Things To Do
in Augustinópolis

Augustinópolis is a small, warm town in the northern part of Tocantins, Brazil, serving as a regional service center for surrounding agricultural and cattle-raising communities. The town has a relaxed, rural atmosphere with a central praça (town square), local shops, and simple municipal services. Its location in the Bico do Papagaio region makes it a practical base for day trips to nearby natural areas, waterfalls and rural landscapes.

Visitors come for local culture, open skies, birdwatching and experiencing small-town northern-Brazil life.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying traditional Brazilian pastries and fresh fruit. Afterward, take a stroll through the charming streets of Augustinópolis, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant street art. Visit the historic Igreja Matriz de São João Batista, a beautiful church that showcases the town's rich cultural heritage.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, stop by the local artisan market, where you can find handmade crafts and souvenirs to take home. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling regional dishes like pequi rice and grilled fish. After your meal, visit the Museu Histórico de Augustinópolis to delve deeper into the town's history and its significance in the region.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a local bar to enjoy some live music and mingle with the locals. Savor a refreshing caipirinha while you soak in the lively atmosphere of the town. For dinner, choose from one of the family-run restaurants that serve authentic Brazilian cuisine, where you can enjoy a hearty meal with friendly service.

day 2
Nature and Wildlife Exploration
morning
:

Begin your day early by visiting the nearby Parque Nacional do Araguaia, where you can witness the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. Take a guided nature walk through the park, allowing you to spot exotic birds and other native animals in their natural habitat. Capture stunning photographs of the lush greenery and serene waters as the morning light filters through the trees.

afternoon
:

After a morning of exploration, enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, surrounded by the sounds of nature. Spend the afternoon canoeing on the Araguaia River, paddling through calm waters while soaking in the beauty of the surrounding environment. Keep an eye out for capybaras and caimans as you glide along the riverbanks.

evening
:

As evening approaches, return to Augustinópolis and freshen up before heading out for dinner. Choose a local eatery that specializes in Amazonian cuisine, where you can try dishes made with fresh ingredients sourced from the rainforest. Conclude your day by relaxing at a nearby park, reflecting on your experiences surrounded by the sounds of the night.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-9
Coffee and pastry at a bakery$1-3
🚌Local bus fare / short intercity ride$0.50-3
🚕Short taxi ride$3-8
💧Bottled water (1.5L)$0.80-2

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic small-town northern Brazil atmosphere with warm local hospitality
  • Easy access to rural landscapes, birdwatching and quiet outdoor activities
  • Affordable costs and simple regional cuisine
  • Good base for exploring northern Tocantins natural areas
  • Limited tourist infrastructure and few formal accommodations or attractions
  • Restricted healthcare and emergency services — serious cases need transfer to larger cities
  • Public transport is limited; a car is helpful for exploring surrounding areas
  • Seasonal rains can make rural roads impassable
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you (male / female speaker)
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Você pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
  • "Onde fica a farmácia?" - Where is the pharmacy?

Places to Visit in Augustinópolis

Visit one of these nice places.

Central Praça and Main Church (Praça da Matriz)

Picturesque town square framed by local life—good for street portraits, architecture shots and evening lighting when community life winds down.

Rural Roads and Countryside

Open roads, pasturelands and traditional fences provide classic northern Tocantins landscapes — great for sunrise and sunset photos with dramatic skies.

Local Market

Colorful produce, sellers, and everyday commerce offer candid photography opportunities reflecting local culture.

Viewpoints and Hills

Nearby low hills or roadside clearings give panoramic views of the town and surrounding cerrado-like terrain — excellent for wide landscape shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Augustinópolis

Cuisine in Augustinópolis reflects northern Tocantins and broader Brazilian home-cooked traditions: simple, hearty dishes based on rice, beans, beef, cassava (manioc), river fish in nearby areas, and tropical fruit. Meals are often prepared in the 'comida caseira' style—fresh, locally sourced and uncomplicated. Street snacks and local bakeries are great for quick bites; larger towns nearby offer more variety and regional specialties.

Augustinópolis Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Comida Caseira

Home-style plates combining rice, beans, salad, farofa (toasted manioc flour) and a choice of beef, chicken or fish — widely available at simple restaurants (restaurante por quilo or prato feito).

Must-Try!

Tapioca and Acarajé-style Snacks

Tapioca pancakes made from cassava starch filled with sweet or savory ingredients; some street vendors offer regional fried snacks inspired by northern traditions.

Grilled Beef and Barbecue

As in much of rural Brazil, grilled beef (churrasco) and regional barbecue are common at family gatherings and open-air events.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Municipal Market / Feira Local

Small municipal market where local farmers sell fruit, vegetables, cassava, eggs and small prepared snacks — try seasonal fruits, freshly made cakes and regional juices.

Bakeries and Street Vendors

Local padarias (bakeries) are good for breakfast—coffee, pão de queijo, cakes and tapioca; evening street vendors may offer simple fried snacks and grilled treats.

Climate Guide

Weather

Augustinópolis has a tropical climate with a distinct wet (roughly October–April) and dry season (roughly May–September). Temperatures are generally warm year-round, with hot, humid conditions in the rainy season and pleasantly warm, less humid conditions in the dry season. Rainfall can affect road conditions in the wet months, while the dry season brings clearer skies and dusty rural roads.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Polite greetings are important: a firm handshake or two kisses on the cheek (among women or mixed in informal contexts) is common; use 'bom dia' (good morning) and 'boa tarde' (good afternoon).

Respect for Community and Church

Respect religious sites and local festivals—dress modestly for church services and festival events and follow local customs.

Friendly Informality

People are generally warm and chatty; small talk is common before engaging in business or asking favors—be patient and polite.

Photography

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in markets, homes or community events.

Safety Guide

Safety

Overall crime levels are lower than in large Brazilian cities, but petty theft and opportunistic crimes can occur—keep valuables secure and avoid poorly lit, deserted areas at night. Road safety is important: many rural roads are unpaved and become hazardous after heavy rains. Bring insect repellent to guard against mosquitoes, and stay hydrated in hot weather. For medical emergencies, be aware that serious care may require transfer to larger hospitals in regional centers.

Tipping in Augustinópolis

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is modest: restaurants may include a 10% service charge in larger establishments, but in small local eateries tipping is discretionary—round up or leave small change. Tip guides, drivers and porters directly for good service.

Payments and Cards

Cash (Brazilian real) is widely used, especially in small shops, markets and rural areas. Credit/debit cards are accepted at many restaurants and stores in town, but ATMs may be limited—carry enough cash for day trips.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer (roughly Dec–Feb)

Warm to hot temperatures with high humidity; afternoons often bring heavy rain storms. Expect lush vegetation and vibrant landscapes, but occasional downpours can make unpaved roads muddy.

Autumn (roughly Mar–May)

Transition period with decreasing rainfall; mornings can still be humid and afternoons warm. Good time for clearer skies while vegetation remains green from rains.

Winter (roughly Jun–Aug)

Dry season with lower humidity, warm days and cooler nights — this is the most comfortable time to explore outdoor areas and travel on dirt roads, but the landscape may be drier and dustier.

Spring (roughly Sep–Nov)

Rainfall begins to increase toward the end of the season; temperatures rise and vegetation becomes greener. Road conditions start to deteriorate as the wet season approaches.

Nightlife Guide

Augustinópolis at Night

Nightlife is low-key and community-oriented: small bars (botecos), local music nights (forró or sertanejo), and occasional festas or live bands. For a wider nightlife selection you’ll need to travel to larger towns in the region; in Augustinópolis expect social evenings centered on casual dining and local gatherings.

Hiking in Augustinópolis

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Local Hill and Lookout Trails

Short hikes to nearby hills or clearings offer panoramic views of the town and cerrado-like landscapes; trails are informal and best done with a local guide or directions.

Riverbank Walks and Small Waterfall Trails

Short, often informal trails lead to river edges and small waterfalls in the surrounding countryside — ideal for cooling off but watch seasonal water levels and slippery rocks.

Day Trip Trails to Larger Natural Areas

Longer excursions to protected areas or major natural attractions in northern Tocantins may include well-marked trails; some require several hours of driving and are best undertaken as guided day trips.

Airports

How to reach Augustinópolis by plane.

Araguaína Regional Airport (Araguaína)

One of the closer regional airports serving northern Tocantins; from Araguaína you can drive to Augustinópolis (several hours depending on road conditions) or transfer by bus.

Palmas – Capital Airport

Palmas is the state capital and has a larger airport with more flight options; driving from Palmas to Augustinópolis is a long journey (several hours) but it’s a common entry point for travelers to Tocantins.

Smaller local airstrips

There are small airstrips in the region serving private flights and agricultural transport; availability is limited and often requires pre-arranged charters.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and very walkable—streets around the praça, shops, bakeries and restaurants are easily accessed on foot. Outside the center, distances increase and sidewalks may be limited, so a car or motorcycle is useful for reaching outskirts and natural sites.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local rural families

Residents tied to agriculture, cattle-raising and local services form the majority — family-run farms and small businesses shape community life.

Mixed ethnic background (Pardo/Mestiço)

Most inhabitants are of mixed European, Indigenous and African descent, reflecting Brazil’s diverse heritage.

Indigenous and Traditional Communities

The broader region includes indigenous communities and traditional populations; their presence and influence vary by locality and should be approached with respect.

Internal migrants

People from other Brazilian states (nearby Maranhão, Pará, Goiás) have moved to the area, contributing to cultural variety and labor in agriculture and services.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport — local amateur matches and youth leagues are common and community gatherings often revolve around games.

Futsal

Indoor soccer is popular across Brazil and commonly played in school and community centers.

Rodeo / Equestrian Activities

In rural areas, rodeo-style events, horse riding and cattle-related sports reflect agricultural traditions and are part of local festivals.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light and congestion is rare in town; driving is the primary way to access surrounding rural areas. Many rural roads are unpaved and can become difficult or impassable during the wet season, so a high-clearance or 4x4 vehicle may be necessary. Public transportation is limited to intercity buses and informal vans; plan schedules ahead and expect infrequent services.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Augustinópolis.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarians can find rice, beans, salads and tapioca easily, but pure vegetarian restaurants are rare — communicate clearly and expect basic vegetable sides. Bring snacks for remote outings.

Vegan / Gluten-free

Options are limited; tapioca is naturally gluten-free and many fruits and vegetable preparations are safe, but plan ahead and ask about ingredients in sauces and farofa.

Allergies

Carry necessary medications and a card describing allergies in Portuguese; cross-contamination is possible in small kitchens.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Augustinópolis has basic municipal healthcare facilities and pharmacies for routine care and minor emergencies. For more serious medical needs or specialized care, patients are typically referred to hospitals in larger regional centers such as Araguaína or Palmas — emergency transport logistics should be considered when planning remote excursions. Carry travel health insurance and any necessary prescriptions.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide