Things To Do
in Santa Maria do Pará

A warm handshake or one cheek kiss (between acquaintances) is common; use polite phrases like 'bom dia' (good morning) and 'obrigado/obrigada' (thank you).

Be mindful of local livelihoods — ask permission before photographing people, dress modestly for church visits and do not enter private compounds without invitation.

Small tokens like packaged sweets or supplies for children are appreciated when visiting communities; avoid imposing and always ask community leaders first.

Higher river levels and frequent heavy rains; some roads may be impassable and river travel becomes the main transport. Expect more mosquitoes and humid conditions; many varzea areas are flooded — excellent for water-based excursions and dramatic river landscapes.

Lower river levels expose river beaches and sandbanks, making it easier to hike trails and access islands on foot or by short boat rides. Conditions are drier and dustier in some areas, with slightly cooler nights and better road conditions for overland travel.

Times of heightened activity, live music, shared meals and cultural displays; a great chance to experience local music (carimbó, forró) but book accommodation early.

Short guided walks on elevated trails and community paths leading to flooded forest edges and seasonal sandbanks — best in the dry season for easier footing and access.

Hikes across exposed riverine islands and sandbars during low water, great for birdwatching and photography of panoramic river landscapes.

Locally guided trails through small forest patches to learn about medicinal plants, manioc cultivation and local ecology — typically organized through community contacts or local guides.

Major regional airport and the main gateway to eastern Pará with domestic connections to Brazilian hubs; from Belém you can arrange road, boat or connecting flights to reach smaller river towns.

Regional airport on Marajó Island serving local flights; useful if you are approaching via the Marajó region or need a shorter connection to river communities (availability depends on carrier schedules).

Larger regional airport to the west along the Amazon; an option if combining multi-stop travel in northern Brazil, though overland or river transit will be lengthy.

Mixed Indigenous and European-descended riverine populations who maintain traditional livelihoods tied to fishing, small-scale agriculture and manioc processing.

Residents with African heritage contribute to religious, musical and culinary traditions throughout the region.

Indigenous peoples live in the broader region and influence local knowledge, medicinal plant use and crafts; contact is more common in surrounding forested areas and community visits should be arranged respectfully.

The most popular sport — local matches and informal street/futsal games are common and a central part of community life.

Traditional boat skills are practiced for work and sport; informal canoe races and regattas can occur at festivals or community events.

Both recreational and subsistence fishing are widespread — fishing knowledge is a cultural asset and occasional local competitions occur.

Vegetarian options are limited because local cuisine centers on fish and smoked meats; rice, beans, manioc, salads and fruit are available but ask clearly for no fish stock or tucupi. Bring snacks and be flexible in meal choices.

Vegan dining requires care — many dishes use fish-based broths or smoked ingredients; focus on fruit, manioc tortilla/tapioca, rice and beans and communicate restrictions in Portuguese.

Many Amazonian staples (manioc, açaí, grilled fish) are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination and wheat-based fritters exist; ask about preparation methods and avoid unknown sauces.