Things To Do
in São Mateus do Maranhão
São Mateus do Maranhão is a small, riverside municipality in the state of Maranhão, northeastern Brazil, characterized by tranquil streets, colorful houses and a strong rural and fishing culture. The town sits amid lowland floodplains and wetlands that support seasonal fishing, rich birdlife and traditional agriculture. Daily life revolves around the local market, small churches and community festivals where forró and local foods feature prominently.
Visitors find an authentic, low-key experience of Maranhão away from major tourist corridors, with easy access to natural scenery and community-based activities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the charming historic center of São Mateus do Maranhão, where colonial architecture narrates the stories of the past. Stroll through the cobblestone streets, stopping by the beautiful Igreja Matriz de São Mateus, an iconic symbol of the town. Take a moment to admire the vibrant murals that reflect the local culture and history.
After lunch at a local restaurant, immerse yourself in the rich history at the Museu Histórico de São Mateus, which showcases artifacts from the region's colonial era. Engage with local guides who can provide insights into the town's heritage and the significance of its landmarks. As the day progresses, visit the Praça do Comércio, where you can relax and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Wind down your day with a leisurely dinner at a local eatery, sampling traditional Maranhão cuisine such as 'carne de sol' and 'feijão-de-corda'. Afterward, take a stroll through the illuminated streets, where you can enjoy live music performances from local artists. End your evening by sipping a refreshing 'caipirinha' while soaking in the vibrant energy of the town.
Set off early to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, where expansive white sand dunes and crystal-clear lagoons await your exploration. Enjoy a guided tour through the park, taking in the breathtaking views and unique landscape that changes with the seasons. Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning nature around you, as the sunlight glistens on the water.
After a morning of adventure, take a break at one of the lagoons to swim and relax in the refreshing waters. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, surrounded by the vast dunes and natural beauty. As the afternoon sun begins to lower, continue your exploration with a hike to some of the highest dunes for panoramic views.
Return to São Mateus do Maranhão in the evening, where you can unwind at a local beachside bar. Savor the local seafood delicacies as you watch the sunset paint the sky in vibrant colors. Reflect on the day’s adventures with newfound friends and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the coast.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| ☕Coffee or snack at bakery | $1-3 |
| 🚌Local bus or van ride | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🚕Short taxi/moto-taxi ride | $2-8 |
| 🛏️Budget room / guesthouse (per night) | $20-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic, off-the-beaten-path cultural and rural experiences
- Rich wetlands and riverside landscapes for nature lovers and birdwatchers
- Warm, welcoming local communities and traditional cuisine
- Low cost compared with major tourist centers
- Limited tourist infrastructure and fewer English speakers
- Seasonal access issues due to rains and unpaved roads
- Limited nightlife and fewer entertainment options for some travelers
- Healthcare and ATM services are basic compared to larger cities
- "Olá / Oi" - Hello / Hi
- "Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite" - Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you (male/female speaker)
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o mercado / a igreja / o rio?" - Where is the market / the church / the river?
- "Sou alérgico(a) a ..." - I am allergic to ...
- "Pode tirar uma foto?" - May I take a photo?
Places to Visit in São Mateus do Maranhão
Visit one of these nice places.
Early morning light on the river reveals fishermen, mist and waterbirds — ideal for serene landscape and lifestyle shots.
Colorful stalls, produce, and faces of vendors provide vibrant street photography and candid portraits.
Historic church facades, small squares and everyday life around them are great for architectural and cultural photos, especially during festivals.
Seasonal wetlands and mudflats attract birds and create dramatic reflective landscapes after rains; bring a zoom lens for wildlife.
Quieter streets and rural lanes with painted homes and rustic fences make for evocative local-life images.
Food in São Mateus do Maranhão
São Mateus do Maranhão Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly caught river or coastal fish grilled or stewed with local seasonings; available at riverside stalls and small restaurants.
Must-Try!
A manioc-based pancake served plain or filled with sweet or savory fillings (coconut, cheese, shredded meat); commonly found at morning stalls and snack stands.
Salted sun-dried beef served with boiled manioc (macaxeira/mandioca); a regional comfort dish served in traditional eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively morning market where you can try fresh fruit, homemade sweets, tapioca, smoked fish and small snacks while seeing local trade and social life.
Simple food stalls near the river selling grilled fish, fried manioc and cold drinks — great for an informal meal with views of the water.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always greet people with a friendly 'bom dia' (good morning) or 'boa tarde' and a handshake; friends and acquaintances may exchange a light cheek kiss. Politeness and direct introductions are appreciated.
Respect religious events, markets and private property. Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural or community settings.
Casual, modest clothing is appropriate. Dress more conservatively when visiting churches or attending family events.
Be sensitive when discussing politics, land or environmental issues — these topics can be personal and complex in rural Maranhão.
Safety
Tipping in São Mateus do Maranhão
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest and informal. In small restaurants and street stalls it's not expected but appreciated — rounding up or leaving 5–10% for table service is fine. For guides or boatmen, a small cash tip according to service quality is customary.
Cash (Brazilian real) is king in small towns; carry sufficient small notes and coins. Some restaurants and larger shops may accept cards, but card readers and mobile network coverage can be limited. ATMs are limited — withdraw cash in larger towns before arrival.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot temperatures and frequent afternoon rains; rivers and wetlands are often high — good for lush landscapes and boating but expect muddy roads after storms.
Heavier and more persistent rains can make some rural roads difficult; river levels rise, improving birdlife visibility but limiting access to some trails.
Drier weather, lower river levels and easier access to trails and riversides; wildlife congregates in residual waterways, making birdwatching productive and roads more passable.
São Mateus do Maranhão at Night
Hiking in São Mateus do Maranhão
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Seasonal trails and riverbanks suitable for short hikes and birdwatching; trail conditions depend on water levels and are best accessed in the dry season.
Gentle walks along country roads between small settlements, offering opportunities to observe local agriculture, homes and landscapes — bring sun protection and water.
Airports
How to reach São Mateus do Maranhão by plane.
The main international airport serving Maranhão; from São Luís to São Mateus do Maranhão is a multi-hour drive (several hours depending on route and road conditions) — several ground-transport options include hire cars, buses or private transfers.
A regional airport serving western Maranhão with domestic connections; depending on your route it can be an alternate arrival point but ground travel from there is long.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of residents are involved in small-scale farming, fishing and animal husbandry, with family-run operations and subsistence livelihoods.
There are Afro-descendant communities and pockets of quilombola heritage in Maranhão that maintain cultural traditions, music and cuisine.
A diverse mix of Indigenous, European and African ancestries characterizes the population, typical of northeastern Brazil.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular pastime: local pickup games and community matches are common, and football is central to social life.
Both a livelihood and a recreational activity — small-scale river fishing and community fishing events are culturally important.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting São Mateus do Maranhão.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited but possible: tapioca with cheese or coconut, vegetable stews, rice and beans and salads. Communicate needs clearly in Portuguese (e.g., 'sou vegetariano/vegetariana') and expect to adapt dishes.
Vegan choices are more limited outside larger towns; carry snacks, rely on fruit, manioc and simple rice-and-bean combos, and ask cooks to prepare food without animal products.
Bring translations for specific allergies and carry an allergy card in Portuguese. Small kitchens may not have strict cross-contamination controls.