Caxias Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do in Caxias, from cultural attractions to outdoor adventures. Get insider tips on where to stay and what to eat, and learn about local customs and safety tips before your trip.


Introduction to Caxias

Located in Eastern Maranhão, in Northeast Brazil, Caxias is a city with a rich history and diverse culture. Known for its colonial architecture, museums, and natural beauty, Caxias offers visitors a unique travel experience.

With warm weather year-round, Caxias is an ideal destination for outdoor adventurers, culture seekers, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in Brazilian life.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll highlight the best things to do in Caxias, from visit museums and historical landmarks to hiking and biking routes, local cuisine, where to stay, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Caxias

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, Caxias has something to offer every traveler. Here are some of the must-visit attractions in the city:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museu de Cera (Wax Museum)
  • Museu de Arte Sacra de Caxias (Museum of Sacred Art)
  • Galeria Antonio Vieira (Art Gallery)
  • Praça da Matriz (City Square)
  • Palácio Episcopal (Episcopal Palace)

Natural Attractions of Caxias: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Pedra do Letreiro (Letreiro Rock)
  • Serra de Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz Mountain Range)
  • Rio Itapecuru (Itapecuru River)

Hiking/Biking Routes of Caxias

For outdoor enthusiasts, Caxias offers plenty of opportunities to explore the beautiful landscapes on foot or wheels.

  • Rua Coronel Albuquerque (Colonel Albuquerque Street)
  • Parque da Cidade (City Park)
  • Serra de Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz Mountain Range)

Best Things to Do in Caxias: Activities and Tours

Whether you want to take a leisurely strolls through the city or get your adrenaline pumping with an outdoor adventure, Caxias has something for everyone:

  • Enjoy a historic walking tour of the city center
  • Take a horseback ride through the countryside
  • Visit a traditional Brazilian farm and learn about rural life
  • Take a scenic boat ride on the Itapecuru River

Week-Long Itinerary for Caxias

If you’re planning a longer trip to Caxias, this week-long itinerary will help you make the most of your time in the city:

Day 1: Arrival and City Tour

  • Arrive in Caxias and check into your hotel
  • Take a walking tour of the city center and visit the Praça da Matriz and Palácio Episcopal

Day 2: Museums and Historical Sites

  • Visit the Museu de Cera and Museu de Arte Sacra de Caxias
  • Explore the Galeria Antonio Vieira

Day 3: Outdoor Adventure

  • Take a hike in the Serra de Santa Cruz
  • Visit the Pedra do Letreiro and enjoy the scenic views

Day 4: Rural Experience

  • Visit a traditional Brazilian farm and learn about rural life
  • Take a horseback ride through the countryside

Day 5: Relaxation Day

  • Spend the day at Parque da Cidade and enjoy the park’s attractions

Day 6: Cultural Immersion

  • Check out a local theater performance
  • Take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Maranhão cuisine

Day 7: Departure Day

  • Check out of your hotel and depart from Caxias

Food and Drink Scene of Caxias

No trip to Caxias is complete without trying some of the local cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Arroz de cuxá (Rice with cuxá)
  • Peixe frito (Fried fish)
  • Sopa de legumes (Vegetable soup)
  • Carne de sol com arroz (Sun-dried meat with rice)

Local Beverages

  • Guaraná Jesus (Soft drink made from guaraná fruit)
  • Cachaça (Sugar cane spirit)
  • Caipirinha (Brazilian cocktail made with cachaça, lime, and sugar)

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

From budget-friendly options to luxury accommodations, Caxias has a variety of places to stay. Here are a few recommendations:

  • Hotel Alecrim (Budget-friendly hotel located downtown)
  • Solar das Alamandas (Boutique hotel with pool and garden)
  • Hotel Jaguara (Luxury hotel with restaurant)

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

When it comes to shopping in Caxias, there are plenty of local products to bring home as souvenirs:

  • Handmade ceramics from local artisans
  • Hand-crafted wooden furniture and decor
  • Fabrics and clothing made from traditional Maranhão materials

Local Culture and Customs of Caxias

As a visitor to Caxias, it’s important to understand the local culture and customs. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Brazilians are known for their warm and friendly hospitality, so expect to be greeted warmly by locals
  • Some stores and businesses close in the early afternoon for siesta, so plan your itinerary accordingly
  • Tipping is not expected, but leaving a small amount is considered polite in restaurants and cafes

Best Time to Visit Caxias

With warm weather year-round, Caxias can be visited at any time of the year. However, the best time to visit is during the dry season between July and December, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Caxias

To have a safe and enjoyable trip to Caxias, here are some essential do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

  • Learn some basic Portuguese phrases before arriving
  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages

Don’t:

  • Flash your valuable belongings in public
  • Assume that everyone speaks English
  • Disrespect religious ceremonies or celebrations

Safety and Health

While Caxias is a safe destination for travelers, it’s always important to take precautions to ensure a safe trip.

Safety in Caxias

  • Avoid walking in remote or poorly lit areas at night
  • Keep your valuables safely stored in your hotel room or in a secure location
  • Use caution when withdrawing money from ATMs

Health in Caxias

  • Drink bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues
  • Use sunscreen and mosquito repellent when spending time outdoors

Getting to Caxias: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here are some transportation options to consider when planning your trip to Caxias:

  • Domestic flights are available to the nearest airport, São Luís International Airport
  • Buses are available from São Luís and other cities in the region
  • Private car or taxi can be arranged from São Luís or other nearby cities

Airports Near Caxias

  • São Luís International Airport (SLZ) - 240 km from Caxias

Bus Stations Near Caxias

  • Rodoviária de São Luís - 240 km from Caxias

Other Options

  • Private car or taxi (arrange transportation in advance with your hotel or tour operator)

How to Get Around in Caxias

To get around Caxias, there are several transportation options, including:

  • Taxis
  • Local buses
  • Rental cars or scooters (available from local rental agencies)

Where to Go Next from Caxias: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re interested in exploring more of Maranhão and Northeast Brazil, here are some nearby destinations to consider:

  • São Luís: The capital city of Maranhão known for its colonial architecture and vibrant culture
  • Lençóis Maranhenses: A national park with some of the most beautiful sand dunes in Brazil
  • Jericoacoara: A beach town known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning natural beauty

Conclusion

From natural beauty to cultural landmarks and outdoor adventures, Caxias is the perfect destination for anyone looking to explore Northeast Brazil. Use this guide to plan your trip and discover all that this fascinating city has to offer.