Santa Rosa offers an authentic taste of life in a small Brazilian city. Walk around the lively Centro district, relax in leafy public parks and savour classic street food. The city is a gateway to the state of Rio Grande do Sul, where you can discover lush mountain landscapes, charming resort towns and picturesque wine regions.
Things to do in Santa Rosa
Praca da Bandeira, the city’s tree-lined main square, is a hive of activity. It’s in the heart of the Centro district and surrounded by shops, cafes and ice cream parlours. Stalls pop up in the evenings and sell Brazilian street food favourites like “pão de queijo” cheese bread, “bolinhos de bacalhau” fried cod cakes and “mandioca frito” cassava chips.
Stroll along tree-lined paths and enjoy the sunshine in Parque de Exposições Alfredo Leandro Carlson. Treat yourself to a “raspadinha” shaved ice cup drizzled with colourful fruity syrup and condensed milk. The park is a popular meeting space and hosts markets, concerts and community events.
Escape the city and visit Cascata do Rio Santo Cristo, a cascading waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The falls plunge down a rocky cliff and into a natural pool. Enjoy a picnic by the falls and explore trails that wind through the surrounding forest.
From “churrascaria” BBQ restaurants to “botequim” snack bars serving drinks and homestyle food, it’s easy to find delicious local food in Santa Rosa. Try specialties from Rio Grande do Sul, including “churrasco” grilled beef, and “Arroz Carreteiro” rice cooked in a cast iron pot and tossed with onions, garlic and parsley. Cups of “chimarrão” caffeinated tea hit the spot when you need an energy boost.
Getting around Santa Rosa
Parts of Santa Rosa are pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Taxis are a fast and affordable way to cover longer distances. Rent a car for the freedom to explore surrounding sights and attractions at your own pace. Santa Rosa is in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, a seven-hour drive from Porto Alegre and Salgado Filho International Airport.