
From the pampas to the border: what to do at the southern end of the RS
Two regions very close and located at the southern end of the state, keep the essence of the South-Rio-grandense culture, as well as landscapes marked by vast plains, centuries-old traditions and a history deeply linked to the formation of the state of Rio Grande do Sul.
The Gaúcha Border covers cities bordering Uruguay and Argentina, creating an environment where the cultures of the three countries meet and merge. This area is known for its historic charqueadas, where the charque was produced which was fundamental to the regional economy in the 19th century. Today, the cities of Fronteira, like Santana do Livramento, Bagé, Uruguayan and Jaguarão, are destinations that offer a cultural and historical experience, as well as being strategic points for international trade.
In the Pampa Gaúcho, an exclusive biome of southern Brazil, which also extends to Uruguay and Argentina. The Pampa is the setting of the traditional livestock breeding camps and the iconic resorts, which depict the way of life of the gaucho, the inhabitant of the region. This is the place where the countryside, the rodeos and the cavalcades are part of the daily life, and where the simple life of the gaucho interior is felt in every corner.
The best time to visit the Border and the Pampa is between autumn and spring, when the climate is more mild and the landscapes are lush. In winter, intense cold and frosts give a special charm to the Pampa, ideal for those who like a more rigorous climate.
And how do I get there? The border region can be accessed from Porto Alegre via BR-290, a trip of about 5 to 6 hours depending on the final destination. To explore the Pampa, the Pampas Route is a good option, starting with cities like Baghdad and continuing towards the interior. For those who do not drive, buses often leave along the day of the Porto Alegre Bus Station. It is recommended to check the up-to-date schedules on the bus site or bus companies, travel lasts an average of 5 to 8 hours depending on your final destination.
There is also the airplane option, with the nearest airports in the region located in Bagé and Santo Ângelo, in addition to Salgado Filho International Airport, located in the state capital.
Visiting the Border and the Pampa Gaúcho is a unique opportunity to connect with the roots of Rio Grande do Sul, experience a rich and authentic culture, and enjoy the wide and stunning landscapes that define the region. We selected some experiences for you to know a little more:
Tour Azeites do Pampa Agroindústria - Bagé - Pampa Gaúcho:
In this experience, you embark on a sensory journey across the world of extravirgin olive oil. It will discover not only its incredible taste, but also its beneficial properties and will understand the complete process, from the fruit harvest to the marketing.
With a guided visit, which shows how the process of elaboration of olive oil extracting, storage and filling. Afterwards, a tasting with the olive oils, guided by the sommelier of olive oil, Luciane Gomes, who gives a lesson on the scenario of national olive-growing, tells a little of history, the truths and myths about olive oil, and finally comes the time for the harmonization of olive oils in varied products.
São Miguel - Quaraí - Fronteira:
Located on the western border of Rio Grande do Sul, in the city of Barra do Quaraí, a few kilometers from Uruguayan. The tour begins with the history of Queijaria and the São Miguel Resort, where you will be able to know the processes and production spaces.
In the end, the tasting and happy hour takes place on the balcony of the cheese, overlooking the dam and presentation of each cheese produced by Canto Queijaria. You will receive a filled board of cheeses accompanied by fresh breads, antipasts, jellies and juices produced in Uruguay. An amazing experience that will satisfy your taste and nourish your curiosity.
Visit and tasting of award-winning wines from the Winery Guatambu Wine Resort – Dom Pedrito – Pampa Gaúcho:
In this experience, you will explore the process of producing wines and sparkling wines, from the initial management of the grapes to the ripening of the wines, passing through the cellar of bottles, the cellar of barricades, the pupitres and, finally, observing the degorgement, in a privileged view of the finalization of the sparkling wines.
During the exclusive tour, guided by a specialist winemaker, you will have the opportunity to taste 4 award-winning Guatambu labels, including a white wine, a sparkling wine, a premium red wine and the wine icon, the Epic VII. As a reminder, you will take home the crystal cup used in tasting. Don't miss this immersion in the fascinating world of award-winning Guatambu wines Take it.
Complex Canela do Mato with Convivio Ecogastronomia - Sant'Ana do Livramento – Pampa Gaúcho:
The site advocates eco-gastronomia, considered a philosophy of life that defends some basic pillars, such as the preservation of biodiversity, the respect for food and the farmer, the conscious use of natural resources and the choice of quality ingredients.
Enjoy a four-step dinner with wines and sparkling wines from the Alambaska winery. The dishes are carefully prepared and each stage of the dinner is a sensory journey, with authentic flavors and engaging textures, which highlight the richness of the chosen ingredients and complement each harmonized cup.
Another legal tip is that Canela do Mato in addition to the restaurant, has accommodation and an emporium. By there, you can perform trails and still ensure delights like spices, honey, eggs, natural juices and cheeses to take home.
Bodega Sossego – Uruguayan – Border:
In the Sossego Experience, you are welcomed by the family of resort owners and take a walk through the site, unfolding the wine universe, including tasting some labels while enjoying the landscapes.
After the route of about 30 minutes, a table with products from the region is served to visitors, with wine and regional snacks at will. All this with live music, making the experience even more unforgettable. It is important: this experience always occurs in the late afternoon, so that visitors can enjoy the beautiful sunset of Uruguayan.