The municipality of Tavares lies on the coastal plain of Rio Grande do Sul, between the Atlantic Ocean and Lagoa dos Patos. For travel planning, Parque Nacional da Lagoa do Peixe, archaeological sites, and the historic Farol Mostardas offer different points of interest.

Park landscapes and birdwatching

Parque Nacional da Lagoa do Peixe is located within the municipality of Tavares. The park’s main attraction is birdwatching along its four trails. The protected area lies in an extensive sandy coastal plain between Lagoa dos Patos and the Atlantic Ocean. Its landscapes include restinga forest, wetlands, dune fields, freshwater and brackish lagoons, beaches, and a marine area. The municipality also includes dunes along the Atlantic coast. In 1993, the park was recognized as a Ramsar site because of its importance for wetland conservation.

Three routes, different highlights

The routes vary both in length and in their respective observation highlights. Trilha das Figueiras is 6 km long; the route can be driven by car as far as the shore of Lagoa do Peixe, where flocks of flamingos and spoonbills can be seen. Trilha do Talha-mar is about 10 km long and offers opportunities to observe the northern part of Lagoa do Peixe, as well as black-necked swans and capororocas. Trilha dos Flamingos is 19 km long and connects the lighthouse with the mouth of Lagoa do Peixe. In comparison, the routes range from 6 to about 10 to 19 km: Figueiras leads to the shore, Talha-mar focuses on the northern part of the lagoon, and Flamingos connects the lighthouse and the lagoon mouth.

Cultural history in the municipality

The Sambaquis archaeological site is in Capão da Marca on the shore of Lagoa dos Patos. It is associated with the presence of the region’s early Indigenous inhabitants. Farol Mostardas is a 38-meter-high lighthouse on the Atlantic coast in the municipality of Tavares; it was inaugurated in 1894.

In 1980, the first Festa campeira on the peninsula was held in the municipality of Tavares; the first Missa Crioula in Rio Grande do Sul was also held there that same year. The 3rd Rodeio Crioulo Nacional de Tavares, held from November 13 to 16, 2025, was scheduled to include competitions and activities in Tiro de Laço and Gineteada.

Distances for orientation

From the municipal seat, it is 13 km to the Sambaquis site, 22 km to Parque Nacional da Lagoa do Peixe, and 24 km to Farol Mostardas. Since all three distances start from the same point, the destinations within the municipality can be compared geographically.

Discover more destinations: Santa Cruz Do Sul, Itapuã, Alto Uruguai, Machadinho, Bom Princípio, Canoas, Manuel Viana, São Gabriel.

Return to the main travel overview: Rio Grande Do Sul.