Things To Do
in Colinas do Tocantins

Colinas do Tocantins is a small city located in the heart of Tocantins state, set against a backdrop of Cerrado savanna and riverine scenery. It offers a relaxed pace, friendly locals, and a growing range of services that make it a convenient base for regional exploring. The town serves as a gateway to nearby natural attractions and outdoor adventures, while preserving rural charm and community spirit.

The climate and landscapes provide enriching day trips to waterfalls, viewpoints, and traditional markets that showcase local culture and produce.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Riverside Walk
morning
:

Touch down at Palmas airport and enjoy a scenic drive through the lush cerrado toward Colinas do Tocantins. Check into your riverfront pousada and freshen up with the gentle breeze carrying the scent of wild orchids. Stroll along the Tocantins River bank to witness fishermen casting nets and families bathing at dawn.

afternoon
:

Savor a traditional Brazilian lunch featuring local cassava and river fish at a family-run restaurant overlooking the water. Explore the town center's colorful markets where artisans display handcrafted lace, straw, and ceramic pieces. Chat with vendors to learn about regional traditions and sample freshly squeezed cupuacu juice.

evening
:

Relax by the river as the sun dips below the horizon, casting golden reflections on the water. Join locals for a casual roda de viola, a circle of musicians playing folk tunes under the stars. Enjoy a dinner of grilled peixe na telha accompanied by chilled ginjinha.

day 2
Waterfall Trek and Birdwatching
morning
:

Embark on a guided trek into the Atlantic Forest reserve near Colinas do Tocantins. Navigate winding trails lined with mahogany and pau-brasil trees, keeping an eye out for toucans and parrots darting between branches. Arrive at a hidden waterfall and cool off with a refreshing swim in its crystalline pool.

afternoon
:

Picnic on the waterfall's ledge with fresh pao de queijo and tropical fruits. Continue birdwatching along the riparian corridor, spotting kingfishers skimming the water and hummingbirds flitting among bromeliads. Learn about local conservation efforts from your guide as you track the calls of howler monkeys echoing through the canopy.

evening
:

Return to your lodge for a relaxing hammock nap as the forest symphony crescendos at dusk. Dine on hearty feijoada prepared by local hosts, savoring every spoonful beneath lantern-lit porches. Share stories by a crackling campfire with fellow travelers before retiring to your cozy cabin.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🍝Three-course meal for two (mid-range restaurant)$25-40
🏨Hotel/night (mid-range)$40-80
🚌Public transport (single ride)$0.75-1.50
🛒Groceries (monthly estimate)$120-200

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Relaxed pace and friendly locals
  • Gateway to nearby Cerrado and Jalapão adventures
  • Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
  • Smaller city amenities compared to Palmas
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica o ...?" - Where is the ...?
  • "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Ajuda!" - Help!

Places to Visit in Colinas do Tocantins

Visit one of these nice places.

Praça Central e Igreja Matriz

Colorful central square with the church, ideal for street photography and golden hour shots.

Mirante do Cerrado

A lookout over the surrounding savanna with distant river views.

Ribeirinho ao pôr do sol

Riverside area along Tocantins-related watercourses, great for sunset portraits.

Mercado Municipal

Vibrant stalls, textiles, and produce—great for candid photography.

Trilhas do Cerrado

Open landscapes and rock formations perfect for landscape photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Colinas do Tocantins

The local cuisine blends Cerrado flavors with river fish and hearty staples. Expect fresh produce, cassava, beans, rice, and regional fish dishes.

Colinas do Tocantins Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pirão de peixe

Fish cooked in a light broth with manioc flour, typically served with rice and salad.

Must-Try!

Carne de sol com mandioca

Sun-dried beef served with mandioca (cassava) and greens; a staple across interior Brazil with a Tocantins twist.

Arroz com peixe e banana

Rice with local fish, often accompanied by fried plantains or bananas.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Colinas

A compact market offering fresh produce, fish, regional cheeses, and everyday snacks.

Feira livre (fim de semana)

Weekend street market with prepared foods, tapioca, churros, and local treats.

Climate Guide

Weather

Colinas do Tocantins experiences a tropical climate with a pronounced wet season (roughly Oct–Apr) and a dry season (May–Sep). Summers are hot and humid, while winters are milder, though nights can still be cool.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Polite greetings in Portuguese (Bom dia/Boa tarde) are appreciated; shake hands or greet with a kiss on the cheek in informal settings.

Safety Guide

Safety

Petty crime can occur in crowded areas; keep valuables secure, use licensed taxis, and travel with a companion at night. Stay hydrated and exercise caution around waterways during the rainy season.

Tipping in Colinas do Tocantins

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Rounding up or leaving 10% for good service is common when service is not included; cash and cards are widely accepted.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid with frequent short downpours; outdoor activities are best in the early morning or late afternoon.

Nightlife Guide

Colinas do Tocantins at Night

Nightlife in Colinas is low-key, with local bars and cafés featuring live music on weekends; expect forró, sertanejo, and casual conversations rather than club scenes. The focus is on socializing in plazas and intimate venues.

Hiking in Colinas do Tocantins

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Cerrado Trail at Mirante da Serra

Easy to moderate trail offering viewpoints over savanna and river landscapes.

Ribeirão River Trail

Water-side hike with shaded trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Airports

How to reach Colinas do Tocantins by plane.

Palmas - Brigadeiro Lysias Rodrigues International Airport

Closest major airport for international and domestic travel; road access varies with weather and traffic.

Araguaína Airport

Regional airport serving the Tocantins region with domestic flights; convenient for quick trips to Colinas.

Getting Around

Walkability

Center of Colinas is fairly walkable, with a compact core around the praça; for distant sights and the surrounding countryside, a vehicle is preferred.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Urban residents

City dwellers who work in services, commerce, and education.

Rural communities

People from surrounding farms and settlements who contribute to local markets.

Indigenous communities

Presence of indigenous groups in the broader Tocantins region; cultural influences exist in crafts and cuisine.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Futebol (soccer)

The most popular sport in the region; local leagues and matches are common.

Futsal and volleyball

Indoor and outdoor courts are popular for recreation and local tournaments.

Transportation

Traffic

Roads are generally good within Colinas; intercity travel relies on buses or private cars. Rainy season can affect visibility and rural road conditions; taxis and rideshares are available in town.

Accomodations

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

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Rely on beans, rice, mandioca, salads, and grilled vegetables; most places can accommodate with a veggie option.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Public healthcare (SUS) is available in Colinas with basic services; for more advanced care, residents typically travel to Palmas or Araguaína for hospitals and specialists; private clinics offer faster appointments in town.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide