The small town of Tutóia is the ideal place to step back from the world. Isolated in the northeast of Brésil, it is surrounded by magnificent beaches, mysterious islands, and some wonderful places waiting to be discovered.

Among them, the Parnaíba Delta, to the east of the city, is home to diverse fauna and flora. And the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, to the west, is world-renowned for its extraordinary sand dunes and majestic lagoons.

History

During the first centuries of our era, the entire region was occupied by the Tremembé Amerindians and a few Tupis. With a sense of hospitality, they did not declare war on the Portuguese who came to explore their lands in 1571.

Accompanied by a handful of men, Nicolau Resende discovered their territory. He proclaimed it a Portuguese colony, but left without building a single colonial structure.

During the 18th century, Father João Tavares decided to venture along the Tutóia River, which bordered the region, to spread the Gospel to the indigenous people. They received him with joy and helped him build a wooden house on the eastern bank of the great waterway.

The churchman spent twelve years of his life there, believing the Indians still needed him. The small village he had built then took the name Vila Viçosa de Tutóia.

Over the years, more and more Portuguese settlers made their home there. By the 19th century, however, the village experienced a significant decline.

One day, a young man from the village, Paulino Gomes Nunes, returned to live in the region. After studying long in the capital, he had become a devoted military officer and seasoned merchant. He developed commerce in the city and gave it a second wind through the export of seafood and salt. He was the first to own a stone house. Thanks to this new inspiration, a second Tutóia emerged near the old one.

Nowadays, its residents continue to live from fishing and salt extraction, but also from tourism.

Tutóia Today

Vast stretches of mangroves line the road leading to Tutóia. Upon entering the city, you discover charming small houses, fairly narrow streets, and a few palm trees sprouting here and there. In the heart of the city stands a monument honoring the Tremembé Indians, whose bravery and courage are celebrated by the local population. The entire town seems bathed in a peaceful, timeless atmosphere.

Its surroundings are full of wonderful tourist sites just waiting to be discovered. For example, exploring the Rio Parnaíba river delta by boat is an encounter with local fauna and flora. The waterway itself is home to broad-snouted caimans, sea turtles, and mangrove crabs.

In the trees, you can observe magnificent birds like toucans, powerful woodpeckers, and crested oropendolas. Also known as the delta das Américas, this place also holds some fantastic islands. Among them Ilha da Melancieira with its incredible white sand that melts into the sea. Or Ilha Grande do Paulino with its beaches of dark waters.

Heading east of the city, you discover other attractions. The Pequenos Lençóis de Tutóia, for example, is a vast expanse of sand. During the rainy season, fabulous blue lagoons form between its dunes. The overall scene is simply magical.

A few hundred meters away lie the beaches of Praia do Amor and Praia Pequenos Lençóis. The wind blows strong here and the beautiful waves that crash on the shore delight kitesurfing enthusiasts.

The Duna de Pôr de Sol, still to the west of the city, is magnificent. Swimming in its turquoise lagoons, then lounging on its sand dunes impart a certain serenity.

Further on, venturing by jeep to the edges of the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park allows you to discover new horizons, endless sand dunes and lagoons of all sizes and shapes. This place is truly splendid.

Climate

The city of Tutóia enjoys a warm and humid climate. Temperatures easily reach 29°C, and rainfall is more frequent between January and July.

The best time to spend your vacation is between May and September, especially from August onward. During this period, all the lagoons in the surrounding area will have had time to form.

During the dry season, their water levels drop and you cannot really make the most of them.

The best way to get to Tutóia is to take a regional bus from the bus station in São Luís, where the nearest airport is located. You should arrive in the city after six to seven hours of travel, costing 69 Brazilian Reais.

How to Get Around the City?

To explore the Rio Parnaíba Delta, Tutóia's port has several motorboats available for rent at widely varying rates, between 70 to 80 Brazilian Reais.

To venture around the city, you will need to rent a buggy or 4x4 and be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.