Rio Grande do Sul – RS
Porto Alegre, Wine Region & Aparados da Serra
The most southern State in Brazil is well-known for its gaucho culture, the pampas and the Jesuit Missions but it has more to offer.
Porto Alegre is one of the most industrialised and prosperous cities in Brazil. Although lacking in obvious tourist attractions, it has excellent restaurants, many pleasant green areas and good hotel facilities, if you decide to stay overnight. For most people, though, the main reason to come here is to access the Serra Gaúcha, a mountain region strongly influenced culturally by North European immigrants or the magnificent canyons of Aparados da Serra.
The picturesque Vale dos Vinhedos in Bento Gonçalves is located 120km northwest of Porto Alegre, on the Italian-influenced Serra Gaúcha. It can be visited on a day trip from Porto Alegre, but it is best to spend a couple of nights in one of the charming rural pousadas to enjoy the wines and the scenery. Other towns in Serra Gaúcha, such as Gramado and Canela, are favourite destinations for Brazilians looking for the Alpine experience, but tend to be a disappointment for many foreign visitors that know the original versions. Some of the attractions are the Gramado International Film Festival in August and the outdoor activities in Canela.