Things To Do
in Marau

Marau is a tranquil coastal town in southern Brazil, famed for its warm hospitality and scenic Atlantic beaches. The town blends fishing village charm with gaucho heritage, evident in its hearty meals and rustic traditions. Lush mangrove estuaries, dunes, and lagoons frame outdoor adventures just outside town.

Visitors come for seafood, relaxed strolls along the shore, and easy access to nature and culture in a laid-back setting.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the Enchanting Beaches
morning
:

Kickstart your day with a stroll along the stunning beaches of Praia de Algodões, where the soft sands meet the turquoise waters. Enjoy a fresh coconut water while soaking up the sun and listening to the gentle waves lapping on the shore. Take a moment to admire the natural beauty around you and capture those perfect vacation photos.

afternoon
:

After a delightful morning, indulge in a leisurely lunch at a beachside restaurant, savoring local seafood specialties. Spend the afternoon swimming in the warm ocean or trying your hand at beach volleyball with friendly locals. As the sun starts to lower, consider taking a paddleboard out to explore the coastline from a different perspective.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a beachside bar where you can enjoy refreshing caipirinhas while listening to live music. The vibrant atmosphere is perfect for mingling with fellow travelers and locals alike. End your day with a moonlit walk along the beach, feeling the cool breeze and listening to the calming sounds of the ocean.

day 2
Adventurous Mangrove Kayaking
morning
:

Start your adventure with a kayaking tour through the lush mangroves of Marau, where the rich biodiversity is simply breathtaking. Paddle through winding waterways, observing colorful birds and perhaps even spotting a playful monkey in the treetops. The early morning light filtering through the leaves creates a magical ambiance as you connect with nature.

afternoon
:

After a thrilling morning on the water, stop for a picnic lunch at a picturesque spot within the mangroves, enjoying local treats while surrounded by nature. Continue your kayaking journey in the afternoon, delving deeper into the mangrove ecosystem and learning about its importance from your knowledgeable guide. Capture the serene beauty of this unique environment with plenty of photos.

evening
:

Return to shore and freshen up before heading out to a local restaurant for dinner. Treat yourself to a traditional Brazilian meal, such as moqueca, while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. As night falls, consider joining a local samba dance class to immerse yourself in the culture and rhythm of Brazil.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant$25-40
Coffee or tea$2-5
🏨Budget hotel night$40-70
🚗Taxi short ride$4-10

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Warm, welcoming locals and a relaxed vibe
  • Beautiful beaches, dunes, and lagoons for nature lovers
  • Affordable compared with many coastal destinations
  • Good base for day trips to rural and coastal attractions
  • Strong seafood and gaucho-influenced cuisine
  • Limited nightlife and fewer large-scale amenities
  • Remote feel may mean fewer specialized services
  • Some areas rely on car travel; public transit can be limited
  • Seasonal variability in crowds and weather
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Pode recomendar um lugar?" - Can you recommend a place?
  • "Eu não falo muito bem em português" - I don't speak Portuguese very well
  • "A conta, por favor" - The check, please

Places to Visit in Marau

Visit one of these nice places.

Praia do Marau (coastline views)

Long sandy shoreline with turquoise water; ideal for wide beach landscapes and sunset silhouettes.

Dunas de Marau

Extensive dune fields offering dramatic lines, soft sand textures, and dynamic backdrops for fashion and nature shots.

Mirante do Farol

Cliffside overlook with sweeping sea panoramas and golden hour opportunities.

Lagoa do Marau

Calm lagoon scene perfect for reflections, birdlife, and tranquil water portraits.

Culinary Guide

Food in Marau

Marau's cuisine blends coastal flavors with gaucho influence, offering fresh seafood, hearty grills, and simple local staples.

Marau Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Churrasco Gaúcho

Traditional grilled beef and other meats, a staple of gaucho culture; commonly found in local churrascarias and family gatherings.

Must-Try!

Arroz Carreteiro

Rice cooked with dried meat, peppers, and aromatics—a comforting and robust regional dish.

Pinhão Assado

Roasted pine nuts from local pines; a seasonal snack often enjoyed in cooler months.

Peixe grelhado com acompanhamentos

Grilled or baked fish served with cassava, rice, and fresh salad—showcasing the coast's seafood bounty.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Público de Marau

Central market offering fresh fish, fruit, cassava, and regional baked goods; great for sampling everyday fare.

Feiras locais

Local street stalls and small fairs with snacks, grilled items, and homemade treats; ideal for quick bites.

Climate Guide

Weather

Marau has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Expect warm days, cooler evenings, and a tendency for rain in the spring and early summer. Sea breezes help temper the heat along the coast, making it pleasant for outdoor activities most of the year.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a friendly 'bom dia' or 'olá' and a handshake or kiss on the cheek depending on familiarity. Use polite language and smiles in social settings.

Photographs

Ask before photographing people, especially in rural or family settings.

Public spaces

Respect personal space, avoid loud behavior in quiet areas, and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Punctuality

Be reasonably punctual; locals appreciate timely arrivals but flexible schedules are common in social settings.

Safety Guide

Safety

Exercise usual travel precautions: keep valuables secure in crowded areas, beware of petty theft, and use reliable transportation at night. Stay aware of currents and weather conditions near beaches, and keep emergency numbers handy (local police and medical support). Travel insurance is recommended for outdoor activities and coastal trips.

Tipping in Marau

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

Tips are appreciated but not mandatory. In sit-down restaurants, 5-10% is common if service is not included; rounding up at casual spots is fine.

Payments

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in town; cash is handy for markets and small eateries. BRL is the local currency.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm to hot days with high humidity; frequent afternoon showers are possible. Best for beach activities, water sports, and outdoor dining along the coast.

Autumn

Milder temperatures and lower humidity; excellent for hiking and exploring town life without the peak crowds.

Winter

Cooler evenings and mornings; sea breezes can be strong. Ribas (hearty meals) and seafood are comforting options; layers recommended.

Spring

Pleasant, breezy conditions with blooming flora; great for walks, nature walks, and photography.

Nightlife Guide

Marau at Night

The nightlife in Marau is primarily low-key and family-friendly, centered around beach bars (barzinhos) and small live music venues. Expect local sertanejo and forró rhythms, casual eateries with seafood specials, and relaxed evenings that often end before late night. Seasonal events and coastal festivals provide opportunities to mingle with locals and enjoy fresh seafood and drinks by the water.

Hiking in Marau

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Trilha das Dunas

Coastal dunes walk offering sweeping ocean views and opportunities to photograph the coastline from higher ground.

Trail to Mirante da Costa

Moderate hike to a cliffside viewpoint with panoramic sea vistas and sunset opportunities.

Mangrove Trail

Easy to moderate stroll through mangrove habitats along estuarine edges, ideal for birding and nature photography.

Airports

How to reach Marau by plane.

Porto Alegre – Salgado Filho International Airport

Major gateway to the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul; connects to multiple Brazilian cities and some international routes. Access to Marau typically involves a road transfer from POA.

Pelotas Regional Airport

Smaller regional airport serving the southern coast area; helpful for faster access from nearby towns before a longer transfer to Marau.

Santa Maria Airport

Regional airport offering domestic flights and serving as another gateway to the central-southern region; useful for combining with a visit to inland areas before coastal Marau.

Getting Around

Walkability

Marau is fairly walkable in its town center and along the beachfront, with compact streets and scenic viewpoints. The surrounding dunes and coastal trails are best explored on foot or with a short drive, as some routes involve uneven terrain and limited shade. For longer distances or inland areas, a short drive or taxi may be more convenient.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

A mix of fishing families, farmers, and community members with strong ties to coastal and rural life.

Visitors and tourists

Families, couples, and solo travelers seeking beaches, nature, and gaucho culture.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport in towns across southern Brazil, enjoyed casually in parks and organized leagues.

Beach soccer and volleyball

Common on the sand during weekends and holidays, offering a relaxed, social atmosphere.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typically light to moderate, with a mix of highways and rural roads. Public transport is limited in scale, so many travelers rely on cars, taxis, or rideshares. Walking is pleasant in town centers, but long trips between coastal areas may require a vehicle.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Marau.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Look for salads, cassava-based dishes, beans, rice, corn, seasonal vegetables, and legumes. Request oil-based dressings and avoid heavy meats; many eateries can adapt pratos with cheese, eggs, or grilled vegetables.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

There are local clinics and small medical facilities in Marau, with more comprehensive care available in larger regional centers nearby. For specialized treatment or emergencies, plan to travel to larger cities by road or air and ensure travel insurance covers medical needs.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide