Things To Do
in Taquara
Taquara is a small city in the highlands of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, surrounded by green hills, rivers and rural farmland. It blends gaucho traditions with a relaxed provincial atmosphere and serves as a gateway to the nearby Serra Gaúcha towns. The town center has tree-lined squares, a historic church, local markets and friendly neighborhood shops.
Visitors come for outdoor activities, regional cuisine and a slower pace compared with larger southern Brazilian cities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh Brazilian pastries and strong coffee. Afterward, stroll through the vibrant streets of Taquara's historic center, admiring colonial architecture and the colorful façades. Don't forget to visit the charming Praça de Taquara, where locals gather and the atmosphere is buzzing with life.
Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling traditional Brazilian dishes such as feijão tropeiro or a hearty barbecue. Afterward, take a guided walking tour to learn about Taquara's rich history and cultural heritage, including visits to local museums and art galleries. As you explore, be sure to interact with artisans and shopkeepers, immersing yourself in the local way of life.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a local restaurant for dinner, where you can enjoy a delicious meal paired with regional wines. Experience live music and perhaps some traditional folk dancing at a nearby venue, where you can engage with the vibrant local culture. End your evening with a leisurely stroll back to your accommodation under the stars, enjoying the cool evening breeze.
Begin your day with a refreshing breakfast before heading out to the nearby Parque Natural Municipal da Serra do Lopo. Spend the morning hiking through lush greenery, keeping an eye out for native wildlife such as toucans and capybaras. The serene sounds of nature will accompany you as you discover the beauty of this natural sanctuary.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in one of the park's scenic areas, surrounded by stunning views and the sounds of the forest. Afterward, continue your exploration by taking a guided tour to learn about the local flora and fauna, including medicinal plants used by indigenous communities. Capture amazing photographs of cascading waterfalls and panoramic vistas that will leave you in awe.
Return to Taquara in the evening and relax at a local restaurant that specializes in regional cuisine. After dinner, indulge in a sweet treat at a gelato shop, sampling flavors inspired by local fruits. Spend the rest of the evening strolling through the town’s lively streets, soaking in the ambiance and mingling with friendly locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $7-12 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry | $1.50-3 |
| 🍺Local beer (bar) | $2-4 |
| 🚕Taxi short ride | $2-6 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two (mid-range) | $25-45 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Relaxed small-town atmosphere with authentic gaucho culture
- Access to green landscapes, rivers and outdoor activities
- Affordable prices and friendly local hospitality
- Good base for exploring the Serra Gaúcha and nearby tourist towns
- Limited nightlife and entertainment compared to major cities
- Fewer specialized dining options for strict dietary needs
- Public transport is limited; a car makes exploring easier
- Some hiking and attractions require local knowledge or a guide
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite" - 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 centro / mercado?" - Where is the town center / market?
- "Eu sou alérgico(a) a ..." - I am allergic to ...
Places to Visit in Taquara
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic parish church in the town center with photogenic architecture and a peaceful plaza—best at golden hour.
Riverside paths and bridges that capture reflections, local fishermen and natural light—good for sunrise and early morning shots.
Several nearby hilltops offer panoramic views over pastures, farms and small valleys—excellent for wide landscape photography.
Colorful stalls, artisan products and everyday street scenes that show local life and gastronomic culture.
Winding country lanes, wooden fences and gaucho-style estancias provide authentic rural scenes, especially with early-morning mist or late-afternoon light.
Food in Taquara
Taquara Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Traditional southern Brazilian barbecue featuring various cuts of beef, pork and sausages; try it at local churrascarias and family-run 'rodízio' restaurants.
Must-Try!
A rustic rice-and-beef dish originally cooked by muleteers; common at local eateries and perfect for a hearty lunch.
Locally produced cheeses with sweet fruit preserves; available at markets and small shops around town.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekend market where local farmers sell produce, cheeses, cured meats and baked goods—great for tasting fresh regional products.
Street snacks such as coxinha, pão de queijo and savory pies are abundant in neighborhood bakeries and small bars; perfect for a quick, inexpensive bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is standard for first-time meetings; friends and acquaintances may exchange one or two cheek kisses (right cheek first) and informal hugs. Always greet shopkeepers and hosts when entering and leaving.
Show respect for gaucho customs and local festivals; if invited to a family home, bringing a small gift or dessert is polite.
Social events are moderately relaxed about time, but business meetings expect punctuality. Use formal address (Senhor/Senhora) with elders and officials unless invited to be informal.
Keep hands on the table (not elbows) and wait for a host to begin eating; it’s polite to try a bit of everything offered.
Safety
Tipping in Taquara
Ensure a smooth experience
A 10% service charge is common in restaurants and may be included on the bill; when not included, a 5–10% tip is appreciated. Small tips for bar staff, hotel porters and taxi drivers are common but not mandatory.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and shops in town, but smaller vendors and markets often prefer cash. Carry some Brazilian reais for bakeries, markets and remote purchases; contactless payments and mobile wallets are growing but not universal.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December–February: warm and humid with daytime temperatures often pleasant to hot; expect afternoon thunderstorms occasionally. Great for outdoor dining, river activities and green landscapes—carry sun protection and light rain gear.
March–May: mild days and cooler nights with colorful foliage in some areas; comfortable for hiking and sightseeing with lower rainfall than summer.
June–August: cooler temperatures with chilly mornings and occasional frost; some days can be quite cold compared with the rest of Brazil, so bring a warm layer. Not typically snowy, but nearby higher elevations can be colder.
September–November: warming temperatures, blooming flora and variable weather—good for photography and outdoor walks but expect some rain.
Taquara at Night
Hiking in Taquara
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Riverside trails and paths that follow the Rio Taquara—good for easy walks, birdwatching and photography close to town.
Local park or municipal green areas with short walking circuits suitable for families and casual hikers; check with the town tourism office for mapped routes.
Numerous unpaved farm roads and viewpoints in the nearby hills provide moderate hikes and panoramic views over the valley and pastures—ideal for sunrise and sunset excursions.
Airports
How to reach Taquara by plane.
The main international gateway for Rio Grande do Sul, about 60–90 km from Taquara depending on route; reachable by car (1–1.5 hours) or regional bus connections to Porto Alegre followed by local transport.
Regional airport serving the Serra Gaúcha area, roughly 90–120 km from Taquara; useful if traveling to nearby mountain towns—car hire or shuttle services connect it to surrounding municipalities.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents trace ancestry to German, Italian and Portuguese settlers, reflected in local foods, festivals and architecture.
A significant portion of the surrounding population lives in small towns and farms, working in agriculture and dairy production.
Taquara has a mix of young families and workers who commute to larger nearby towns for employment while living in a quieter community.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport with local amateur clubs, youth leagues and community matches—watching or joining a pickup game is a common social activity.
Futsal and small-sided indoor football are widespread and popular with all ages, especially during cooler or rainy weather.
Horseback riding and gaucho traditions remain important in the region, with local events and riding opportunities at estancias.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Taquara.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited in smaller venues where meat dominates; bakeries, salads, cheese plates and vegetable stews are common—always ask staff for meat-free choices and look for restaurants with varied menus.
Vegan and gluten-free choices are available in larger cafés or by request, but travelers with strict needs should carry snacks and confirm ingredients at restaurants; bringing translations for dietary restrictions in Portuguese helps.
Use clear Portuguese phrases or a printed card to explain food allergies; small-town cooks may not always understand cross-contamination risks, so be cautious with shared dishes.