Things To Do
in Tauá

Tauá is a small inland town in Ceará, Brazil, surrounded by semiarid hills and scenic rural landscapes. The town offers a warm, welcoming vibe with a strong sense of local culture and traditional crafts. Visitors can explore central markets, historic churches, and nearby natural springs that beckon outdoor adventures.

It's a gateway to the sertão experience, where regional cuisine, music, and storytelling mingle under a bright tropical sun.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Municipal Museum of Tauá, where you can explore local history and artifacts. Stroll through the picturesque streets of the historic center, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant murals. Stop by a local café for a traditional Brazilian breakfast of pão de queijo and freshly brewed coffee.

afternoon
:

After lunch, head to the Praça do Mercado, where you can browse local crafts and fresh produce from the bustling market stalls. Engage with local artists and artisans, learning about their crafts and perhaps picking up a unique souvenir. As the sun begins to set, enjoy a leisurely walk along the riverbank, taking in the natural beauty surrounding the town.

evening
:

For dinner, savor regional specialties at a family-owned restaurant in the historic center, sampling dishes like carne de sol and feijão verde. After your meal, immerse yourself in the local culture by attending a live music performance or a cultural event in the square. Wind down your day with a nightcap at a nearby bar, enjoying the friendly atmosphere and mingling with locals.

day 2
Nature Trekking in the Chapada do Araripe
morning
:

Begin your adventure with an early morning trek in the Chapada do Araripe, where lush landscapes and stunning vistas await. As you hike, keep an eye out for unique flora and fauna that thrive in this biodiverse region. Enjoy a packed breakfast amidst nature, surrounded by the sounds of birds and the rustle of leaves.

afternoon
:

Continue your exploration of the Chapada, visiting impressive rock formations and waterfalls. Take a refreshing dip in one of the natural pools, allowing the cool water to rejuvenate you after your trek. For lunch, enjoy a picnic under the shade of a large tree, sharing stories and laughter with fellow adventurers.

evening
:

As the sun sets, return to Tauá, where you can relax and recount your day's adventures. Choose a local restaurant for dinner, where you can indulge in a hearty meal after your active day in the wilderness. Finish your evening by stargazing in a quiet spot, appreciating the clear skies and the serenity of nature.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🧃Soft drink or coffee$1-2
🚎Short taxi or bus ride$2-5
🏨Budget hotel room per night$20-60
🧀Local dairy product or snack$1-3

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich rural culture and warm, welcoming people
  • Strong regional cuisine and farms nearby
  • Limited nightlife and transportation options after dark
  • Rural facilities can be basic in some areas
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Eu gostaria de..." - I would like...
  • "Precisa de ajuda" - I need help

Places to Visit in Tauá

Visit one of these nice places.

Praça da Igreja e Centro Histórico

A charming central square with colonial facades, ideal for morning light and candid street scenes.

Mirante das Colinas

A viewpoints over the surrounding sertão hills, perfect for sunrise or sunset photography.

Mercado Central de Tauá

Vibrant market aisles with colorful produce, local crafts, and dynamic street photography opportunities.

Culinary Guide

Food in Tauá

Tauá's cuisine reflects the Ceará interior: hearty, simple, and deeply regional, with beef, corn, cassava, and local cheeses playing starring roles.

Tauá Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Baião de Dois

A classic Cearense dish of rice and beans simmered with cheese and often served with carne de sol (sun-dried beef) or dried meat.

Must-Try!

Carne de Sol with Macaxeira

Sun-dried beef fried or grilled and served with cassava (macaxeira) or farinha; a staple in rural Ceará dining.

Queijo Coalho

Grilled cheese on a skewer, a common street option at markets and fairs.

Moqueca de Peixe Cearense

A regional fish stew with coconut milk and peppers, reflecting coastal influences even inland.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Central de Tauá (illustrative)

A hub for local produce, cheeses, breads, and street snacks like tapioca on the go.

Feiras de Produtores

Seasonal markets where farmers sell fresh fruit, butter, queijo, and crafts.

Climate Guide

Weather

Tauá experiences a hot semiarid climate with a distinct wet season (roughly February to May) and a long dry season; temperatures typically range from warm to hot year-round, with cooler nights in the hills.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Polite greetings like bom dia, boa tarde; address elders as senhor or senhora when appropriate.

Photography

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural communities or markets.

Dress

Casual, modest clothing is fine; shoulders and knees covered for religious sites.

Safety Guide

Safety

Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded markets and at night. Carry water, protect valuables, and use reputable transport.

Tipping in Tauá

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Restaurants often add a service charge; if not, a 5-10% tip is appreciated for good service. Cash tips are common for small vendors.

Payment Methods

Cash (BRL) is widely accepted in rural areas; cards are common in towns and shops with electricity; some markets may be cash-only.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and dry with bright sun; bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water; afternoon thunderstorms are possible in some years.

Autumn

Warm days with cooler evenings; pleasant for outdoor exploration and market visits.

Winter

Milder daytime temperatures but can be cooler at night; layers help for the breeze through the hills.

Spring

Warm and often humid; good for hiking but watch for sudden rain showers.

Nightlife Guide

Tauá at Night

Tauá offers a relaxed nightlife with local bars playing forró and sertanejo, live acoustic sets, and casual socializing in town squares and cafés.

Hiking in Tauá

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Serra dos Itaberaba Trails (illustrative)

Scenic hills and viewpoints near Tauá offering moderate hikes and panoramic vistas.

Airports

How to reach Tauá by plane.

Fortaleza International (FOR)

Major airport serving the state; long-distance connections and domestic flights; about 250-300 km by road from Tauá.

Juazeiro do Norte Regional (JDO)

Regional airport with domestic flights; additional transfer to Tauá by road.

Getting Around

Walkability

Tauá is compact in the central area, making walking between markets, churches, and plazas pleasant; outskirts require a vehicle or taxi.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents of Tauá (Ceará)

Predominantly mixed-race population with rural farming communities and a presence of small-scale artisans.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport across Bahia state and the interior; local matches and informal games are common.

Vaqueria/Vaquejada

Traditional equestrian sport in the region with rodeo-inspired events.

Transportation

Traffic

Road travel is the main mode; expect rural highways with light traffic most days; in towns, traffic is generally calm, with occasional congestion near markets during peak hours. Buses connect to Fortaleza and nearby cities; taxis and ride-hailing options are available in Tauá.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Tauá.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Choose entrees based on milho, legumes, tubérculos, and plantains; ask for carne de sol substitute or avoid dairy if dairy-free.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare facilities are available in town; larger medical centers and hospitals are located in bigger cities a few hours away by road.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide