Things To Do
in Manari

Manari is a small municipality in Pernambuco, Brazil, nestled in the arid sertão with a warm, sun-drenched climate. The town centers around a friendly community, rural farms, and simple regional crafts that reflect the area’s agricultural heritage. It remains off the major tourist trails, offering an authentic glimpse into daily life in the Northeast’s interior.

Visitors come to experience rustic landscapes, local cuisine, and the tranquil pace of a close-knit Brazilian town.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Brazilian pastries and strong coffee. After fueling up, embark on a guided walking tour through the historic center of Manari, where you can admire colonial architecture and vibrant street art. Don't miss the chance to visit the Municipal Museum, showcasing the rich history and culture of the region.

afternoon
:

For lunch, savor a delicious meal at a nearby restaurant, known for its fresh ingredients and local flavors. Spend the afternoon visiting the famous Igreja de São Sebastião, a beautiful church that offers panoramic views of the city from its tower. Afterward, stroll through the local artisan market, where you can pick up unique handicrafts and souvenirs.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a lively local bar to enjoy traditional Brazilian music and dance. Sip on a refreshing caipirinha while mingling with locals and fellow travelers. Finish your day with a late-night snack of street food, trying regional specialties like acarajé and pastéis.

day 2
Beach and Water Sports
morning
:

Begin your day with a short trip to the stunning Praia de Manari, where the golden sands and clear waters await. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the ocean, soaking up the sun and the vibrant atmosphere of the beach. Grab a light breakfast from a beachside vendor offering fresh fruit and pastries.

afternoon
:

After your morning at the beach, engage in exciting water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, or jet skiing, available for rental along the shoreline. Have lunch at a beachside restaurant, indulging in grilled fish and tropical cocktails. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sand, playing beach volleyball, or simply enjoying the breathtaking views of the coastline.

evening
:

As evening approaches, enjoy a sunset cruise along the coast, marveling at the changing colors of the sky reflected on the water. Once back on shore, treat yourself to a seafood feast at a renowned local restaurant, where dishes are expertly prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Cap off your night with a moonlit walk along the beach, listening to the gentle waves lapping at the shore.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-12
🍝Meal for two at mid-range restaurant$15-30
🏨Mid-range hotel/guesthouse per night$25-60
🚕Short taxi ride$3-6
Coffee at cafe$1-3

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Friendly locals and a relaxed pace
  • Low cost of living and authentic rural charm
  • Accessible countryside experiences close to town
  • Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
  • Public transport can be sparse and rural roads may be rough
  • English may be limited outside major towns
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica...?" - Where is...?
  • "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
  • "Aceita cartão de crédito?" - Do you accept credit cards?
  • "A conta, por favor" - The bill, please

Places to Visit in Manari

Visit one of these nice places.

Praça Central de Manari

A lively town square with colorful storefronts, daily activity, and interesting lighting opportunities at different times of day.

Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora de Conceição

A modest colonial-era church with simple architecture ideal for exterior shots and early-morning light.

Mirante das Colinas

A viewpoint over surrounding hills and agricultural fields, perfect for golden-hour photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Manari

Manari’s cuisine mirrors Pernambuco’s rural roots, featuring hearty meat dishes, cassava, beans, corn, and fresh produce, with simple street food and market fare that showcase regional flavors.

Manari Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Carne de Sol com macaxeira

Dried, salted beef served with cassava (macaxeira) and often accompanied by beans and greens.

Must-Try!

Arrumadinho

A filling mix of shredded meat (often beef or pork), beans, cassava, and farofa, typical of Sertão comfort food.

Tapioca

Crepes made from cassava flour, prepared plain or with savory fillings like cheese, eggs, or vegetables.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Manari

Local market offering fresh produce, regional cheeses, and breakfast stalls.

Tapioca Stands

Street vendors around the town square serving hot tapioca and quick snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Manari has a hot tropical climate with a pronounced dry season. Daytime temperatures commonly exceed 30°C, while nights can cool down in the dry season; humidity varies with rainfall patterns.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A handshake is common; in familiar circles, Brazilians may exchange a light kiss on the cheek. Use polite language and address people as senhor or senhora when appropriate.

Tones and personal space

Speak in a calm, friendly manner; avoid loud or confrontational behavior in public; ask before taking photos of people.

Safety Guide

Safety

Travel with common-sense precautions: keep valuables secure, avoid isolated areas after dark, stay informed about weather conditions in the rural areas, and have local contact numbers available for emergencies.

Tipping in Manari

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up bills or leaving 5-10% for good service is common.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted; many places also take credit cards and PIX (instant transfer). Some markets may operate primarily on cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and sunny with strong daytime heat; stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.

Winter

Milder evenings with cooler nights; occasional rain can occur, making it suitable for river walks and indoor cultural activities.

Nightlife Guide

Manari at Night

Nightlife in Manari is low-key, centered around informal bars and weekend gatherings with local music and forró. Expect a warm, communal atmosphere rather than a nightclub scene, with chances to hear regional songs and enjoy social evenings with neighbors.

Hiking in Manari

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Vereda das Colinas

Gentle hill trails offering scenic viewpoints over fields and groves.

Cachoeira do Rio Pequeno

A short waterfall trail with shaded paths and picnic spots nearby.

Airports

How to reach Manari by plane.

Recife/Guararapes International Airport (REC)

Major gateway to the region with domestic and international flights; access to Manari usually by road for several hours.

Petrolina Regional Airport (PNZ)

Regional airport serving the Sertão area, offering connections to major Brazilian cities and convenient access to inland towns.

Getting Around

Walkability

Manari is compact and walkable in the town center, with most key sites within a couple of kilometers. For trails and rural areas, a vehicle or taxi is often needed to reach departure points.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Farmers and agricultural workers

Many residents work in farming or ranching in the surrounding areas.

Urban residents

A smaller urban population centered in the town center with local services.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (futebol)

The dominant sport, played in schools, clubs, and informal games across the town.

Capoeira

A traditional Brazilian art form and sport practiced in community spaces and schools.

Transportation

Traffic

Rural roads around Manari are lightly traveled; in town, traffic is typically calm. Driving during rain can slow progress, and public transportation is limited, with taxis being the primary option for longer trips.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Manari.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Options include mandioca, beans, rice, salads, fresh fruit, and vegetable stews; if needed, ask for peixe or ovos as alternatives.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available through small local clinics; for more complex care, residents typically travel to larger cities or regional capitals where hospitals and specialists are located.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide