Bucket List World Travel

We haven't been everywhere but it's on our list!

Welcome to Marajó Island, the land of buffaloes, endless beaches, and more adventure than you signed up for. Located in Brazil’s Pará state, this massive island (bigger than Switzerland, by the way!) is the perfect mix of wild nature, delicious food, and local culture. Get ready for three days of fun, a little bit of…

By

A 3-Day Adventure on Marajó Island: Buffaloes, Beaches & Just the Right Amount of Chaos

Welcome to Marajó Island, the land of buffaloes, endless beaches, and more adventure than you signed up for. Located in Brazil’s Pará state, this massive island (bigger than Switzerland, by the way!) is the perfect mix of wild nature, delicious food, and local culture. Get ready for three days of fun, a little bit of mud (okay, maybe a lot), and a newfound appreciation for buffalo transportation.

Day 1: Welcome to Buffalo Country

Morning: The Ferry Ride & Your First Encounter with the Locals

• Start your journey from Belém with a ferry ride to Marajó. It’s about 3-4 hours, giving you plenty of time to admire the Amazon River, snack on local treats, and wonder why you didn’t visit here sooner.

• Arrive in Soure, the island’s main town, where you’ll immediately notice buffaloes roaming the streets like they own the place. (Because they kind of do.)

• Check into a pousada (guesthouse)—bonus points if it has a hammock for peak relaxation vibes.

Afternoon: Buffalo Rides & Beach Time

• Time to embrace the buffalo culture! Head to a local farm and try riding a buffalo—yes, really. It’s like a horse, but with more attitude.

• Reward yourself with a trip to Barra Velha Beach, a stunning, endless stretch of sand where you can relax, swim, and enjoy a fresh coconut water (or a cold beer, no judgment).

• If you’re feeling extra adventurous, rent a quad bike and explore the beach like a pro (or, let’s be honest, get stuck in the sand at least once).

Evening: Sunset & Buffalo Steak

• Head to a local restaurant for a well-earned feast of filé marajoara, a juicy buffalo steak served with creamy cheese sauce. (It’s delicious, just don’t tell the buffaloes.)

• Grab a drink and watch the sunset over the Amazon waters—it’s the kind of view that makes you reconsider all your life choices.

Day 2: Muddy Adventures & Local Culture

Morning: The Muddiest Fun You’ll Ever Have

• Wake up and get ready for one of the wildest experiences on the island: visiting the mangroves.

• Join a “carimbó” mud bath tour, where you’ll literally roll around in Amazonian mud for fun (and surprisingly good skincare).

• After you’ve covered yourself in enough mud to be unrecognizable, wash off in the river and feel like a brand-new person.

Afternoon: Markets & Cheese Tasting

• Head back to Soure’s craft markets for some shopping. Look out for handmade hammocks, buffalo leather sandals, and souvenirs that you’ll totally say are “for a friend” but are actually for you.

• Stop by a local queijaria (cheese farm) and try Queijo do Marajó, a creamy, slightly salty cheese that will make you question every cheese you’ve ever had before.

• Snack on pupunha (a delicious Amazonian fruit) and sip on a cupuaçu smoothie—it’s like tropical heaven in a glass.

Evening: Carimbó Dance & Amazonian Cocktails

• End the day with a Carimbó dance night, where locals will show you how to spin, stomp, and shake your way through traditional Amazonian music.

• Try a tropical cocktail made with cachaça and exotic fruits—you may not know what’s in it, but it’s delicious, so who cares?

Day 3: Exploring the Wild Side of Marajó

Morning: Boat Tour Through the Rivers & Wildlife Spotting

• Hop on a boat tour through the igarapés (narrow Amazonian waterways) and spot wildlife like pink dolphins, sloths, and exotic birds.

• Your guide might even let you fish for piranhas—just don’t drop your fingers in the water.

Afternoon: Final Beach Stop & Relaxation

• Head to Pesqueiro Beach, one of the most beautiful (and less crowded) beaches on the island. It’s the perfect place to soak in the last bits of Marajó’s magic.

Pesqueiro Beach

• Have one last meal featuring fresh grilled fish and açai straight from the Amazon—because nothing beats eating açai in the Amazon.

Evening: Ferry Back to Belém (And Plotting Your Return)

• Say goodbye to buffaloes, beaches, and the best cheese of your life as you take the ferry back to Belém.

• Realize you don’t want to leave and immediately start planning your return trip.

Final Thoughts: Marajó Is Wild, Fun, and Absolutely Unforgettable

Marajó Island is the perfect mix of adventure, nature, and culture—with just the right amount of chaos (thanks to those buffaloes). Whether you’re rolling in mud, exploring stunning beaches, or feasting on incredible Amazonian food, one thing’s for sure: you’ll leave with stories, great memories, and possibly a new appreciation for buffalo steak.

Now tell me—what’s the first thing you’d do in Marajó? 🚤🐃🌴

Leave a comment