Things To Do
in Goiás

Goiás is a state in Brazil known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and historical cities. The capital, Goiânia, offers a blend of modern amenities and traditional charm, while the picturesque town of Pirenópolis attracts visitors with its colonial architecture and vibrant festivals. The region is also famous for its diverse cuisine, which features delicious local ingredients and flavors.

Nature lovers can explore the lush national parks and scenic hiking trails that showcase the breathtaking beauty of the Brazilian cerrado.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Explore Goiânia
morning
:

Start your day with breakfast at a local café, then visit the Parque Flamboyant for a peaceful morning walk amidst beautiful gardens.

afternoon
:

Explore the vibrant Mercado Central, where you can taste local delicacies and shop for souvenirs. Afterward, visit the Goiania Art Museum to appreciate Brazilian art.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a traditional Brazilian steakhouse, followed by a stroll through the lively city center, where you can find local bars and live music.

day 2
Day 2: Discover Pirenópolis
morning
:

Travel to Pirenópolis and start with a guided tour of the historical center, visiting the iconic Church of Our Lady of the Rosary.

afternoon
:

Take a hike to the nearby Cachoeira do Abade, a stunning waterfall perfect for swimming and relaxing in nature.

evening
:

Enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant offering traditional Goiás cuisine, then explore the charming streets illuminated at night.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at a mid-range restaurant$15
Coffee$2
🚌Bus ticket$1
🏨Hotel night$50
🍻Beer$3

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural heritage and vibrant local festivals.
  • Stunning natural landscapes and outdoor activities.
  • Delicious and diverse local cuisine.
  • Limited English-speaking services in some areas.
  • Traffic congestion in urban centers like Goiânia.
  • Hot and humid weather during the summer months.
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you (male/female)
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Desculpe" - Sorry
  • "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?

Places to Visit in Goiás

Visit one of these nice places.

Cascavel Waterfall

A breathtaking waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation, perfect for capturing stunning nature shots.

Historic Center of Pirenópolis

Picturesque colonial buildings and cobblestone streets offer a charming backdrop for photography.

Parque Flamboyant

A beautiful park with vibrant flowers and serene lakes, ideal for landscape and wildlife photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Goiás

Goiás offers a delightful culinary experience, featuring a variety of flavors and traditional dishes that reflect the region's culture.

Goiás Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pequi Rice

A traditional dish made with rice and pequi fruit, known for its unique flavor.

Must-Try!

Empadão Goiano

A savory pie filled with chicken, pork, and spices, often served during celebrations.

Pamonha

A sweet or savory treat made from corn, wrapped in corn husks and boiled.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Central

A bustling market where you can find fresh produce, local snacks, and traditional foods.

Feira da Lua

A popular night market in Goiânia, offering street food, crafts, and live music.

Climate Guide

Weather

Goiás has a tropical savanna climate, characterized by a distinct wet and dry season. The dry season lasts from May to September, with pleasant temperatures and low humidity. The wet season extends from October to April, marked by high temperatures and heavy rainfall. Average temperatures range from 18°C (64°F) in winter to 30°C (86°F) in summer, making it essential to plan your travel according to the season.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A friendly handshake or a kiss on the cheek is common when greeting people.

Respect for Tradition

Show appreciation for local customs and traditions, especially during festivals.

Dress Modestly

When visiting religious sites, dress modestly and respectfully.

Safety Guide

Safety

Goiás is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to remain vigilant and take common-sense precautions. Avoid displaying valuable items in public and be cautious in crowded areas. It's advisable to use registered taxis or rideshare apps, especially at night. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 190 for police and 192 for medical assistance.

Tipping in Goiás

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is appreciated, typically around 10% in restaurants, but it's not mandatory.

Payment Methods

Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's good to carry cash for small purchases and markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer (December to February)

Expect hot temperatures and occasional rain; ideal for swimming and outdoor activities.

Autumn (March to May)

Temperatures are mild, making it a great time for hiking and exploring the natural parks.

Winter (June to August)

Cooler temperatures with dry weather; perfect for cultural festivals and city exploration.

Spring (September to November)

Warm temperatures with blooming flora; great for photography and outdoor events.

Nightlife Guide

Goiás at Night

The nightlife in Goiás, particularly in Goiânia, is vibrant and diverse. Bars and clubs offer live music ranging from sertanejo (Brazilian country music) to samba and electronic dance music. Many venues have outdoor seating, creating a lively atmosphere. The nightlife typically starts late, with bars filling up around 10 PM, and clubs staying open until the early hours of the morning. Local festivals often feature street parties, adding to the festive ambiance.

Hiking in Goiás

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Trilha dos Pireneus

A scenic trail in Pirenópolis that offers stunning views of the region's natural beauty, suitable for hikers of all levels.

Caminho do Ouro

This historical trail leads to ancient gold mining sites, providing both a hike and a glimpse into the area's history.

Airports

How to reach Goiás by plane.

Santa Genoveva Airport (GYN)

Located about 8 km from Goiânia, this airport serves both domestic and limited international flights, making it a convenient gateway to the region.

Getting Around

Walkability

Goiânia is quite walkable, with many attractions located close to each other, especially in the city center. Sidewalks are generally well-maintained, and pedestrian-friendly areas encourage walking. However, some neighborhoods may have limited pedestrian infrastructure, so it's advisable to stay aware of your surroundings while exploring on foot.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Indigenous Communities

Goiás is home to several indigenous groups, each with their own cultural practices, languages, and traditions.

Urban Dwellers

Many residents live in urban centers like Goiânia, where a mix of modern and traditional lifestyles coexist.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Football is the most popular sport in Goiás, with local teams like Goiás Esporte Clube and Vila Nova Futebol Clube drawing large crowds.

Volleyball

Beach and indoor volleyball are widely played, with many local tournaments and community leagues.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Goiás, particularly in Goiânia, can be congested during peak hours. Public transportation options include buses and taxis, with a growing network of bike lanes being developed. Ridesharing services are also popular. It's advisable to plan for extra travel time if you're driving or using public transport, especially during rush hours.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Goiás.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, but it's advisable to check in advance.

Gluten-Free Choices

Gluten-free options can be limited; inform the restaurant staff of any dietary needs.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Goiás is a mix of public and private services. Public healthcare is available, but it can be overcrowded and may have long wait times. Private healthcare facilities offer higher quality services, but they can be expensive. It's recommended for travelers to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses. Major cities like Goiânia have hospitals and clinics that cater to various medical needs.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide