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Beach · Santa Vitória do Palmar, RS
Barra do Chuí Lighthouse
Resort at the mouth of the Chuí stream, on the border with Uruguay, next to the southernmost point of Brazil, with a lighthouse and stone groynes. It’s the first Brazilian beach for those coming from Uruguay.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Barra do Chuí Lighthouse
Barra do Chuí is the resort located at the mouth of the Chuí stream, the watercourse that separates Brazil and Uruguay along the coast. It belongs to the municipality of Santa Vitória do Palmar and is the southernmost Brazilian beach. On the other side of the stream is Barra del Chuy, already in Uruguay.
Near the mouth, on a bend of the stream, is the southernmost point of Brazilian territory. At the estuary, a red-and-white striped lighthouse marks the end of the country’s coastline, and stone groynes extend out to sea to protect the stream’s outlet. From the top of the groynes you can see the beach continuing north, wide and straight, and Uruguay on the other side.
The resort has summer houses, some services, and activity concentrated in summer. The beach is exposed to the open sea, with frequent wind and cold water most of the year. Fishermen often stay on the groynes and at the water’s edge.
Along the coast between Barra do Chuí and Lagoa dos Patos there are records of many shipwrecks over the centuries, and the beach continues for dozens of kilometers with almost no buildings.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 to 2 hours for the lighthouse, the groynes and the beach; a full day in summer.
Best time
From December to March, on the warmest, least windy days. Outside summer the resort is empty and the visit is shorter, to see the lighthouse and the border.
How to get there
From Chuí, follow the road that leads to the coast to reach the resort; from Santa Vitória do Palmar, take BR-471 to Chuí and continue to the coast. The lighthouse is by the stream’s mouth, at the end of the resort.
Tip
Bring a jacket even in summer: the Atlantic wind cools the late afternoon. Be careful on the groynes with wet stones. Do not cross the stream to the Uruguayan side except at control points.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Barra do Chuí Lighthouse
Is Barra do Chuí in Chuí?
No. The resort belongs to the municipality of Santa Vitória do Palmar, although the shortest access is from the city of Chuí.
Where is the southernmost point of Brazil?
In the Chuí stream, which separates Brazil and Uruguay, near where it meets the sea, next to the resort.
Is the water at Barra do Chuí cold?
Yes, it is usually cold most of the year, and wind is frequent. The warmest days are from December to March.