Things To Do
in Rio Maria
Rio Maria is a small Amazonian town in southern Pará perched along the Tocantins River. It blends lush forest scenery with a relaxed, river-centered way of life. Visitors can explore markets, sample Pará cuisine, and use Rio Maria as a base for easy boat trips and nature walks.
Expect warm hospitality, vibrant colors, and a chance to experience authentic Amazonian culture.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin with a warm reception at the lodge overlooking the Tocantins River. Enjoy a breakfast featuring fresh local fruits, cassava bread and coffee brewed over an open flame. Meet your guide and fellow travelers as you prepare for an authentic Amazonian adventure.
Stroll along the riverbank trails to get your first glimpse of the lush rainforest flora. Visit a local community to learn about traditional woodcarving and palm leaf weaving. Sip on refreshing açai juice while listening to stories about the region’s history.
Gather for a welcome dinner under a canopy of stars with freshly caught fish grilled over fire. Share stories around the fire pit accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of frogs and insects. Drift off to the distant calls of night creatures in your comfortable riverside bungalow.
Set out at dawn on a traditional wooden canoe as mist rises from the river surface. Listen for howler monkeys echoing through the trees and spot caiman basking on muddy banks. Your guide will explain the importance of each plant and animal in the local ecosystem.
Pause on a sandbar for a riverside picnic featuring local cheeses, manioc cakes and tropical fruit. Wade into calm tributaries to observe pink dolphins playfully surfacing near your boat. Continue upstream, navigating narrow channels lined with towering kapok trees.
Return to camp for a soothing herbal tea infused with guaraná and ginger. Participate in a lantern-lit night stroll to catch glimpses of tarantulas and tree frogs. End the night with a short talk about Amazonian constellations from a local naturalist.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥗Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
| 🏨One-night hotel in center | $25-60 |
| 🚎One-way local transit ticket | $0.75-1.5 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Access to authentic Amazonian culture and cuisine
- Close proximity to rivers and forests for nature experiences
- Friendly locals and affordable prices
- Compact town with walkable center
- Limited nightlife and nightlife options
- Rural infrastructure can be basic in places
- Medical facilities are modest in town; longer trips needed for complex care
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica...?" - Where is...?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Pode recomendar um bom restaurante?" - Can you recommend a good restaurant?
- "A conta, por favor" - The check, please
Places to Visit in Rio Maria
Visit one of these nice places.
A riverbank vantage point where the sun sinks over the water, reflecting mangroves and boats for dramatic silhouettes.
The town’s matriz church offers a classic colonial façade and warm morning light for architectural photography.
Wide riverfront with boats, fishermen, and palm-shaded paths; ideal for golden-hour portraits and street life.
Colorful stalls and workers preparing produce create vibrant, candid scenes in the early light.
Food in Rio Maria
Rio Maria Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hot, clear tucupi broth with jambu and dried shrimp, traditionally served in a cup at street stalls.
Must-Try!
Duck slow-simmered in tucupi sauce with garlic and leaves of jambu, a Pará specialty.
Frozen açaí puree served in a bowl with toppings like banana, granola, and sometimes peanut or cashew.
Oven-baked pirarucu, a large Amazonian fish, often served with rice, cassava, or vegetables.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Colorful stalls selling tropical fruits, cassava, manioc flour, fish, and everyday staples; a great place to eat a quick lunch.
Early-morning and late-afternoon carts and huts offering fresh or frozen açaí bowls and small plates.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake and a warm “Olá” or “Oi” are common. Use polite forms like Senhor/Senhora with elders.
Ask before taking photos of people or private ceremonies; dress modestly when visiting religious sites; avoid loud, disruptive behavior in public spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Rio Maria
Ensure a smooth experience
In Brazil, a service charge is rarely included in smaller towns. If service charges are not included, leaving 5–10% at sit-down restaurants is appreciated.
Cash (BRL) is widely accepted, and many places also take debit or credit cards; some rural stalls may be cash-only. ATMs are available in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December–February are hot and humid with frequent, short rain showers. Pack lightweight clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a light rain jacket; mornings and evenings are more comfortable for outdoor activities.
March–May still sees rain but with some drier spells. Trails can be muddy, so bring sturdy footwear; rivers stay high, making boat trips rewarding.
June–August tends to be drier and slightly cooler at night. Daytime comfort is good, but mosquitoes remain; river levels may be lower, affecting some water activities.
September–November brings warming temperatures and increasing humidity; wildlife activity rises and panoramas are lush as the landscape transitions back toward the rainy season.
Rio Maria at Night
Hiking in Rio Maria
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A river-viewing trail that leads to a scenic overlook with panoramic views of the Tocantins River.
A scenic waterfall near the outskirts, with a gentle trail through secondary forest.
Riverside forest path offering birdwatching and a close look at Amazonian flora.
Airports
How to reach Rio Maria by plane.
Val-de-Cans/Júlio C. Ribeiro International Airport serves northern Pará and connects to major Brazilian cities.
Regional airport serving Palmas; useful for connections to the interior and other states.
Domestic airport in Marabá, a common gateway for travel to southern Pará and the Tocantins region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
People living in the town center and nearby neighborhoods, often involved in commerce and services.
Communities living along the Tocantins and its tributaries with distinct cultural practices tied to the river.
People in surrounding rural areas cultivating cassava, fruits, and small crops.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in towns and cities across Brazil, with local leagues and pickup games.
Common in schools and clubs, especially during the dry season.
A traditional Afro-Brazilian art form practiced in community spaces and cultural centers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Rio Maria.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes center on beans, rice, cassava, and fruits. When dining out, ask for plant-based options (vegetables, legumes, salads) and avoid tacacá or pato-based preparations if you avoid meat or animal products.