10 Nature and Culture Experiences You Can Enjoy Year-Round in Lages Brazil

Key takeaways:

• Lages is a scenic mountain city in southern Brazil known for its gaucho traditions, cool climate, and year-round nature escapes.

• The city offers hikes, festivals, ranch visits, and cultural centers that reveal the deep roots of its highland culture.

• Whether you’re here in summer or winter, Lages delivers fresh air, authentic experiences, and local charm in every season.

Located in the highlands of Santa Catarina, Lages is often referred to as the capital of the Brazilian countryside—and for good reason. Nestled in the Serra Catarinense, this charming city blends European roots, gaucho culture, and breathtaking mountain scenery in a way few places in Brazil can. Founded in the 18th century as a stop on cattle trails, Lages has evolved into a hub for culture, eco-tourism, and local festivals that celebrate its rugged beauty and cowboy heritage. Its temperate climate brings crisp winters and fresh summers, making it one of the rare Brazilian destinations with four distinct seasons. People love Lages for its warm people, hearty cuisine, and endless outdoor escapes.

Table of Contents

1. Visit Parque Jonas Ramos and Walk Around Lagoa do Lageano

2. Hike Through the Canyon Trails of Coxilha Rica

3. Experience the Festa Nacional do Pinhão in June

4. Tour the Historic Center and Catedral Diocesana

5. Spend a Day at a Traditional Fazenda (Ranch)

6. Ride Horseback Through the Countryside

7. Explore Morro da Cruz for Panoramic City Views

8. Check Out Local Art and Culture at SESC Lages

9. Warm Up with Traditional Gaucho Food and Chimarrão

10. Attend a Rodeo or Folklore Dance Performance

1. Visit Parque Jonas Ramos and Walk Around Lagoa do Lageano

Right in the heart of the city, Parque Jonas Ramos—known locally as “Tanque”—is one of Lages’ most relaxing and scenic spots. The park is built around Lagoa do Lageano, a tranquil lagoon with fountains, benches, and a looping path ideal for walking, jogging, or casual biking. Locals gather here year-round to exercise, feed the ducks, or enjoy ice cream under the trees. It’s especially charming in the early morning or late afternoon when the light softens and the park fills with life.

During the cooler months, the eucalyptus trees lining the path turn golden, creating a peaceful autumn-like vibe that’s rare in Brazil. The park also hosts seasonal events, from food fairs to Christmas light displays, depending on the time of year. It’s centrally located, free to visit, and perfect for anyone who wants a quick nature fix in the middle of the city. Whether you’re visiting solo or with friends, this spot gives you a real sense of Lages’ calm and local rhythm.

2. Hike Through the Canyon Trails of Coxilha Rica

Just a short drive outside the city lies Coxilha Rica, a rugged region filled with canyons, rolling hills, and native grasslands. This area is part of Brazil’s campos de cima da serra ecosystem and offers stunning landscapes for hiking, photography, and exploring old trails once used by 19th-century cattle herders. You’ll find dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and dirt paths that wind past stone ruins and ranch outposts.

Guided tours are recommended, as the terrain is vast and often lacks signage. Many tour operators also include stops at local farms or offer picnic lunches with regional fare. It’s accessible year-round, though spring and fall bring the best weather for hiking. For nature lovers and adventure seekers, Coxilha Rica is the kind of place that feels undiscovered and magical.

3. Experience the Festa Nacional do Pinhão in June

Lages is home to one of southern Brazil’s biggest and most beloved cultural events: the Festa Nacional do Pinhão, held every June. This massive festival celebrates local traditions, music, and the pinhão—the edible seed of the Araucaria tree, which grows throughout the region. The party takes place in a large park and includes concerts, dance performances, food stands, and plenty of roasted pinhão to go around.

It draws thousands of visitors each year, especially for its lineup of sertanejo and regional folk bands. The air is filled with smoke from grills, the sound of fiddles and accordions, and the cheer of friends clinking cups of quentão (a local spiced hot drink). Even if you’re not in town for the main event, smaller gatherings and pinhão dishes appear across the city during the colder months. It’s a true taste of the highlands’ spirit.

4. Tour the Historic Center and Catedral Diocesana

Lages has a small but walkable historic center filled with early 20th-century buildings, quaint cafés, and murals that reflect its colonial and European immigrant history. A must-see is the Catedral Diocesana de Lages, a striking church built in the 1920s with beautiful stained glass and classic stonework that anchors the main square. The cathedral is open to the public, and its cool interior makes it a great place to pause and reflect.

As you stroll the area, you’ll find cultural centers, bookstores, and small boutiques selling handmade crafts or gaucho accessories. Don’t miss the stone monument honoring the pioneers of the region, or the charming city theater, which hosts regular performances. This part of Lages gives you a slower, deeper look at the city’s roots and is especially enjoyable in the quiet mornings or during sunset walks.

5. Spend a Day at a Traditional Fazenda (Ranch)

One of the most authentic experiences you can have in Lages is spending a day at a working fazenda, or ranch. These properties range from small family-run spots to larger operations, many of which open their gates to visitors for horseback rides, barbecues, and cultural demonstrations. You’ll get to see how gauchos live—complete with traditional attire, open-fire cooking, and even cattle herding if the timing is right.

Many ranches offer day experiences or overnight stays in rustic but cozy cabins. You’ll eat local dishes like carreteiro rice or pinhão stew, drink chimarrão (herbal mate tea), and maybe even learn how to lasso. It’s a perfect escape from city life and a great way to immerse yourself in the rural heart of southern Brazil. Book in advance, especially in high season or around holidays.

6. Ride Horseback Through the Countryside

One of the most immersive ways to explore the rolling hills around Lages is by horseback. The region is deeply tied to gaucho culture, and horseback riding isn’t just for tourists—it’s a daily tradition still practiced by many families. Trails range from short scenic routes along rivers and pastures to longer rides that pass through forests and rural communities.

Many local fazendas offer these guided rides and provide all necessary gear. Even beginners are welcome, and the pace is usually relaxed enough to focus on the surrounding views. Riding through the countryside gives you a slower, more intimate way to connect with nature and the land’s traditions. It’s a peaceful and unforgettable way to see Santa Catarina’s highland beauty.

7. Explore Morro da Cruz for Panoramic City Views

If you’re looking for a sweeping view of Lages and the surrounding region, head up to Morro da Cruz, a scenic hilltop with panoramic overlooks. It’s a popular spot for locals to watch the sunset, take photos, or just breathe in the crisp, highland air. On clear days, you can see for miles—across the red rooftops of the city and into the distant forested hills.

The road to the top is paved and accessible by car or on foot for those up for a light workout. There’s a large white cross that gives the hill its name and serves as a peaceful spot for reflection. Early mornings and late afternoons are best for light and quiet. It’s a quick but meaningful stop that captures the natural charm of Lages in a single frame.

8. Check Out Local Art and Culture at SESC Lages

For a taste of local creativity, head to SESC Lages, a community space that hosts exhibitions, theater performances, live music, and public workshops. Throughout the year, the cultural calendar includes everything from photography and regional crafts to folk dance classes and independent film screenings. It’s one of the best spots to see what’s happening in the creative scene.

The space is family-friendly, affordable (often free), and welcoming to visitors. SESC also offers a great on-site café and cozy outdoor areas for reading or relaxing. Whether you want to catch a show or join a painting session, you’ll get a deeper sense of what makes Lages tick. Be sure to check the schedule when you’re in town—you might just find a surprise gem.

9. Warm Up with Traditional Gaucho Food and Chimarrão

In cooler months, the best way to warm up in Lages is by diving into its traditional gaucho cuisine. Start with entrevero, a mix of grilled meats and vegetables often served sizzling hot, or try a bowl of pinhão stew. Meals are hearty, simple, and deeply satisfying—just what you need after a mountain hike or chilly day exploring.

No visit is complete without chimarrão, the bitter herbal tea shared in a traditional gourd and passed among friends. It’s not just a drink—it’s a ritual. Many cafés, ranches, and even market stalls offer it, and locals are usually happy to explain the customs. Sharing chimarrão with someone in Lages is an invitation into their world.

10. Attend a Rodeo or Folklore Dance Performance

Throughout the year, Lages hosts rodeios—traditional rodeo events featuring horseback competitions, folk music, and dancing. These events celebrate gaucho heritage and bring together generations of families for fun, food, and storytelling. From lasso contests to live accordion music, rodeios are packed with energy and cultural pride.

Folklore dance groups, dressed in regional attire, often perform at these gatherings or in city-sponsored events. You don’t need to understand every word—just watch the steps, the rhythm, and the joy in every stomp and twirl. These cultural celebrations connect visitors to the soul of southern Brazil. If one’s happening during your trip, don’t miss it.

What to do if you have kids?

Lages is a great place for families traveling with kids thanks to its natural settings and warm community vibe. Visit Parque Jonas Ramos for open space and boat rides, or book a child-friendly horseback ride at a local ranch. Many festivals and cultural centers like SESC Lages include dedicated activities for kids—craft workshops, puppet shows, and even cooking demos. Cooler temperatures make it comfortable for outdoor adventures year-round. Pack layers, bring snacks, and your little ones will stay active and engaged the entire trip.

Where can I find free events in Lages Santa Catarina taking place this weekend?

To find free concerts, open-air markets, cultural workshops, or family events in Lages this weekend, head to PlanMyWeekend.ai. This smart platform curates local, alcohol-free, and no-cost events tailored to your interests and location. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, you’ll find things to do that don’t require hours of online searching. Just set your filters and explore what’s happening in the city right now—you might stumble into a festival, a sunset yoga class, or a folkloric dance rehearsal.

Final thoughts on planning your trip to Lages

Lages is a place where nature, tradition, and hospitality all meet in harmony. It’s not a major metropolis, and that’s exactly its charm. Here, you can ride a horse through open pastures in the morning and share chimarrão around a fire by evening. Whether you visit for a weekend or a week, Lages has a way of slowing you down and grounding you in the best of southern Brazilian culture. Bring your boots, your curiosity, and a warm jacket—you’ll leave with full memories and maybe a few new friends.