Things To Do
in Nonoai
Nonoai is a small city in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, nestled in the northern part of the state near the Santa Catarina border. It blends rural Gaucho heritage with gentle hillside landscapes and rivers that shape daily life. The town center offers a welcoming, low-key pace with markets, local crafts, and hearty southern Brazilian cuisine.
Visitors can experience authentic gaucho culture, warm hospitality, and easy access to nature-friendly day trips in the surrounding countryside.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic center of Nonoai, where colonial architecture introduces you to the town's rich past. Stop by the local market to sample fresh fruits and traditional pastries, engaging with friendly vendors who share the history of their goods. Enjoy a cup of Brazilian coffee at a quaint café, soaking in the vibrant local atmosphere.
Visit the town's historical museum, where artifacts and exhibits narrate the story of Nonoai's founding and development. Afterward, take a guided walking tour to discover the unique stories behind key landmarks, including charming churches and public squares. Capture stunning photographs of the well-preserved architecture and the lively street art that adorns many buildings.
As the sun sets, dine at a local restaurant that specializes in traditional Brazilian cuisine, indulging in local dishes such as 'feijoada' and 'picanha'. Enjoy live music or a cultural performance to immerse yourself in the local culture, with rhythms that reflect the heart of the community. Cap off the night with a stroll through the town square, where the evening breeze and twinkling lights create a magical ambiance.
Begin your adventure with a guided hike along the lush nature trails that surround Nonoai, where the early morning light filters through the trees. Keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife, including colorful birds and playful monkeys, as you delve into the rich biodiversity of the region. Your guide will share insights about the local flora and fauna, deepening your appreciation for this natural paradise.
After a refreshing picnic lunch amidst nature, continue your hike to a scenic viewpoint that offers panoramic vistas of Nonoai and its surrounding landscapes. Spend the afternoon exploring hidden waterfalls, where you can cool off in the crystal-clear waters and take memorable photos. Engage in a bit of birdwatching as you relax, listening to the enchanting sounds of nature around you.
Return to town and treat yourself to a hearty dinner, featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Perhaps join a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional dishes, guided by a talented local chef. End your day by enjoying a nightcap at a cozy bar, mingling with locals and fellow travelers alike.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🏨One night in a mid-range hotel | $40-70 |
| 🚕Taxi within town (1 way) | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee or local beer (0.33-0.5 L) | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable town center with authentic Gaucho culture
- Affordable costs and friendly locals
- Access to rural scenery and pleasant day trips
- Rich local markets and delicious traditional dishes
- Limited nightlife and fewer international dining options
- Longer trips required to reach major international airports
- Some services may have limited English-speaking staff
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Eu não falo português muito bem" - I don't speak Portuguese very well
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Nonoai
Visit one of these nice places.
The main square and the surrounding church provide classic colonial Brazilian architecture and street-life photography opportunities, especially at dawn or dusk.
A hilltop view overlooking the town and surrounding farmlands, ideal for wide-angle landscape shots.
Riverfront and small bridges along the town’s waterways offer reflective water scenes and local life scenes.
Forest edges and open meadows along short trails yield dramatic light and panoramic shots of the regional topography.
Food in Nonoai
Nonoai Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Charcoal-grilled cuts of beef and other meats served in generous portions, a staple in local churrascarias and rural eateries.
Must-Try!
Rice cooked with beef, vegetables, and sometimes charque; rustic comfort food often found in local restaurants and farms.
Creamy polenta served with meats or stews, a comforting dish especially during cooler months.
Boiled pine nuts from pine trees, a seasonal treat typically enjoyed in winter and at family gatherings.
Beans cooked with cassava flour, bacon, and eggs; a classic hearty dish common in regional eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market where you can buy fresh produce, dairy, breads, and small cooked bites from regional producers.
Weekly producers’ fair with locally grown fruits, vegetables, cheeses, honey, and artisanal goods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm, courteous greeting (Olá or Bom dia) is standard. Use Senor/Senhora for formal interactions and address people with courtesy in rural areas.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or rural homes. Keep conversations polite and avoid contentious topics in casual settings.
Handshakes are common; light, friendly interactions are typical. Personal space is respected, but Brazilians tend to be expressive in conversation.
Safety
Tipping in Nonoai
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is customary if a service charge is not included. Small tips for bar staff and taxi drivers are appreciated but not mandatory.
Cash, debit, and credit cards are widely accepted in towns like Nonoai. Pix is common for quick transfers, and many shops and markets support contactless payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and carry a lightweight rain layer for sudden showers.
Milder temperatures and clear skies; ideal for outdoor photography and long walks in the hills.
Cool to cold mornings with possible frost on clear days; layer your clothing and plan outdoor activities for late mornings.
Warming days with regular rain showers; vibrant greenery and blooming plants create great photo opportunities.
Nonoai at Night
Hiking in Nonoai
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic trail through gentle hills with overlooks of the valley and farmsteads; suitable for day hikers.
A forested trail that wanders along a scenic canyon-side corridor with opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
Airports
How to reach Nonoai by plane.
Major gateway for the region with domestic and international connections; typically requires a longer land transfer from Nonoai but provides more flight options.
Regional airport with domestic flights and closer to Nonoai; convenient for quick arrivals and departures to the north of Rio Grande do Sul.
Smaller regional airport offering limited services; useful as a secondary option depending on flight availability.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Mostly people of European descent (Portuguese, German, and Italian heritage common in the region), with Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous communities also present. The community values family, hospitality, and traditional Gaucho culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across the region, with local leagues and casual games in parks and schools.
Rodeo-style events and horseback activities commonly celebrated in rural communities.
Indoor and outdoor volleyball and small-sided soccer games are common in community centers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nonoai.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes are meat-forward, but you can find or request plant-based options like salads, rice and beans, polenta, and veggie sides; communicate dietary needs when ordering, and consider visiting markets for fresh produce to prepare meals.