Things To Do
in Tapes
Tapes is a small municipality in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, set along the shores and marshes of the Lagoa dos Patos. The town has a rural, gaucho character with rice paddies, oyster farms and low‑rise municipal buildings clustered around a modest town center. Local life is shaped by fishing, aquaculture (notably oysters and other shellfish), agriculture and traditional southern Brazilian cuisine.
Visitors come for nature, birdwatching, seafood and a calm, low‑key experience of litoral gaúcho life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Tapes Airport and be welcomed by the sound of the ocean waves. Take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful beach, feeling the soft sand between your toes. Enjoy a refreshing breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Brazilian treats.
Explore the charming streets of Tapes, visiting local shops and artisan markets. Discover the rich history of the region by visiting the Municipal Historical Museum. Delight in lunch at a coastal restaurant, savoring fresh seafood dishes.
As the sun sets, head to the beach for a mesmerizing view of the twilight sky. Choose a beachfront bar to sample exotic cocktails while listening to live music. End the day with a peaceful moonlit walk along the shore.
Set out early for a guided tour of the nearby Lagoa do Peixoto, a stunning lagoon surrounded by lush vegetation. Enjoy birdwatching and the tranquility of nature as you connect with the local wildlife. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters to start your day.
After a picnic lunch by the lagoon, embark on a hike through the surrounding trails, experiencing the diverse flora and fauna. Capture beautiful photographs amidst the scenic landscapes and enjoy the local ecosystem. Visit a nearby farm to taste some homemade cheese and other local products.
Return to Tapes and unwind at a local restaurant featuring authentic Gaúcho cuisine. Indulge in a hearty dinner while enjoying live traditional music performances. Share stories with fellow travelers and locals about your adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-10 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $25-45 |
| ☕Coffee / pastry at a padaria | $1.50-3 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $5-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic, low‑key coastal‑lagoon experience away from big tourist crowds
- Excellent fresh oysters and seafood from Lagoa dos Patos
- Great birdwatching and tranquil natural landscapes
- Friendly local community with strong gaucho cultural traditions
- Limited tourist infrastructure and evening entertainment
- Fewer language resources for non‑Portuguese speakers
- Public transport options are limited — a car is often necessary
- Seasonal weather (storms/wind) can affect lagoon activities
- "Olá / Bom dia / Boa tarde" - Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon
- "Obrigado (m) / Obrigada (f)" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica...?" - Where is...?
- "Desculpe / Com licença" - Sorry / Excuse me
- "Sou vegetariano(a)" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Tapes
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide lagoon vistas, oyster farms and fishing boats provide dramatic sunrise and sunset shots; marsh reflections and misty mornings are especially photogenic.
Close‑up opportunities of aquaculture activity, shellfish beds, workers and rustic equipment — great for documentary and detail photography.
Town streets, colonial‑style façades and the local church offer intimate portraits of daily life and architecture.
Wide agricultural landscapes, tractors and gaucho ranches make for classic rural scenes in golden light.
Wetlands attract herons, ibises, migratory birds and other wildlife — excellent for birding photography with a telephoto lens.
Food in Tapes
Tapes Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh oysters from the lagoon are a local specialty — served raw, grilled or baked at seafood restaurants and small family eateries along the shore.
Must-Try!
A traditional gaucho rice and beef dish — hearty, simple and often found in local restaurants and home cooking.
Grilled beef, pork and sausages typical of the region; many restaurants and local gatherings feature espetos (skewers) and rodízio style service in nearby larger towns.
Seafood rice made with local shellfish — a comforting dish highlighting lagoon produce.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small markets and periodic feiras sell fresh fish and shellfish, seasonal produce, homemade cheeses and baked goods; perfect for sampling local flavors and buying fresh oysters or ingredients.
Look for pastel, salgados and espetinhos in the center and near event areas; during festivals vendors sell grilled shellfish and regional snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm handshake is common in formal situations; friends and acquaintances may exchange a single cheek kiss (or two in Porto Alegre) — mirror the locals. Use 'bom dia' (good morning) and 'boa tarde' (good afternoon) to be polite.
Chimarrão (mate) is a regional social ritual — if invited to share, accept graciously and follow the host's cues about passing and sipping.
Gaucho culture is important locally; show respect at festivals, equestrian events and family gatherings. Dressing simply and modestly in town is normal.
People are generally friendly and direct; a few words in Portuguese go a long way. Avoid loud or aggressive behavior, especially in small communities.
Safety
Tipping in Tapes
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not compulsory but common in Brazil: restaurants often add a 10% service charge on the bill; if service is exceptional you can leave extra change. For guides and drivers, small tips are appreciated. Round up taxi fares or add a few reals for good service.
Brazilian real (BRL) is the local currency. Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at many restaurants and shops, but small markets, rural vendors and some seafood stalls prefer cash. ATMs are available in town but may be limited; plan accordingly.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December–February brings warm to hot temperatures and higher humidity; ideal for lagoon activities, boating and seafood dining outdoors. Expect occasional heavy afternoon storms and peak holiday crowds on long weekends.
March–May offers milder temperatures, lower humidity and pleasant conditions for walking and birdwatching. Fall colors in rural areas can be subtle but enjoyable.
June–August is cooler and windier; nights can be chilly by local standards. Seafood is still good, but some outdoor activities may feel brisk — layers and a windbreaker are recommended.
September–November brings warming temperatures, more birds returning or migrating and blooming vegetation. Spring can be changeable with intermittent rains; great for wildlife photography and early boat trips.
Tapes at Night
Hiking in Tapes
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Low‑impact walking routes along the lagoon and marsh edges ideal for birdwatching and easy hikes; best at low tide and with a local guide for sensitive areas.
Unpaved tracks on private ranches and farms offer gentle hikes through rice fields and pastures — ask permission or join a guided tour.
Short dune and beach trails in nearby coastal towns provide scenic seaside hikes and viewpoints over the Atlantic and the lagoon mouth.
Airports
How to reach Tapes by plane.
The main regional international airport serving Rio Grande do Sul with connections across Brazil and some international flights; best option for most visitors, followed by a bus or car ride to Tapes.
A regional airport with domestic flights; closer for southern parts of the lagoon region and convenient for reaching Tapes by road.
A smaller regional airport serving the coast and nearby towns; limited flight options but useful for local connections in the state.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of residents are engaged in agriculture, aquaculture and ranching, maintaining gaucho cultural traditions.
The region has many families of Portuguese, Italian and German descent, reflected in local cuisine and customs.
Communities tied to lagoon fishing and oyster farming are central to the area’s economy and identity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport in Brazil — local amateur matches and passionate support for regional teams are common.
Rodeo‑style events, horsemanship and traditional gaucho competitions are culturally important in the region.
Fishing (recreational and artisanal) is widespread on the lagoon; boating and small craft activities are popular in warmer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tapes.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited in small towns — rely on salads, rice, cheeses and vegetable dishes at bakeries, markets and some restaurants. Communicate dietary needs clearly (e.g., 'sou vegetariano(a)') and ask for simple preparations without meat or broth.
Vegan choices are scarcer; bring snacks, and look for markets and bakeries for fruit, tapioca or rice‑based dishes. In larger nearby cities you’ll find more dedicated vegan options.
Gluten‑free awareness is growing but not universal; ask about ingredients in breads, sauces and battered street foods. Simple grilled items, rice and salads are usually safe.