Things To Do
in Matões
Matões is a small, agricultural town in the interior of Maranhão, Brazil, known for its relaxed pace of life and local festivals. The town serves as a hub for surrounding rural communities and offers a glimpse of northeastern Brazilian interior culture. Visitors will find simple colonial-influenced architecture, lively street markets, and friendly, hospitality-minded residents.
It’s an ideal spot for travelers interested in off-the-beaten-path cultural experiences, birdwatching and rural landscapes rather than big-city attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying freshly brewed coffee and traditional Brazilian pastries. Afterward, wander through the historic center of Matões, taking in the colonial architecture and vibrant street art. Stop by the local market to experience the bustling atmosphere and interact with friendly vendors selling fruits and handmade goods.
Head over to the local museum to learn about the rich history and culture of Matões, where you'll find exhibits showcasing traditional crafts and artifacts. After immersing yourself in the past, enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant, savoring regional dishes like rice and beans with grilled chicken. As the afternoon unfolds, stroll through the nearby parks and enjoy the lush greenery while observing local wildlife.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a local eatery for dinner, where you can taste the flavors of Maranhão cuisine, including delicious seafood. After dinner, take a walk through the illuminated streets and enjoy the local nightlife, perhaps stopping at a bar to listen to live music. Cap off the evening with a relaxing dessert, trying a sweet treat made with local fruits.
Begin your day with an early breakfast and prepare for an adventure in the lush surrounding nature trails. Join a guided tour that takes you through the stunning landscapes, where you can spot various bird species and learn about the local flora. The quiet morning air is perfect for appreciating the sounds of nature as you hike along the trails.
After a couple of hours of hiking, enjoy a packed picnic lunch in a scenic spot, surrounded by nature's beauty. Spend the afternoon exploring more trails, perhaps venturing to a nearby waterfall where you can take a refreshing dip. Capture the stunning views and diverse wildlife with your camera as you continue your exploration.
Return to Matões and unwind at a local café, reflecting on the day's adventures with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For dinner, seek out a restaurant that specializes in local dishes, where you can indulge in a hearty meal featuring regional ingredients. As the evening comes to a close, take a stroll through the town and enjoy the peaceful ambiance under the starry sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee or street snack | $0.50-2 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse / pousada (per night) | $20-40 |
| 🚌Local bus ride / short taxi | $0.50-5 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $0.50-1.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic, off-the-beaten-path cultural experiences and friendly local hospitality
- Low cost of travel and access to rural landscapes and birdwatching
- Good opportunity to experience festivals and traditional music (forró, São João)
- Limited tourist infrastructure and few luxury accommodations
- Transport connectivity is limited—long drives to major airports or cities
- Fewer options for specialized diets, nightlife and guided services compared with larger cities
- "Olá / Bom dia" - Hello / Good morning
- "Por favor / Obrigado(a)" - Please / Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica a rodoviária?" - Where is the bus station?
- "Tem comida sem carne?" - Do you have food without meat?
Places to Visit in Matões
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic town-life scenes: colonial-style church façades, daily market activity and colorful street vendors—excellent for cultural portraits and architecture shots.
Early-morning light along local rivers captures reflections, fishermen and birdlife—ideal for landscape and wildlife photography.
Vibrant market stalls, produce displays and lively vendors provide candid opportunities for street and food photography.
Low hills and open fields make beautiful sunset panoramas with warm light and silhouettes of local trees and animals.
Food in Matões
Matões Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled or stewed local river fish served with rice, farofa (toasted manioc) and salad; commonly found at small restaurants and family-run diners.
Must-Try!
A local rice-based preparation incorporating regional greens or sauces—ask cooks for their family variation, often available in home-style eateries.
Starches made from manioc—tapioca pancakes and steamed cuscuz are common breakfast items sold by street vendors and breakfast cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market where farmers sell produce, fresh fish and snacks—ideal for sampling local fruit, buying cassava products and tasting street snacks like pastéis and tapioca.
Small bars and food stalls serving fried snacks, grilled skewers and cold beer; great for people-watching and trying regional quick bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a handshake or one cheek kiss (common among acquaintances) and a friendly 'bom dia' or 'boa tarde'—politeness matters in small communities.
Show respect in churches and during religious events—dress conservatively for services and follow local customs.
Always ask permission before photographing close-up portraits of locals, especially in rural or religious contexts.
Safety
Tipping in Matões
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest in small towns—service charges are uncommon; rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% at restaurants is appreciated but not required. Tip guides, drivers and hotel staff directly if they provide helpful services.
Cash (Brazilian real, BRL) is king in Matões—many small businesses and markets accept only cash. Cards may work at larger establishments but connectivity can be unreliable; carry enough cash and use ATMs in larger nearby towns when possible.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect hot, humid weather with frequent heavy afternoon and evening rains—some rural roads may become muddy or temporarily impassable. Bring a lightweight rain jacket, waterproof bags for gear and allow flexibility in travel plans.
Drier, sunnier and slightly cooler mornings—this is the easiest time for outdoor activities, hiking and exploring dirt roads. Nights can be pleasantly cool; daytime sun can be strong so bring sun protection.
Matões at Night
Hiking in Matões
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Trail along the Itapecuru riverbanks (local access points vary) offering gentle riverside walks, birdwatching and photography—best with a local guide to find safe swimming spots and wildlife.
Network of unmarked rural trails that pass through farmland, low hills and small groves—ideal for casual hikes, horseback riding and observing agricultural life; hire a local guide or join a farm visit.
Small waterfalls and natural pools in the region are accessible by short hikes—water levels vary with season, and trails can be slippery in the wet months, so wear appropriate footwear and go with local guidance.
Airports
How to reach Matões by plane.
Main international airport serving Maranhão with flights to national hubs; access to Matões requires several hours by road, so plan ground transport in advance.
Regional airport in neighboring Piauí state with connections to major Brazilian cities; may be a viable alternative depending on your route and ground transport arrangements.
Smaller regional airports serve southern Maranhão and neighboring states—useful for reducing overland travel time, but flight options may be limited and require connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The population includes mixed-heritage (mestizo) and Afro-Brazilian residents with strong ties to traditional culture and community life.
Many residents are engaged in agriculture and livestock, living in nearby settlements and contributing to the town’s market activity.
The broader Maranhão region includes indigenous and traditional communities; in and around Matões, visitors may encounter cultural practices and artisanal crafts influenced by these groups.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport—locals play on improvised fields, and community matches are a common social activity.
In surrounding rural areas, rodeo-style events and local equestrian competitions are part of traditional festivities and fairs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Matões.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can manage with rice, beans, salads, tapioca and cuscuz; however, options beyond these staples can be limited—ask cooks to prepare vegetable versions of dishes and seek out markets for fresh produce.
Vegan choices are available but basic—carry snacks and be ready to explain restrictions since many dishes use animal-based broths or palm oil; bring staples if you have strict needs.
Many regional staples (tapioca, rice, manioc/farofa) are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination and wheat-based snacks exist—communicate clearly and favor naturally gluten-free preparations.