Pelotas

With around 320,000 inhabitants, Pelotas is the fourth largest city in Rio Grande do Sul and the second largest in the interior of the state. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, unique cuisine and vibrant cultural festivals, Pelotas is a must-see destination for travelers looking to explore southern Brazil.

The city's colonial heritage is evident in its architecture, with a mix of styles ranging from neoclassical and neogothic to art deco. As you wander through the streets of Pelotas, you'll be greeted by splendid mansions, charming squares, and beautifully preserved buildings that showcase the city's historical grandeur.

Founded in 1812, Pelotas was an important economic center during the 19th century, thanks to its role in the trade in charque, a type of jerky beef that was exported to many parts of the world and that was highly valued at the time. The wealth generated from the charque industry allowed Pelotas to flourish and become an important commercial center. Today, the legacy of this era can be seen in the city's opulent European-style mansions, which were once the residences of wealthy charque barons and ranchers.

In addition to its architectural beauty, Pelotas is famous for its culinary traditions, particularly its delightful sweets. The city's confectionery heritage is deeply ingrained in its culture, and visitors are treated to a wide array of traditional sweets and pastries. The doces de pelotas (Pelotas Sweets) made with skillful craftsmanship and using traditional recipes, are a true highlight of the local gastronomy. From the famous "pé de moleque" to the mouthwatering "quindim," these desserts are not to be missed.

In addition to its historical and gastronomic offerings, Pelotas is a city that embraces arts and culture. It is home to a thriving arts community, with theaters, museums and cultural centers showcasing local talent and creativity. The city also hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including music, theater and dance performances, attracting locals and tourists alike.

Pelotas' location close to the coast adds another dimension to its appeal. The town has beautiful beaches, providing opportunities for walks along the coast, water sports or just relaxing in the sun. Praia do Laranjal, located on the shores of Lagoa dos Patos, offers a serene natural refuge where visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the lake and the surrounding greenery.

The best way to explore Pelotas is on foot, as many of the city's main attractions are located in a relatively small area. The city downtown, known as "Centro Histórico", is particularly pleasant to explore on foot, as it has a well-preserved collection of historic buildings and squares. However, for those who want to venture out and get to know more of Pelotas' natural beauties, such as Praia do Laranjal, for example, taxis and ride services are readily available.

Pelotas offers a wealth of architectural and cultural attractions that are sure to captivate any visitor. Here are some must-see places:

• Cathedral of St. Francis de Paola: Located in the heart of the city, this stunning neo-barroque cathedral is an architectural masterpiece. Its intricate details and towering spires make it a sight to behold.
• Charqueada São João: Delve into Pelotas' history by visiting the Charqueada São João, a historic complex that showcases the production process of charque. Visitors can learn about the city's economic importance during the 19th century and gain insight into the local traditions.
• Mercado Central (Central Market): Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Pelotas by visiting the Mercado Central. This bustling market is filled with stalls selling fresh produce, regional delicacies, handicrafts, and more. Don't miss the opportunity to taste traditional sweets, such as doces de pelotas (Pelotas Sweets), which are famous throughout Brazil.
• Museu da Baronesa (Baroness Museum): Housed in a beautifully preserved mansion, the Museu da Baronesa offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the city's wealthy elite during the 19th century. The museum displays a wide variety of artifacts, including furniture, artwork and personal belongings that tell some of the city's history.

In addition to its cultural offerings, Pelotas also hosts several events and festivals throughout the year. One of the most popular is the Fenadoce, a traditional festival celebrating the city's sweet culinary heritage. During this annual festival, held by two weeks in June, visitors can indulge in a variety of sweets, attend cooking workshops, and enjoy live music performances.

Nature lovers will appreciate a visit to Laranjal Beach, a scenic area located on the shores of Lagoa dos Patos. This vast beach offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, biking, and picnicking. Visitors can also relax and soak up the sun during the warmer months.

For those interested in local sports, attending a soccer match at Estádio Boca do Lobo is a thrilling experience. The stadium is home to Esporte Clube Pelotas, one of the oldest football clubs in Brazil. Another important local football club is Brasil de Pelotas, which plays its matches at Bento Freitas Stadium.

Pelotas is renowned for its gastronomy, particularly its traditional sweets. It is no wonder that Pelotas won the title of "National Sweet Capital". A visit to Pelotas would not be complete without trying the famous Doces de Pelotas (Pelotas Sweets). These exquisite sweets, made with ingredients such as egg yolks, sugar, and fruit, come in a variety of flavors and shapes. The most iconic sweet is the pé-de-moleque, a peanut-based treat that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Stroll through the city center and you will also easily find delicious and traditional quindins, cameos and bem-casados. These and many others are sold in stalls and in traditional pastry shops (Otto, Doçaria Pelotense, Café Aquarius....)

For those who don't live on sweets alone and want a hearty meal, indulge in a traditional "churrasco" (barbecue) at one of the city's many steak houses. Enjoy succulent cuts of meat, grilled to perfection, accompanied by typical side dishes such as rice, beans, and farofa (toasted cassava flour).

The central and Porto area of ​​the city has the busiest nightlife. There are several bars with live music for all tastes.

Pelotas offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. From cozy guesthouses to modern hotels, there is something for everyone.

The city downtown is a popular area to stay, as it provides easy access to the main attractions and dining establishments. Alternatively, if you prefer a more peaceful atmosphere, consider staying near Laranjal Beach, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the lake and relax in nature.

• Hotel Manta, Gen. Netto, 1131, +55 53 3225-2411. It offers accommodation for up to 250 people, luxury and semi-luxury apartments with air conditioning, minibar, box beds, indoor pools, gym, breakfast, garage, and cable TV.
• Hotel Estoril, Gen. Osorio, 718, +55 53 3225-2411. It offers 56 apartments divided into luxury and standard, cable TV, telephone, private bathrooms, breakfast, room service 24hs.
• Curi Palace Hotel, Gen. Netto, 1279, +55 53 3227-7377. It offers 95 apartments, air conditioning, apartment adapted for people with disabilities, breakfast, parking, minibar, garage, restaurant, room service - 24hr, internet access room, meeting rooms, convention hall, gym, telephone, cable tv.
• Curi Hotel, Gen. Osório, 719, +55 53 3227-9955. It offers 90 apartments (luxury, standard and simple), breakfast, central location, garage, restaurants, living rooms, telephone, cable TV in all apartments, fan.

Like any city, Pelotas has its share of safety considerations. It is advisable to take common precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded areas.

In case of emergency, you can contact the paramedics (SAMU) by toll-free number 192.

In urgent and emergency cases for medium to high complexity services, look for a UPA (Unidade de Pronto Atendimento, Emergency Care Unit), a middle ground between a health center/post and hospitals, with more resources than a health post. The severity of the risk, not the order of arrival, determines how quickly the patient will be seen. Its open 24/7, and the service is also free.

For mild trauma and mild symptoms, look for a health post. Its open from Monday to Friday, 08:00-12:00 and from 13:00-17:00 and the service is also free.

Hospitals are units that must attend to highly complex and emergency cases, referred by health posts, UPAs or by ambulances, in addition to providing general clinical care in various specialties. It has more technological intervention resources and its open 24/7. They should be used in life-threatening cases, serious traffic accidents, involving orthopedics, neurosurgery, ophthalmology and stroke (cerebrovascular accident, among others).

• Rio Grande - a port city with magnificent and historical architecture and the spectacular Cassino Beach, the longest sea beach in the world.
• São José do Norte - a city on the canal between Lagoa dos Patos and the Atlantic Ocean with pristine landscapes and many beaches.