are best in the cooler morning or late afternoon.

Autumn

March–May offers milder temperatures and more stable weather, making it pleasant for walking and countryside drives. Early autumn can still be warm, while late autumn cools noticeably in the evenings.

Winter

June–August can be cool to cold, with crisp mornings, occasional frosts and fog — bring layers and a warm jacket for evenings. This is a good time to experience hearty local cuisine and indoor cultural events.

Spring

September–November sees warming temperatures and blooming landscapes; weather can be changeable with a mix of sunny days and showers. Ideal for cycling, countryside photography and outdoor markets.

Nightlife Guide

Erechim at Night

Erechim’s nightlife is relaxed and community-oriented: expect cozy bars, live-music nights at cultural centers, a few pubs and restaurants open late. On weekends, local families and young people gather in bars or at social clubs; larger concerts and festivals draw bigger crowds occasionally. Nightlife is more low-key compared with big Brazilian cities, making it suitable for relaxed evenings rather than club-hopping.

Hiking in Erechim

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Municipal Park Trails

Short, well-maintained loop trails inside city parks suited to easy walks, family outings and birdwatching.

Rural Road and Farm Trails

Unpaved farm roads and marked rural routes around Erechim provide low-difficulty hikes and walks through agricultural scenery; ideal for sunrise/sunset walks.

Daytrip: Nearby state park or hill trails (guided)

Within driving distance there are larger natural areas and state parks offering longer hikes and viewpoints; local tour operators or the tourist office can recommend specific trails based on conditions and distance.

Airports

How to reach Erechim by plane.

Passo Fundo – Lauro Kurtz Airport (regional)

The nearest larger regional airport offering domestic connections; it’s commonly used by travelers to access northern Rio Grande do Sul and is roughly a 1–2 hour drive from Erechim depending on route and traffic.

Porto Alegre – Salgado Filho International Airport (major international hub)

The main international airport for Rio Grande do Sul, serving many domestic and international routes; expect a multi-hour drive (or bus) from Erechim, typically used when accessing international flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

The city center is reasonably walkable with sidewalks, parks and civic attractions close together; many neighborhoods are best explored on foot. Outlying areas and rural attractions require a car, taxi or bike.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

European-descended communities

A significant portion of the population descends from Italian, German, Polish and other European immigrants; this heritage influences food, festivals and architecture.

Rural and farming communities

Surrounding areas include farming families and rural workers who contribute to the agricultural economy and local traditions.

Urban families and professionals

The city has a mix of local professionals, small-business owners and municipal workers contributing to a stable urban community.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Soccer is the dominant sport — local clubs, school teams and community matches are popular and widely followed.

Futsal and volleyball

Indoor sports such as futsal and volleyball are commonly played in clubs and schools, with active youth participation.

Cycling and equestrian activities

Cycling is increasingly popular for recreation and fitness on rural roads; horseback riding is tied to the region’s gaucho and ranching traditions.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Erechim is generally light compared with large metropolitan areas. Main avenues can be busy during morning and evening rush hours, but congestion is limited. Public transportation consists mainly of municipal buses serving central routes; taxis and ride-hailing apps operate across the city. For exploring rural areas, renting a car or arranging local transport is advisable.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Erechim.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but limited compared with larger Brazilian cities. Look for salads, cheese-based dishes, polenta, egg-based options and pasta; ask restaurants about vegetable or cheese preparations and explain ‘sou vegetariano/vegetariana’ when ordering.

Vegan

Vegan choices can be sparse at traditional churrascarias; bakeries and markets offer some fruit and basic staples. Bring translations for 'sem leite' and 'sem ovos' and seek out cafés or health-food shops in town for plant-based options.

Gluten-free / Allergies

Small restaurants may have limited gluten-free menus — communicate allergies clearly ('sou alérgico(a) ao glúten') and prefer simpler preparations. Pharmacies and health-food stores in town can stock specialty items.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Erechim has municipal health clinics and a regional hospital providing general care and emergency services. For specialized treatment or major emergencies, larger hospitals in nearby regional centers (for example Passo Fundo) have more advanced facilities. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is recommended for visitors.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide