Things To Do
in Patu
Patu is a small inland town in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, surrounded by rolling farmland and gentle hills. Life here moves at a relaxed tempo, with local markets, rural traditions, and a warm welcome from residents. The compact town center is easy to explore on foot, revealing colorful churches, pastel storefronts, and shaded plazas where conversations linger.
While not a typical tourist hotspot, Patu offers an authentic Northeastern Brazilian experience and serves as a gateway to nearby natural spots.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Patu and check into your hotel, soaking in the vibrant ambiance of this serene town. Grab breakfast at a local café and try regional specialties like paes de queijo and fresh fruit. Stroll through the quaint streets to get acquainted with the locals and their warm hospitality.
After lunch, visit the stunning Chapada do Apodi, known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse flora. Engage in some light hiking and capture photos of the picturesque views from various vantage points. Explore nearby waterfalls and take a refreshing dip in the natural pools.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a traditional Brazilian restaurant, indulging in local dishes made from fresh ingredients. Join locals for a lively evening of music and dance, experiencing the town's culture firsthand. Reflect on your first day while unwinding at a cozy bar sipping on caipirinhas.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before venturing to the nearby Serra do Brigida. Engage in birdwatching and delight in the vibrant colors of the local birds that inhabit this rich ecosystem. Guided tours are available for those wishing to learn more about the area's biodiversity.
Pack a picnic lunch and find a scenic spot at the edge of a cliff, enjoying the breathtaking view of the mountains while savoring your meal. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll to explore the flora and fauna of this natural paradise. Don’t forget your camera as you’ll find plenty of opportunities to capture stunning snapshots of nature.
Return to Patu for a relaxed evening, perhaps visiting a local market to purchase handmade crafts and souvenirs. Dine at a family-run restaurant to experience authentic flavors of the region. Wind down by chatting with locals and learning about their traditions and stories.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 💧Bottle of water (1.5L) | $0.60-1.50 |
| ☕Coffee | $1-2 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
| 🚌One-way public transport ticket | $0.50-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic Northeastern Brazilian culture and hospitality
- Compact, walkable town center with easy access to rural scenery
- Limited nightlife and fewer high-end dining options
- Public transportation outside the main town can be sparse
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Patu
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful storefronts, the main church facade, and the surrounding square provide classic town photography with locals going about daily life.
A hillside overlook offering views over the river valley and town rooftops, especially striking at sunset.
Market stalls and vibrant produce create a vivid street photography scene, with candid moments of vendors and shoppers.
Narrow streets and pastel walls arranged in a charming labyrinth; ideal for portraits and motion blur of daily activity.
Food in Patu
Patu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant mix of rice and beans with cheese and sometimes pork; often served with vegetables or carne de sol.
Must-Try!
A creamy cassava-based porridge (pirão) paired with dried, salted beef (carne de sol) and cassava flour.
Steamed cornmeal cake often served with creamy dairy or a savory topping; a staple at breakfast and street stalls.
A comforting rice pudding with cinnamon, frequently found in local cafés and family dinners.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where you can buy fresh fruit, root vegetables, queijo coalho, and local snacks.
Street stalls near the town center offering passed-down recipes, fried snacks, and portable meals perfect for a quick bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a friendly “bom dia/boa tarde” and a handshake; address adults as Senhor/Senhora unless invited to use a first name.
When visiting churches or religious spaces, dress modestly and speak softly; photography may be restricted inside sanctuaries.
Ask for permission before photographing people, especially children; offer a polite explanation and smile.
Safety
Tipping in Patu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; a 5-10% tip at restaurants is common if service is not included. Small tips for taxi drivers or guides are customary when service is good.
Credit and debit cards are commonly accepted in towns and larger establishments; smaller markets and street vendors may prefer cash (Brazilian reais). Have small bills for tips and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and sunny with frequent strong sun; stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and seek shade in the early morning or late afternoon; afternoon rains are possible but brief.
Warm days with cooler evenings; pleasant for outdoor activities and photography when light is softer.
Mild and dry; nights can be cool; great for exploring outdoors without excessive heat.
Warm and lively; good time for markets and outdoor activities, with blooming flora in surrounding rural areas.
Patu at Night
Hiking in Patu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A gentle, scenic hike through farmland and river valleys just outside town, suitable for a half-day outing.
A rural trail along the riverbank offering viewpoints and opportunities for wildlife photography; best in early morning or late afternoon.
Airports
How to reach Patu by plane.
NAT, about a few hours' drive from Patu; major gateway with domestic and some international connections.
MOS, closer to Patu than Natal; serves domestic flights and provides regional access.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of farming families, town residents, and long-time elders, with strong community ties.
People working in agriculture and small-scale生产 markets in the surrounding countryside.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport in the region, with local matches and pickup games common on weekends.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Patu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes can be adapted with beans, rice, cassava, and vegetables. Ask for sem carne (no meat) or sem queijo (no cheese) if needed; emphasize legumes and grains as main protein sources; many markets offer fresh vegetables for simple, plant-based meals.