Santa Maria, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, stands out as the country’s “University City,” anchored by UFSM—one of Brazil’s largest federal universities—attracting students from across Latin America. It’s also uniquely positioned at the heart of gaucho culture and military strategy, housing one of Brazil’s main army divisions and sitting at a key rail junction linking southern Brazil.
Notable points about Santa Maria
- Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul is known as the “heart of Rio Grande” and uniquely serves as a military and educational hub surrounded by gaucho traditions and pampas landscapes.
- Unlike Brazil’s coastal cities, Santa Maria blends university-town energy with strong gaucho culture, offering a rare inland experience with churrasco, mate, and horseback processions as part of daily life.
- The best time to visit is in late spring (October–November) when the weather is mild, jacarandas bloom, and local festivals like the Feira do Livro fill the streets.
- Travelers will find it more affordable than Porto Alegre or southern coastal cities, with reasonably priced stays near UFSM or in Centro, and cheap intercity buses connecting most attractions.
- Don't miss an authentic CTG (Centro de Tradições Gaúchas) event where locals dance the traditional fandango in full gaucho attire and offer guests a taste of local hospitality and chimarrão.
- The must-try dish is “carreteiro de charque,” a rustic rice and dried meat stew served at family-run restaurants like Restaurante Vera Cruz or during gaucho-themed weekends.
- The city is walkable in Centro, but buses and affordable Uber rides help reach outer sites like UFSM's expansive campus and the Itaimbé Park area; renting a bike is also an option in flat zones.
- Locals treasure the Morro Cechella viewpoint—this scenic hilltop offers a panoramic sunset over the city and the surrounding countryside, often missed by typical tourists.
- Santa Maria is generally safe, but use caution at night in isolated areas; Portuguese is dominant, and speaking a few phrases shows respect—greet locals with a warm “bom dia.”
- Watching the sunrise at the hilltop Cruz Alta cross, followed by a quiet breakfast with pão de queijo at a local padaria, is a peaceful and unforgettable Santa Maria moment.