Things To Do
in Arara
Arara is a small municipality in the Brejo region of Paraíba, Northeast Brazil, characterized by a close-knit community, colonial-era architecture and surrounding caatinga and farmland. Life in Arara moves at a relaxed pace, with a strong focus on local festivals, church-centered gatherings and agricultural activities. Visitors can expect friendly hospitality, simple local services and an authentic taste of rural Paraíba culture.
The town is a good base for exploring nearby natural landscapes, regional cuisine and traditional music like forró and repentistas.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through the charming streets of Arara’s historic center, where colonial architecture beautifully contrasts with modern life. Visit the Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião, a stunning 18th-century church, and admire its intricate details. Enjoy a fresh breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Brazilian pastries and coffee.
In the afternoon, wander through the local artisan markets, where you can find handmade crafts and souvenirs that reflect the vibrant culture of the region. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, enjoying regional dishes such as feijoada or acarajé. Afterward, visit the Museu Histórico de Arara to delve deeper into the town’s rich history and heritage.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot in one of the town's squares to enjoy some live music performed by local musicians. Indulge in dinner at a renowned restaurant, savoring grilled meats and fresh seafood, paired with a glass of cachaça. End your night with a leisurely walk along the riverbank, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
Begin your morning with a guided kayaking trip on the scenic Arara River, where you can appreciate the lush surrounding nature and diverse wildlife. Paddle through calm waters, keeping an eye out for local birds and playful river dolphins. Your guide will share insights about the ecology and history of the area as you navigate the meandering waterways.
Enjoy a picnic lunch on the riverbank, featuring regional delicacies and fresh fruits, surrounded by the sounds of nature. Afterward, take a refreshing swim in the river or relax on the shore, soaking up the sun. If you're feeling adventurous, consider a short hike in the nearby trails that offer stunning views of the river and landscape.
Return to Arara and unwind with a leisurely dinner at a riverside restaurant, enjoying the evening breeze. Relish local specialties while watching the sunset paint the sky in vibrant colors. Cap off the night with a stroll along the river, listening to the sounds of the night and enjoying the peaceful ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry | $1-2 |
| 🚌Local bus ride / intercity van (short distance) | $0.50-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $3-7 |
| 🏨Basic private room / pousada | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Brazilian culture and welcoming local community
- Low cost of travel and simple, hearty regional cuisine
- Good base for experiencing caatinga landscapes and traditional festivals
- Quiet, relaxed pace ideal for disconnecting from city life
- Limited tourist infrastructure and few accommodation choices
- Restricted public transport options and occasional challenging road conditions
- Fewer dining and nightlife options compared with larger cities
- Hot, dry conditions and seasonal rains can impact outdoor plans
- "Olá / Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite" - Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening
- "Por favor / Obrigado(a)" - Please / Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica a praça / a igreja / o mercado?" - Where is the square / the church / the market?
- "Pode tirar uma foto?" - Can I take a photo?
Places to Visit in Arara
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic shots of town life, colonial-style church architecture and people gathering in the square, best at golden hour and during local festivities.
Contrast-rich landscapes with unique vegetation, dry-season textures, cacti and dramatic skies — best for wide-angle and landscape photography.
Early morning vistas over the town and fields; clear light and mist (in rainy season) can add atmosphere.
Colorful costumes, forró dancing and community celebrations provide dynamic portrait and street photography opportunities — always ask permission before photographing people closely.
Food in Arara
Arara Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sun-cured beef served with boiled or fried manioc (macaxeira/mandioca); a regional favorite often found in local restaurants and family eateries.
Must-Try!
A comforting rice-and-beans dish cooked with queijo coalho or queijo de coalho and bits of meat or sausage, very typical of the northeast and common in Arara’s restaurants.
A popular snack/street food made from manioc starch pancakes filled with coconut, cheese, or sweet fillings; sold at market stalls and street stands.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small municipal market where vendors sell fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, tapioca, sweets and local snacks; great for tasting pineapple, mango, coconuts and local sweets.
Evening and weekend stands near the main square offering pastel-like snacks, tapioca, grilled meats and regional desserts — ideal for casual sampling.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Warm greetings are common: a handshake or two light cheek kisses between acquaintances; use 'bom dia' (good morning), 'boa tarde' (good afternoon) and 'boa noite' (good night).
Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious events; casual wear is fine for daily life, but cover shoulders and remove hats inside places of worship.
Always ask before photographing people, especially in private or religious settings; many locals appreciate being asked first.
Expect a relaxed approach to time for social events; official appointments may be more punctual, but community gatherings often start later than scheduled.
Safety
Tipping in Arara
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest in small towns: restaurants may include a 10% service charge on the bill, but if not, leaving 5–10% for good service is appreciated. For small services (taxis, porters), round up or leave small change; for guides, 10% or a modest cash tip is customary.
Cash in Brazilian reais (BRL) is widely preferred in Arara, especially at markets, small restaurants and rural vendors. Debit/credit cards are accepted at some establishments but coverage is limited; ATMs may be scarce, so bring enough cash and consider withdrawing in a regional center before arrival.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry with high daytime temperatures; intense sun means bring sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water. Late summer can be dusty and the landscape is often parched and brown before the rains return.
Rainfall increases, with occasional heavy showers that can make dirt roads muddy and harder to navigate; vegetation green-up improves photography and birdlife. Plan extra travel time in case of road slowdowns and pack light rain gear.
June (Festas Juninas) is culturally vibrant with bonfires, traditional food and dances — a great time to experience local traditions but expect crowds and higher local activity. Nights can be pleasantly cool compared with daytime heat.
Arara at Night
Hiking in Arara
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short hike to a local hill offering panoramic views over Arara and the surrounding farmland — suitable for sunrise/sunset visits.
Trail along a nearby reservoir (açude) with opportunities for birdwatching, fishing and shaded picnic spots; accessibility varies with season.
Guided walks through the caatinga vegetation to learn about native plants, seasonal blooms and regional wildlife — best with a local guide who knows the terrain.
Airports
How to reach Arara by plane.
João Pessoa’s airport is the closest major commercial airport serving Paraíba’s capital; from there, travelers can take buses, shared vans or rent a car to reach Arara (several hours’ drive depending on route).
Campina Grande has regional flights and services; it’s another practical entry point for visiting the Brejo region with onward road connections to smaller towns like Arara.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The core population consists of families tied to agriculture, small commerce and local trades, often with deep multi-generational roots in the region.
Residents typically reflect Brazil’s mixed heritage (Indigenous, African and Portuguese ancestry) with strong cultural traditions and community ties.
Like many small towns, younger people may migrate to larger cities for education and work, returning for family events and festivals.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the dominant sport at all ages; local matches, informal games and community tournaments are common and a central part of social life.
Indoor futsal and volleyball are popular, especially among youth and in school programs, and local courts host regular games.
While not a sport, forró dancing is a major recreational activity — energetic and social, often taking place nightly during festivals and in local bars.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Arara.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited; request vegetable sides, rice, beans, salads, tapioca and dishes based on manioc. In small towns, explain clearly (in Portuguese if possible) that you don’t eat meat and ask for substitutions.
More challenging: many traditional dishes use dairy or meat broths. Rely on fruit, beans, rice, tapioca and salads; bring snacks or supplements if you have strict needs.
Many local staples (manioc/tapioca-based) are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur in small kitchens. Ask about ingredients when possible.
Explain allergies in Portuguese and carry translation cards if needed. Halal/ kosher options are limited; larger cities are better for strict dietary observance.