Things To Do
in Peritoró
Peritoró is a small municipality in the interior of Maranhão, Northeast Brazil, defined by a quiet town center, agricultural landscapes and strong local traditions. The town serves as a regional hub for surrounding farms and villages, and life here follows a relaxed, rural pace. Visitors will find simple infrastructure, welcoming residents, and cultural touches like local markets, church festivals and forró music.
Peritoró is a good stop for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience of Maranhão’s countryside and everyday Brazilian small-town life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by wandering through the charming streets of Peritoró's historic center, where colonial architecture tells stories of the past. Stop by the local market to sample fresh fruits and regional delicacies, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. Don’t forget to visit the iconic Church of Our Lady of Conception, an architectural gem that showcases the town's rich cultural heritage.
After a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, continue your exploration at the Museu Histórico de Peritoró, where you can learn about the town's intriguing history and local traditions. Take a stroll through the picturesque squares, soaking in the lively atmosphere as locals go about their day. Spend some time visiting artisan shops, where you can find unique handicrafts and souvenirs made by talented local craftspeople.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a café to enjoy a traditional Brazilian coffee while people-watching. Later, treat yourself to dinner at a popular restaurant serving regional dishes like peixe na telha, a local fish specialty. Cap off the evening with a leisurely walk through the town, admiring the beautifully lit historic buildings.
Begin your day with a guided nature walk in the nearby Parque Nacional da Chapada das Mesas, where the diverse flora and fauna will leave you in awe. The fresh morning air is invigorating as you spot colorful birds and unique plant species along the trails. Don’t forget your camera, as stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape await you.
After a picnic lunch surrounded by nature, continue your exploration by visiting breathtaking waterfalls such as the Cachoeira do Prata. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, letting the natural beauty rejuvenate your spirit. Spend some time taking in the serene surroundings, perfect for relaxation and contemplation.
Return to Peritoró and enjoy a relaxed evening at a local restaurant featuring live music. Savor traditional dishes while enjoying the upbeat rhythms of local musicians. As the night progresses, immerse yourself in the lively ambiance, perhaps even joining in a dance or two.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee or snack from a bakery | $0.50-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi/moto-taxi ride | $2-6 |
| 🚌Local bus ride / intercity bus | $0.50-8 |
| 🏨Basic guesthouse / pousada (per night) | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic small-town Brazilian and Maranhão cultural experience
- Friendly locals and strong community traditions
- Low cost of travel and simple, hearty local cuisine
- Good opportunities for rural photography and nature observation
- Limited tourist infrastructure and few formal accommodations
- Healthcare and emergency services are basic; serious cases require travel to larger cities
- Unpaved roads and seasonal rain can hinder travel
- Limited nightlife and few organized tourist activities
- "Olá / Oi" - Hello
- "Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite" - Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you (male speaker / female speaker)
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o mercado / a igreja?" - Where is the market / the church?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Peritoró
Visit one of these nice places.
A hub of everyday life—morning coffee sellers, children playing and the town church—excellent for candid street photography and portraits.
The main church offers architectural detail, interior scenes of local worship and an atmospheric setting during religious festivals.
Wide-open farmland, sugarcane and cassava fields provide classic rural landscapes, especially at sunrise or sunset when light is warm.
Nearby waterways are great for nature shots, reflections and photographing fishermen or local children playing in the water.
Vivid colors, produce, and human interactions make markets ideal for storytelling images and close-ups of food and crafts.
Food in Peritoró
Peritoró Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular cassava-based pancake filled with cheese, coconut, meat or sweet fillings—sold at street stalls and bakeries throughout town.
Must-Try!
Local river or freshwater fish prepared in a tomato-coconut broth with rice and vegetables; look for it in family-run restaurants and during communal meals.
Sun-dried, salted beef often served with cassava or rice; a hearty regional favorite found in traditional eateries.
Cassava cake often made at home and sold at local bakeries—sweet, dense and coconut-scented.
A Maranhão specialty combining rice with a sauce made from vinagreira (a local leafy plant), toasted sesame seeds, shrimp or dried fish—more common in larger towns but sometimes prepared for celebrations.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small market with vendors selling fresh produce, cassava, dried fish and household goods; ideal for photographing daily life and trying street snacks like tapioca and fried pastéis.
Mobile or semi-permanent stalls near the square offering morning tapioca and afternoon snacks; try savory and sweet fillings and seasonal fruit juices.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Friendly greetings are important—use 'Olá', 'Bom dia/Boa tarde' and shake hands for formal introductions; close friends and family may exchange cheek kisses.
Casual, modest dress is suitable for daily life; avoid beachwear in town. Be respectful in churches and during religious events—remove hats and speak softly.
Punctuality is flexible for social events; personal relationships matter—take time for small talk and be warm and patient with locals.
Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly in homes or during religious activities; many residents welcome photos but appreciate being asked first.
Safety
Tipping in Peritoró
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in small towns. Many restaurants add a 10% service charge (verifique se a taxa já está inclusa); for informal services like guides or drivers, tipping is appreciated but discretionary—rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is common.
Cash (Brazilian real) is widely used, especially for street food, markets and small shops. Cards are accepted in larger businesses but connectivity can be unreliable; carry sufficient cash for rural excursions and small purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
(Dec–Feb) Generally hot and humid; early summer often brings the start of the rainy season. Expect frequent afternoon or evening showers, lush greenery and occasional muddy rural roads.
In Maranhão (Mar–May) this is typically the rainiest period — heavy rains can cause local flooding and make some dirt roads difficult to navigate; plan for rain gear and flexible schedules.
In the Brazilian sense (Jun–Aug) corresponds to the drier, slightly cooler months; mornings can be pleasant and outdoor activities easier as rains subside.
(Sep–Nov) Warm and increasingly humid as the rains approach; countryside is green and agricultural activity picks up—good time for photography before peak rains.
Peritoró at Night
Hiking in Peritoró
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Unguided walking routes along rural roads and trails through farmland—best for early-morning or late-afternoon hikes to avoid midday heat; bring water and insect repellent.
Short trails along local streams and rivers offering shaded walks, birdwatching and calm swimming spots; check water conditions after heavy rain.
Local hills or elevated farm parcels provide panoramic views of the landscape at sunrise or sunset—access often via a short walk or farm trail; ask permission before entering private land.
Airports
How to reach Peritoró by plane.
The main international gateway for Maranhão (São Luís), approximately a few hours by road from Peritoró; provides the most flight connections and is the usual arrival point for most visitors to the state.
A regional airport in Imperatriz offering domestic connections; closer to southern Maranhão and a practical alternative depending on travel route—ground transport from Imperatriz to Peritoró is required.
A smaller regional airport serving southern and central Maranhão; useful for travelers approaching from that direction but with fewer flight options and typically requiring onward ground travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population works in agriculture, cultivating cassava, corn, beans and small-scale livestock.
Local culture reflects a blend of indigenous, African and Portuguese influences typical of Maranhão, visible in food, music and religious practices.
Many younger people may migrate seasonally or permanently to larger cities for work, while others remain engaged in local commerce and farming.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport across Brazil and in Peritoró—local pickup games and community matches are common and central to social life.
Indoor five-a-side football is popular among youth, especially during rainy periods when outdoor play is harder.
Equestrian activities and small-scale rodeo or cowboy-style events take place in rural communities, especially during festivals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Peritoró.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited in small-town restaurants; tapioca, fruit, rice, beans, salads and cassava dishes are reliable choices—ask vendors for no-meat preparations.
Vegan travelers will find it harder but can rely on fruit, rice and beans and cassava-based foods; carry snacks, and communicate restrictions clearly in Portuguese (vegan = vegano/a).
Cassava-based foods like tapioca and manioc flour dishes are naturally gluten-free; confirm with cooks about cross-contamination and avoid wheat-based items like pastéis unless confirmed safe.