chácaras

Chácara (plural chácaras) is a term used in Brazilian Portuguese to designate a small rural property that typically includes a house and some land. Located in the countryside or on the urban fringe, chácaras are usually used as a secondary residence or weekend retreat, rather than as large-scale farming operations. The property often features gardens, fruit trees, and modest outbuildings, and can vary widely in size and amenities.

A chácara is generally smaller than a sítio or a fazenda, with its primary appeal being recreation, family life, and light agricultural activities. Common elements include a main house, sometimes additional chalets or guest spaces, and space for outdoor activities such as gardening, swimming, or barbecues. The landscape may range from landscaped yards to partially cultivated plots.

Regional terminology and usage vary within Brazil. In many areas, chácaras are associated with peri-urban living and leisure, while in others the term can refer to small rural properties used for horticulture or small-scale farming. They are distinct from sítios, which are typically larger and more agricultural in purpose, and fazendas, which denote large farms focused on production.

The origin of the word chácara is uncertain, but the term has been part of Brazilian Portuguese for many decades and reflects a category of rural property that sits between urban housing and larger rural estates. Today chácaras continue to be marketed as weekend homes, family retreats, and sites for agritourism or rental purposes.