Things To Do
in Pedras de Maria da Cruz

Expansive river views, sandbanks, fishermen, and sunsets create dramatic photos—best in late afternoon and golden hour.

Capture everyday life, colonial-style façades, church architecture and community gatherings in the central plaza.

Photos of colorful small boats, children playing on sandbars and local vendors make for authentic riverine scenes.

Wide open fields, cattle, roadside chapels and dirt lanes offer classic Minas rural imagery, especially at dawn and dusk.

Fresh-caught fish from the São Francisco prepared grilled, fried or stewed; find it at family restaurants and riverside barracas (stalls).

Must-Try!

Hearty bean-based sides typical of Minas; served with rice, pork and local greens at simple eateries.

Fresh or lightly aged cheese produced locally and sold at markets and shops — try with sweet guava paste (goiabada).

Homemade milk-based sweets and preserves made by local families and sold at markets or roadside stands.

Morning market selling fresh produce, cheeses, homemade sweets and artisanal goods—ideal for tasting seasonal fruit, buying queijo Minas and chatting with producers.

Simple riverside stands offering fried fish, grilled snacks and cold drinks—popular on weekends when locals head to the river.

People are warm and informal—handshakes and a cheek kiss among acquaintances are common. Smile and exchange brief pleasantries when entering shops or markets.

Dress modestly and speak quietly when visiting churches or religious events; ask before photographing people inside religious ceremonies.

Locals may be very hospitable and invite visitors to homes or gatherings—accepting small offers of food or drink is polite; bring a small gift if visiting a home.

Timekeeping is relaxed for social events; for official appointments or transport connections, however, arrive on time.

A 10% service charge may be added in restaurants, but it’s customary to leave small additional change for friendly service; tipping in bars, for boat guides or drivers is appreciated but not obligatory. For very small services, rounding up is fine.

Cash (Brazilian real) is widely used and necessary for markets, roadside stalls and smaller establishments; many restaurants and larger businesses accept debit/credit cards and increasingly Pix (instant bank transfer). Always carry some cash for rural outings.

Hot and humid with frequent afternoon or evening showers that can be heavy; river levels rise, making boating and some beaches fuller and more scenic—but also riskier for strong currents. Bring rain gear and expect some unpaved roads to become muddy.

Drier, sunnier and slightly cooler—pleasant for outdoor activities, early mornings can be cool but days warm up. Lower river levels expose more sandbanks and beaches, ideal for sunbathing and photography.