Things To Do
in Buriti do Tocantins

Buriti do Tocantins is a small municipality in northern Tocantins perched along the Tocantins River, offering easy access to river channels and Cerrado landscapes. The town blends rural charm with growing ecotourism, attracting visitors who want authentic local life and natural scenery. Life here centers on community, agriculture, and the rhythms of the river, with a friendly, laid-back vibe.

The climate is tropical and warm year-round, shaping outdoor adventures and daily routines.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Nature Exploration
morning
:

Embark on a guided hike to explore the nearby nature reserves, where you can discover diverse flora and fauna. The morning sun will provide a perfect backdrop for breathtaking views and wildlife spotting. Bring along a camera to capture the picturesque landscapes.

afternoon
:

After a hearty lunch, continue your adventure with a canoe trip on the river, navigating through the serene waters. You'll have the chance to observe the natural beauty of the wetlands and perhaps spot colorful birds and other wildlife. Revel in the tranquility of nature, far from the bustling city life.

evening
:

Return to Buriti do Tocantins in the evening for a community dinner, where you can share experiences with other travelers. Participate in local traditions and storytelling, which are integral to the town's culture. End your night by relaxing at your accommodation and reflecting on your day's adventures.

day 2
Cultural Immersion
morning
:

Visit local artisans and markets to get a taste of Buriti do Tocantins' vibrant culture. Engage with craftsmen and learn about traditional techniques, from pottery to weaving, while picking up unique souvenirs. Enjoy a breakfast made from local produce at the market.

afternoon
:

Head to a nearby historical site, exploring monuments that tell the story of the region's past. This visit will give you insights into the social and cultural development of Buriti do Tocantins. Afternoon tea at a local café will provide a delicious break as you enjoy the town's friendly atmosphere.

evening
:

Attend a cultural event featuring Brazilian music and dance, giving you an immersive experience into the local traditions. Engage with the performers and other attendees, learning more about the community’s heritage. Enjoy a traditional dinner afterward, savoring the flavors of the region in good company.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
Coffee/tea$1-3
🚌Local transportation (short ride)$2-6
🏨Budget hotel or hostel (per night)$15-40
🛒Groceries (basic items for a few days)$20-50

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Relatively affordable travel in a pristine natural setting
  • Warm, welcoming local culture and river-based activities
  • Limited tourist infrastructure and fewer English speakers
  • Long distances to major airports and fewer direct flight options
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
  • "Pode aceitar cartão?" - Do you accept cards?
  • "Desculpe" - Sorry

Places to Visit in Buriti do Tocantins

Visit one of these nice places.

Tocantins River Promenade

Golden-hour reflections on the river with boats and palm-lined banks.

Igreja Matriz de Buriti

A historic church and surrounding plaza that provide classic Brazilian townscape photography.

Riverside market at dawn

Vibrant colors of fruits, fish, and vendors bathed in early light.

Culinary Guide

Food in Buriti do Tocantins

Buriti do Tocantins offers simple yet flavorful Amazonian-Cerrado influenced dishes, highlighting fish, cassava, and tropical fruits like buriti. Fresh river fish, grilled meats, and hearty cassava preparations are common, and buriti fruit is a standout local harvest. Buriti juice and regional sweets showcase the local produce. Meals are typically affordable and enjoyed in a communal, family-friendly setting.

Buriti do Tocantins Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Carne de Sol with purê de mandioca

Cured beef served with mashed cassava and rice; a regional staple.

Must-Try!

Peixe Assado com farofa

Grilled river fish with toasted cassava flour, a common riverfront dish.

Arroz com Pequi

Rice cooked with pequi fruit for a distinctive nutty aroma and flavor.

Buriti juice

Juice made from the buriti palm fruit, a refreshing regional specialty.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Buriti

Local market offering fresh fish, cassava, fruits, and regional snacks.

Riverfront night/street stalls

Seasonal stalls selling tapioca, fruit smoothies, and light snacks along the river.

Climate Guide

Weather

The area experiences a tropical savanna climate with hot days and warm nights. The rainy season runs roughly from October to April, bringing humidity and periodic heavy showers, while the dry season (May to September) features clearer skies and lower humidity. Humidity is often high near the river, so sun protection and hydration are important year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a friendly 'bom dia' or 'boa tarde' and shake hands; address elders as 'senhor' or 'senhora'.

Photography consent

Ask permission before photographing people or private spaces.

Dress and behavior

Modest dress in religious or rural settings; be respectful in markets and community spaces; support local vendors.

Safety Guide

Safety

Like any small town, stay aware of petty theft in crowded markets and on busy streets. Keep valuables secure, travel with a companion for nighttime strolls, and use reputable transportation. Avoid isolated rural roads after dark and have a basic understanding of local routes. In an emergency, contact local health services or call regional emergency numbers.

Tipping in Buriti do Tocantins

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, rounding up or leaving 5-10% is common if service is good; many places include service automatically.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted; credit/debit cards are increasingly common; Pix (local instant transfer) is widely used for mobile payments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid with strong sun; frequent late-afternoon showers. Hydration and sun protection are essential; river activities are ideal in the dry slots between rains.

Dry season

May to September offers cooler evenings and clearer skies; great for outdoor exploration and long walks, though some areas may be drier and trails dusty.

Nightlife Guide

Buriti do Tocantins at Night

Nightlife in Buriti do Tocantins is intimate and laid-back. Most evenings center around casual bars, riverside spots, and local music, with forró or sertanejo playlists and occasional live performances on weekends. Visitors often enjoy evenings with fresh fruit juices, regional snacks, and conversations with locals rather than large clubs. For a broader scene, nearby Palmas offers more nightlife options and venues.

Hiking in Buriti do Tocantins

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Cerrado trails near Buriti

Short trails through savanna landscapes, ideal for birdwatching and scenic views.

Jalapão region (trails and waterfalls)

Broader hiking destination southeast of Buriti with dunes, canyons, and waterfalls; suitable for multi-day excursions.

Airports

How to reach Buriti do Tocantins by plane.

Palmas – Brigadeiro Lysias Rodrigues International Airport (PMW)

Main gateway to Tocantins; domestic connections to major Brazilian cities and some regional services.

Araguaína Airport (regional airport)

Smaller facility serving the northern Tocantins region with limited flights; convenient for quick visits to nearby towns.

Getting Around

Walkability

Buriti do Tocantins is a compact town with a walkable center; the riverfront and main square are easily explored on foot, while some outskirts may require a taxi or short drive. Streets in older neighborhoods can be unpaved. Overall, you can comfortably navigate the town center by walking, with longer trips requiring transport to reach nearby sights.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Rural families and riverine communities

A mix of agricultural households and traditional river communities; Portuguese is the primary language with local dialects.

Indigenous and mixed-heritage communities

Cultural diversity reflected in crafts, song, and local traditions.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Futebol (Soccer)

The most popular sport across Brazil and widely played in towns like Buriti do Tocantins.

Transportation

Traffic

Roads within town are light to moderate; traffic is typically easy compared to larger cities. For longer trips, regional buses and taxis are common, and renting a car is convenient for day trips. In the rainy season, some rural roads can be slower or muddy. In Palmas and larger towns, rideshare and taxi services are increasingly available.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Buriti do Tocantins.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many dishes can be adapted to vegetarian options—look for cassava, rice, beans, salads, and egg/cheese-based plates; ask for adjustments to avoid meat and fish.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Buriti do Tocantins includes local clinics and a municipal hospital; for more advanced care, residents often travel to Palmas or larger regional centers. Pharmacies and basic medical supplies are generally available locally. In emergencies, use local numbers or head to the nearest hospital in town or Palmas.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide