This study was carried out to characterize the physiological developement and maturity of maraco fruit in arder to determine an adequate harvest and postharvest handling of the fruit. It was measured the physiological and physicochemical changes during the reproductive stage of the plant. It was determined a respiratory curve of either pH, acidity, brix, reduced and total sugars, vitamin C and maturity index variations. The commercial ripening stage was considered from 83 day, where the respiratory intensity showed the lowest value to the day 113. At this point it was observed an increase of the respiratory intensity, indicative of the climateric condition of maraco's fruit. This behavior was also accompanied with an increase in pH, brix and total and reduced sugars.