Caxias do Sul offers clearly distinct highlights to consider when planning a trip: art and local history come to the fore at museums and the Igreja São Pelegrino, while parks and routes offer other points of interest. When looking for a vacation rental, it helps to start by considering the experiences you want. The opening hours for permanent exhibitions, the different tour durations and the conditions for individual activities are concrete points to consider in your plans.

Museums, Art and Local History

The permanent exhibitions at the Museu de Ciências Naturais of the Universidade de Caxias do Sul and the UCS Aquarium are open Tuesday to Friday from 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 to 6:00 p.m.; on Saturdays and Sundays, they are open from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Check the hours before your trip. The Museu de Ciências Naturais is also a study center for biological sciences. Its work includes academic, scientific and cultural activities, as well as the communication of knowledge.

The Museu Ambiência Casa de Pedra, also known as Casa de Pedra, is an authentic domestic setting from the late 19th century. The Igreja São Pelegrino houses works by Aldo Locatelli. In the atrium is a replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà, donated by Pope Paul VI on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Italian immigration. The bronze doors feature high-relief sculptures by Augusto Murer.

The Museu Municipal de Caxias do Sul was established by Municipal Law No. 02 of October 3, 1947, and is now one of the city’s most representative places of remembrance. The Museu do Imigrante is located at the Monumento Nacional ao Imigrante. Its exhibition explores the work of women in Caxias and their contribution to the city’s development—offering a distinct perspective on the history of the place.

The Molin family’s Presépio de Rolhas is remarkable in scale: it is made of about 15,000 corks and 11 structures, 9 of which are motorized. If you’d like to include it in your plans, check the current visiting options in advance.

Parks and Views

Parque Getúlio Vargas, also known as Parque dos Macaquinhos, is one of Caxias do Sul’s most important public recreation spots. Its facilities include a large green space, a bike path, a skate park and a stage for shows and events. Parque Mário Bernardino Ramos, also known as Parque de Eventos da Festa Nacional da Uva, is located on higher ground, is surrounded by a large green space and offers panoramic views of Caxias do Sul. The parks therefore offer different highlights: one has biking and skate facilities as well as a stage, while the other provides an elevated view of the city.

Since 1978, the Parque de Eventos Festa Nacional da Uva has included the Réplicas de Caxias do Sul de 1885 complex. The year in the name gives the site a distinct historical connection; the complex thus adds another theme in the city’s history alongside its museums and places of remembrance.

Hiking, Cycling or Rappelling

The Caminhada na Gruta da 3º Légua is a Level I historical and cultural hiking trail that takes 3 hours. The 21-kilometer Cicloturismo da Ponte bike tour takes 4 hours and is of moderate difficulty. It follows an old Tropeiro trail and leads to the Ponte do Korff, a symbol of an economic activity from the early 20th century. The descriptions distinguish the two activities by duration, type and rating. Check current route conditions and dates before making plans.

Cachoeirismo at Cascata da Rosa involves a 35-meter positive rappel using abseiling techniques and takes one shift. The safety technique used can be learned 10 minutes beforehand. Check the current operator and schedule in advance if you plan to take part in this activity.

Caxias do Sul in the Context of the Passo do Vinho Route

Caxias do Sul is one of the municipalities on the Passo do Vinho tourist route. The route also includes Flores da Cunha, Nova Pádua and Nova Roma do Sul. This route connection offers another perspective for planning a trip: you can focus on Caxias do Sul on its own or consider the route’s other participating municipalities, without assuming a particular length of stay or sequence.

For an overview of the wider region: Rio Grande Do Sul.