Things to do in Lençóis
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Bodega
This stylish pizzeria and Italian eatery offers prime people-watching, gourmet pies and potent cocktails.
reviewed
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Cozinha Aberta
This gourmet bistro, specializing in slow food, serves eclectic fare from Thai noodles to Italian pastas. The setting is charming and homelike, with daily specials spelled out on chalkboards.
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Hiking - Rio Lençóis
There are great hikes leaving from town that the adventurous can undertake without a guide. One is a 3km walk out of town, following the Rio Lençóis upstream through the Parque Municipal da Muritiba.
You first pass a series of rapids known as Cachoeira Serrano. Off to the right is the Salão de Coloridas Areias (Room of Colored Sands), where artisans gather material for bottled sand paintings, so its original 40 colors have been greatly diminished. You then pass Poço Halley (Swimming Hole), before seeing Cachoeirinha (Little Waterfall) on a tributary to your left. Continuing upriver, Cachoeira da Primavera (Spring Waterfall) is on another tributary on your left.
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Ribeirão do Meio
It's a relaxing 4km hike to Ribeirão do Meio. Follow Rua São Benedito (known as Rua dos Negros) out of town, ignoring the left turn 100m after Pousada Lumiar. Continue until the road ends at an upmarket housing development. Continue a short distance, then take a left fork onto a trail that descends and crosses a stream. Keep following the track until you reach a ridge overlooking Rio Ribeirão.
At the foot of the ridge, is Ribeirão do Meio, a series of swimming holes with a natural waterslide (bring shorts or something to slide on). Avoid assured injury by climbing the dry rocks (not the slide's wet ones) before launching off.
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Oficina do Garimpeiro
A curious attraction is the Oficina do Garimpeiro, which is a reconstructed garimpeiro (prospector) dwelling built by Coriolando Rocha, a local character and former prospector. A guided tour in Portuguese reveals the lifestyle and skills of freelance diamond hunters.
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Poço Encantado & Poço Azul
Local agencies offer tours to Poço Encantado (the Lençóis poster child: a cave filled with stunningly beautiful blue water) and Poço Azul (another rainwater-filled cave you can swim in). Verify with agencies the quality of the light; after rains, the water remains murky.
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Andrenalina
Many of the area's best-known sights are outside of the national park on private land. Given the lack of public transportation, the easiest way to visit them is by taking a tour through a local agency. Andrenalina specializes in adventure sports and treks.
reviewed
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Pizza na Pedra
Stone slab tables and tree-trunk stools create a rustic atmosphere at this pizzeria tucked away on the road leaving town. The pizzas are agreed to be the best around, and there are also tasty calzones and pastas.
reviewed
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Casa de Afrânio Peixoto
The Casa de Afrânio Peixoto displays the works and personal effects of Lençóis’ most illustrious native, in addition to old town photos. Peixoto was a writer, doctor, politician and academic.
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Calil Neto
The photo gallery of Calil Neto will leave no doubts about this area’s beauty. Small prints of the artist’s shots are for sale, and the photographer himself is always up for a friendly chat.
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Poço do Diabo
Catch the morning bus to Seabra and hop off at Mucugêzinho Bar (25km). About 2km downstream is Poço do Diabo, a beautiful swimming hole on the Rio Mucugêzinho with a 25m waterfall.
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Burritos y Taquitos
Below the pousada Parador de Santiago (double/triple rooms with fan R$95/130), this Mexican restaurant serves tasty burritos, tacos and guacamole. A back patio overlooks the river.
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O Bode
On an open-sided terrace over the river, this pleasant, well-liked por-kilo restaurant spreads a small but enticing buffet that includes meats, pasta and salads.
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Os Artistas da Massa
Fantastically fresh pastas and other Italian dishes are served to the jazz and pop tunes you pick off the menu at this gourmet restaurant.
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Jagannath Comida Vegeteriana
A colorful vegetarian café serving tasty sandwiches (like ricotta cheese and sundried tomatoes), soy burgers and satisfying juices.
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H20 Expedições
Both day trips and treks are offered; the website offers detailed descriptions of each excursion’s attractions and level of difficulty.
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Restaurante Girassol
Serving a mix of Asian and Brazilian fare, Girassol is an enticing spot for a meal, with tables spilling onto the street.
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French Vice-Consulate Building
Take a stroll by the 19th-century French vice-consulate building, where diamond commerce was negotiated.
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Neco’s Bar
Rustic Neco’s Bar is renowned for having the best regional food in town, but you have to place orders the day before.
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Etnia
Sick of pasta and seafood yet? This cool and casual eatery serves Asian dishes from pad Thai to Indian curry.
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Picanha na Praça
Choice cuts of beef, chicken and fish are brought sizzling to your table at this well-frequented institution.
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Café.com
Inside the Mercado Municipal, this cozy café overlooking the river makes a fine afternoon retreat.
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Prefeitura Municipal
The beautiful Prefeitura Municipal displays interesting old photos of Lençóis.
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Mercado Municipal
For handicrafts, stop by the lively Mercado Municipal overlooking the river.
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Massage - Dieter
The German masseur Dieter is highly recommended for walking pains.
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