Things To Do
in Icó

Colorful colonial facades, shuttered windows and shaded plazas provide strong architectural and street-photography opportunities, especially in soft morning light.

Sunset and dawn over the river produce atmospheric reflections and local riverside scenes with fishermen and boats.

The main church and adjacent square are focal points for portraits, ceremonies and festival photography—best during processions or evening lighting.

Dry-season textures, native plants and open skies make for dramatic landscapes; after rains the area greens up for contrasting images.

Sun-salted beef served with boiled, fried or mashed cassava (macaxeira); commonly found in local restaurants and family eateries.

Must-Try!

A traditional mix of rice and beans (often with queijo coalho or carne seca and spices), widely available at lunches and feiras.

A tapioca pancake made from cassava starch, folded with fillings such as queijo coalho, coconut, or carne seca; popular as breakfast or snack from street vendors.

Shredded sun-dried meat mixed with farinha (manioc flour) and seasonings—a regional favorite at markets and festive occasions.

Weekly market where locals buy produce, dried meats, cheeses, and sweets—great for sampling regional products like rapadura, roasted corn and fresh cashew fruit.

Vendors near the river and plazas sell tapioca, pastel, and freshly prepared snacks; try a tapioca folded with queijo coalho and a local juice.

A friendly handshake or a single cheek kiss (between acquaintances) is common; begin conversations with a polite greeting such as "bom dia" (good morning).

Religious festivals and church processions are important—dress modestly for church visits and be respectful during ceremonies and photographs.

Locals are often warm and chatty; accept invitations to sit and talk, but reciprocate politeness. Small talk about family and local life is appreciated.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural or religious settings, and respect any refusal.

In small towns tipping is informal; leaving small change or rounding up is appreciated. In restaurants a 10% service charge may be added in larger establishments, but it is not always expected in local eateries.

Cash (Brazilian real) is widely used and preferred for markets, street food and small businesses. Credit and debit cards work at many restaurants and shops in town but may not be accepted everywhere—carry cash for markets and remote services. ATMs are limited; plan accordingly.

Hot temperatures and strong sun are typical; brief urban thunderstorms can occur. Stay hydrated and plan outdoor activities in early morning or late afternoon.

Transitioning weather with the end of the main rainy months—landscape begins to dry, but occasional showers may still fall early in the season.

Relatively cooler and dry; daytime temperatures remain warm but nights can be pleasantly cooler. This is a good time for outdoor exploration without intense heat.

Increasing temperatures and generally dry conditions; by late spring the land is usually quite dry and dusty until the rains return.

Vegetarian options are usually limited but manageable: order rice, beans, salads, and tapioca with cheese or vegetable fillings; communicate clearly ("sou vegetariano/a") and expect simple preparations.

Vegan choices are scarcer—boiled cassava, cooked beans (confirm no animal broth) and fresh fruit are reliable; bring some staples if you have strict requirements.

Cassava-based foods (tapioca, farinha) are naturally gluten-free, but ask about cross-contamination in fried items and sauces if you have celiac disease.

Clearly state allergies in Portuguese ("Sou alérgico/a a...") and avoid vendors who cannot explain ingredients; bring necessary medications.