Beach tourism on the riverbeaches of the Araguaia and Tocantins

With a little fantasy the contour of the Tocantins map draws a parrot's head with a beak. At the Northern extremity, the Araguaia river meets the Tocantins penetrating the state of Pará. Boat rides, amateur fishing, sunbathing in fluvial beaches, visitation to forest areas, these are some of the options for leisure and ecotourism.

This region has had a near past of the famous Guerrila of Araguaia and other conflicts over land dispute. Today, the municipalities fight for different reasons: development and growth through tourism. The region is extremely rich in natural resorts like islands, beaches covered on many spots by the amazon rain forest. Besides tourism, the region has had its economy based on agriculture, cattle raising and fishing. The vegetation presents differentiation between the scrub and the ecosystem of the Amazon forest, characterizing a transition zone among ecosystems.

Araguaia beaches

Murici Beach is the first stop recommended. Along its 1 km of calm waters the vegetation is rich in "murici" and "caju" (cashew). The fish are “pacu", "piau","cari" and "peixe-voador". It's a 25 minutes ride upstream.
Also a great place for fishing is Paletó Island with its restful beach waters. AII you need is a fishing rod and a few baits. The course takes an hour ride upstream leaving from Xambioá harbor.

Another option is to follow the way to Campo Island, a 1,5 km long by 500m wide beach area. This is a permanent beach that never gets covered by the river waters. Its vegetation and climate are typically from the Amazon Forest. The access takes one hour by boat. There is a course of river rapids and it's recommended that a guide be taken along.

For those who would like an adventurous journey it's a great idea to go down the "Corredeiras de Xambioá', an extension of 6 km of river rapids. A thick vegetion is part of the scenery along with herons, hawks, diver birds, monkeys and deers. From many places there one can appreciate "Serra das
Andorinhas" in the state of Pará. But it's good to remind that the watercourse should be led by someone familiar with the river rapids.

After this exciting experience one can also enjoy pools and waterfalls like Poςão do Noleto a 15m long water sled, the "Balneário Poςão " with bar service and disco music on Sunday afternoons, and "Cachoeira da Cascata” a 30m long waterfall that forms a 10 m (in diameter) pool at its bottom.

The month of July offers “Micaxam”, a local carnival party and also the no less traditional square dance and lots of craft fairs.

Distance from Palmas: 500km
Inhabitants: 11.000

Restaurant / bar:
Ayeme Rio Discoclub, Rua José Bonifácio 473, club & churrascaria, 1.500 persons, 24 h
Bem Bolado, Praça do Mercado Municipal; bar; capacidade: 250 persons; 24 h
Piroska, next to Posto de Saúde São José, local dish, 50 persons, 24h
Doce Vida Restaurant, Av. Pres. Vargas s/n.º; local dish, 150 persons; open 10 to 23 h
Churrascaria Canequinho, Rua 7 de Setembro s/n.º, 50 persons; open 10 to 23 h

Hotels:   
Grande Hotel Nossa Signora Fatima, 8431181
Hotel Araguia 8431152

Town hall: 8431183

4. Araguanã
Small town along the Araguaia River, Araguana became independent in 1992. Originally, its land was occupied by Indians like most of the Bico Region and then taken by northeasterners. Cattle raising is the main activity .

Araguanã Island
It has lots of white sand beaches of thick and tight vegetation. The town administration provides an "ecological boat" that takes tours around the island and to fishing places. The island is 5 km off downtown. 
Ilha Grande Beach - Sits on another large island of the Araguaia River and has a typical vegetation of the Amazon Forest. It is the most popular beach with an extension of 5 km for camping and sport activities. Its season goes from June to September. The river goes up till 15 meters in flood. 
Go to the Praia do Escapole and the Praia do Murici. Try local cuisine: rice with ´pequi´ and the Caldo do Chambari.
Distance from Palmas: 480km
Inhabitants: 3.000
Restaurant:
Hotels:   
Hotel Fazenda Solar do Araguia, at the Araguia river, 9 chalets, restaurant, swimming pool

Town hall: Av. principal, s/n.º, 4281105

6. Juarina

7. Couto de Magalhães

8. Araguacema
From June to September in summer season the beaches appear in Araguacema as a mirage in an intense green horizon.
The Porto, Meio, Gaivota, Camaleão, Madalena beaches among many others are the most wanted in the state. The Praia da Gaivota (see picture) is famed for having a complete infrastructure. You can taste typical fish dishes and watch the regional dances like the Danca do Tambor, of African slave origin.
The fishing club Araguaia is a tourist complex idealized to fishing lovers. Countless fish schools go up the river in the dry season.

History
In 1812 the colonization of Araguacema started with the foundation of the prison of Santa Maria, for the protection of the trade and navigation of the steamboat company Companhia de Navegação a Vapor at the Rio Araguaia. It was attacked by the indians of the Xavante and Carajá tribe. The governor D. João VI  eventually reestablished the prison. 
In 1858 father Francisco do Monte São Vítor iniciates the construction of a chapel meant to catechise indians. A village was created with the name Santa Maria do Araguaia, becoming official city in 1937. In 1945 its name became Araguacema, meaning city of the river Araguaia.

The village attracted pioneers and adventurers from all over the country. The prison contributed to the development, helping to garantuee the rubber transport on the river during the golden ages. Today the economical activities of the city are cattle, agriculture, mining and fishing. Because of the beautiful beaches as well as rich fauna and flora it is expected that tourism will be growing business here. The city is part of the Amptur - Associação dos Municípios com Potencial Turístico do Brasil.

Attractions
The innumerous beaches are considered the most beautiful of Tocantins, because of the white and fine sand crossed by canals of transparant water. Altogether a mixture of islands and lakes with a rich vegetation attracting birds and fish. Local amateur fishers find their way to the 2.800 lakes or to the river Araguaia which is ideal for fishing between June and September.
The main beaches are Praia do Porto, Praia do Camaleão, Praia do Meio, Praia do Gato, Praia do Mambuca, Praia do Chicão e Praia da Gaivota. The beach Da Gaivota at the Araguaia is well known.
The Praia do Porto is the large island in front of the city, 3,5 by 2,5 km, which rich vegetation.
In summertime, June to September, the beach is prepared to receive many tourists brought with fast boats. 
The Praia do Meio is the largest beach, 3km by 2,5km, located on an island with the same name, 20 minutes by boat.Vegetation of Amazone Forest with the presence of saarã, goiabinha and other typical cerrado trees. The beach is a paradise with greenish water with little current. You will see araras, parakeets, tapirs, deers and turtles. Fish such as pacu, tucunaré, jaraqui and pirarucu. 
The Praia da Madalena is visited in September by turtles that lay eggs in the sand. 
The Araguaia Clube de Pesca is a touristic club for those who like to fish. 
The religious festivities of Nossa Senhora da Divina Providência at the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Divina Providencia are a yearly event on March 10th.

Distance from Palmas: 300km
Inhabitants: 5.000
Restaurant: 
Bar das Gaivotas, Praca Beira Rio
Lanchonete Beira Rio
Hotels:  
Beira Rio 8301112
Hotel Araguaia
Town hall: 8301132
Departamento de Turismo: Praça Getúlio Vargas, 384 - Phone: 8301132

9. Caseara
Caseara is the Cantão Park gateway, and has the majority of the region´s beautiful lakes, with several rivers, streams and rivulets with plenty of fish, being an excellent option for sport fishing. Its islands and beaches, of clear green waters, with pleasant temperature and bucolic landscapes of Amazon features, are an invitation for adventure and leisure you can´t refuse. Praia do Sol, close to the city, is the most sought after in the summer season, and has good infrastructure.

Distance from Palmas: 260km
Inhabitants: 4.000

Restaurant
Churrascaria Nova Querencia 8791150
Churrascaria Bosque, Rua Paraíso s/n.º, regional dish, 150 persons; 24 h
Churrascaria Tarunã, Av. Barão do Rio Branco, n.º 362; regional dish, 300 persons; 24 h
Amor: Av. Campo Alegre s/n.º; bar, 300 persons: open 11 to 23 h

Hotel
Fazenda Lago Formoso 8791161
Hotel Tarunã, Rua Barão do Rio Branco, n.º 367
Hotel Entre Rios, Av. Br. Rio Branco 260, Sector S. Central, 3791123
Hotel Fazenda Lago Formoso, Av. Campo Alegre Q61, S/nº. Lt6, Sector S. Central, 3791161
Pousada do Araguaia, Faz. Cantao Q Ar, S/nº. Ltsn, Zona Rura, 3791148
Pousada Sonho Meu, Av. Barra do Coco Q 72, S/nº. Lt18 19, S Central, 3791115

Hospital
Hospital Municipal de Caseara 8791110

Secretária da Educação, Turismo e Lazer -  Av. Trajano de Almeida, s/n.º - Phone: 8791120/1122

Northern Tocantins beaches

1. Sampaio
Distance from Palmas: km
Inhabitants: 
Hotel:
Pousada Pouzada, Rua Pres Vargas 382, 4361182

2. Praia Norte 
Praia Norte is a city founded at the beginings of the 20th century, around the ´30s.
Its people has a religious character and they celebrate with pride the July, 16th, Nossa Senhora do Carmo´s Day, a very well worshipped saint at the Tocantins' State.
The São Francisco, still a primitive beach, is its best attraction.
Distance from Palmas: 680km
Inhabitants: 5.000

3. Itaguatins A city deeply penetrated into the woods, Itaguatins shows the Tocantins river's passage where the water discharge and watercourse are more intense. It is the Santo Antonio waterfall that throws strong armful water and vigorous whirls. The neighbourhood with Imperatriz city, in Maranhão's State, makes Itaguatins being a very special tourist place. Distance from Palmas: 600km Inhabitants: 6.000
4. Tocantinópolis Situated on the left margin of the Tocantins River, it had its population started in 1818. Unlike most other towns, gold was not what brought people over, but its rich soil, wood abundance and the "babaςuais". Hitherto, agriculture, cattle raising along with small business make the economy. Tourism is already showing signs of strength through private enterprise investiments. Distance from Palmas: 530km Inhabitants: 23.000

Water resorts
"Ribeirão Grande" is a tourism complex of private water resorts located in Ribeirão Grande River, 6 km off downtown. The natural scenery is unbelievable. A typically thick amazon vegetation on one side, and on the other, large scattered fruit trees like buriti, coconut, macaúa, ienipapo, mutamba, cinzeiro, cupuaçu, ingá, cashew and many others. Like its rich flora so it is its fauna.

Amidst watering places, stands out Elaide: an ecological resort with10 lodges and 26 bungalows, all roofed with straw. The surroundings were originally kept and crystal clear waters run around the bungalows showing fish in the bottom of the river. Guests have access to barbecue grill, bars, snack places, dance hall and sports like volleyball and soccer.

Beaches
Tocantinópolis has also beautiful beaches. Choices are between busy, crowded places with facilities or calm, quiet, ecological spots with turtles and virgin vegetation.
Fernando Beach is the most popular beach. It is located 1 km from downtown at the left margin of Tocantins River. Here tourists will find the convenience of camping facilities.
Ipapecônia Beach lays along 4 km of white sand and the Tocantins vegetation with its birds and otheí animals. It's 20km from the city.
Tauri Beach has the uItimate in ecotourism. Fresh-water turtles and tortoise fascinate a passer-by. It is also great for fishing. It's a 3 hour trip going down Tocantins River.

Belief
Religious belief is part of the Tocantinópolis people.
There's a special location for "Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes" (Our Lady of Seamen): "llha Santa" (Holy Island). According to residents, ever since the statue was put on top of a stone altar, 50 years ago, floods were never high enough to cover the statue. They believe that if it otherwise happens
Tocantinópolis will be inundated. The island sits across from town at a 10 minutes boat ride.

For accommodation there's one hotel with 26 beds besides camping areas on the beach and water resorts. Restaurants can serve up to 2.500 people offering the best of regional cuisine with delicious tish dishes.

Hotel:
Hotel Presidente, Rua Maranhão 392; local dish

Restaurants:
Chapeu de palha, Praça Salim Gomes; local dish, 500 persons
Recanto da Velha Guarda, Praça Salim Gomes; local dish, 300 persons
Barraca Beira Rio, Praça Salim Gomes; local dish, 400 persons
Peixaria Peixe, Praça Salim Gomes; fish, 300 persons
Restaurante & Churrascaria, Av. 15 de Novembro, s/n.º, local dish, 200 persons
Restaurant Porta Larga, Praça Apinagé, s/n.º, local dish, 500 persons
Restaurant da Nair, Rua da Areia, s/n.º, local dish, 300 persons

Delegacia de Policia, Rua Horácio Negreiro, s/n.º; Setor Aeroporto - Phone: 841- 1511

Health Center, 
Rua 7 de setembro, n.º 241; Darcinópolis
Rua Maré Belizara, n.º 244; Cachoeirinha
Rua Deputado Darci Marinho; Alto Bonito
Rua Maranhão, n.º 493; Phone: 841-1210

Hospital
Hospital São Lucas, Rua Padre Ludovico, n.º 286; Phone: 8411300

Busstation, Terminal Rodoviário de Tocantinópolis: Rua Antônio Gregório  de Sousa, s/n.º 

Town Hall, Prefeitura, Rua Pedro Ludovico, n.º 46 - Phone: 841-2022/2162/2178

5. Aguiarnópolis
A new city with well appreciated beaches called Praia do Ipê and Praia da Ponte. The Ilha do Cabral with preserved primary woods, makes one of the most beautiful beaches of the region during the dry season. The North-South railway will be a link between Aguiarnópolis and Itaqui seaport in São Luís do Maranhão.

6. Babaçulândia
A thriving commercial establishment settled by Henrique Brito in 1926 originated to a village that nowadays is Babaçulândia city. There we can see the Jenipapo Waterfall, the Tocantins River beaches and the Corrente River´s waterfall.
Babaçulândia is an important commercial center for the Babaçu coconut extraction, a fruit very rich in oil.

7. Filadélfia
Everybody asks about this city origin when hearing the name, if it is Greek or a North-American city homonym. But the name was a tribute to its founder, Mr. Filadelfio Antonio de Noronha. In Filadélfia during the summer the winds deposit very long sand columns at the river´s border, forming outstanding beaches. It is a nice place for fishing and ride boats. The Vitoria Stream and the Cunha River are goods options to visit.
Hotel:
Hotel Pipes, Av. Getúlio Vargas 2, tel 4781115

8. Itapiratins

9. Tupiratins

10. Pedro Alfonso
Pedro Afonso is an ancient city from the beginning of the century. It preserves in its architecture an interesting part of the State History. Its native beauties are even more interesting: The Rio do Sono Beach, the Ribeirão Góis and the Poção do Ribeirão are natural sculptures. Pedro Afonso is also the PRODECER head-office (Programa de Desenvolvimento do Cerrado/ Scrub's Development Programm), which main purpose is the soybean culture.

11. Tupirama
Every September in the Nossa Senhora de Nazaré feast, the city patroness, happens the religious state folias (a kind of religious feast with dance, music and prayers), that is cheered up by very gay quadrille.

12. Tocantinia
The Tocantínia history is linked to the relationship between the settlers and the Xerente Indians. The majority of the Tocantínia territory is formed by their demarcated reservation. The São Sebastião Church, the main building in Tocantínia, is an Indian work.
Many of them, habitates nowadays the urban center, almost disassociated with the Indian settlements life.
It is an instigating sociological conformity. It is worth the experience of living in Tocantínia. It is confronted with Miracema city. Tocantínia and Miracema are oníy bathed by Tocantins River, so they are good options to a city tour.

Between the rivers

1. Araguaína
Araguaína has grown after the construction of the Belém-Brasíia interstate highway. The highway traffic heading North and Northeastern regions goes through the town making Araguaía the doorway to great centers. As a cattle raising town, it is also known as "The capital of fatty cattle". It has the state largest population and a very busy trading activity. Furniture manufacturing, cloth making and agro-industries are its main industry. The Federal Government will install in town a ZPE - Exporting Process Zone.
The two maior events that take place in Araguaía are "Exposiςão Agropecuária" (an exhibition of farming activities) with rodeos, concerts and festivities attracting thousands of people every year. The other event is the "Feneara" (a business tair for small and medium companies in Araguaía) showing commercial and industrial activities of Araguaía. The city has a diversified craftsmanship on wood, clay, straw, stones, painting on cloth and a lot more. Night life counts on large restaurants, pizzerias, bars and a nightclub that holds up 700 people. Hotels can accommodate up to 500 people.

Hotels:
Hotel Araguia, Rua Pres Castelo Branco Q 22, S/nº, 4133387
Hotel Araguatins Av. Tocantins Q 11, 4131770
Hotel Birds Av. José Brito Soare 1010, 4212119
Hotel Eros Av. Filadelfia, S/nº, 4131488
Hotel Estrela Dalva Rua 1 de Janeiro Q E2, 4211876
Hotel Marazul Av. Bernardo Sayao 491, 4151070
Hotel Olynthos Estancia Av. Amazonas 819, 4144039
Hotel Planalto Av. Con João Lima 1977, 4211598
Hotel Rio Rua 13 de Maio 115 , 4131322
Hotel Sao Vicente Av. Con João Lima Q 41, S/nº. Lt2 3 Nr2446, 4143007
Hotel Tarcisio S Palace Av. Perimetral Q 3, 4131110
Hotel Tarumam Av. Con João Lima 541, 4212378
Hotel Transbrasiliana Av. Bernardo Sayao 824, 4151222
Hotel Trevo Av. Bernardo Sayao 581, 4152509

2. Colinas
The most remarkable characteristic of Colinas is the fact that it is a planned city and contemporary to Brasilia´s construction.
Colinas was a way to North, the settled point along the Belem-Brasilia highway beforereaching Belem. It is also important because one of its founders was Mr. J.W. Siquero Campos.

Hotels:
Hotel Capivara, Rodv. Br 153 Km231, 4761130
Hotel Cunhas, Pça. 7 de Setembro Q 22, S/nº. Lt2 Nr14, 4763687
Hotel Fenix, Av. Pedro Lud Teixeira 236 Ed, 4761736
Hotel Karina, Av. Raul R Oliveira Q 50, S/nº. Km1164 Lt12, 4761561
Hotel Mineiro, Rua 7 de Setembro 247, 4761951
Hotel Pousada, Rodv. Br 153, 4761327