Things To Do
in Maracaju
Maracaju is a small agricultural city in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, surrounded by cattle ranches, soybean fields and stretches of cerrado vegetation. The town serves as a regional hub with basic services, markets and a relaxed, small-town atmosphere. Nearby hills known as the Serra de Maracaju, rivers and local farms provide easy access to natural scenery and outdoor activities.
Visitors find an authentic slice of interior Brazil with hearty regional food, friendly locals and seasonal festivals tied to rural life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic center of Maracaju, where the charming colonial architecture tells stories of the past. Visit the beautiful Igreja Matriz de São João Batista, a church that showcases stunning stained glass and intricate woodwork. Enjoy a traditional Brazilian breakfast at a local café, sampling fresh pão de queijo and strong coffee.
In the afternoon, take some time to explore the bustling local market, where vendors sell fresh produce, crafts, and indigenous handicrafts. Engage with the friendly locals and perhaps pick up some unique souvenirs to remember your trip. Afterward, visit the Museu Histórico de Maracaju to delve deeper into the city’s rich history and heritage.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant to indulge in a traditional Pantanal meal, featuring dishes made from fresh fish and local ingredients. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as you sip on caipirinhas while listening to live music. End your evening with a leisurely walk along the illuminated streets, absorbing the charm of Maracaju at night.
Set off early for a day trip to the Parque Nacional da Serra da Bodoquena, where lush landscapes and diverse wildlife await. Begin your visit with a guided hike through the park, where you can spot exotic birds and unique plant species. Don’t forget to take in the breathtaking views from scenic lookout points along the trails.
After your hike, unwind by swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the park’s natural pools, surrounded by stunning rock formations. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature, relishing the tranquility and beauty that the park offers. In the afternoon, join a guided tour for a chance to witness the park's impressive waterfalls and learn about its ecological significance.
Return to Maracaju in the early evening, where you can relax at your accommodation and reflect on the day’s adventures. Choose a casual dining spot to savor a hearty meal of local cuisine. End the night with a visit to a nearby bar for a taste of regional spirits and to mingle with locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-10 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| ☕Coffee and snack at a café | $2-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $2-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural interior-Brazil experience with friendly locals
- Easy access to cerrado landscapes, ranches and outdoor activities
- Lower costs compared with larger cities and food rooted in local produce
- Limited nightlife and fewer tourist services compared with big cities
- Public transport options are restricted—own transport is helpful
- Fewer specialty dietary options and medical facilities than in regional centers
- "Olá / Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite" - Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado (male) / Obrigada (female)" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the restroom?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Maracaju
Visit one of these nice places.
Hilltop panoramas at the local mountain range provide sweeping views of cerrado landscapes, farmland mosaics and dramatic skies—best at sunrise or late afternoon.
The central plaza, municipal buildings and everyday street scenes offer candid shots of local life, markets and architecture.
Rivers, streams and roadside waterfalls outside town make good subjects for nature photography—look for reflections, rock pools and seasonal flows after rains.
Working farms and ranches with cattle, old fences and rural roads provide classic interior-Brazil imagery—ask permission before photographing private property or people.
Food in Maracaju
Maracaju Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Brazilian barbecue featuring cuts like picanha (rump cap) and other grilled meats; best found at local churrascarias or roadside steakhouses around Maracaju.
Must-Try!
A typical homestyle plate of rice, beans and slow-cooked beef—comfort food available at small restaurants (comida caseira).
Fresh farm cheese produced in the region; available at markets and roadside stands—great with coffee or pão.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small indoor market where vendors sell fresh produce, cheeses, coffee and household goods; a good place to taste regional fruits and buy snacks.
Bakeries (padarias) and street stalls sell pão de queijo, coxinha and salgados—perfect for breakfast or quick bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm handshake is standard for first-time encounters; friends and acquaintances often exchange a single cheek kiss (right cheek) or embrace—greet people verbally with 'bom dia' or 'boa tarde'.
Show respect in social and religious settings; be polite when visiting private homes or fazendas and remove shoes if requested.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially on farms or at markets—locals appreciate being asked first.
Social events are often relaxed about time, but be reasonably punctual for business appointments or guided tours.
Safety
Tipping in Maracaju
Ensure a smooth experience
A 10% service charge is common in restaurants and is often included on the bill; for informal services (taxis, attendants) tipping small amounts is appreciated but not required—round up or leave a few BRL for good service.
Credit and debit cards are accepted in many restaurants and shops, but cash is useful for markets, small vendors and rural services. ATMs are available in town; notify your bank for travel to avoid card holds.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; vegetation is lush and waterfalls are at their fullest—carry sun protection and be prepared for sudden rain.
Transitional period with gradually decreasing rain and temperatures; good time for outdoor activities as humidity lessens and landscapes remain green.
Dry season with cooler nights and mild days; water levels in streams decrease, skies are often clear and dust can increase on unpaved roads—pack a light jacket for evenings.
Warming temperatures and increasing rains toward late spring; wildflowers and new growth appear and it’s a lively time for rural scenery, but expect occasional heavy showers.
Maracaju at Night
Hiking in Maracaju
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Local trails on the Maracaju range offering moderate hikes, lookout points and cerrado vegetation—best done with a local guide for access and safety.
A collection of small waterfalls and natural pools scattered around rural properties—seasonal flows peak after the rainy months and sites are often reached via dirt roads.
Guided walks on private farms (fazendas) where visitors can learn about cattle ranching, crop cycles and local flora while enjoying easy to moderate trails.
Airports
How to reach Maracaju by plane.
The largest nearby airport (approximately 1.5–2 hours by car from Maracaju) with domestic flights to major Brazilian cities and some international connections; the most convenient gateway for most travelers.
A regional airport serving Dourados and surrounding areas; useful if traveling from that direction but with fewer flight options than Campo Grande.
Smaller airport near the Paraguayan border that can be useful for regional access; services are limited so check schedules in advance.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are a mix of indigenous, European and African ancestry, with families tied to farming and ranching traditions.
The wider region of Mato Grosso do Sul includes indigenous groups (such as Guarani), whose presence influences local culture and history.
Afro-Brazilian residents contribute to cultural, religious and social life in the region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport at all ages—local matches and informal games are common and a central part of community life.
Ranching culture supports rodeo events, horse riding and cattle-related festivals common in Mato Grosso do Sul.
Indoor sports such as futsal and volleyball are popular in schools and community centers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Maracaju.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited but increasing; request arroz, feijão, salads, grilled vegetables and cheese dishes—explain dietary needs in Portuguese to ensure no meat broths are used.
Vegan choices can be more challenging in a meat-centered region; rely on fruit, rice, beans (confirm no lard), salads and bring snacks if you have strict needs.
Many traditional dishes (rice, beans, grilled meats) are naturally gluten-free, but ask about prepared items and breads in Portuguese (sem glúten) to avoid cross-contamination.