São Miguel das Missões

São Miguel is 485km far from Porto Alegre.

By plane

Carrier flights touch down at the airport of nearby city of Santo Ângelo. Flights to other states and countries usually change planes at Porto Alegre or São Paulo.

By bus

Comfortable and air-conditioned executive coaches are available from Porto Alegre and many other cities throughout Rio Grande do Sul state to cities near São Miguel das Missões. Buses generally stop at the bus station in Santo Ângelo on the "Viação Ouro e Prata" busline. Schedule from Porto Alegre is found on the Porto Alegre Rodoviária (bus station) site and the Viação Ouro e Prata site .
Buses to São Miguel das Missões are available in the Santo Ângelo bus station.

By car

BR-116 North (Porto Alegre to Canoas)
BR-386 Northwest (Canoas to Tio Hugo)
RS-223/BR-377 West (Tio Hugo to Cruz Alta)
RS-342 (Cruz Alta to Ijuí)
BR-285/RS-342 (Ijuí to São Miguel das Missões)
Come prepared to understand the language of the road in Brazil. Passing, tailgating, speeding and signaling that you may do one of these things may be confusing to first time drivers.

• São Miguel Arcanjo archeological site

  phone: +55 55 3381-1294
  address: R. São Nicolau
  Its centerpiece is the Church of St. Michael the Archangel, built in Baroque style, designed by Italian architect Gian Batista Primolli, begun in 1735 and took 10 years to complete, composed of three naves separated by two large archways and five altars with images of saints, coverage was clay tiles supported by wooden beams and, in front, a portico with arches and columns that displayed statues of the 12 apostles. The sandstone blocks were brought from a distance of 20 km. The tower, 25 meters tall, wore a tin rooster and five golden bells. Other highlights include a massive Missionary Cross, built from a single block of stone sandstone, and a 1-ton remaining bell.

• Missions MuseumDesigned in 1940 by Lúcio Costa. Inspired by the dwellings of the missionaries. Its veranda is roofed with clay tiles. The museum contains a rich collection of about a hundred sculptures of rare beauty, of sizes ranging from 15 cm to 2.20 m, collected by John Hugo Machado between 1939 and 1940.

• The Light and Show Spectacular (Espectáculo de Som e Luz) occurs at dusk and explains the history of the Jesuits, Guarani indians and the Portuguese and Spanish empires in this territory. You can also enjoy the blue starry nights in this remote region of the pampas during the presentation. You may even need a light jacket in the summertime to stay comfortable (remember that summer is from December to February in the southern hemisphere). Shows start for November, December and January: 9:30pm. Show start for February, March, April, August, September and October: 8:00pm. Show start for May, June and July: 7:00pm (wear a coat). Cost: R$5.00, R$2.50 with any domestic or international student ID, R$2.50 for seniors over 60 years of age. Purchase tickets at the archeological site entrance.

• Restaurante , Peixaria e Lancheria - Meu Cantinho

  phone: +55 55 9998-1666, +55 55 3381-1025
  address: Rua São Nicolau, 824

• Aldeia Grill

  phone: +55 55 3381-1070, +55 55 9936-3671
  address: Av. Antunes Ribas, 1771

• Restaurante O Guarani

  phone: +55 55 3381-1060
  address: Rua Borges do Canto, 1926

• Restaurante e Pizzaria Casarão

  phone: +55 55 3381-1203
  address: Av. Borges do Canto, 1244

• Tenondé Park Hotel

  phone: +55 55 3381-2000
  address: Rua São Miguel, 664 - Centro
  This is the poshest hotel in the city; however, a room of equivalent luxury may run much cheaper in Porto Alegre. It's remote location makes common luxury in the capital city much more expensive here.

• Pousada das Missões

  phone: +55 51 3225 0693
  address: Rua Des. André da Rocha 225
  Rustic, but very charming and right next door to the archeological site. Your best bet in São Miguel das Missões.

• Hotel Barrichello

  phone: +55 55 3381-1272
  address: Avenida Borges do Canto, 1555
  Slightly smaller rooms, but very clean and new. Rooms are generally cheaper than the other two hotels.