Things To Do
in Pastos Bons
Pastos Bons is a small inland town in Maranhão, Brazil, surrounded by verdant plains and rural farms that reflect the region’s agricultural heritage. The atmosphere is quiet and welcoming, with locals who value hospitality and a slower pace of life. The town serves as a stepping stone to nearby natural landscapes and cultural experiences characteristic of northeastern Brazil.
Visitors should expect warm weather, genuine local flavor, and a chance to glimpse everyday Brazilian rural life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Pastos Bons, soaking in the vibrant local culture and architecture. Stop by the local market to sample fresh fruits and pastries from friendly vendors. Capture the essence of the town by visiting historic landmarks, including the beautiful church that stands as a testament to the region's rich history.
After lunch at a quaint café, immerse yourself in the local art scene by visiting galleries showcasing works from regional artists. Spend the afternoon visiting the nearby museum, where you can learn about the cultural heritage of Pastos Bons through its exhibits. Engage with local artisans and perhaps pick up a unique handmade souvenir.
As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant to enjoy a traditional Brazilian dinner, savoring dishes like feijoada or moqueca. After your meal, take a leisurely walk through the town square, where you can find live music and dance performances. End your evening with a refreshing caipirinha while mingling with the locals in a welcoming atmosphere.
Start your day with an invigorating hike through the lush trails surrounding Pastos Bons, where the fresh air invigorates your senses. Keep your camera ready, as the vibrant flora and fauna offer incredible opportunities for wildlife spotting, including colorful birds and playful monkeys. Enjoy a packed breakfast amidst nature, taking in the serene sounds of the forest.
Continue your exploration by visiting a nearby river, where you can cool off with a refreshing swim or try your hand at fishing. Relish a picnic lunch by the water's edge, surrounded by the beauty of the Brazilian landscape. The afternoon can also be spent on a guided tour, learning about the local ecosystem and conservation efforts.
Return to Pastos Bons in the early evening and unwind at a local bar where you can enjoy a selection of Brazilian beers. Engage with fellow travelers and locals who share stories of their adventures in the area. As night falls, consider a quiet evening walk to reflect on the beauty of nature you experienced throughout the day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee or soft drink | $1-3 |
| 🧾Three-course meal for two | $25-40 |
| 🚗Taxi or local transport (short ride) | $2-6 |
| 🏨Hotel night (mid-range) | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Hospitable locals and a relaxed pace of life
- Access to rural landscapes, nature, and regional cuisine
- Limited tourist infrastructure and occasional language barriers
- Longer travel times to major cities and fewer direct flight options
- "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?
- "Eu não falo Português" - I don’t speak Portuguese
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Onde fica [lugar]?" - Where is [place]?
Places to Visit in Pastos Bons
Visit one of these nice places.
A lively central square with colonial-era buildings and daily-life scenes, ideal for candid street photography and golden-hour portraits.
A local church with classic architecture and a tranquil setting; good for exterior shots and atmospheric interiors when permitted.
Elevation points on the outskirts offering expansive views of plains, pastures, and distant hills, perfect for landscape photography.
Quaint residential lanes with colorful façades and daily life; ideal for atmospheric color and texture shots.
Food in Pastos Bons
Pastos Bons Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sun-dried beef served with creamy mashed manioc for a hearty, traditional northeastern meal.
Must-Try!
A classic combination of rice and beans with cheese, often accompanied by sausage or dried meat.
A fish stew featuring fresh river or lake fish, vegetables, and herbs typical of the region.
Simple soups and stews made from local produce, perfect for cooler evenings or after outdoor activities.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market where you can sample fresh fruit, cassava-based snacks, and daily staples; look for stalls with caldo or sopa and quick bites.
Weekly or daily street displays offering baked goods, tapioca pancakes, and savory snacks that showcase regional flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly “Olá” or “Bom dia,” use Senhor/Senhora with older or respected individuals, and avoid loud discussions in quiet spaces.
Dine with polite conversation; wait to be served in more traditional settings, and try local dishes with a relaxed, social pace.
Public displays of affection are common and acceptable; avoid confrontations in crowded places and show patience in queues.
Safety
Tipping in Pastos Bons
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always included. In restaurants, 5-10% is common if service isn’t included; small tips to bar staff or drivers are appreciated but not mandatory.
Cash (reais) is widely accepted in markets and small shops; credit/debit cards are increasingly common at larger establishments; mobile payments are growing but carry some cash for rural trips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent short thunderstorms; stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.
Typically drier and sunnier, but heat remains significant; excellent for outdoor excursions, though evenings can be cooler in higher elevations.
Increased rainfall can bring lush scenery and waterfall activity, but mud and flooded roads may be encountered; pack lightweight rain gear and sturdy footwear.
Pastos Bons at Night
Hiking in Pastos Bons
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A standout hiking destination in the region featuring mesas, cliffs, and numerous waterfalls; multiple trail options accommodate different fitness levels.
Airports
How to reach Pastos Bons by plane.
Regional airport serving the city of Imperatriz and surrounding areas; useful for domestic flights and connections to larger hubs.
São Luís' main international airport; provides broader domestic connections and international options, typically reached via a longer drive or domestic flight from Imperatriz.
A major airport in Teresina offering additional domestic routes and connecting options via the northeast region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic in the region, reflecting Brazil’s mixed heritage, with Afro-Brazilian and European ancestry present in smaller portions.
Smaller communities living in the surrounding countryside, contributing to the agricultural economy and traditional culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across the region, followed passionately by locals and played on community fields and courts.
Indoor or outdoor 5-a-side games common in towns and clubs.
Common recreational sport, especially in schools and municipal centers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Pastos Bons.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes feature beans, rice, cassava, and vegetables. Ask for “sem carne” (no meat) and request plant-based sides; consider asking for molho sem carne or substituting with extra vegetables or mandioca.