Things To Do
in Olho d’Água das Cunhãs
Olho d’Água das Cunhãs is a small rural municipality in Maranhão, Brazil, set among lush river valleys and rolling hills. The community is known for warm hospitality, traditional crafts, and a slower pace of life that invites visitors to slow down. The surrounding countryside offers simple nature experiences, from river swimming to scenic viewpoints over the Brazilian savanna.
It is an authentic stop for travelers seeking to experience rural Maranhão away from the larger coastal cities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the charming Praça do Mercado, where local vendors showcase their crafts and fresh produce. Stroll through the cobblestone streets, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant murals that tell the story of Olho d’Água das Cunhãs. Don't forget to stop by the local bakery for a delicious pão de queijo as you soak in the morning atmosphere.
After lunch at a nearby restaurant, head to the Museu Municipal, where you can learn about the history and culture of the region through its exhibits. Take some time to chat with the friendly locals, who often share fascinating stories about the town's past. As the sun begins to set, find a cozy café to enjoy a refreshing açaí bowl and watch the world go by.
As night falls, join the locals for a lively evening at the Praça da Matriz, where you can enjoy live music and dance performances. Experience the warmth of Brazilian hospitality as you mingle with residents and share in the laughter and joy of the community. End your night by savoring a traditional dinner at a family-run restaurant, where you can indulge in delicious regional dishes.
Start your day with a guided nature walk through the lush greenery surrounding Olho d’Água das Cunhãs. Breathe in the fresh air as you explore the diverse flora and fauna, guided by a knowledgeable local who can point out unique species. Capture beautiful photos of the landscape while listening to the soothing sounds of nature in the morning light.
After your nature walk, enjoy a picnic lunch in a serene spot, surrounded by the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. Spend the afternoon hiking along scenic trails that lead to stunning viewpoints, where you can take in panoramic vistas of the countryside. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including colorful birds and playful monkeys.
As dusk approaches, return to town and unwind at a local bar, sipping on refreshing caipirinhas made with fresh lime and cachaça. Engage in conversations with fellow travelers and locals, sharing stories and travel tips. For dinner, try a traditional dish such as feijoada, a hearty black bean stew that reflects the culinary heritage of Brazil.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥤Bottle of water (1L) | $0.50-1 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel per night | $25-40 |
| 🚎Local transit ticket | $0.50-1.50 |
| ☕Coffee or snack | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Brazilian experience with warm, welcoming locals
- Accessible nature and river-based activities
- Affordable costs and simple, satisfying meals
- Limited nightlife and nightlife venues compared to cities
- Fewer healthcare facilities and tourist services in town
- Rural roads can be rough and weather-dependent
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does this cost?
Places to Visit in Olho d’Água das Cunhãs
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden-hour light on the town’s central square, with colonial or local-style buildings and activity that makes for vibrant street photography.
River overlook with sweeping views of valley trees and the winding water below, ideal for landscape shots and sunset portraits.
Waterfalls and forested trails offering lush greenery, misty spray, and birdlife—great for nature photography.
Colorful stalls, local produce, and candid street scenes that capture daily rural life and craft markets.
Food in Olho d’Água das Cunhãs
Olho d’Água das Cunhãs Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Rice cooked with dried shrimp, okra leaves, and peppers, a hallmark of Maranhão cuisine often enjoyed with fish or chicken.
Must-Try!
Sun-dried beef served with cassava (mandioca) or fried cassava slices; a robust, rustic dish popular in inland Maranhão.
A coastal-inspired fish stew adapted inland, featuring tomato, onion, peppers, and herbs with regional fish when available.
Fish stew with vegetables and herbs; often cooked slowly to mingle flavors.
Crispy tapioca pancake filled with cheese, coconut, or fruit jams—popular as a street snack or light meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Main municipal market where locals buy produce, seafood, cassava products, and prepared snacks.
Weekly street market stalls offering fresh fruit, baked goods, and regional specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin with a friendly greeting like 'Bom dia' or 'Boa tarde.' A handshake is common; in more social settings, a kiss on the cheek is possible among locals you know well.
Ask before posing for photos with people; keep voices calm in markets; show appreciation for local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Use the right hand for gestures and to pay; observe whether a service charge is included and tip accordingly.
Safety
Tipping in Olho d’Água das Cunhãs
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. If service is good, consider 5-10% in restaurants; in small cafés and markets, small tips are common for exceptional service.
Cash (BRL) is widely accepted; many places also take major credit/debit cards and mobile payments like PIX. Some rural shops may be cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers; stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and seek shade during peak heat. River activities are popular, but trails can be muddy after rain.
Warm days with variable rain; trails remain green and accessible, though after rain some paths can be slippery. Great time for wildlife spotting and outdoor photography.
Dry season; cooler nights and pleasant daytime temperatures; ideal for long outdoor walks and village exploration.
Warming temperatures with moderate rainfall; blooming fauna and fruiting trees create vibrant scenery and good markets.
Olho d’Água das Cunhãs at Night
Hiking in Olho d’Água das Cunhãs
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest and hillside trail offering lookout points, birdlife, and a closer look at the region’s natural ecosystems.
A network of small waterfalls and natural pools accessible via moderate hikes through the surrounding countryside.
Airports
How to reach Olho d’Água das Cunhãs by plane.
Major hub for Maranhão, with domestic and some regional flights; from here you can connect to other Brazilian cities.
Regional airport serving western Maranhão; shorter domestic connections and access to inland towns.
Nearby international-style gateway in neighboring Piauí region; useful for broader itineraries in northeast Brazil.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Most common identity in many rural Maranhão communities, reflecting a mix of Indigenous, African, and European ancestry.
Some local communities maintain Indigenous traditions and crafts, contributing to the region’s cultural diversity.
Communities descended from Afro-Brazilian heritage with unique cultural practices and crafts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Brazil, with local fields and informal matches in many towns.
Common in schools and community centers, with casual neighborhood games and tournaments.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Olho d’Água das Cunhãs.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Rely on cassava, beans, rice, fresh fruit, and vegetable stews; ask for oil or butter alternatives and avoid lard or meat-based broths.