Tocantins has been a cattle breeding state during the past 3 centuries, step by step changing to agriculture, often by initiative of large (foreign) investors.
It is not hard to understand that this state, being far from the coast, has no tourism culture. Like many other Brazilian states that are not connected to the coast, touristic structures are absent. That means that many hotspots are still to be discovered, recognized, polished up, communicated and made accessible.
On the other hand the state government has large expectations, and believes that the state has an enormous tourism potential. Several departments and organizations have been created to start mapping the potential and to develop structures. At the same time the Ibama, the organization that protects natural treasures, has an open mind to make parks and other protected areas accessible for visitors.
What has Tocantins to offer at this moment ?
If you come from far, you might consider the following:
- Visit the Bananal Island (see also Cantão state park or Araguaia national park)
- Visit the Jalapão savanna
If you come from around, the following possibilities are worthwile
- Extreme sports like offroad and rafting.
- Fishing at the Araguaia river
- Stay a weekend at the river beaches of the Araguaia and Tocantins
Tocantins is a pleasant place to travel. People are friendly and hospitable, and the roads are good. There are no breathtaking sceneries, but the landscape is a nice mix of inhabited savanne and pastures. To enjoy wildlife you must make an effort: you should hike, boat and camp to encounter wild animals.
The capital, Palmas, is the ideal city to stay. It is small, convenient and there are many good hotels and restaurants, tourist agencies, etc.
Some towns have a Centro de Atendimento ao Turista (CAT), a small tourist office that will help you find a local guide within minutes:
. Palmas (at the Cesamar Park)
. Taquarassu (near the central square)
. Formoso do Araguaia (to serve tourists visiting Ilha do Bananal)
. Mateiros, São Felix, Novo Acordo and Ponte Alta (to serve tourists visiting Jalapão)
. Dianopolis (to serve tourists visiting the Historical Towns of Tocantins)
. Itaguatins (to serve tourists visiting Bico do Papagaio)
The following organizations probably can help you further (see section Who & Where on this website)
- Secretarias de Turismo (see below)
- Catur (Centro de Atendimento ao Turista)
- Your hotel
- Travel agencies
Touristic regions
Bico do papagaio (read more)
Bananal & Cantão (read more)
Palmas (read more)
Jalapão (read more)
Historical towns / Serras gerais (read more)
