Santa Maria: The Cultural Heart of Rio Grande
Santa Maria is a town located in the Rio Grande do Sul, in the southernmost regions of Brazil. It has an area of over 700 square miles and a population of more than 270,000. Coined the “heart of Rio Grande,” Santa Maria, Brazil, was originally home to the indigenous Minuano people before the arrival of the Spanish colonizers. It is also sometimes referred to as Brazil’s “University City,” due to its large student population and number of universities and smaller colleges. The town is serviced by the Santa Maria Airport (RIA).
Best Time to Visit
Santa Maria, Brazil, is a coastal town, and thus a good time to visit would be during the summer, from around August to December. March to May is another ideal time as it experiences similarly warm weather. September is the best time to visit to avoid the crowds and expenses that come with peak tourist season. Around November, the town hosts the Romaria da Medianeira, a yearly festival dedicated to its Nossa Senhora Medianeira, or the Virgin Mary.
What to Do & Area Attractions
The Santa Maria Art Museum features contemporary and traditional works from some of the best artists from Santa Maria, Brazil. The Vicente Pallotti Museum is dedicated to scientific displays, from paleontological and archaeological artifacts, local minerals, and exhibits featuring local animals, like birds, snakes, and fish. Santa Maria accommodations include Bangalô Motel - Adults Only, with clean and sleek rooms ideal for a romantic weekend getaway for couples.