Vacaria

Vacaria is a municipality in northeastern Rio Grande do Sul situated at an elevation of around 900 meters in an agricultural region. The area spans over 2,000 square kilometers and is known primarily for apple growing and fruit exports.

The region originated from a 16th-century Jesuit mission that introduced livestock raising to an area known as Baqueria de los Piñales. This early settlement created the foundation for the region's later agricultural development.

The rodeo festival displays regional horse traditions through competitions, live music, and regional food that visitors can experience firsthand. You see people in traditional dress practicing old riding skills and sharing local dishes together.

The best time to visit is during the rodeo festival when the region comes alive with traditional events and gatherings. Expect cold weather, particularly in winter, since the elevation means temperatures drop considerably.

In the winter of 1879, the area experienced one of Brazil's fiercest snowstorms, with snow coverage reaching about 2 meters in the city. This extreme weather event is deeply rooted in local history and shows how intense mountain weather can be.

Location: Rio Grande do Sul

Inception: October 22, 1850

Elevation above the sea: 894 m

Shares border with: Esmeralda, Rio Grande do Sul, Monte Alegre dos Campos, Campestre da Serra, Cerro Negro, Bom Jesus, Campo Belo do Sul, Capão Alto, Muitos Capões

Website: http://vacaria.rs.gov.br

GPS coordinates: -28.51194,-50.93389

Latest update: December 17, 2025 08:54