Things To Do
in Simões
Simões is a small town in Bahia, Brazil, set among tropical landscapes and rivers. The community is known for warm hospitality, rural charm, and a pace slower than the coast, inviting visitors to slow down and observe everyday life. Local markets showcase fresh produce, cassava, and regional dishes, reflecting a resilient agricultural heritage.
With nearby river valleys and gentle hills, Simões offers authentic experiences away from the usual tourist routes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Wake up to the sound of roosters crowing as you stroll through the central square. Admire the 19th-century church façade and colonial architecture. Chat with local artisans selling handmade crafts under shady trees.
Enjoy a traditional cajuína and tapioca crepe at a family-run café near the town hall. Visit the small municipal museum to learn about Simões’s founding and indigenous heritage. Wander down cobblestone alleys lined with colorful houses and murals.
Savor a hearty dinner of carne de sol with macaxeira at a rustic bistro. Watch the sun dip behind the rolling hills while listening to live forró music. End the night with a moonlit walk past the church, illuminated by lanterns.
Set out before dawn to help farmers harvest cassava and plant beans. Feel the earth under your hands and learn traditional planting techniques passed down through generations. Sip fresh coconut water straight from the green shell in the fields.
Share a homemade lunch of vatapá and rice cooked over a wood fire in the farmhouse courtyard. Participate in preparing cheese coalho using the family's secret recipe. Stroll through banana groves and learn about organic farming practices.
Join the farmers for a casual barbecue under the open sky with local guests. Swap stories around a crackling fire as the stars emerge in the Piauí night. Drift to sleep in a hammock listening to the distant call of night birds.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🏠Rent per month (1-bedroom apartment in town center) | $250-350 |
| 🚇Local transportation (monthly pass) | $15-25 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $2-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic Bahian culture away from the tourist crowd
- Warm, welcoming locals and a relaxed pace
- Rich markets with fresh produce and regional dishes
- Easy day trips to nature and river landscapes
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
- Fewer English-speaking services and signposted attractions
- Rural infrastructure can be variable—expect uneven roads in some areas
- Healthcare options are basic in town; serious cases require travel to bigger cities
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado" - Thank you
- "Desculpe" - Sorry
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Fala mais devagar, por favor" - Speak slower, please
Places to Visit in Simões
Visit one of these nice places.
The town’s central square with the main church, colorful facades, and morning activity—great for street photography.
Riverside viewpoints along the local river, best at early morning or late afternoon light; reflections and birds make for serene shots.
Bright market stalls and local texture: baskets, fruits, and handmade goods provide vibrant portraits.
Food in Simões
Simões Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant fish stew made with dendê palm oil, coconut milk, peppers, and herbs; best enjoyed with white rice and farofa.
Must-Try!
A creamy paste of bread, shrimp or fish, peanuts, and coconut milk, often served with rice or acarajé-inspired bites.
A thick cassava or cornmeal porridge served as a hearty base for stews.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling place to buy fresh fruit, manioc flour, root vegetables, and quick street snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm greeting with a smile is common; use 'Bom dia,' 'Boa tarde,' or 'Boa noite' with the appropriate time of day.
Address elders with Senhor/Senhora; avoid loud confrontations in public spaces; small talk about family and local life is welcome.
Casual, modest clothing is typical in rural settings; in churches or religious spaces, dress decently and remove hats.
Safety
Tipping in Simões
Ensure a smooth experience
In casual eateries, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; in nicer restaurants, 5-10% is common if service is good and not already included.
Cash in BRL is widely accepted; many places also take credit/debit cards and mobile payments (PIX, NFC).
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with possible tropical showers. Stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours.
Warm days with cooler evenings; comfortable for outdoor exploring and photography.
Milder temperatures overall; rainfall is less predictable—pack a light rain jacket.
Growing greens and blooming trees; pleasant temperatures for hiking and markets.
Simões at Night
Hiking in Simões
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A shaded 2–3 hour hike along forested ridges with occasional vistas over the town valley.
Easy riverside trail with spots for birdwatching and a gentle waterfall.
Steep but short climb to a lookout with panoramic sunset views over the countryside.
Airports
How to reach Simões by plane.
Major international gateway for Bahia; easiest route to the region by road or domestic flight connections.
Coastal Bahia airport with regional flights; convenient if visiting the southern parts of Bahia.
Interior Bahia airport serving the western region; useful for regional connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Agricultural communities with strong ties to local markets and farming traditions.
People living along the river valleys contributing to a diverse cultural mix.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport in Brazil, commonly played in leagues at schools and informal pitches.
Indoor soccer played by all ages; common in community centers and bars.
Traditional Afro-Brazilian dance-fight art seen in cultural centers and events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Simões.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most Bahian dishes can be adapted. Look for vegetable stews, cassava, and plantains; ask for oil with less palm (dendê) and prefer subbed dairy if needed.