Things To Do
in Rialma

Rialma is a small, friendly municipality in Goiás set amid the Cerrado savanna. The town blends rural traditions with a laid-back, Brazilian charm, making it easy to explore on foot. Local markets, a historic town center, and nearby natural landscapes give visitors a calm, authentic slice of interior Brazil.

Expect warm hospitality, simple comforts, and vibrant everyday life in Rialma.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Riverfront Exploration
morning
:

Touch down in Rialma and settle into your riverside pousada overlooking the Rio das Almas. Savor a breakfast of pão de queijo and freshly pressed sugarcane juice on the terrace. Take a gentle morning stroll along the riverbank, admiring the calm waters and local fishermen at work.

afternoon
:

Head to the bustling municipal market and wander past stalls of tropical fruits, handcrafted souvenirs, and street food vendors. Chat with friendly vendors as you sample juicy mangaba and tart cajá. Capture vibrant photos of colorful produce and rustic wooden carts clustered under shaded awnings.

evening
:

Dine at a charming riverfront restaurant offering regional specialties like peixe na brasa and pequi chicken. Watch the sun sink behind the treetops as the river glints in gold and amber hues. End the night with a refreshing caipirinha and live forró music drifting through the open-air terrace.

day 2
Historic City Center and Local Cuisine
morning
:

Begin with a guided walking tour of Rialma’s colonial-era church, admiring baroque tiles and ornate wooden altarpieces. Pause in the central plaza to soak up the morning light and watch locals gather for early coffee. Learn about the city’s founding and take note of architectural details in pastel-painted facades.

afternoon
:

Join a hands-on cooking workshop led by a seasoned local cook who shares family recipes for pamonha and canjica. Grind corn by hand and stir thick pots of sweet porridge as you learn the secrets behind each dish. Break for a hearty lunch of freshly made dishes paired with refreshing sugarcane water.

evening
:

Venture to a neighborhood bar renowned for its lively forró nights and mingling locals. Order a plate of torresmo and sample homemade cachaças infused with fruits like maracujá. Dance under string lights to the upbeat rhythms and make new friends over shared laughter.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🚌One-way local transport$0.80-1.50
Coffee$1-2
🍷Glass of wine$3-6
🏨Mid-range hotel (1 night)$30-60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact, walkable town center with easy access to markets and eateries
  • Warm, welcoming locals and authentic interior-Brazil atmosphere
  • Access to Cerrado nature with gentle outdoor activities
  • Fewer high-end dining and nightlife options
  • Limited public transportation within town and to rural areas
  • Healthcare facilities are basic in town; longer trips may be needed for more serious care
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Pode falar inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?

Places to Visit in Rialma

Visit one of these nice places.

Praça da Matriz

The main square framed by historic buildings and daily activity; ideal for candid street photography and golden-hour shots.

Igreja Matriz de Rialma

A picturesque church with traditional Brazilian architectural details, great for architectural and interior photography.

Ribeirão Local

The town’s nearby riverbank offers tranquil water reflections and rural scenes, excellent at sunrise or sunset.

Lagoa do Cerrado

A shallow lake or pond in the surrounding Cerrado area, perfect for landscape and wildlife photography.

Mirante do Cerrado

A viewpoint on the outskirts that provides sweeping views over the savanna and surrounding countryside.

Culinary Guide

Food in Rialma

Rialma’s cuisine reflects Goiás’ Cerrado flavors, combining hearty regional dishes with simple, homestyle cooking. Expect plenty of rice, beans, beef, and farm-fresh produce, often prepared with local herbs and peppers.

Rialma Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pequi com arroz

A classic Goiás dish pairing fragrant pequi fruit with seasoned rice; best found in local eateries in the city center.

Must-Try!

Galinhada

Savory chicken and rice dish cooked with peppers and herbs; widely served in family-run restaurantes.

Pão de queijo

Brazilian cheese bread, a breakfast and snack staple available almost everywhere.

Escondidinho de carne seca

Purê de mandioca (cassava) topped with shredded dried beef; a comforting rural specialty.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Rialma

A local market where you can taste fresh produce, regional snacks, and everyday foods prepared by residents.

Climate Guide

Weather

Rialma experiences a tropical savanna climate with a defined wet season and a dry season. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are milder and drier. Year-round temperatures typically range from the low 20s to the high 30s Celsius, with rainfall concentrated in the summer months.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A warm greeting in Portuguese, often with a handshake and a smile. Some locals may greet with a kiss on the cheek among friends and family.

Language

Portuguese is the primary language; learning a few basic phrases goes a long way in daily interactions.

Respectful behavior

Be polite in public spaces, dress modestly when visiting churches, and ask before taking photos of people, especially in market settings.

Safety Guide

Safety

As in any town, stay aware of your belongings in crowded areas, use reputable transportation, and keep valuables secure. Carry a copy of important documents and have local emergency numbers handy: 190 (police) and 192 (SUS/SAMU). Trust local guidance for remote countryside areas and avoid isolated trails after dark.

Tipping in Rialma

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Brazil, a 5-10% tip is customary in sit-down restaurants if service is not already included. For bars and street food, tips are optional but appreciated for good service.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted, and credit/debit cards are increasingly common in town. PIX (instant payments) and mobile wallets are popular for easy transfers.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot days with frequent afternoon showers; stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and seek shade during peak sun hours. Fresh fruit and cold beverages are widely available.

Autumn

Milder temperatures and less rainfall; ideal for outdoor exploring and photography with softer light.

Winter

Cooler evenings, comfortable daytime temperatures; evenings can be cool, so bring a light jacket. Dry season helps with hiking and visibility.

Spring

Pleasant temperatures and rising greenery; great for walking tours and outdoor markets with seasonal produce.

Nightlife Guide

Rialma at Night

Rialma offers a relaxed nightlife centered around the central plaza and neighborhood bars. Expect casual venues with local music, informal atmospheres, and plenty of socializing after dusk. Night scenes are peaceful, with opportunities to try regional snacks and drinks and to mingle with residents.

Hiking in Rialma

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Cerrado edge trails near Rialma

Gentle to moderate trails through savanna landscapes, best explored during dry season for clearer scenery and wildlife viewing.

Airports

How to reach Rialma by plane.

Goiania - Santa Genoveva International Airport (GYN)

Main regional gateway located roughly 100–150 km from Rialma; reachable by road or bus, then a short drive to town.

Brasília International Airport (BSB)

Larger international airport about 250–300 km away; connects to many domestic and international destinations.

Getting Around

Walkability

Rialma is highly walkable in its center, with a compact layout and a central plaza. Sidewalks exist but can be uneven in places, so wear comfortable shoes while exploring and be mindful of occasional curb heights.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Population makeup

Rialma’s residents are primarily a mix of white and mixed-race people, with a strong presence of families from rural Goiás and nearby communities.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Futebol (Soccer)

The national passion; local leagues and casual matches are common in parks and fields.

Volleyball

Popular in schools, clubs, and social gatherings; beach or indoor variants appear in community spaces.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Rialma is light compared to big cities. The town relies mainly on cars and motorbikes; bus services are limited, and travel between towns may require private transport or regional buses. Road conditions are generally passable but can become rough on rural routes during the rainy season.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Rialma.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many dishes in Rialma are built around beans, rice, and vegetables. Look for side dishes like rice and beans, salads, and veggie options at larger restaurants; if unsure, ask for saiba o que tem vegetais no prato.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Rialma has essential healthcare facilities, including a municipal health clinic (UBS) and basic services. For specialized or emergency care, residents typically travel to larger towns such as Itapaci or Goiânia.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide