Things To Do
in Ponta de Pedras
Ponta de Pedras is a riverside town on Marajó Island in the mouth of the Amazon, known for its wide tidal rivers, mangroves and river beaches that appear when the water falls. The town has a relaxed, small‑town atmosphere with colorful wooden houses, a riverside square, and strong local traditions tied to fishing, buffalo raising and river life. Visitors come for birdwatching, boat trips to see pink river dolphins and to experience Marajoara culture and cuisine.
Infrastructure is basic compared with big cities, so travel here rewards those seeking authentic nature and cultural encounters rather than luxury services.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Ponta de Pedras and check into your beachfront accommodation. Take some time to refresh and enjoy a morning coffee while soaking in the stunning seaside views. Stroll along the sandy beaches to get a feel for the local atmosphere and enjoy the soft ocean breeze.
Head out to explore the charming town, visit local artisan markets, and try some delicious regional cuisine for lunch. Spend some time at Ponta de Pedras' beautiful beaches, where you can swim or relax with the sound of waves lapping at the shore. Consider renting a kayak to venture into the calm waters and discovering nearby hidden coves.
As the sun begins to set, find a cozy beachfront restaurant for dinner and savor fresh seafood dishes. Engage with friendly locals and get a glimpse of the vibrant culture through stories and music. Conclude your first day with a leisurely walk along the shore, watching the stars emerge in the clear night sky.
Start your day with a visit to a local craft market where you can appreciate and purchase handmade goods. Attend a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Brazilian dishes using locally-sourced ingredients. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow travelers as you enjoy a delicious meal together.
Take a guided tour of the nearby historic sites, including churches and monuments that showcase the rich history of the region. Stop at a local cafe for some refreshing acai bowls and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. In the afternoon, join a workshop to learn about local handicrafts and create a unique souvenir.
Enjoy dinner at a traditional Brazilian steakhouse, where you can experience the famous rodizio style of dining. Afterward, immerse yourself in the local rhythms by attending a live music performance or dance event. Wind down your day with a stroll on the beach under the moonlight, feeling the gentle waves lap at your feet.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| ☕Coffee or juice | $1-2 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse / pousada (per night) | $20-40 |
| ⛴️Short ferry/boat trip | $3-15 |
| 🍺Beer (local) | $1.50-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic Amazon/Marajó island culture and riverine lifestyle
- Abundant wildlife and birdwatching opportunities
- Low tourist crowds and relaxed pace
- Unique cuisine and fresh river seafood
- Limited infrastructure and basic services
- Seasonal access issues due to flooding
- Mosquitoes and tropical health risks
- Fewer accommodation and dining options compared with larger towns
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado (male) / Obrigada (female)" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o porto?" - Where is the port?
- "Banheiro?" - Bathroom?
- "Água engarrafada, por favor" - Bottled water, please
- "Você pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Ponta de Pedras
Visit one of these nice places.
Fishing boats, colorful wooden houses on stilts and early‑morning market activity provide dynamic scenes and soft morning light.
Wide horizons and reflective water make dramatic golden‑hour photos, especially when local boats pass through.
Close‑up shots of mangrove roots, wading birds and the sinuous channels reveal the area’s unique tidal ecology.
Marajó water buffalo grazing near fazendas or on flooded pastures make iconic, pastoral images — best at low light for mood.
Vivid, candid images of daily routines, food stalls and local craftsmanship capture the human side of the island.
Food in Ponta de Pedras
Ponta de Pedras Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled tambaqui (a popular Amazonian fish) served with rice, farofa or manioc; commonly found at riverside restaurants and informal peixarias.
Must-Try!
A hot, savory soup made with tucupi, jambu, shrimps and goma (tapioca starch). Best tried from street vendors or local lunch stalls.
A heavy, traditional dish made from boiled and seasoned manioc leaves with assorted meats; served at family gatherings and sometimes in local eateries.
Channel crab prepared in garlic/sauce or simply steamed; available in seasonal catches at riverside bars and restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small municipal market where fishermen bring the morning catch, local fruits (cupuaçu, açaí in season), manioc flour and prepared snacks — great for tasting fresh ingredients and photographing daily life.
Simple stalls near the port selling tacacá, grilled fish, tapiocas and fresh juices — ideal for inexpensive, authentic bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings are important — say 'bom dia' (good morning) or 'boa tarde' and shake hands in introductions; use 'senhor/senhora' when unsure.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in traditional or family settings; many will agree but appreciate being asked.
Show respect for local livelihoods (fishing, farming, buffalo) and avoid disturbing nets, animals or property; be mindful at private fazendas.
Dress modestly when attending churches or religious events and respect local customs during festivals and processions.
Safety
Tipping in Ponta de Pedras
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; many restaurants may add a 10% service charge. For guides and boat crews, a small cash tip (10–15%) or rounding up is customary. Offer cash in reais directly to individuals.
Cash (Brazilian reais) is king in Ponta de Pedras — many small restaurants, markets and boat operators are cash‑only. Card acceptance exists at a few larger establishments but is unreliable; bring sufficient cash and small notes.
ATMs are limited or non‑existent locally — withdraw cash in Breves or Belém before heading to smaller towns; currency exchange is best done in Belém.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Heaviest rains and highest river levels — many areas flood, mosquitoes are more abundant, some trails become inaccessible, boat travel can be slower; river scenery is lush and full.
Lower river levels reveal sandbars and river beaches ideal for swimming and beach walks; some navigation channels change and fishing patterns differ.
Villages and forests are seasonally inundated — ideal for canoe trips through flooded forest and for birdwatching but keep flexible plans due to shifting schedules.
Festas Juninas and local religious festivals bring food, music and community events — great cultural experiences but can mean busier local services.
Ponta de Pedras at Night
Hiking in Ponta de Pedras
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short guided walks on local ranches to see pastures, buffalo and secondary forests — best taken with a host or guide who knows seasonal conditions.
Gentle walking and exploration of mangrove fringes where raised walkways exist; guided walks reveal unique flora and fauna.
During low water, extensive sandbars and river beaches become accessible for long, flat walks and beachcombing.
Airports
How to reach Ponta de Pedras by plane.
Regional airport on Marajó island with flights from Belém — useful for faster access to the island; from Breves you continue by road/boat to Ponta de Pedras.
Main international airport serving Belém; many travelers arrive here, then take a ferry or regional flight to Marajó (Breves) or a long boat ride to Ponta de Pedras.
Other small airstrips and charter options exist on Marajó for private or charter flights; schedules are limited and weather dependent.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Riverine communities who live from fishing, small‑scale agriculture and artisanal activities — culturally distinct with deep local knowledge of the waterways.
People of mixed Indigenous, European and African descent form much of the island’s population and preserve regional traditions and cuisine.
Families and workers involved in cattle and water buffalo rearing, an important economic and cultural feature of Marajó.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport — informal matches and local clubs are common and a central community pastime.
Both subsistence and sport fishing are culturally important and popular among locals and visitors alike.
Traditional canoeing and small‑boat navigation are everyday activities and also practiced recreationally.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ponta de Pedras.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited because menu culture is fish‑ and meat‑centric, but rice, beans, manioc preparations, salads and fruit are available; request dishes without fish or shrimp and explain preferences clearly in Portuguese.
Vegan options exist (fruit, manioc, rice) but cross‑contamination with fish/meat is common; gluten is less prevalent but manioc is naturally gluten‑free — communicate restrictions in advance at restaurants or bring snacks.
Because cold chain and hygiene standards vary, prefer cooked foods, avoid raw street items if you have a sensitive stomach, and drink bottled or treated water.