Palmas is the perfect place to get a flavour of modern Brazilian life. A relatively young city, its central area is an urban hub of architectural masterpieces, restaurants and plazas. Set right in the heart of Brazil, it's also the gateway to some of the country's most serene natural beauty, and you'll be well placed to take advantage of the ecotourism opportunities that the state of Tocantins is known for.
Make yourself at home in a Palmas hostel in the centre of the city with colourful decor. Log on to the free high-speed Wi-Fi and phone home or post your latest pictures to social media. Complimentary sheets and towels are often available in Palmas hostels, meaning you can travel even lighter and save room in your backpack for souvenirs, while air con and a fridge will cool things down when the temperature rises.
In the centre of Palmas, you can experience buzzing urban life with plenty of restaurants, bars and shops. Further out, there's the village of Taquarussu, which has some magnificent waterfalls to explore. About 18km northeast of the city is Lajeado State Park, a popular destination for the city's residents. It's part of an environmental protection area and comprises 10 hectares of tropical rainforest with many attractions, including natural springs, caves and archaeological sites.
The centrepiece of Palmas is Sunflower Square, the largest public square in Latin America. With a wealth of striking buildings, iconic statues and green spaces, it's the perfect place to record your travels on camera. At Graciosa Beach, you can soak up the sun, swim and spot varied marine life in the blue waters of Palmas Lake. Cesamar Park is a large green space within the city – it has many walking trails, and it regularly hosts sporting events and concerts.
From Palmas Airport, the centre of Palmas is 15 minutes by taxi. Buses run from the airport to Terminal Rodoviário de Palmas, which is right in the middle of town. If you're travelling to Palmas by bus from other parts of Brazil, such as Brasilia or São Paulo, you'll arrive at the town of Paraíso do Tocantins, which is 15km west of the city. From there, you can get to the city by hopping on one of the regular shuttle buses that run throughout the day.
