Things To Do
in Acará

Acará is a small Amazonian municipality in Pará state, Brazil, located along a winding river just east of Belém. The town is known for its lively riverside life, colorful markets, and easy access to rainforest and mangrove ecosystems. Visitors can sample Pará flavors, learn about Ribeirinho culture, and take boat trips to see wildlife and traditional communities.

The pace is relaxed and hospitality is warm, making it a friendly base for exploring the Amazonian countryside.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Brazilian coffee and freshly baked pastries. Afterward, take a stroll through the charming streets of Acará's Historic Center, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant murals that tell the story of the town. Don't forget to visit the Igreja de São Sebastião, an elegant church that showcases the rich history and culture of Acará.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, sampling regional delicacies such as tacacá or maniçoba. After your meal, immerse yourself in Acará's culture by visiting local artisan shops where you can witness the craftsmanship of handmade goods. Conclude your afternoon with a walk along the riverside, soaking in the beautiful views of the Guamá River.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a local bar to experience Acará's vibrant nightlife and try some refreshing caipirinhas. Engage with friendly locals and listen to live music that celebrates the region's folk traditions. End your evening with a leisurely stroll back to your accommodation, enjoying the warm, tropical breeze.

day 2
Nature Walk and Birdwatching
morning
:

Rise early and prepare your gear for a day of exploration in the lush surroundings of Acará. Join a guided tour that takes you through the nearby rainforest, where you can marvel at the diverse flora and fauna, including unique bird species. Capture stunning photographs as you observe colorful toucans and vibrant parrots in their natural habitat.

afternoon
:

After a morning of discovery, enjoy a picnic lunch in a serene spot surrounded by nature, listening to the sounds of the forest. Continue your adventure with a hike that leads you to a beautiful waterfall, perfect for a refreshing dip. The tranquility of the surroundings provides an ideal backdrop for relaxation and reflection.

evening
:

Return to Acará just as the evening settles in, and treat yourself to a delicious dinner featuring local fish dishes. Share stories with fellow travelers about your day's adventures while enjoying the warm ambiance of a family-run restaurant. As night falls, consider taking a night walk to experience the magical sounds of the rainforest under the stars.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-10
🏨Hotel per night (basic)$25-60
Coffee/espresso$2-4
🚕Taxi (1-2 miles)$2-6
🥤Soft drink or juice$1-3

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich Amazonian culture and riverside scenery
  • Relaxed pace and warm, welcoming locals
  • Limited nightlife and fewer large-scale attractions
  • Travel to remote areas may require guides and time
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Acará

Visit one of these nice places.

Ribeirinho Riverfront at Sunset

Wide water reflections, boats, and palm-fringed shorelines provide classic Amazonian sunset photographs.

Mercado Municipal de Acará stalls

Vibrant produce and fish stalls offer colorful, candid street photography opportunities.

Mangrove boardwalk overlook

Elevated boardwalks through mangrove trees with opportunities to photograph birds and aquatic life.

Culinary Guide

Food in Acará

Acará's cuisine centers on Amazonian ingredients such as tucupi, jambu, manioc, fish, and tropical fruits. Street stalls and small eateries showcase bold flavors and straightforward, hearty cooking.

Acará Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Tacacá

A hot tucupi-based consommé with jambu leaves and dried shrimp, served in a tacá bowl.

Must-Try!

Pato no tucupi

Duck slow-cooked in tucupi sauce, typically served with rice and farofa.

Maniçoba

A rich stew made from the leaves of manioc plant, meat, and herbs, simmered for hours.

Açaí na tigela

Frozen or thickened açaí purée served with granola, banana, and sometimes toppings like tapioca.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Acará

A lively market where you can buy fish, tropical fruits, fresh herbs, and street snacks.

Riverfront street stalls

Vendors offer tacacá, caldo de peixe, fried fish, and fresh juices along the water’s edge.

Climate Guide

Weather

Acará has an equatorial rainforest climate with hot temperatures year-round and very high humidity. Rain is common in the wet season (roughly December through May), while the dry season (roughly July through September) is still warm but less rain-prone. Expect tropical conditions: sunny mornings, afternoon showers, and cooler nights compared to peak daytime heat.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and politeness

Greet with a friendly 'bom dia/boa tarde' and smile; use the right hand for handing items or paying. A handshake is common in formal situations; kissing on the cheek is common among friends.

Respect for local culture

Ask before photographing people, especially in homes; dress modestly in religious or community spaces; avoid loud behavior late at night in residential areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

Practice standard tropical-country safety: use insect repellent to prevent mosquito-borne diseases, avoid isolated areas at night, keep valuables secure, and stay hydrated. If traveling to forested areas, go with a licensed guide and follow local safety guidance for river currents and wildlife. Be mindful of uneven sidewalks and flooded streets during the rainy season.

Tipping in Acará

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory; 5–10% at restaurants if service isn't included. For bars and informal service, rounding up is common.

Payment methods

Cash (BRL) is widely accepted; cards are increasing in mid-range establishments; PIX and other mobile payments are popular in cities and some markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Dec–Mar are hot and very humid with frequent afternoon rainstorms. Light clothing, sunscreen, and insect repellent are essential.

Autumn

Apr–Jun sees a mix of rain and humidity, with fewer mosquitoes later in the day and pleasant river breezes.

Winter

Jul–Sep is drier and slightly cooler, good for outdoor activities but still hot and sticky.

Spring

Oct–Nov brings warmth and sporadic rain; good for wildlife viewing along the river.

Nightlife Guide

Acará at Night

The nightlife in Acará is relaxed and intimate, centered around riverside bars and family-friendly venues. On weekends you may find live forró or samba-influenced music, with locals enjoying cold drinks and simple regional snacks. Overall, it’s a low-key scene that emphasizes conversation, dancing, and sunset views over the river rather than clubbing or large venues.

Hiking in Acará

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Forest edge trails near Acará

Easy trails along the forest edge offering birdwatching and scenic river views.

Cotijuba Island day hike

A short boat ride away with beaches and light jungle paths.

Airports

How to reach Acará by plane.

Belém/Val de Cans International Airport (BEL)

Primary gateway for international and domestic flights; about a 1.5–2 hour drive to Acará depending on traffic.

Paragominas Airport (CGI)

Regional airport with domestic flights; useful if visiting from nearby areas, typically requires a longer drive but can be an alternative.

Getting Around

Walkability

Acará is walkable in the town center with compact streets around markets and the riverfront. Sidewalks can be uneven, so wear sturdy shoes.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Ribeirinhos (riverine communities)

People living along the river who rely on fishing, small-scale agriculture, and crafts.

Afro-Brazilian communities

Cultural influences from Afro-Brazilian traditions and music.

Indigenous communities

Influence on regional culture and crafts in nearby areas.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport, with local clubs and informal games across town.

Volleyball

Common in schools and community centers; casual games along the river.

Transportation

Traffic

Roads around Acará are mixed; during the rainy season, some streets can become muddy or waterlogged. Taxis and small buses serve the town, but longer trips to Belém may require time and flexibility.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Acará.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Ribeirinho cuisine is meat-heavy; look for fish-free options like rice and beans, farofa, plantains, and roasted vegetables. Ask for tacacá or tucupi variations without peixe or carne.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is a mix of public SUS facilities and small private clinics. In Belém you’ll find larger hospitals; for serious issues, regional centers provide higher-level care. Bring any medications you rely on and consider travel insurance.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide