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Lagoa dos Patos

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Lagoa dos Patos (Brazil)

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Lagoa dos Patos, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, is the largest lagoon in Brazil and the second largest in South America. Spanning approximately 10,140 square kilometers, it stretches 280 kilometers in length parallel to the Atlantic coast, separated by a narrow sandy peninsula. Despite its vast surface area, the lagoon is relatively shallow, with an average depth of only 7 meters, necessitating dredged channels for commercial shipping. It serves as a vital maritime link between the state capital, Porto Alegre, and the international port of Rio Grande at its southern outlet. The name, meaning 'Lagoon of the Ducks,' is attributed to the indigenous inhabitants or the abundance of waterfowl noted by early European explorers. Ecologically, it is a highly productive brackish environment, supporting diverse fisheries, migratory birds, and a resident population of Franciscana dolphins.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252524211815141516192123
Rain mm11010810310211010713110814613996105

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Approached via numerous major coastal highways and regional roads that connect the various towns situated along its immense shoreline, which runs parallel to the ocean.
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Best season
Visiting during the milder spring or autumn seasons is usually the most pleasant option, thereby avoiding the often intense summer heat of southern Brazil.
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Terrain & paths
The surrounding environment consists primarily of vast, expansive flat coastal plains, large open sandy banks, and gentle, wind-swept waterside areas.
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What to bring
Windbreakers are highly recommended due to frequent coastal breezes. Sun protection and binoculars for observing the regional birdlife are also extremely useful.
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Parking
The numerous municipalities bordering this expansive lagoon typically offer ample, easily accessible parking near the shorelines and local recreational areas.
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Safety
Because of the lagoon's sheer size, localized weather and water conditions can change rapidly; anyone using small watercraft must monitor local wind forecasts carefully.
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Time needed
Exploring significant portions of this massive coastline can easily take a full day, or it can form a major part of a multi-day road trip along the Atlantic route.

Geography

Coordinates
-31.00000, -51.00000

Facts

  • The lagoon covers an area of roughly 10,140 square km
  • It measures 280 km long and up to 70 km wide
  • The average depth is approximately 7 meters
  • Primary waterway connecting Porto Alegre to the ocean
  • Home to the rare and endangered Franciscana dolphin
  • Separated from the sea by a peninsula 8 km wide on average

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Porto AlegrePorto Alegre72 km · EExplore →
Gramado ZooGramado Zoo111 km · EExplore →
Snowland GramadoSnowland Gramado114 km · EExplore →
Cathedral of Stone in CanelaCathedral of Stone in Canela117 km · EExplore →
Caxias do SulCaxias do Sul129 km · EExplore →
Montes del QueguayMontes del Queguay138 km · SWExplore →
Bento GoncalvesBento Goncalves140 km · SEExplore →
Port of Rio GrandePort of Rio Grande141 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How large is the Lagoa dos Patos?
With over 10,000 km², it is the largest lagoon in South America.
Where is the lagoon located?
In the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in southern Brazil.
Is the water salty or fresh?
It is mostly fresh water, but in the south it is brackish due to the connection to the sea.
Can you go sailing on the lagoon?
Yes, sailing and windsurfing are very popular due to the good wind conditions.
Which cities are located on its banks?
Porto Alegre, Pelotas, and Rio Grande are the most significant cities.
Lagoa dos Patos: where is it located?
Lagoa dos Patos is located in Brazil.
Lagoa dos Patos: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Nov, Dec.
Lagoa dos Patos: why is it worth visiting?
Lagoa dos Patos, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, is the largest lagoon in Brazil and the second largest in South America.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
South America
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Nearby cities

Porto Alegre — Lagoa dos Patos (Brazil)
Porto Alegre
The southernmost capital of Brazil, deeply rooted in Gaucho (South American cowboy) culture.
Caxias do Sul — Lagoa dos Patos (Brazil)
Caxias do Sul
A thriving industrial city in the mountainous region (Serra Gaúcha), deeply rooted in the history of Italian immigration.
Bento Goncalves — Lagoa dos Patos (Brazil)
Bento Goncalves
The wine capital of Brazil in the Vale dos Vinhedos.
Cambara do Sul — Lagoa dos Patos (Brazil)
Cambara do Sul
The gateway to the spectacular canyons of Aparados da Serra.

History & landmarks

Cathedral of Stone in Canela — Lagoa dos Patos (Brazil)
Cathedral of Stone in Canela
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes, also known as the Cathedral of Stone, is a magnificent Gothic-style church in Canela, Rio Grande do…

Nature

Mirim Lagoon — Lagoa dos Patos (Brazil)
Mirim Lagoon
A large coastal lagoon shared by Brazil and Uruguay, known for its biodiversity.

More places

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Gramado Zoo
A zoo dedicated exclusively to the rich and diverse Brazilian wildlife.
Snowland Gramado — Lagoa dos Patos (Brazil)
Snowland Gramado
The first indoor snow park in the Americas, offering winter sports and snow fun for families.
Port of Rio Grande — Lagoa dos Patos (Brazil)
Port of Rio Grande
This port serves as a crucial maritime gateway for the southern region of Brazil.
Valley of the Vineyards (Vale dos Vinhedos) — Lagoa dos Patos (Brazil)
Valley of the Vineyards (Vale dos Vinhedos)
Brazil's most famous wine-growing region, heavily influenced by Italian immigrants.
Candiota Coal Mine — Lagoa dos Patos (Brazil)
Candiota Coal Mine
Home to the largest proven coal reserves in Brazil, supplying fossil fuel for regional thermoelectric power generation.
São Miguel das Missões — Lagoa dos Patos (Brazil)
São Miguel das Missões
Ruins of a 17th-century Jesuit reduction in southern Brazil.