There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Santana do Araguaia into a quick city adventure. From CMP, the Taxi can get you into town in around 30 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Before You Step Outside CMP
A few things to sort out before you leave CMP:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Brazil. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Santana do Araguaia takes about 30 minutes by Taxi. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is BRL. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some BRL in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Things to Do During Your Layover
Two recommendations for your time in Santana do Araguaia:
Start with Praça da Matriz de Santana do Araguaia. Worth checking out if your schedule allows. Then, if time allows, make your way to Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora de Santana. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
If you’d rather stay inside CMP — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Santana do Araguaia Airport Waiting Area
- Airport Convenience Store
Getting to Santana do Araguaia from the Airport
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | ~30 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~50 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Taxi is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Where to Grab a Meal
For food in Santana do Araguaia, local travelers recommend Churrascaria do Gaúcho. If you have time for a second stop, Restaurante Sabor da Roça is another popular pick.
Back at CMP, Aeroporto Lanchonete is the go-to. Airport Vending Machines rounds out your in-terminal options.
Money & Budget Tips
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Santana do Araguaia, budget roughly $24 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $9 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $5 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and CMP is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Santana do Araguaia and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Luggage storage options at CMP can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Santana do Araguaia for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Long overnight layover? Your options at CMP include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Brazil also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Santana do Araguaia genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.