Things To Do
in Castelo do Piauí

Sun-dried and lightly salted beef, usually served with rice, beans, mandioca (yuca) or farofa; commonly found at family-style restaurants and local eateries.

Must-Try!

Steamed cornmeal often eaten at breakfast or as a side at lunch, sometimes accompanied by eggs, cheese or shredded meat; available at bakeries and small diners.

Starch pancake made from cassava, filled with sweet or savory choices like cheese, coconut or meat; a popular street and breakfast item.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; in restaurants, rounding up or leaving 5–10% for attentive service is common in larger establishments, while small eateries and street vendors typically do not expect tips.

Cash (Brazilian real) is widely used and sometimes required in smaller shops and markets. Debit and credit cards are accepted in many restaurants and stores, but connectivity can be unreliable outside town centers; carry cash for small purchases and transport.

ATMs may be limited in very small towns — use ATMs in larger nearby cities for larger withdrawals. Mobile payment apps and PIX are common in Brazil; if you have a local contact they may accept PIX transfers for small purchases.

Summer months (austral summer) are hot; in the rainy season some years you may get brief heavy showers. Expect strong sun, dusty roads between rains, and greener caatinga after rain events.

The dry season brings very low humidity, sparse vegetation, and dusty conditions; water points and small streams may shrink, so carry water and plan outdoor activities earlier in the day.

June is São João festival time across the Northeast: lively forró parties, bonfires and traditional foods — a great time to experience local culture but book accommodation early.

Easy to moderate walks through native caatinga vegetation ideal for morning or late-afternoon outings; excellent for birdwatching and landscape photos.

Drive-and-walk routes along country roads to small hills and viewpoints — suitable for half-day excursions and photography stops.

After rains small streams and ephemeral watercourses appear offering pleasant short hikes and natural pools in nearby rural areas; check local conditions and access with residents.

Many residents come from multigenerational rural families involved in agriculture, livestock and local commerce; community ties are strong.

Young people often study in nearby cities or return for local work and festivals; some migrate to larger urban centers for jobs and education.

An important demographic that often preserves traditional customs, crafts and regional knowledge.

Vegetarian options are available but limited in small towns; ask for dishes based on beans, rice, cuscuz, salads and vegetable sides. Communicate clearly (e.g., 'sou vegetariano/vegetariana') and expect to adapt typical menus.

Vegan and strict gluten-free diets can be challenging; tapioca is naturally gluten-free and some vegetable preparations are vegan, but cross-contamination is common. Bring snacks and plan ahead if you have strict requirements.

Allergy awareness is improving but not universal — explain allergies in Portuguese and, for safety, avoid overly complex dishes when unsure of ingredients.