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Mirim Lagoon

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Mirim Lagoon (Brazil)

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Mirim Lagoon (Lagoa Mirim) is a large coastal lagoon located on the border between southern Brazil and eastern Uruguay, covering an area of about 3,750 square kilometers. It is connected to the larger Lagoa dos Patos to the north via the São Gonçalo Channel, creating a vast interconnected wetland system in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Formed by sedimentary deposits over the last few hundred thousand years, it is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a sandy littoral strip. The international border between Brazil and Uruguay runs through the center of the lagoon, governed by the Mirim Lagoon Treaty of 1909 which established shared navigation and usage rights. The surrounding lowlands are major rice-producing regions, heavily relying on the lagoon's fresh water for irrigation. The area is also an important ecological corridor for migratory birds and home to diverse freshwater fish species.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C242422191613121315172022
Rain mm1001201101181231131021241271218286

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Reached via remote regional roads near the border, with several small rural municipalities providing the primary points of access to the shores of this large lagoon.
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Best season
Birdwatching and peaceful wildlife observation are typically rewarding year-round, but spring migrations usually offer particularly bustling and active biodiversity.
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Terrain & paths
Visitors should expect vast, uninterrupted marshlands, dense reedy shores, and expansive flat wetlands stretching extensively along this international water border.
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What to bring
High-quality binoculars for wildlife viewing, strong insect repellent, and waterproof boots are highly recommended for comfortably exploring the biodiverse wetland fringes.
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Parking
Visitors can generally find straightforward parking options in the nearby border towns or at designated nature observation points dotted along the lagoon's perimeter.
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Safety
Since it is situated in a remote border region with extensive wetlands, staying on established local paths and respectfully following international border regulations is strongly advised.
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Time needed
Dedicated nature enthusiasts often spend anywhere from several hours to a half-day scanning the quiet shores for the area's renowned and diverse birdlife.

Geography

Coordinates
-33.00000, -52.80000

Facts

  • The lagoon covers a total area of 3,750 square km
  • It marks the international border between Brazil and Uruguay
  • Linked to Lagoa dos Patos by the São Gonçalo Channel
  • Shared usage was formally agreed in the 1909 Treaty
  • Serves as a primary irrigation source for regional rice farms
  • The average depth is between 1 and 2 meters

Explore nearby

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ChuyChuy85 km · SWExplore →
Bañados del Este WetlandsBañados del Este Wetlands90 km · SWExplore →
Fort of San MiguelFort of San Miguel95 km · SWExplore →
La CoronillaLa Coronilla99 km · SWExplore →
Port of Rio GrandePort of Rio Grande102 km · NEExplore →
Montes del QueguayMontes del Queguay105 km · NEExplore →

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

Between which countries is the Lagoa Mirim located?
It is located on the border between Brazil and Uruguay.
Is the lagoon navigable?
Yes, it is navigable and connected to the Lagoa dos Patos.
What does the name 'Mirim' mean?
In the Tupi language, it means 'small', compared to the larger Lagoa dos Patos.
What activities can you do there?
Primarily bird watching, fishing, and boating.
Are there protected areas there?
Yes, there are several reserves that protect the wetlands.
Mirim Lagoon: where is it located?
Mirim Lagoon is located in Brazil.
Mirim Lagoon: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
Mirim Lagoon: why is it worth visiting?
Mirim Lagoon (Lagoa Mirim) is a large coastal lagoon located on the border between southern Brazil and eastern Uruguay, covering an area of about 3,750 square kilometers.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

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

History & landmarks

Cathedral of Stone in Canela — Mirim Lagoon (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

Lagoa dos Patos — Mirim Lagoon (Brazil)
Lagoa dos Patos
The largest lagoon in Brazil and South America, located parallel to the Atlantic Ocean.
Laguna Merín — Mirim Lagoon (Brazil)
Laguna Merín
A large freshwater lake on the border between Brazil and eastern Uruguay.
Cebollatí River — Mirim Lagoon (Brazil)
Cebollatí River
One of the longest rivers in Uruguay, flowing into the Laguna Merín.

More places

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