Palmas

Palmas is the capital of the Brazilian State of Tocantins. Like the country's capital, Brasilia, and several other state capitals, it was built out of nowhere (in 1990) to house the government of its new-born state.

This is pretty much the middle of nowhere. Both bus and plane connect better southwards, via Brasilia.

973km from Brasilia, 1,271 km from Belem.

The city is interesting as a study of urbanism. It was dimensioned for several times its current population.

• Praça dos Girassóis. This plaza contains the Carlos Presetes Memorial, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, a marker which represents the geodesic center of Brazil, and an array of panels representing the indigenous peoples of Apinajé, Khahô, Xerente, Karajá, Javaé and Xambioá. 

There is a fresh water beach a couple of km from the center. Take any bus that goes to the university.

• Hotel São Paulo, 103 Rua NO (just off main square, next to Unibanco), ☏ +55 63 3215-1630. Single, shared bath R$ 18, with bath R$ 35.. 

• Jalapão
• Taquarussu
• Natividade