Rio Grande do Sul · Brazil
Where to stay in Pelotas
Pelotas is a city in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, home to about 336,000 people.
- Best months
- November
- Nearest airport
- PET6 km · João Simões Lopes Neto International Airport
- Currency
- BRLBrazilian real
- Time zone
- America/Sao Paulo
- Language
- Portuguese, Brazilian Sign Language
About
About Pelotas
Pelotas is a Brazilian city and municipality (município), the fourth most populous in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, after Porto Alegre, Caxias do Sul and Canoas. It is located 270 km (168 mi) from Porto Alegre, the state's capital city, and 130 km (80.8 mi) from the Uruguayan border.
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 neo-Gothic to art deco.
Wikipedia and Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Things to do
What to see and do in Pelotas
See
Pelotas offers a wealth of architectural and cultural attractions that are sure to captivate any visitor.
Do
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.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Where to stay
Which part of Pelotas to stay in
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.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Where to stay
Hotels in Pelotas
9 hotels within 25 km of the centre, as recorded in Wikidata. Each name links to its encyclopedia article where there is one.
| Hotel | Opened | From centre |
|---|---|---|
| Charqueada Santa Rita Pousada de Charme | 5.8 km | |
| Curi Palace Hotel | 0.6 km | |
| Hotel Alles Blau | 0.5 km | |
| Hotel Curi Executive | 0.6 km | |
| Hotel Jacques Georges Business | 0.3 km | |
| Hotel Jacques Georges Tower | 0.7 km | |
| Hotel Manta | 0.6 km | |
| M Tower Hotel | 0.7 km | |
| Província Casa Hotel | 8.2 km |
When to go
The best time to visit Pelotas
The most comfortable months for a city stay in Pelotas are November. January is the warmest month, with average highs of 29 °C; April is the wettest, with about 156 mm of rain.
Comfortable means average daytime high between 18 °C and 29 °C and under 80 mm of rain in the month. Averages for 1991–2020 over the surrounding area, a grid square about 50 km across, so a coast or a nearby mountain can make the town itself warmer or cooler. Data: CRU TS v4.10, Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia (Open Database License).
Getting there
Getting to Pelotas: airports and arrival
The nearest airport with scheduled flights is João Simões Lopes Neto International Airport (PET), about 6.3 km from the city centre in a straight line.
Getting in
João Simões Lopes Neto International Airport (PEL) is the only airport serving the city. The airport is located 7 km from the city downtown. It is a small airport, therefore, it has only one room for departures and arrivals and do not expect great amenities, such as a food court, for example. Azul flies from Porto Alegre to Pelotas from Monday to Friday. VoePass has flights from Porto Alegre to Pelotas on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Flights from Guarulhos on Gol are also available on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Taxis are available at the entrance and exit of the airport.
Getting around
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.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
PET · João Simões Lopes Neto International Airport
Local knowledge
Eating, drinking and staying safe in Pelotas
Eat
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.
Drink
The central and Porto area of the city has the busiest nightlife. There are several bars with live music for all tastes.
Stay safe
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.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Questions
Pelotas: questions travellers ask
When is the best time to visit Pelotas?
The most comfortable months for a city stay in Pelotas are November. January is the warmest month, with average highs of 29 °C; April is the wettest, with about 156 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Pelotas?
The nearest airport with scheduled flights is João Simões Lopes Neto International Airport (PET), about 6.3 km from the city centre in a straight line.
What currency is used in Pelotas?
Brazilian real (BRL).
Nearby
Destinations near Pelotas
Sources: city facts from Wikidata and Wikipedia; airports from OurAirports; climate from CRU TS v4.10 (University of East Anglia Climatic Research Unit), 1991–2020 monthly means, 0.5° grid; places to stay, guest scores and amenities from each operator's own public pages. How this guide is made.