Mataraca – PB: A Complete Guide to Tourist Sites and Natural Attractions
Visitors to the town of Mataraca should not miss the Church of the Mother of Jesus, a walk along the Camaratuba River, a swim in the Lagoa Encantada (a mirror of crystal-clear water surrounded by mangaba trees), a visit to the Barra de Camaratuba Beach and a visit to the Uçá Crab Ecological Park.
Barra de Camaratuba
Don’t miss one of the most beautiful beaches on the north coast of Paraíba, Barra de Camaratuba. Located about 11 kilometres from the city, it offers cosy restaurants, idyllic scenery and a wonderful swim at the mouth of the Camaratuba River.
Meeting of the waters
One of the attractions that enchants tourists is the meeting of the waters of the Camaratuba River with the sea. At low tide, it is possible to cross the estuary on foot and visit the beaches of the indigenous reserve in the region.
Ecotourism and trails
Barra de Camaratuba also has a large area of mangrove swamp where it is possible to make ecological walks, as well as trips along the Camaratuba River. Ecological trails are also one of the main activities offered to visitors. One of these is the Caranguejo-Uçá Ecological Park Trail, which starts in the mangrove swamp and runs along part of the Camaratuba River, ending at the sea.
Demographic data
The municipality of Mataraca, in the state of Paraíba, covers 184.3 km² and had 8,434 inhabitants at the last census. The population density of the municipality is 45.8 inhabitants per square kilometre.
Location
Neighbouring the municipalities of Baía da Traição, Canguaretama and Rio Tinto, Mataraca is located 23 km northeast of Rio Tinto, the largest nearby city. Mataraca is 118 km from João Pessoa – PB and 123 km from Natal – RN.
Video about Mataraca, city of Paraíba
See also Baía da Traição Tourist Guide
Points of interest in Mataraca – PB
1. The Parish of Senhor Bom Jesus
The parish of Senhor Bom Jesus, located in the municipality of Mataraca, was established on 18 April 1994 by the then Archbishop of Paraíba, José Maria Pires.
Its territory includes the entire municipality of Mataraca, with its current boundaries, and parts of the municipalities of Mamanguape and Rio Tinto.
It is said that the first chapel was built in the middle of the 18th century, with the help of a missionary nun, on the site of the present parish church.
The devotion to Bom Jesus in Mataraca began because of the miracle that Mr Francisco (a well-known man in the region, a practising Catholic who belonged to the Brotherhood of the Heart of Jesus) experienced through the intercession of Bom Jesus.
2. Barra de Camaratuba
Barra de Camaratuba, located in the municipality of Mataraca, 110 kilometres from João Pessoa and close to the border with Rio Grande do Norte, is considered the last district on the state’s north coast and offers attractions such as beaches with sandbars that mark the boundary between the sea and the river, walks along lagoons, trails in a mangrove swamp and visits to indigenous communities.
3. Guaju River
At the Guaju River, located on the border between Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte, visitors can practice zip-lining.
4. Enchanted Lagoon
One of the region’s main attractions is the Lagoa Encantada (Enchanted Lagoon), much sought after by tourists for its beauty. The lagoon has almost transparent waters, ideal for swimming, and together with the unspoilt nature that surrounds it, gives the place a special charm.
To get there, follow the paths of the Cardosas cliffs, an easy walk of about an hour.
5. Caranguejo-Uçá Ecological Park
The trail runs through this 178-hectare protected area in Barra do Camaratuba, a district in the municipality of Mataraca, about 110 kilometres from João Pessoa. Created by Ivan Burity, president of the NGO SOS Caranguejo Uçá, it is a project to raise ecological awareness and preserve this endangered species.
6. Uçá Crab Trail
Considered one of the wildest parts of Paraíba, Barra do Camaratuba is home to the Uçá Crab Trail, a hike that starts in the shallow waters of the mangrove swamp, follows the current of the river and ends at the mouth of the Camaratuba River, right on the beach.
7. Barra da Boca beach
Where the waters of the Camaratuba River meet the sea, Boca da Barra is the beach most frequented by bathers in Barra de Camaratuba. At low tide, the beach is a great place to swim, with lifeguards on hand to provide the necessary information to those wishing to take a dip, and to ensure the tranquillity of bathers.
The beach has two kiosks with bar and restaurant services. It is also ideal for surfing almost all year round, with the best period being from January to March. For kitesurfing, the best period is from March to October, when the prevailing winds are more intense and come from the southeast.
History of the city of Mataraca in Paraíba
1. Connection with Mamanguape
The history of Mataraca has always been linked to that of Mamanguape, of which it was a part. The community was part of the city’s heyday, when it was the commercial centre of the state. It all began with the establishment of “Sítio Mataraca”, which was a major producer of sugar cane and cotton.
2. The first chapel
The first chapel was built with the money collected by a missionary nun who settled on the site of the present parish church.
3. Popular events
Popular events include the“Festa do Padroeiro Bom Jesus” (Festival of the Patron Saint Bom Jesus), which is celebrated for nine nights from 23 to 31 December and attracts thousands of believers to the streets, and the traditional“Festa de São Sebastião” (Saint Sebastian’s Festival), which takes place in January.
4. Political emancipation
On June 17th the community celebrated its political emancipation.
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