Things To Do
in Bequimão
Bequimão is a small coastal municipality in Maranhão, Brazil, where riverine landscapes meet Atlantic beaches. The town offers a laid‑back atmosphere, friendly locals, and a gateway to mangroves and coastal trails. Bequimão's cuisine highlights seafood and regional Maranhão flavors, with markets that bustle with fresh catches.
Visitors come to explore cultural crafts, watch sunsets over the water, and use Bequimão as a base to explore nearby towns like São Luís and Alcântara.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café, savoring freshly brewed coffee and regional pastries. Head to the Igreja de São Sebastião, a charming colonial church that showcases stunning architecture and historical significance. Spend some time walking around the nearby streets, taking in the vibrant atmosphere and unique local shops.
After lunch at a traditional restaurant, visit the Museu de Bequimão, where you can learn about the region's rich history and cultural heritage through various exhibits. Take a leisurely stroll through the town’s parks, enjoying the lush greenery and perhaps chatting with friendly locals. Wrap up your afternoon with a visit to the local artisan market, where you can find handcrafted souvenirs and local delicacies.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant, where the sound of the waves complements your meal of fresh seafood. Afterward, take a relaxed walk along the river, admiring the stunning views of the sunset reflecting on the water. Conclude your day with a visit to a local bar to enjoy some live music and mingle with the friendly locals.
Begin your day with a breakfast of traditional dishes at a family-run eatery, experiencing the authentic flavors of Bequimão. Then, participate in a guided tour of a nearby community, where you can learn about local customs, crafts, and daily life from the residents. Engage in a hands-on workshop, perhaps learning to make a traditional craft or dish.
Enjoy a communal lunch with the families you meet, sharing stories and building connections over delicious home-cooked meals. In the afternoon, explore the surrounding nature, partaking in a guided hike through scenic trails that showcase the region's biodiversity. Capture photographs of the stunning landscapes and unique flora and fauna.
Return to Bequimão for an evening meal at a popular local spot, where you can try regional specialties like moqueca. Join a cultural performance featuring local music and dance, immersing yourself in the vibrant traditions of the area. As the night winds down, reflect on your experiences with new friends, sharing laughs and stories.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-5 |
| 🚌Public transit ride | $0.50-1 |
| 🍺Beer at bar | $2-4 |
| 🚕Taxi start | $4-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic Maranhão experience with warm hospitality
- Rich seafood cuisine and vibrant markets
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Smaller tourism infrastructure and language gaps in some spots
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado(a)" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does this cost?
- "Você pode recomendar?" - Can you recommend?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Não falo Português bem" - I don't speak Portuguese well
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Aceita cartão de crédito?" - Do you accept credit cards?
Places to Visit in Bequimão
Visit one of these nice places.
A picturesque bridge along the waterfront offering sunset silhouettes and river reflections.
Long sandy shore with palm trees and gentle waves; ideal for wide-angle beach photography at golden hour.
Vibrant mangrove estuary teeming with birds and skinny waterways—great for nature and landscape photography.
Food in Bequimão
Bequimão Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A tangy rice dish cooked with dried shrimp, okra and the Cuxá paste (derived from hibiscus seeds); a regional specialty often enjoyed with fresh fish.
Must-Try!
A hearty fish stew with regional herbs and vegetables, highlighting the catch of the day.
Crispy fried fish served with pirão (a thick, bread-thinned sauce made from fish broth and farinha de mandioca).
A simple, versatile street staple made from cassava flour, often topped with coconut, fruit, or condensed milk.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling local market where you can buy fresh seafood, cassava products, fruits, and everyday staples.
Riverside stalls offering grilled fish, coconut water, and small regional treats ideal for a quick lunch.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'Olá' or 'Bom dia/Boa tarde.' Be personable; conversations may start slowly but warmth is valued.
Dress modestly in town and markets; in more rural areas, avoid overly casual or revealing clothing when visiting religious sites.
Respect local crafts and community spaces; ask before photographing people or private spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Bequimão
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In nicer restaurants, rounding up or leaving 5-10% is common; for street food and markets, cash tips are typical if service is provided.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent short downpours; perfect for beach and river activities, but carry water, sun protection, and a light rain jacket.
Warm days with cooling evenings; humidity remains high but rainfall starts to lessen, making outdoor exploration more comfortable.
Generally drier with comfortable temperatures; ideal for long walks, town exploration, and coastal hikes.
Increasing humidity and lush vegetation; good for mangrove tours and birdwatching, with pleasant evenings by the water.
Bequimão at Night
Hiking in Bequimão
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal trail through mangrove ecosystems, offering birdwatching and scenic coastal views.
Scenic coastal route with sea vistas, coves, and relatively easy footing for a half-day hike.
Airports
How to reach Bequimão by plane.
São Luís, MA; main gateway to the region; usually the closest major airport for international and domestic travel. Drive time to Bequimão can vary but is typically 1-2 hours depending on road conditions.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous influences with strong regional traditions.
Communities along rivers and coast with a culture centered on the sea and sustainable harvesting.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport; local games and informal matches are common on weekends.
Popular on coastal beaches during warm weather.
A traditional activity tied to the river and coast; often enjoyed as a pastime or small guided trips.
A cultural and athletic practice found in community spaces and cultural centers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bequimão.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes center on seafood and meat, but you can request vegetarian options like tapioca with cheese, plantain, rice with vegetables, and fresh fruit. Ask for sautéed greens and beans as a hearty alternative.