Rio Sono

Deep in the heart of Tocantins, Rio Sono is a sleepy river town that feels like a well-kept secret. The Rio Sono river, wide and lazy, is the lifeblood of the community – its sandy banks are perfect for lazy afternoons, and the water is clear and inviting. This is Brazil at its most unpretentious: think hammocks strung between trees, the scent of grilled fish drifting from riverside churrascarias, and a pace of life that forces you to slow down. For travellers seeking an off-the-beaten-path immersion in the Brazilian cerrado, Rio Sono delivers a dose of genuine riverine culture.

Highlights & What to See

• Rio Sono River Beaches – From December to March, exposed sandbanks create natural river beaches (praias) where locals gather for swimming, volleyball, and cold beer. Praia do Sossego is the most popular.
• Fishing & Boat Trips – The river teems with tucunaré (peacock bass) and piranha. Hire a local guide for a half-day fishing excursion or a sunset boat ride.
• Cachoeira do Roncador – A short drive (or adventurous hike) leads to this thunderous waterfall, a series of cascades that plunge into a deep, swimmable pool – the best swimming hole for kilometres.
• Cerrado Wildlife – The surrounding savannah is home to capybaras, giant anteaters, and a dazzling array of birds. Early-morning walks along the riverbank are prime for spotting wildlife.
• Local Gastronomy – Don't leave without trying peixe na folha de bananeira (fish cooked in banana leaves) at one of the family-run restaurants along the main street.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two full days is the sweet spot: one day to explore the river beaches and take a boat trip, and a second for the waterfall and a relaxed afternoon in a riverside bar. If you're a keen angler or photographer, add an extra day. The town itself is tiny – you can see it on foot in under an hour – so the appeal lies entirely in the river and the cerrado. Many travellers use Rio Sono as a two-night stop en route between Palmas and the Jalapão region.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Jalapão State Park – A three-hour drive east, this is the crown jewel of Tocantins: vast table-top mountains, crystal-clear springs, and the famous dune fields of Jalapão.
• Palmas – The state capital, two hours south, has a modern lakeside promenade, good restaurants, and the impressive Praia da Graciosa.
• Lajeado – A small town with the stunning Lajeado Reservoir, perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing, about 1.5 hours south.
• Miracema do Tocantins – A historical river town with a charming colonial centre, 90 minutes downstream, worth a half-day detour.
• Cachoeira do Itaporã – A lesser-known waterfall on the Rio Sono tributary, accessible only by 4WD, offering seclusion and pristine swimming.

Please check official sources for current details.