Things To Do
in Osório

Slow-grilled beef, pork and sausages served in churrascarias or at family gatherings; try a local churrascaria for an all-you-can-eat rodízio experience.

Must-Try!

Rice cooked with beef, sausage and seasonings—hearty, rustic and commonly found in regional home cooking and simple restaurants.

Fresh shrimp and fish prepared grilled, fried or in stews—best at beachfront kiosks or small seafood restaurants.

A traditional mate infusion shared socially from a gourd; you’ll see people carrying it in parks or meeting places, and it’s part of everyday local ritual.

Small markets and weekend fairs sell fresh produce, regional cheeses, baked goods and pastel/fried snacks—great places to taste local flavors and buy ingredients.

Simple stalls along the coast serve fried fish, shrimp dishes, salgados (savory pastries) and cold drinks—ideal for casual seaside snacking.

Handshakes are common in formal situations; friends and acquaintances often exchange one or two cheek kisses and use warm, friendly conversation.

Chimarrão (mate) is a communal ritual—if offered, accept politely; hold and sip the gourd respectfully and follow the host’s lead when passing it on.

Gaucho culture places high value on family ties and respect for elders; polite conversation and modest dress in churches or formal settings are appreciated.

Social events often have relaxed start times, but appointments and guided tours should be on time; be flexible when dealing with local pace and logistics.

A 10% service charge is common in restaurants and is sometimes included on the bill; leaving extra for good service is appreciated but not mandatory. For taxis, round up the fare or add a small tip; tip hotel staff and guides modestly for good service.

Brazilian real (BRL) is the local currency; credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and larger shops, but smaller kiosks and markets often prefer cash. ATMs are available in town; notify your bank about travel to avoid card blocks.

Warmest and busiest season with beachgoers, higher accommodation prices and lively beachfront kiosks. Expect long daylight hours, strong sun and frequent sea breezes—ideal for swimming and water sports but book ahead during holidays.

Temperatures moderate and crowds thin; comfortable conditions for walking, cycling and birdwatching as migratory patterns shift. Occasional storms can bring windy days.

Cooler, wetter and windier—nights can be chilly and occasional cold fronts bring sharp temperature drops. Good season for low-season rates and quiet nature photography, but swimming is less appealing.

Warming temperatures, blossoming vegetation and increased bird activity make this a pleasant time for outdoor exploration. Wind conditions become favorable for kitesurfing and wind sports by late spring.

The main international airport for the region, located roughly 80–110 km from Osório depending on route (about 1.5–2 hours by car). It offers domestic and international flights and is the primary gateway for long-distance travelers.

There are smaller regional airports along the coast and inland that serve limited domestic flights; for most international or wide domestic connections, Porto Alegre is the most practical choice. Expect to use rental car or bus links from airports to reach Osório.

A large portion of the population traces ancestry to Portuguese, Italian and German immigrant families, which influences local customs, cuisine and celebrations.

Traditional livelihoods include small-scale fishing and agriculture; these communities shape local foodways and festivals.

The municipality attracts both families who work locally and retirees drawn to the quieter coastal lifestyle, especially during the high season.

Indigenous and Afro-Brazilian people are present in the region and contribute to the cultural mosaic, though they represent smaller demographic shares.

The dominant sport nationwide and locally—community matches, school teams and neighborhood games are common.

Coastal wind and waves create good conditions for surfers and wind-sports enthusiasts, particularly when seasonal winds pick up.

Beach volleyball, footvolley and casual beach soccer are popular activities at busy stretches of sand.

Horseback riding and rodeo-related activities are part of the regional gaucho culture and occasionally featured at local events.

Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in large cities; many restaurants offer salads, rice dishes and vegetable stews, and bakeries sell pastries. Ask for pratos sem carne (dishes without meat) and rely on markets for fresh produce.

Vegan choices may be scarce in traditional churrascarias; seek vegetarian-friendly cafés, request customizations (omit cheese/eggs) and stock up on fruits, breads and plant-based staples at markets.

Awareness of gluten-free diets is growing but cross-contamination can occur; communicate clearly (sem glúten) and prefer naturally gluten-free dishes like grilled fish, rice and salads.

Explain allergies in Portuguese when possible and double-check with staff; keep essential medication and a translated note for severe allergies.