Things To Do
in Três Passos
Três Passos is a small city in the northwest of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, surrounded by expansive farmland and gentle hills. It serves as a regional hub for agriculture, commerce, and gaucho culture, offering a relaxed pace and welcoming locals. The town features traditional plazas, a mix of historic and modern architecture, and easy access to nearby rivers and nature reserves.
Visitors will find a friendly feel, seasonal festivals, and opportunities to experience rural Brazilian life at a comfortable, human scale.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Upon arrival in Três Passos, take some time to settle into your accommodation and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café. Explore the vibrant streets filled with friendly locals and the charming architecture that reflects the town's history. Don’t forget to indulge in some traditional Brazilian pastries and coffee to kickstart your adventure.
Visit the Parque de Exposições and take in the serene landscapes, perfect for a tranquil stroll or a picnic. You can also explore nearby artisan shops and discover handmade crafts that showcase the culture of the region. Engage with locals to learn more about their daily life and traditions.
As the sun sets, treat yourself to a dinner at one of Três Passos' traditional restaurants, where you can savor local dishes like 'churrasco'. After dining, enjoy a peaceful walk through the town center, soaking in the warm evening ambiance. Cap off your night with a visit to a nearby bar to mingle with locals and enjoy some live music.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out to the nearby Parque Natural da Redonda. This expansive park is perfect for nature enthusiasts, offering breathtaking views and diverse wildlife. Hike along the trails to fully immerse yourself in the scenic beauty that surrounds you.
After your morning adventure, enjoy a packed lunch at one of the park's picturesque viewpoints. Spend the afternoon birdwatching or taking photographs of the stunning landscapes, as you connect with nature. You may also choose to relax by a small stream and recharge for the rest of the day.
Return to Três Passos for dinner, perhaps sampling a wood-fired pizza or local street food. In the evening, join a guided night tour to experience the park under the stars, where you might spot nocturnal wildlife. This immersive experience will leave you with memories of the natural wonders that Brazil has to offer.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🏨1-night stay in a mid-range hotel | $40-90 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $2-4 |
| 🚌Local transportation (bus/taxi) | $1-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Relaxed pace and friendly locals
- Excellent base for exploring rural Rio Grande do Sul
- Limited large-scale attractions
- Nightlife and dining options are modest compared to bigger cities
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Eu não falo português muito bem." - I don't speak Portuguese very well.
Places to Visit in Três Passos
Visit one of these nice places.
Central square with historic buildings and daily life scenes; ideal for morning light and candid street photography.
A characteristic church with simple exterior and tranquil interior, suitable for architectural photography and reflections at golden hour.
Piers and riverbank paths offer calm water reflections and fauna spots, great for tranquil landscape shots.
Food in Três Passos
Três Passos Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Traditional gaucho barbecue featuring various cuts of beef, cooked over open flame and served with side dishes like rice, beans, and farofa.
Must-Try!
A hearty rice dish cooked with dried meat (carreteiro) and aromatics, often found in local eateries and farm-to-table setups.
Warm cheese bread paired with strong Brazilian coffee, a common breakfast or snack combo in town cafés.
A rustic bean dish with cassava flour, bacon, eggs, and greens, often served as a robust accompaniment to meats.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A municipal market offering local produce, cheese, bread, and snacks; a great place to taste fresh regional ingredients.
Seasonal farmer’s market where you can try fruit jams, honey, empanadas, and churros-like street snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a handshake or a friendly verbal hello; addressing elders with polite titles (Senhor/Senhora) is appreciated.
Small talk about family, farming, and regional culture is common; avoid sensitive political topics unless you know your company well.
Social tempo is relaxed; arriving a bit late is normal in casual settings, and meals can be leisurely.
Safety
Tipping in Três Passos
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is sometimes included in larger restaurants, but a 5-10% tip is appreciated if service isn’t included. In casual places, rounding up the bill is common.
Cash (BRL) and cards are widely accepted; many places also accept Pix and mobile payment apps; verify card charges and ask about split bills where needed.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with frequent afternoon showers are common; carry water, sunscreen, and light rain gear. Expect lush landscapes and vibrant street life.
Milder temperatures and clearer skies; excellent time for outdoor walks and photography without the peak heat.
Cool to mild, with chilly nights; layers are recommended, and some mornings can be misty by rivers.
Spring brings blooming flora and moderate rainfall; perfect for outdoor activities and markets full of seasonal produce.
Três Passos at Night
Hiking in Três Passos
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Low to moderate difficulty trails through farmland and river valleys, offering scenic views and opportunities to observe wildlife.
Airports
How to reach Três Passos by plane.
Major gateway to the region; long-distance connections and regional flights; typically requires a road transfer from the airport to Três Passos.
Regional airport serving Santa Maria and surrounding municipalities; connections to domestic destinations.
Regional hub near Passo Fundo with domestic flight options; useful for regional travel within Rio Grande do Sul.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of descendants with European roots (Portuguese, German, Italian) and local Brazilian residents; rural and urban lifestyles blend in daily life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
By far the most popular sport; local matches and informal games are common throughout the year.
Rodeo-style events and gaucho heritage activities occur in towns and rural areas during festivals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Três Passos.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can enjoy bean dishes, salads, rice and cassava-based sides, plus cheese-focused plates; communicate ingredients clearly at markets and eateries and consider requesting meat-free versions of classic dishes.