Things To Do
in Araguari

Araguari is a friendly agricultural town in the Triângulo Mineiro region of Minas Gerais, known for its dairy and cattle farming. The city blends a compact historic center with modern cafés, markets, and a welcoming vibe. Surrounded by flat farmland and Cerrado landscapes, it serves as a calm base for exploring rural Minas and nearby nature reserves.

Visitors are greeted by hospitable locals who blend tradition with a relaxed, curious spirit.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Araguari
morning
:

Arrive in Araguari and settle into your accommodation. Enjoy a traditional Brazilian breakfast featuring fresh fruits, pão de queijo, and coffee. Take a leisurely stroll around the local neighborhood to soak in the culture.

afternoon
:

Visit the Araguari Historical Museum to learn about the region's rich history and heritage. Explore the nearby Praça da Matriz, a charming square perfect for relaxing and people-watching. Grab lunch at a local restaurant serving regional cuisine.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a popular local outdoor grill, sampling various meats and traditional sides. Embrace the vibrant nightlife in Araguari with music and dancing at a local bar. Wind down with a walk along the river under the stars.

day 2
Adventure at the Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó
morning
:

Start your day with an early breakfast before embarking on a trip to the Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó. The scenic drive offers breathtaking views and opportunities to spot local wildlife. Upon arrival, take a guided hike to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the park.

afternoon
:

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the midst of nature, surrounded by stunning landscapes and waterfalls. Continue your exploration with moderate trekking to see more remote areas of the park. Don’t forget to snap pictures of the scenic vistas and unique rock formations.

evening
:

Return to Araguari and freshen up at your accommodation. Choose a cozy restaurant for dinner where you can taste local dishes. After dinner, if available, catch a live music performance at a nearby venue.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant$22-40
🏨1 night in a budget hotel$40-90
🚕Taxi 1 km$1-3
Coffee at a cafe$2-4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Warm, welcoming locals and a relaxed pace
  • Strong Minas Gerais cuisine and fresh dairy products
  • Accessible base for exploring Cerrado landscapes and nearby towns
  • Reasonable prices and compact city center
  • Limited nightlife compared with larger cities
  • Public transport can be sparse outside the center
  • English widely spoken only in larger tourist hubs
  • Distances to major airports and long drives to bigger metros
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Você pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?

Places to Visit in Araguari

Visit one of these nice places.

Praça da Matriz and Igreja Matriz de Santo Antônio

A central square framed by the grand church; ideal for architectural shots, golden hour lighting, and people-watching scenes.

Parque Ecológico do Cerrado

A natural setting to capture Cerrado flora and birdlife with trails and open clearings.

Mirante do Centro

A hilltop viewpoint offering panorama over the city and surrounding farmland, perfect for sunset photos.

Mercado Municipal architecture and alleyways

Texture-rich backstreets and market facades provide colorful, candid street photography opportunities.

Culinary Guide

Food in Araguari

Araguari’s cuisine reflects Minas Gerais’ hearty, cheese-forward traditions, with comforting bean dishes, fresh dairy, and plentiful street snacks.

Araguari Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pão de Queijo

Traditional Brazilian cheese bread, warm and fluffy, found in bakeries and cafés across Araguari.

Must-Try!

Feijão Tropeiro

A hearty mix of beans, cassava flour, and bacon or sausage in many versions; a staple at regional taverns.

Queijo Minas (Fresco or Curado)

Soft Minas cheese that pairs beautifully with fruit, pão, or honey; widely available at markets and dairies.

Galinhada

A comforting chicken and rice dish with saffron-like seasoning; commonly found in home-style and rustic eateries.

Doce de Leite & Goiabada

A classic sweet pairing that makes a perfect, simple dessert or snack after a meal.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Araguari

A bustling market where you can sample fresh dairy, regional produce, artisanal cheeses, and quick snacks like pastéis.

Feira Livre (Rua/Quadras ao redor do centro)

Weekly street market offering fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and tempting street bites; great for soaking up local vibe.

Climate Guide

Weather

The region experiences a tropical savanna climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Summers are hot with frequent rain, while winters are cooler and drier. Temperatures typically range from highs in the upper 20s°C (80s°F) in summer to comfortable 18-25°C (64-77°F) in winter.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Etiquette Rule

Greet people with a friendly 'bom dia/boa tarde' and a handshake; addressing elders with 'senhor' or 'senhora' is respectful. When speaking Portuguese, use polite tones and try a few phrases; Brazilians value warmth and personal conversations in social settings.

Safety Guide

Safety

Petty crime can occur in any city, so stay aware of belongings in crowded areas and avoid displaying valuables. Use well-lit streets at night, especially away from the city center. Keep copies of important documents and use trusted transportation options, particularly after dark.

Tipping in Araguari

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not always included in the bill. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving about 5-10% is common if service is good; many staff do not expect it, but it is welcomed. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest real is common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot days with frequent afternoon showers; light clothing, sunscreen, and water are essential. Thunderstorms can occur; plan outdoor activities for mornings.

Autumn

Milder temperatures and drier days; a comfortable time for outdoor exploration and city strolls.

Winter

Cooler evenings with mild daytime highs; nights can be chilly, so bring a light jacket. Generally dry, but mornings may be misty.

Spring

Warm days returning; good lighting for photography and longer evenings for dining outdoors.

Nightlife Guide

Araguari at Night

Araguari’s nightlife is relaxed and family-friendly, centered around botecos (bars) and casual eateries. Expect informal gatherings, local music, and forró or sertanejo occasionally playing on weekends. Most venues close earlier than in larger cities, so plan evenings accordingly, and enjoy the friendly, low-key atmosphere with locals.

Hiking in Araguari

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Cerrado trail network near Araguari

Low-to-moderate difficulty hiking routes through the Cerrado biome, offering grasslands, scattered trees, and chances to spot local wildlife.

Rural lookout points outside the city

Short day hikes with panoramic farmland and river views; great for photography and sunset shots.

Airports

How to reach Araguari by plane.

Uberlândia International Airport (UDI)

The closest major airport; serves domestic flights to and from São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Brasília, and other cities, with some international connections.

Belo Horizonte – Tancredo Neves International Airport (CNF)

A larger international hub about 500 km from Araguari, with broad domestic and international connections; often used for longer international travel itineraries.

Getting Around

Walkability

Walkable core with compact streets, plazas, and markets; some areas have uneven sidewalks and gentle hills, so a car or taxi may be convenient for longer trips or to reach outlying spots.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Urban families

Many residents are local families who balance work, school, and community life in a mid-sized city environment.

Rural communities

Agricultural workers and producers who connect with the city via markets and services.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport in the region, played in schools, clubs, and informal street games.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typically lighter than in mega-cities but can be congested during school hours and market days. Public transportation exists but is less comprehensive outside the city center; taxis and rideshares are common for longer trips and real-time travel around town.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Araguari.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most vegetarian options showcase beans, rice, salads, and queijo Minas. Look for pão de queijo, feijão-based dishes, and veggie stews. When in doubt, ask for queijo, legumes, and batata dishes without meat or lard; many places can accommodate with a simple vegetarian plate or salad.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Public healthcare (SUS) facilities are available, including basic clinics and hospitals in the city. Private clinics provide shorter wait times and English-friendly staff in some cases. For major services or specialized care, many residents travel to Uberlândia or Belo Horizonte where larger hospitals and laboratories are available.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide