Things To Do
in São Simão
São Simão is a riverside town in Brazil best known for the São Simão reservoir and the hydroelectric dam that shapes much of the local landscape and recreation. The town combines small‑town Portuguese‑Brazilian charm with an economy centered on tourism, agriculture and watersports. Visitors come for boating, fishing, sandbank beaches and relaxed riverfront bars that come alive on weekends and holidays.
While infrastructure is modest compared with big cities, São Simão offers close access to nature, warm weather most of the year and welcoming local hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in São Simão and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this picturesque town. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café while enjoying views of the lush countryside. Take a leisurely stroll to stretch your legs and begin absorbing the local culture.
Explore the charming streets of the town, soaking in the colonial architecture and the friendly smiles of the locals. Visit the historic Igreja Matriz, a beautiful church that stands as a focal point in the town. Indulge in a traditional Brazilian lunch at a nearby restaurant, savoring local flavors.
As the sun sets, head to the lakeside park for a refreshing evening walk, enjoying the serene ambiance. Dine at a local eatery, sampling regional dishes and perhaps enjoying live music. Spend your night reflecting on your first day in this enchanting location.
Participate in a local cooking class where you will learn to prepare traditional Brazilian dishes. Experience the vibrant flavors and techniques while bonding with fellow participants. Enjoy the meal you created together, experiencing the fruits of your labor.
Visit a nearby artisan market where you can purchase handmade crafts and souvenirs, supporting local artisans. Engage in conversations with the artisans to learn about their craft and inspiration. Take the afternoon to relax at a café, sipping on strong Brazilian coffee.
Attend a lively cultural event or festival if available, experiencing the local music, dance, and art. Engage with the performers and fellow attendees, fully immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of São Simão. End the night reminiscing about the traditional art forms and their significance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-10 |
| ☕Coffee / Snack | $1.50-3 |
| 🚌Local bus or short intercity ride | $0.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi / moto‑taxi | $3-8 |
| 🏨Mid‑range hotel (per night) | $35-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent reservoir and water‑based recreation — sandbanks, boating and fishing.
- Relaxed small‑town atmosphere with warm local hospitality.
- Good birdwatching and cerrado nature nearby.
- Affordable prices compared with major Brazilian cities.
- Limited high‑end infrastructure, shopping and specialty services.
- Public transport and medical facilities are modest; a car is helpful.
- Seasonal weather (summer storms) can disrupt outdoor plans.
- Can get crowded during national holidays and local festival weekends.
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you (male / female speaker)
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o centro?" - Where is the town center?
- "Banheiro?" - Bathroom?
- "Aceita cartão?" - Do you accept card?
- "Socorro!" - Help!
Places to Visit in São Simão
Visit one of these nice places.
Impressive concrete structure and reservoir views; dramatic at sunrise and sunset when light reflects off the water and wet surfaces.
Expansive sandy beaches that emerge along the reservoir — excellent for wide landscapes, people photos and lifestyle shots of water activities.
Town waterfront with colorful boats, local life and cafés; candid street photography opportunities, especially on market days.
Historic parish church with traditional architecture — good for cultural and architectural shots.
Elevated viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the reservoir, islands and surrounding cerrado — best at golden hour.
Food in São Simão
São Simão Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Rice cooked with pequi (a native cerrado fruit) that has a distinctive aroma and flavor; commonly found in local restaurants when in season (mainly dry months).
Must-Try!
A comforting chicken and rice one‑pot dish seasoned with saffron and local herbs; a typical home‑style lunch dish served in small restaurants and homes.
Cheesy tapioca‑based bread widely available at bakeries and cafés; perfect for breakfast or a snack with coffee.
Locally caught fish grilled or fried at riverside restaurants and bars; often served with farofa and salad.
Regional desserts and cheeses — queijo minas fresco and sweet doce de leite — available at markets and artisan stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small market with fresh produce, cheeses, sweets and snacks; great for sampling pão de queijo, cachaça and regional jams. Vendors may sell homemade salgados and prepared meals at lunchtime.
Occasional weekend market by the river with street food stalls offering pastel, espetinho (meat skewers), açai and caldo de cana (sugarcane juice).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Handshakes are common in formal settings; friends may exchange a light cheek kiss (one) or a hug. Use 'bom dia' (good morning) and 'obrigado/obrigada' (thank you).
Brazilians are generally warm and tactile with close personal space; conversational and friendly behavior is normal and appreciated.
Casual dress is acceptable in most places; modest swimwear on the beach but covered when walking into town. Respect religious sites by dressing respectfully and speaking quietly.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in close settings or at private homes; respect local requests not to be filmed or photographed.
Safety
Tipping in São Simão
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory. Many restaurants add a 10% service charge (serviço); if not included, a 5–10% tip for good service is common. Round up taxi fares and leave small change for porters and cleaning staff.
Brazil uses the real (BRL); cards (Visa, Mastercard, local Elo) are widely accepted in restaurants and hotels, but small vendors and markets may prefer cash. Carry some cash for street food, small purchases and remote trips; contactless payments and Pix instant transfers are common locally.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and rainy season with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; reservoir levels may rise and river activities remain popular between storms. Bring lightweight rain gear, insect repellent and plan water activities around weather forecasts.
Transition from rainy to drier weather with pleasant temperatures; good time for outdoor activities as mosquitoes decline and skies clear.
Drier, cooler nights and sunny days — comfortable for hiking and sightseeing. Water levels can be lower, exposing more sandbanks and making some boat routes different.
Warming trend with increasing humidity; wildflowers in the cerrado and good conditions for birdwatching before heavy rains begin.
São Simão at Night
Hiking in São Simão
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy walking routes along the reservoir and riverbanks; good for birdwatching, especially in the early morning.
Short hike to viewpoints above the dam offering panoramic views of the reservoir and islands; best at sunrise or sunset.
Guided walks through neighboring farms and cerrado patches that showcase local flora, small streams and rural life; can be arranged with local guides.
Short to moderate trails near small waterfalls or hills outside town — check local conditions and wear appropriate footwear, especially in the rainy season.
Airports
How to reach São Simão by plane.
The nearest commercial airport is typically in a regional city; expect a 1–4 hour drive from São Simão depending on which hub you use. Travelers usually connect through larger airports and continue by road.
Major airports serving the broader region (Goiânia, Uberlândia, Ribeirão Preto or Brasília depending on routing) offer national and some international connections; onward travel to São Simão is by bus, car or private transfer.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Longstanding local residents engaged in agriculture, services and small business; often family‑run establishments and farms surround the town.
Some Brazilians own weekend houses by the reservoir and spend holidays here, boosting seasonal population and services.
Domestic tourists, anglers and watersport visitors who come for weekends and vacations, especially in warm months.
Cultural roots and mixed heritage are part of the community fabric, reflected in cuisine, music and traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport — local matches and passion for national football teams are strong, with informal games in fields and school grounds.
Fishing in the reservoir is a common pastime and a local draw for visitors seeking freshwater species.
Jet‑skiing, wakeboarding and kayaking are popular on the reservoir, especially during high season.
Rodeo‑style events and horseback riding reflect rural traditions; local festivals may include such activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting São Simão.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are more limited than in big cities; seek vegetable stews, rice and beans, salads and cheese‑based snacks. Ask for dishes without fish or meat and check market stalls for eggs and cheese; bringing some staples helps if you have strict requirements.
Vegan and gluten‑free options are increasingly available but not widespread—communicate restrictions clearly ('sou vegano/vegana' / 'sem glúten'). Many prepared dishes use wheat (pastel, farinha/farofa) so confirm ingredients.
Carry allergy cards in Portuguese for nuts, dairy or shellfish; small restaurants may not have full allergen knowledge or ingredient lists.