Things To Do
in Nova Prata
Nova Prata is a small city in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, known for its quartz landscapes and pleasant Serra Gaúcha climate. The city blends Italian and German immigrant heritage with rural charm, winding streets and welcoming locals. It serves as a quiet gateway to canyons, waterfalls and viewpoints set among green hills.
In town you will find a lively market scene and a growing selection of cafes and family run restaurants.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh pão de queijo and coffee. Afterward, take a stroll around the Praça da República, marveling at the colonial architecture and visiting the charming shops that line the streets. Make sure to stop by the Museu Municipal to learn about the rich history of Nova Prata.
For lunch, enjoy a traditional Brazilian meal at a nearby restaurant, sampling local delicacies like feijoada. Spend the afternoon wandering through the historic center, visiting the Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora da Glória, known for its beautiful stained glass windows. Capture stunning photos of the vibrant street art that adorns many of the buildings in the area.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a local bar to enjoy a refreshing caipirinha. Engage with friendly locals and share stories while listening to live music that showcases the region's cultural heritage. End your day with a leisurely walk back to your accommodation, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of the town.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to Parque Natural de Nova Prata, where lush greenery awaits. Spend the morning hiking the various trails, breathing in the fresh air, and spotting local wildlife like colorful birds and playful monkeys. Don't forget your camera to capture the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
After a picnic lunch in the park, continue exploring the stunning waterfalls hidden within the trails. Take a refreshing dip in the natural pools while surrounded by the tranquility of nature. Consider joining a guided tour to learn more about the flora and fauna unique to the region.
As dusk approaches, return to your accommodation to freshen up. Head out to a local restaurant for dinner, where you can indulge in delicious grilled meats and fresh salads. Reflect on your day surrounded by the beauty of nature while enjoying a quiet evening under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🚆One-way local transport | $1-3 |
| ☕Coffee in cafe | $2-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (1 night) | $40-70 |
| 🧀Local cheese or groceries (1 kg) | $4-7 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Tranquil pace and natural scenery
- Friendly locals and strong regional cuisine
- Good base for Serra Gaúcha exploration
- Moderate costs and walkable city center
- Limited nightlife and big city attractions
- Some distances to major airports
- Seasonal weather can be variable
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Desculpe" - Sorry
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Eu falo um pouco de português" - I speak a little Portuguese
- "Pode recomendar um bom restaurante?" - Could you recommend a good restaurant?
- "A conta, por favor" - The bill, please
- "Qual é o caminho para…" - What is the way to...
Places to Visit in Nova Prata
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful historic buildings, church towers and morning light make for classic compositions.
Elevated viewpoint on the surrounding hills offering sweeping views over Nova Prata and valleys.
Green spaces with water features, walking paths and sunsets over the lake.
Food in Nova Prata
Nova Prata Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Traditional barbecue of beef and sausage served with farofa, vinaigrette and salad.
Must-Try!
Roasted chicken served with polenta and salad in rustic style dining.
Rice with beef and vegetables, a rustic staple of the region.
Apple pastry influenced by German baking traditions.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Town market with fresh produce, cheeses and regional snacks.
Weekend street stalls offering salgadinhos, pastéis, churros and regional treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin with a polite hello, good morning and handshake; address adults as Senhor or Senhora when appropriate.
Portuguese is the main language; a few basic phrases go a long way; avoid loud behavior in public spaces.
Casual yet neat attire in most venues; tipping is optional but appreciated for good service.
Safety
Tipping in Nova Prata
Ensure a smooth experience
In Brazil a tip of around 10% is appreciated if service is not included in the bill; you can round up or leave more for good service.
Cash is accepted, but credit/debit cards and popular mobile payments (PIX) are widely used; some places also accept contactless payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with possible afternoon showers; bring sun protection and light layers; evenings are pleasant.
Mild temperatures with colorful foliage; great for outdoor walks and photography.
Cool to cold with possible frosty nights; pack a warm jacket and layers.
Moderate temperatures with blooming trees and increased humidity; good time for hikes.
Nova Prata at Night
Hiking in Nova Prata
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short to moderate hike leading to a hilltop with city and valley views.
Forest trail with small waterfalls and scenic streams.
Ridge trail with panoramic vistas of farmland and hills.
Airports
How to reach Nova Prata by plane.
Salgado Filho International is the region’s main hub with flights to major Brazilian cities and international connections; transfer by road to Nova Prata about 2.5–3 hours.
Smaller regional airport about 100–120 km away; many flights operate seasonally or to larger hubs.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Large share of residents trace roots to Italian and German immigrants, with periodic cultural festivals.
A mix of locals in services and nearby rural communities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region with local matches and community leagues.
Traditional gaucho activities including horse riding influence local events.
Common in schools and clubs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nova Prata.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most places offer salads, polenta, grilled vegetables and cheese; ask for no meat and look for legumes or pasta dishes. In stores you can usually find fresh fruit and vegetarian options.