Designed by the famous Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, Palmas, the capital of the state of Tocantins, was inaugurated on May 23, 1989. It is the youngest capital in Brazil and was conceived as a functional and organized city right in the middle of the rich landscape of the cerrado biome. Its urban parks, giant squares, and green areas make the city even more charming.
Among the main attractions in Palmas is the Praça dos Girassóis (Sunflower Square), the largest in Latin America and the second largest in the world. The square houses the headquarters of the three state powers, the Memorial Coluna Prestes, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and other must-see attractions.
The Parque Cesamar is a wonderful place to spend the afternoons. The area includes walking trails, sports fields, and equipment, as well as entertainment options for children and adults, making it a great attraction for the whole family. The park also houses the Casa Suçuapara, the headquarters of the first City Hall and the first Municipal Council of Palmas.
The building is currently a museum called Casa da Cultura (The Culture House), responsible for documenting the history of Palmas.
Local lake beaches, such as Graciosa, Prata, Caju, Buritis, Arnos, and Ilha Canela (Cinnamon Island), have excellent infrastructure, including food stalls where visitors can savor incredible dishes, such as the traditional fried or baked tucunaré, a typical fish from the region.
And when it comes to local cuisine, some of the most popular dishes include paçoca de carne seca, a typical dish made with few ingredients (shredded and fried dried meat, manioc flour, and salt), and northern fish very common in the region, such as pirarucu, tucunaré (peacock bass), and piranhas.
Palmas is located in the heart of Brazil and is the gateway to wonderful natural attractions, such as Jalapão, one of the most popular ecotourism destinations in Latin America, and home to the famous crystal-clear hot springs called fervedouros.
Source: Visit Brasil