Major city · Brazil
Caxias do Sul
Base here 2 nights for the Italian-Serra food and wine, then move to Bento Gonçalves or Gramado: the city itself is a working industrial town, not a sight.
Caxias do Sul is the second city of Rio Grande do Sul and the hub of Italian-Brazilian Brazil, 128 km from Porto Alegre. It is a working industrial city — metallurgy, bus building, wine — so travellers use it as a base for the Serra Gaúcha wine country rather than as a sight in itself. Two nights covers the centre, the immigrant museums and one winery; the Grape Festival (Festa da Uva) runs in even-numbered years and changes everything.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- BRL
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- avoid Jun–Aug (cold, frost, rain); Feb–Mar of even years if you want quiet — Festa da Uva fills the city
- Airports
- CXJ · POA
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Brazil ↗US, Canadian and Australian citizens need an e-visa (about US$81 — check) applied for online at the official VFS portal before travel; EU and UK citizens do not. Check your passport with Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before booking.
- Brazil ↗Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for many areas, including the Amazon and Pantanal; check with a travel clinic at least 10 days before travel.
- Brazil ↗Keep your phone out of sight in the street and on beaches; phone theft is the most common crime against visitors in big cities.
- Brazil ↗Carnival 2027 runs about 5–10 February (Tuesday 9 February; Salvador from 4 February): book Rio, Salvador and Recife/Olinda months ahead or avoid those dates.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Caxias do Sul190 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Caxias do Sul, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Brazilian real (BRL, R$).Brazil-wide
- SIM or eSIMVivo, Claro and TIM cover the country; buying a prepaid SIM needs a passport and sometimes a CPF — an eSIM before you fly is easier.Brazil-wide
- Tap waterDo not drink tap water; filtered water is provided in most homes and hotels.Brazil-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 10% service (serviço) usually on the bill; optional but normal.Brazil-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/N. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Brazil-wide
- SafetyCaxias do Sul is one of the wealthier and calmer Brazilian cities, but it is still a Brazilian city: use taxis or rideshare at night…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut toilet paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places.Brazil-wide
- Emergency numbers190 police · 192 ambulance (samu) · 193 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysCarnival shuts many businesses for several days; museums often close on Mondays.Brazil-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCXJ Aeroporto Hugo Cantergiani (Campo dos Bugres) (Flights via São Paulo (GRU, CGH) and Campinas (VCP); small, few daily options).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee (café)R$6–12 (≈ US$2–3)
- Sit-down mealChurrasco or Italian dinner, per personR$60–120 (≈ US$12–25)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi ride3.1 mi (5 km) taxi ridecheckR$25–40 (≈ US$5–8)
- Metro or bus rideMunicipal bus ride (VISATE)checkR$5–7 (≈ US$1–2)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekR$40–80 (≈ US$8–15)
- Budget bedHostel or simple pousada bed, a night, per personR$80 (≈ US$15)
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomR$280 (≈ US$55)
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomR$450 (≈ US$85)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget R$180 (≈ US$35) · Mid R$350 (≈ US$65) · High R$700 (≈ US$130)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CXJ Aeroporto Hugo Cantergiani (Campo dos Bugres) (Flights via São Paulo (GRU, CGH) and Campinas (VCP); small, few daily options) · POA Porto Alegre (Salgado Filho) (More flights; executive coach to Caxias do Sul takes about 2 h)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
27°C (80°F)80°F (27°C)
Feb
Avoid
27°C (80°F)80°F (27°C)
Mar
Care
25°C (78°F)78°F (25°C)
Apr
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
May
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jul
Avoid
17°C (62°F)62°F (17°C)
Aug
Avoid
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (67°F)67°F (20°C)
Oct
Best
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
Nov
Best
24°C (76°F)76°F (24°C)
Dec
not flagged
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Best: Apr–May, Sep–Nov. Mixed: Mar. Avoid: Feb, Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (27°C (80°F)80°F (27°C)), coolest Jul (9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C) low), wettest Jan (13 rain days), driest Apr (9). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Caxias do Sul: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
27°C (80°F)80°F (27°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
13 rd
Feb
27°C (80°F)80°F (27°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
12 rd
Mar
25°C (78°F)78°F (25°C)
16°C (62°F)62°F (16°C)
11 rd
Apr
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
9 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (49°F)49°F (10°C)
10 rd
Jul
17°C (62°F)62°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Aug
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10°C (49°F)49°F (10°C)
10 rd
Sep
20°C (67°F)67°F (20°C)
10°C (51°F)51°F (10°C)
11 rd
Oct
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
11 rd
Nov
24°C (76°F)76°F (24°C)
14°C (58°F)58°F (14°C)
10 rd
Dec
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable. VISATE runs the municipal buses; routes are named after the bairro (district), so carry a map. Taxis are reliable and metered — check the bandeira (bandeira 1 is the cheaper daytime weekday rate) and ask the driver to zero the meter. Renting a car is the practical way to reach the wineries and the Serra.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Bento Gonçalves
goDoor to door: About 1–1.5 h
Ozelame bus from the Caxias do Sul bus station, or drive RS-122
The wine-country town; go for a winery lunch and the Vale dos Vinhedos.
São Marcos
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
São Marcos bus line from the Caxias do Sul bus station
Small town; only worth it if you are heading on toward Cambará do Sul.
Vacaria
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h
Bus from the Caxias do Sul bus station, or drive BR-116 north
Cattle country and the road to the canyons; a long half-day, better as a stopover.
Gramado and Canela
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
Citral bus from the Caxias do Sul bus station
The resort towns of the Serra; too far for a comfortable return day — sleep there.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Centro (around Praça Dante Alighieri)
Cathedral, museums, restaurants and the bus station within walking distance; best for a short stay without a car.
São Pelegrino
Adjacent to the centre, quieter, near São Pelegrino Church; a few mid-range and upscale hotels.
Desvio Rizzo / Iguatemi (west)
Shopping, chain hotels, easy parking; you need a car or taxi to reach the centre.
Ana Rech
Eastern district toward the Marcopolo factory and BR-116; practical if you are driving the wine route.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- R$180–300 (≈ US$35–60) excl. bed
- Mid
- R$300–550 (≈ US$60–110) excl. bed
- High
- R$550 (≈ US$110)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 2 nights × R$280 | R$560 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × R$350 | R$1,400 |
| Executive coach Porto Alegre ↔ Caxias do Sul, both ways2 × R$160 · check | R$320 |
| Winery tour and tasting2 × R$60 · check | R$120 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × R$60 | R$120 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | R$252 |
| Trip total≈ R$693 per person per day, bed included | R$2,772≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in reais; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee (café) | R$6–12 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Grape juice or a glass of wine at a winery | R$15–40 (≈ US$3–8) |
| Churrasco or Italian dinner, per person | R$60–120 (≈ US$12–25) |
| 5 km taxi ridecheck | R$25–40 (≈ US$5–8) |
| Municipal bus ride (VISATE)check | R$5–7 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Winery tour and tastingcheck | R$40–100 (≈ US$8–19) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | R$40–80 (≈ US$8–15) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Winter (Jun–Aug) is genuinely cold for Brazil: frosts are common and snow is possible — pack layers.
- It rains year-round; there is no dry season.
- BR-116 and RS-122 wind through the mountains with sharp curves — drive carefully and avoid the mountain stretches at night.
- Festa da Uva (even-numbered years, Feb–Mar) books out hotels and raises prices — reserve months ahead or avoid.
- English is limited outside hotels and winery tours; a few Portuguese phrases go a long way.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 190
- Ambulance (SAMU)
- 192
- Fire
- 193
Pocket card
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Caxias do SulCaxias do Sul
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Para este endereço, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police190
- Ambulance (SAMU)192
- Fire193
Embassy
No embassies here; the US, UK and other consulates-general are in Porto Alegre (check addresses).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Coach Porto Alegre → Caxias do Sul: about R$70–90 (≈ US$13–17), about 2 h (check)
- Taxi centre → Iguatemi shopping: R$30–45 (≈ US$6–9) (check)
- Winery tour and tasting: R$40–100 (≈ US$8–19) (check)
Say or show
- Olá — Hello (oh-LAH)
- Obrigado / Obrigada — Thank you (oh-bree-GAH-doo / oh-bree-GAH-dah)
- Quanto custa? — How much is it? (KWAN-too KOOS-tah)
- A conta, por favor — The bill, please (ah KON-tah por fah-VOR)
- Posso pagar com cartão? — Can I pay by card? (POH-soo pah-GAR kon kar-TOWN)
- Onde fica o banheiro? — Where is the toilet? (ON-jee FEE-kah oo bah-NYAY-roo)
Tipping: a 10% service charge is usually already on the bill; it is optional.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Caxias do Sul. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Sep–Nov · avoid Jun–Aug (cold, frost, rain); Feb–Mar of even years if you want quiet — Festa da Uva fills the city · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for CXJ and the POA coach fallback, with last-departure checks.
- Walking clusters for the centre: Praça Dante Alighieri, Catedral, Museu Municipal and São Pelegrino.
- Winery and Festa da Uva pages with dated, timed entry and even-year calendar fixtures.
- Winter and rain fixtures so the cold-weather and wet-day routes can go green.