Things To Do
in Paragominas
Paragominas is a municipality in the state of Pará in northern Brazil, located on the edge of the eastern Amazon biome and known for agriculture, forestry and a growing local commerce sector. Once associated with intensive logging, the city has gained recognition for reforestation and environmental recovery initiatives and a push toward more sustainable land use. The urban center is a mid-sized, working city with a mix of rural communities, cattle ranches and small to medium manufacturing and service businesses.
Visitors find a warm tropical atmosphere, friendly local culture and easy access to rivers, forest fragments and countryside scenery.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Paragominas and check into your hotel. After settling in, take a stroll through the vibrant streets to get a feel for the local culture. Visit a nearby café to savor traditional Brazilian coffee and pastries while absorbing the atmosphere.
Explore the Praça da Matriz, the main square of Paragominas, where locals gather. Visit the local market to experience the flavors and crafts of the region, and indulge in some shopping for unique souvenirs. Engage with locals to learn about the history of this charming town.
Dine at a local restaurant where you can taste regional dishes such as tacacá and fish stews. Enjoy the lively ambiance of the city as you interact with residents and fellow travelers. Conclude your day with a relaxing walk back to your hotel, taking in the nighttime sights.
Start your day early with a guided tour into the Amazon rainforest. Enjoy a boat ride on the river where you’ll have the chance to spot diverse wildlife, including birds and monkeys. Learn from knowledgeable guides about the flora and fauna unique to this incredible ecosystem.
Continue your adventure with a hike through the forest trails, discovering hidden waterfalls and natural pools. Enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by the lush greenery of the rainforest. Experience a moment of tranquility while listening to the sounds of nature.
Return to Paragominas after an exhilarating day in the rainforest. Treat yourself to a delicious dinner featuring fresh fish from the Amazon. Share stories of your day's adventures with fellow travelers at a cozy local bar.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee or pastry at a café | $1-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $2-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $30-60 |
| 🛒Weekly groceries for one | $15-35 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic regional culture and cuisine with strong Amazonian influences
- Access to reforestation projects and rural eco-initiatives
- Friendly locals and a relaxed, small-city atmosphere
- Good opportunities for birding, river photography and learning about sustainable land use
- Limited tourist infrastructure compared with major Brazilian destinations
- Seasonal road and weather-related access issues during heavy rains
- Fewer entertainment and dining options late at night or on weekdays
- Specialized medical care may require travel to larger cities
- "Olá / Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite" - Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening
- "Por favor / Obrigado(a)" - Please / Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o mercado / o hospital?" - Where is the market / the hospital?
- "Sou vegetariano(a) / Tenho alergia a..." - I'm vegetarian / I have an allergy to...
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Paragominas
Visit one of these nice places.
Capture daily life, local architecture, street vendors and sunsets over the plaza.
Vibrant colors, activity and close-up shots of local produce, açaí vendors and traditional foods.
Photograph restored forest patches, demonstration plots and contrasted landscapes showing conservation efforts.
Early-morning river mist, fishermen, small boats and scenic countryside vistas ideal for golden-hour photography.
Capture music, dance, local dress and food stalls—best during weekends or special events.
Food in Paragominas
Paragominas Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
In Pará açaí is commonly eaten with manioc flour, fried fish or farinha rather than as a sweet bowl—try it at the municipal market or a local açaí shop.
Must-Try!
A classic dish of duck cooked in tucupi (yellow sauce from manioc) and seasoned with jambu; more common in regional restaurants and special menus.
A slow-cooked savory dish made from many hours of boiled manioc leaves and mixed meats; usually served at traditional restaurants and during festivals.
Starches made from manioc are available at breakfast or street stalls, filled with savory or sweet ingredients.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local hub for fresh fruits, açaí stands, river fish and small snack vendors—great for sampling regional flavors and photographing markets.
Evening botecos sell grilled meats, fried manioc and cold drinks; daytime feiras (street markets) offer fresh produce, tapioca and pastel.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is standard for first meetings; among friends a single cheek kiss or hugs are common—use a more informal greeting once invited to do so.
Portuguese is the language—learn basic phrases and be polite; locals appreciate attempts to speak Portuguese even if limited.
Show respect for local religious and community events, ask before photographing people in intimate settings, and follow landowner or guide instructions when visiting rural properties.
Be mindful of littering and fire risks; Paragominas has active reforestation programs and locals value responsible behavior in natural areas.
Safety
Tipping in Paragominas
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants a 10% service charge is common but not always applied; leaving small extra change for good service is appreciated. For taxis and small services, rounding up or a small tip is fine. Tip guides and drivers directly if they provide excellent service.
Cash (Brazilian real) is widely used, especially in markets and small establishments. Credit/debit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and shops, but connectivity can be unreliable—carry cash for rural excursions. ATMs are available in town but may have limits.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect frequent heavy rains, higher river levels and humid conditions; some rural roads may become muddy or impassable—plan outdoor activities for drier windows and carry waterproof gear.
Lower rainfall means easier travel on unpaved roads, clearer skies for photography and more predictable river levels; daytime heat can still be intense, with comfortable evenings.
These months can be mixed—occasional heavy showers but also dry spells—good for catching greenery after rains while enjoying improving road conditions.
Paragominas at Night
Hiking in Paragominas
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short guided trails through restored forest patches and demonstration agroforestry sites—great for birding and learning about native species.
Easy hikes along river edges and small tributaries with opportunities to spot aquatic birds and rural life; best during the dry season for access.
Short rural hikes leading to seasonal waterfalls and natural pools—popular for day trips and cooling off, accessibility varies by season.
Airports
How to reach Paragominas by plane.
A small local airport/airstrip serving general aviation and occasional regional flights—limited commercial service; check schedules ahead of travel.
Larger regional airport (commercial flights to other Brazilian cities) reachable by road—several hours by car from Paragominas; commonly used for regional connections.
Major international airport serving Belém, with the widest range of national and some international connections; reach Paragominas by road or domestic connection, travel time several hours depending on route and traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents work in agriculture, cattle ranching, small-scale farming and agroforestry in surrounding rural areas.
Town residents employed in commerce, public services, education and small industries form the urban demographic core.
Paragominas has attracted migrants from northeastern and other regions who contribute to cultural diversity and local economies.
Surrounding areas include indigenous and traditional riverine populations, whose cultural practices influence regional food and resource use.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport—local clubs, amateur matches and community fields are common; neighborhood teams and youth leagues are active.
Popular indoor sports, often played in school and community centers, with local competitions and social matches.
River and creek fishing is both a pastime and a livelihood for many locals—recreational fishing is common along nearby waterways.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Paragominas.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited in smaller establishments—look for tapioca with fillings, salads, rice-and-bean dishes and fruit. Mention 'sou vegetariano/vegetariana' and expect to request modifications; bring snacks for remote outings.
Vegan dining requires planning: ask for dishes without dairy or fish and rely on market foods (fruits, manioc, rice, beans). Larger restaurants may accommodate with advance notice.
Communicate allergies in Portuguese if possible—'tenho alergia a...'—and be cautious with cross-contamination in street food. Many manioc-based dishes are naturally gluten-free, but always confirm ingredients.