Maranhão Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Maranhão with our comprehensive travel guide, including must-see attractions, food and drink recommendations, transportation options, and safety tips.


Introduction to Maranhão

Maranhão is a northeastern state in Brazil, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and unique cuisine. With its vibrant festivals, diverse landscapes, and historic landmarks, Maranhão is an ideal destination for travelers looking for an immersive cultural experience and a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

List of Places to Visit in Maranhão

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • São Luis Historic Center: The historic center of São Luis, the capital of Maranhão, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This colonial city boasts an impressive collection of Baroque churches, mansions, and museums.

  • Museu Histórico e Artístico do Maranhão: This museum houses an impressive collection of artworks, furniture, and artifacts from Maranhão’s colonial period.

  • Casa de Nhozinho: A popular museum dedicated to the works of Maranhão’s most celebrated folk artist, Nhozinho.

  • Teatro Arthur Azevedo: This historic theater is home to some of Maranhão’s most renowned performing arts groups.

Natural Attractions of Maranhão: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lençóis Maranhenses National Park: This awe-inspiring national park boasts over 1000 square kilometers of white sand dunes and freshwater lagoons. Visitors can enjoy hiking, sandboarding, and swimming in this strikingly beautiful landscape.

  • Delta do Parnaíba: A unique landscape formed by the convergence of the Parnaíba and Atlantic oceans, the Delta do Parnaíba is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including monkeys, otters, and exotic birds.

  • Chapada das Mesas: A stunning plateau with deep canyons and waterfalls, the Chapada das Mesas offers visitors the chance to hike, swim, and explore Maranhão’s rugged beauty.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Maranhão

  • The Serra do Gavião Trail: This challenging hiking trail leads visitors through the breathtaking mountain landscapes of Serra do Gavião, offering stunning views of the surrounding valley.

  • Lençóis Maranhenses Trek: This multi-day trek through the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park takes visitors through the park’s stunning sand dunes and freshwater lagoons.

  • Mountain Bike Route in Chapada das Mesas: This scenic mountain biking trail winds its way through Maranhão’s Chapada das Mesas, offering visitors views of stunning waterfalls and deep canyons.

Best Things to Do in Maranhão: Activities and Tours

  • Learn Capoeira: An Afro-Brazilian martial art, Capoeira is an essential part of Maranhão’s cultural heritage. Visitors can take lessons or attend classes to learn this unique dance fighting style.

  • São João Festival: One of Maranhão’s most popular festivals, the São João Festival takes place in late June and celebrates the state’s traditional culture with music, food, and dance.

  • Boat Tour of Parnaiba Delta: Take a boat tour of the Parnaiba Delta and explore the pristine rivers and exotic wildlife of this unique ecosystem.

Week-Long Itinerary for Maranhão

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore São Luis Historic Center
Day 2 Visit Museu Histórico e Artístico do Maranhão and Casa de Nhozinho
Day 3 Hike or sandboard at Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Day 4 Visit Chapada das Mesas and hike to its waterfalls
Day 5 Take a boat tour on the Parnaiba Delta
Day 6 Learn Capoeira
Day 7 Relax and enjoy the beaches of Maranhão’s coast

Food and Drink Scene of Maranhão

Must-Try Dishes

  • Arroz de Cuxá: A traditional dish in Maranhão, Arroz de Cuxá is made with rice, toasted nuts, and spices.

  • Peixada Maranhense: A flavorful fish stew made with coconut milk, cassava, and peppers.

  • Tambaqui na Brasa: A popular Amazonian fish, Tambaqui is grilled over an open flame with local spices and herbs.

Local Beverages

  • Guaraná Jesus: A pink-colored, sweet soda that is unique to Maranhão.

  • Cachaça: A Brazilian spirit distilled from sugarcane juice, Cachaça is a popular alcohol in Maranhão.

Where to Stay in Maranhão: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Luzeiros São Luis
  • Pousada Portas da Amazônia
  • Pousada dos Guarás

What to Buy in Maranhão: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handmade Lace and Embroidery: In Maranhão, handmade lace and embroidery are considered a beautiful art form and can be found in markets throughout the state.

  • Babaçu Oil Products: Babaçu is a type of palm tree found in Maranhão and its oil is used in a variety of beauty products, including soaps, shampoos, and lotions.

Local Culture and Customs of Maranhão

Maranhão has a rich and diverse culture, with strong African and indigenous influences. Visitors can experience this unique mix of cultures through the state’s music, dance, and festivals, which are an essential part of daily life.

Best Time to Visit Maranhão

The best time to visit Maranhão is from June to September, when the weather is dry and sunny, and festivals such as São João take place.

Do’s and Don’ts of Maranhão

Do:

  • Learn Capoeira
  • Try local cuisine and drinks
  • Respect local customs and traditions

Don’t:

  • Drink tap water
  • Wear flashy jewelry or carry valuables with you

Safety and Health

Safety in Maranhão

Maranhão is a relatively safe state, but visitors should take precautions against petty theft. It is recommended to store valuables in a safe and avoid leaving them in plain sight.

Health in Maranhão

Visitors should take precautions to avoid mosquito-borne illnesses, such as Zika and Dengue. It is recommended to wear insect repellent and long sleeves in the evenings.

Getting to Maranhão: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Maranhão

  • São Luis International Airport (SLZ)

Bus Stations Near Maranhão

  • Terminal Rodoviário de São Luis
  • Terminal Rodoviário de Chapadinha

Other Options

  • Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available throughout the state.

How to Get Around in Maranhão

The best way to get around Maranhão is by car or bus. Rental cars are available at São Luis International Airport and in major urban areas.

Where to Go Next from Maranhão: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Jericoacoara National Park: This stunning national park in neighboring Ceará state is known for its crystal-clear waters, sand dunes, and excellent windsurfing and kitesurfing.

  • Delta do Parnaíba: Extend your trip and explore more of the Delta do Parnaíba in neighboring Piauí state.

Conclusion

Maranhão is a unique and fascinating destination that offers visitors the chance to experience Brazil’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring the colonial city of São Luis or hiking in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão has something to offer everyone.

Lençóis Maranhenses Lençóis Maranhenses


    Central Maranhão
    Eastern Maranhão
    Northern Maranhão
    Western Maranhão