Things To Do
in Xavantes
Xavantes is a small rural locality in southern Brazil characterized by agricultural landscapes, scattered homes and pockets of remnant Atlantic Forest. The community sits amid rolling fields and small rivers, offering quiet country life a short drive from larger regional towns. Visitors find a mix of traditional southern-Brazilian culture, local farms and modest services rather than tourist infrastructure.
The area is best for travelers seeking nature, sunsets over farmland and an off-the-beaten-path experience of Brazilian countryside life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at the nearest airport and travel to Xavantes village, soaking in the scenery of the Brazilian landscape on the way. Upon arrival, meet the local community to receive an introduction and overview of their vibrant culture and traditions. Settle into your accommodations and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Explore the village, visiting local artisans who craft traditional Xavante handicrafts and art. Engage with the community, learning about their customs, storytelling, and the significance of their connection to the land. Enjoy a traditional lunch made from local ingredients, experiencing the flavors that represent the culture.
Gather around a communal fire with the villagers to witness traditional music and dance performances. Listen to fascinating stories passed down through generations, deepening your understanding of their heritage. Reflect on your first day over a hearty meal prepared by the local community.
Participate in a morning ceremony that highlights the spiritual connection the Xavante have with nature. Guided by a local elder, explore the rituals and meanings behind the traditional practices. This immersive experience offers insight into the daily lives of the Xavante people.
Join a local family for lunch and experience how meals are prepared using indigenous methods. Afterward, engage in workshops learning crafts like basket weaving or pottery making, guided by skilled artisans. This hands-on experience allows for a deeper connection with the artistic expressions of the community.
Enjoy a communal dinner featuring indigenous dishes, fostering conversation and camaraderie with your hosts. After dinner, participate in storytelling sessions where elders share legends and folklore integral to Xavante identity. Conclude the night with reflections on the cultural exchanges experienced throughout the day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee at a bakery | $1.50-3 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar) | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (town) | $2-6 |
| 🏨Basic guesthouse / pousada (per night) | $25-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, authentic rural Brazilian experience away from mass tourism
- Good opportunities for nature photography, birdwatching and relaxed outdoor activities
- Fresh local produce and family-style restaurants
- Limited tourist infrastructure and accommodation options
- Transport can be difficult without a car; public transit is sparse
- Language barrier for non-Portuguese speakers and few specialized services
- "Olá / Bom dia" - Hello / Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado (male) / Obrigada (female)" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Pode tirar uma foto?" - Can I take a photo?
Places to Visit in Xavantes
Visit one of these nice places.
Open fields and low horizons create dramatic golden-hour light—ideal for wide landscape shots and silhouettes of trees and farm structures.
Calm water, reflections and riverbanks edged with vegetation provide opportunities for nature and macro photography, especially at dawn.
Picturesque architecture and everyday life scenes—good for street photography and portraits of community activities.
Patches of Atlantic Forest or riparian woods offer birdlife, textured light and close-up shots of flora and fauna.
Photograph traditional rural work, livestock, tractors and seasonal activities for authentic documentary-style images.
Food in Xavantes
Xavantes Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Brazilian barbecue—skewered and grilled cuts of beef and pork. Look for small local churrascarias or street barbecue stalls in nearby towns.
Must-Try!
A hearty black-bean and pork stew often served on weekends; check local diners or municipal market stalls for traditional versions.
Cheesy cassava-flour rolls sold at bakeries; perfect with a morning coffee.
A communal hot-brewed yerba mate served in a gourd—common in southern Brazil and a symbol of hospitality.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small market stalls selling fresh produce, cheeses, baked goods and ready-to-eat snacks like pastel and salgados—ideal for tasting local flavors and buying ingredients.
Informal stalls near crossroads or town centers offering fried pastel (stuffed pastries) and coxinha; great for a quick savory bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings matter—say 'Bom dia' (good morning) or 'Boa tarde' (good afternoon) when entering shops or meeting people, and use a handshake for introductions.
Ask permission before entering farms or photographing people and homesteads; local owners appreciate courtesy.
Dress modestly in rural and religious settings; loud behavior is frowned upon in small communities—be friendly but low-key.
Portuguese is the local language—learning basic phrases will ease interactions; English is uncommon outside tourist centers.
Safety
Tipping in Xavantes
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest: restaurants may include a 10% service charge, otherwise leaving 5–10% is appreciated for good service. For small services (drivers, guides, porters) a small tip or rounding up is common.
Cash (Brazilian real) is widely used in villages and markets; cards are accepted in larger town businesses but connectivity can be unreliable, so carry enough cash for rural purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December–February are hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; bring lightweight rain gear, sun protection and insect repellent. Mornings are best for outdoor activities and photography to avoid storms.
March–May brings milder temperatures, less rain and pleasant days—good for hiking and farm visits as fields may be harvested and skies clearer.
June–August are cooler and drier, with chilly nights—layers are recommended; clear skies make for excellent star-gazing and crisp daytime photography.
September–November sees warming temperatures and increasing rainfall; wildflowers and green landscapes make it attractive for nature lovers, though sudden showers can occur.
Xavantes at Night
Hiking in Xavantes
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A gentle trail following a nearby stream—excellent for birdwatching, low-difficulty walking and photography of water reflections.
Short loop across pasture and gentle ridgelines providing panoramic views of farmland and sunset vantage points; check access with landowners.
Walk through a small patch of native forest to observe local flora and fauna—best with a guide during the wet season to avoid muddy sections.
Airports
How to reach Xavantes by plane.
Regional airport serving larger domestic routes—typically a 1.5–3 hour drive depending on exact location; offers car rental and bus/taxi connections to nearby towns.
Another regional airport with domestic flights and ground connections to surrounding municipalities; driving time is similar to Londrina from many parts of southern Paraná.
Major gateway for the state of Paraná with more flight options; expect a longer drive (2–4 hours) but good road connections and more frequent services.
Major international hub for longer-distance travel; several-hours' drive, or combine with domestic flight to a regional airport for quicker access.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Families who work local farms and fields; central to the local economy and community life.
Many rural areas in southern Brazil have populations with Italian, German and Polish ancestry, reflected in cultural traits and cuisine.
The region includes Afro-Brazilian communities and nearby indigenous groups or cultural influences—respect and curiosity are appreciated when engaging with cultural practices.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport—local matches and informal games are common and community clubs play in regional leagues.
Indoor team sports that are very popular in schools and community centers, especially during cooler or rainy periods.
Equestrian activities and small rodeo-style events are part of rural traditions—horsemanship is valued on local farms and ranches.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Xavantes.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited in rural spots—stick to bakeries, vegetable sides, salads and cheese dishes, and communicate needs clearly in Portuguese (vegetariano/a).
Vegan choices are sparse; bring snacks and be prepared to ask about animal products in broths and sauces—supermarkets in nearby towns sell basics like rice, beans and fruit.
Awareness of gluten-free alternatives is growing but not widespread; pão de queijo is naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination is common—ask cooks about ingredients.