NORTHERN BRAZIL - General Information

ECOTOURISM
The Amazon is a tropical, colorful and lush "country" in itself. A few thousand years ago, people of the West after a long pilgrimage, became the first settlers in the region. Reserved for Spaniards by papal decision at the end of the XIV century, the region was conquered by the Portuguese during the seventeenth century. It occupies 40% of the land area of Brazila nd it is the most precious biological reserve in the world. Begin to unravel it in Manaus, capital of Amazonas.

LAST MINUTE SHOPPING
Take the opportunity to do your last minute shopping at the Manaus Free Trade Zone. One of the most important cultural and research centres in Brazil is the National Institute for Amazonian Research (INPA). At the docks, contemplate the flow of the River Negro, a floating-English construction.

DOLPHINS AND ALLIGATORS
In Manaus witness the clear waters of the Solimões and dark of Rio Negro come together. They run parallel for about 5 km, when they meet to become the Amazon River. There are a harmony of birds, flowers, fish and plants to see. Look closely at the water lilies and animals, especially Pink dolphins, monkeys and alligators.

FORESTS AND WATERS
Situated in the heart of the jungle, Manaus is considered the "Capital of the Jungle" since 1850, when it experienced its heyday during the economic cycle of the rubber, which made the fortune of many and led to the construction of the Teatro Amazonas. Its marvellous architecture of Italian Renaissance style, crystal chandeliers made of Murano, gates made of Verona marble, stairs in English iron and curtains symbolizing the waters of river Negro and Solimões becoming the Amazon River.

PRAIA DA LUA
Before heading to Anavilhanas, the largest freshwater archipelago in the world, soak up on the beach of the Moon – Praia da Lua, 23 km from Manaus by boat. The white sand, contrasting with the dark waters of the Negro river, forms a charming setting.

ANAVILHANAS
There are 335 islands in an area of 350 000 hectares. With 90 km long and 15 km wide, Anavilhanas archipelago is situated 50 km from Manaus. Ecological Area Protected by the Brazilian Institute of Environment (IBAMA), Get to Anavilhanas through the Rio Negro. Next to the archipelago, you will find one of the best hotels in the jungle region.

TWO RIVER BEACHES
The Rio Negro beach is located 13 km from downtown Manaus. With 2 km long, has sport courts, cycle lane, bars, bathrooms and showers. The best beach of the Amazon river, however, is Tupé, 1h by boat from Manaus.

ACCOMMODATION
The best alternatives for those seeking piece and quiet are the hotels in the jungle. There are B&Bs, hotels and chalets, and hotel-boats with cabins. They all have activities in the jungle: hiking, fishing and walking along creeks.

PARINTINS
Parintins is a small island. Book the month of June for your Amazon adventure. One of the largest festivals in Brazil is the Parintins Festival that happens in the second half of the month. The party is tremendous. Indeed, the festival is a huge manifestation of Amazonian culture. An ideal opportunity for visitors to admire the boi-bumba and xaxado, the typical dances of the region.

TRADITIONAL PARTIES
As your boat goes up the river, contemplate the forest, which houses over 2,300 species of trees and ensures the survival of tapirs, snakes, monkeys and cavies. The next stop is in Santarém, Pará. There are two major cultural events happening in the city: the fluvial procession of St. Peter, with the parade of the boi-bumba, and Sairé festival. In Santarém, do not miss the Museum of Indigenous Art, with 1,500 pieces of 57 groups from Amazonas and Mato Grosso states.

POROROCA
Shortly before the boat arrives at its destination, the Amazon waters meet those of the Tocantins River, then meeting with the Atlantic Ocean, creating the unforgettable spectacle of the Meeting of Waters ", the pororoca. The phenomenon, with waves up to 12m high, can be observed from Caviana Island, 300 miles from Belém.

PARÁ
When the boat docks in Belém, founded in the seventeenth century, the visitor is confronted with a city that preserves its traditions. The streets of Belém are saved by old hoses and impregnated with the odor of many intriguing herbs, used to produce exotic dishes that make the local cuisine. All available to visitors at the traditional Market Ver-o-Peso.

HISTORY
In the Old City, site of homes and solar facades made of Portuguese tiles, visit the Palace Antonio Lemos and the Fort Coriseo.

FAITH
Brazil offers visitors two great moments of the Christian faith. The biggest one is Nossa Senhora da Aparecida procession, in the city of Aparecida. The other one is the Círio de Nazareth, held in Belém in October.

BUFFALOES
With 49.602 km2, Marajó is the largest fluvial-island in the world. With an extremely rich fauna, it offers two types of vegetation: savannah and dense forests. The mark of Marajo are buffaloes. The herd is immense. The island, however, is rich in fauna and flora. As hunting is banned, practice birdwatching such as herons, toucans and jabirus.

ANCIENT CIVILIZATION
On the island of Marajo lived centuries and centuries ago, an ancient civilization. Its presence was confirmed by pottery dating from 980 BC. Besides being an archaeological paradise, Marajó is one of the most significant centers of culture, especially for its folkloric dances such as carimbo and lundu.

BEACHES
One of the busiest ones is the Mosqueiro beach, 86 km from the capital. Situated on an island, Mosqueiro beach is surrounded by river-beaches and intersected by rivers and streams. In Soure,on the island of Marajo, the best beaches are the Ceu and Caju-Una, with dunes and green waters in the summer. Further away, and recommended for those seeking isolation, it is Salinópolis, 223 km of Belém.

WILD BEACHES
No running water, electricity or telephone. Ajuruteno, 30 km from the city of Bragança, is a haven of unspoiled beaches, with no infrastructure. At Campo do Meio, you will experience nature in its own: swamps, dunes, clear waters and strong waves. Some comfortable accommodation is offered.