From June to September in summer season the beaches appear in Araguacema as a mirage in an intense green horizon.
The Porto, Meio, Gaivota, Camaleão, Madalena beaches among many others are the most wanted in the state. The Praia da Gaivota (see picture) is famed for having a complete infrastructure. You can taste typical fish dishes and watch the regional dances like the Danca do Tambor, of African slave origin.
The fishing club Araguaia is a tourist complex idealized to fishing lovers. Countless fish schools go up the river in the dry season.
History
In 1812 the colonization of Araguacema started with the foundation of the prison of Santa Maria, for the protection of the trade and navigation of the steamboat company Companhia de Navegação a Vapor at the Rio Araguaia. It was attacked by the indians of the Xavante and Carajá tribe. The governor D. João VI eventually reestablished the prison.
In 1858 father Francisco do Monte São Vítor iniciates the construction of a chapel meant to catechise indians. A village was created with the name Santa Maria do Araguaia, becoming official city in 1937. In 1945 its name became Araguacema, meaning city of the river Araguaia.
The village attracted pioneers and adventurers from all over the country. The prison contributed to the development, helping to garantuee the rubber transport on the river during the golden ages. Today the economical activities of the city are cattle, agriculture, mining and fishing. Because of the beautiful beaches as well as rich fauna and flora it is expected that tourism will be growing business here. The city is part of the Amptur – Associação dos Municípios com Potencial Turístico do Brasil.
Attractions
The innumerous beaches are considered the most beautiful of Tocantins, because of the white and fine sand crossed by canals of transparant water. Altogether a mixture of islands and lakes with a rich vegetation attracting birds and fish. Local amateur fishers find their way to the 2.800 lakes or to the river Araguaia which is ideal for fishing between June and September.
The main beaches are Praia do Porto, Praia do Camaleão, Praia do Meio, Praia do Gato, Praia do Mambuca, Praia do Chicão e Praia da Gaivota. The beach Da Gaivota at the Araguaia is well known.
The Praia do Porto is the large island in front of the city, 3,5 by 2,5 km, which rich vegetation.
In summertime, June to September, the beach is prepared to receive many tourists brought with fast boats.
The Praia do Meio is the largest beach, 3km by 2,5km, located on an island with the same name, 20 minutes by boat.Vegetation of Amazone Forest with the presence of saarã, goiabinha and other typical cerrado trees. The beach is a paradise with greenish water with little current. You will see araras, parakeets, tapirs, deers and turtles. Fish such as pacu, tucunaré, jaraqui and pirarucu.
The Praia da Madalena is visited in September by turtles that lay eggs in the sand.
The Araguaia Clube de Pesca is a touristic club for those who like to fish.
The religious festivities of Nossa Senhora da Divina Providência at the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Divina Providencia are a yearly event on March 10th.
Distance from Palmas: 300km
Inhabitants: 6.000
Wensite: http://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Araguacema
