Things To Do
in Acari
Acari is a small inland municipality in the Seridó region of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, known for its arid caatinga landscapes and traditional sertanejo culture. The town centers around a compact historic core with a church, market stalls and a relaxed pace of life. Locals maintain strong cultural traditions — handicrafts, regional cuisine and festas — that give visitors an authentic glimpse of rural northeast Brazil.
Acari is a practical base for exploring nearby rock formations, low mountain ridges and the distinctive semi-arid scenery of the interior.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic center of Acari, where you can admire the charming colonial architecture. Visit the local market to experience the vibrant atmosphere and sample some traditional Brazilian breakfast delicacies. Don’t forget to capture photos of the intricate facades and bustling streets filled with locals.
After lunch at a quaint café, continue your exploration by visiting the Museu Municipal, where you can learn about the rich history and culture of the region. Spend some time relaxing at one of the local parks, enjoying the lush greenery and perhaps a game of futebol with local children. As the sun begins to set, pick up some local handicrafts from nearby shops to remember your adventure.
As evening descends, savor a delectable dinner at a traditional Brazilian steakhouse, where you can indulge in the famous rodízio service. Enjoy live music performances featuring local artists, adding a festive atmosphere to your meal. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the illuminated streets, soaking in the vibrant nightlife of Acari.
Embark on an exciting day trip to the stunning Serra do Saco, where the morning air is fresh and invigorating. Begin with a guided hike through the lush trails, surrounded by breathtaking views of the rolling hills and unique rock formations. Keep an eye out for native wildlife, as the area is home to various bird species and small mammals.
After working up an appetite, enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature, immersing yourself in the serene environment. Continue your exploration with a visit to the natural pools, where you can take a refreshing dip in crystal-clear waters. Capture the beauty of the landscape with your camera, creating lasting memories of this untouched paradise.
Return to Acari in the evening to unwind after a day of adventure. Treat yourself to a warm meal at a local diner, sampling regional specialties such as carne de sol and feijão verde. End your day with a visit to a cozy bar where you can relax with a caipirinha, mingling with locals and sharing stories about your day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| ☕Coffee or snack | $1-2 |
| 🚌Local bus ride | $0.50-1 |
| 🚕Short taxi or moto-taxi | $1.50-5 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse / pousada (per night) | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic small-town sertão culture and hospitality
- Unique caatinga landscapes and easy access to rural nature
- Low costs and unhurried pace ideal for relaxation and photography
- Limited services, ATMs and card acceptance — carry cash
- Basic medical facilities; serious care requires travel to larger towns
- Hot, dry climate and dusty roads may be challenging for some visitors
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o centro?" - Where is the town center?
- "Eu não como carne" - I don't eat meat
- "Banheiro?" - Bathroom?
Places to Visit in Acari
Visit one of these nice places.
The town plaza, church façade and surrounding streets offer classic small-town compositions, especially at golden hour.
Sweeping semi-arid scenery with sculptural shrubs, cacti and rock outcrops — great for wide-angle shots and sunrise/sunset colors.
Candid portraits and detail shots of produce, cheeses, handicrafts and everyday activity; ask permission before photographing people.
Colorful local festas (especially during June festivals) and live music create energetic scenes ideal for event photography.
Food in Acari
Acari Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cured sun-dried beef served with boiled or fried cassava (macaxeira/mandioca). Found at small restaurants and family-run eateries (comida por quilo).
Must-Try!
Regional bean preparations often served with rice and locally made cheese; common at midday meals in casa de família or inexpensive restaurants.
Traditional goat-offal stew prepared for special occasions in some rural households and during festas; try only at recommended places.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small municipal market where you’ll find fresh regional produce, dried goods, local cheeses and quick snack stalls. Great spot to try regional cheeses, pamonha or fried tapioca snacks.
Street vendors sell fried snacks, bolos (cakes) and pastel-like pastries; ideal for cheap, tasty bites and observing daily life.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly verbal greeting (bom dia / boa tarde) and a handshake are common; politeness goes a long way in small communities.
Dress modestly and avoid loud or disruptive behavior in public spaces; show respect during religious events and private homes.
Always ask before photographing people, especially in intimate or religious settings; many locals will be welcoming if asked politely.
Safety
Tipping in Acari
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest in small towns: leaving small change or rounding up for restaurant service is appreciated but not obligatory. For guided services or taxi drivers, a small tip (5–10%) for good service is welcome.
Cash (Brazilian reais) is king in Acari; many small establishments and markets do not accept cards or have unreliable connectivity. ATMs are limited — carry sufficient cash and confirm card acceptance before ordering.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Summer (December–February) is hot with high daytime temperatures and strong sun; short, intense rain showers can occur but the region is generally dry. Carry sun protection, light clothing and plenty of water; expect dusty roads outside town.
Winter months (June–August) are milder with cooler nights and occasional rain depending on the year; daytime temperatures remain comfortable for hiking. Festivals such as São João in June can create lively cultural opportunities but book accommodation early.
The sertão has an irregular rainy season; when rains come they can make dirt roads muddy and some rural tracks impassable — check local conditions before driving off-road.
Acari at Night
Hiking in Acari
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible short hikes offering panoramic views across the semi-arid landscape; trails vary from easy walks to steeper ridgeline scrambles.
A regional mountain area with scenic lookouts and trails, suitable for sunrise/sunset photography and birdwatching; access usually by car from nearby towns.
Walks along dry riverbeds and valleys that transform after rains; check conditions before entering as terrain can be sandy or muddy.
Airports
How to reach Acari by plane.
Small regional airfield near Currais Novos that sometimes handles regional flights or charter services; from here reach Acari by car or intercity bus.
The largest international airport in Rio Grande do Norte, serving domestic and international flights; reach Acari by a long drive or regional bus connections and car hire.
Regional airport serving west RN with road connections to the Seridó region; useful as an alternate access point depending on schedules.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population identifies as pardo (mixed), combining Indigenous, European and African ancestry typical of the region.
Afro-Brazilian culture influences music, cuisine and religious traditions in the Seridó.
Many residents are smallholder farmers or involved in livestock and traditional trades; community and family ties are strong.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport — informal matches and local amateur teams are common in public fields and schoolyards.
Indoor small-sided football (futsal) and volleyball are popular among youth and often played in community centers.
While not 'sports' in the competitive sense, forró dancing and local festivals involve active participation and are central to social life.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Acari.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited in small towns; stock up on fresh fruit, bread, rice, beans and cassava-based dishes. Ask for vegetarian preparations at simple restaurants (say "sem carne").
Vegan and strictly gluten-free choices are uncommon; communicate needs clearly in Portuguese and prefer fresh produce and simple preparations. Bring snacks or specialty foods if you have strict dietary needs.