Things To Do
in Alfredo Chaves

Small market stalls selling fresh produce, coffee beans, cheeses and sweets; ideal for sampling regional flavors and buying souvenirs like artisanal jams or cachaça.

Look for pastel, coxinha and grilled skewers at neighborhood bars and stalls in the evenings; these are social hubs for locals.

Warm, friendly greetings matter: greet with 'Olá' or 'Bom dia' and a handshake or brief cheek kiss among acquaintances. Use polite forms when addressing elders.

It’s polite to wait for the host to begin eating and to say 'bom apetite' before the meal. Accepting small offers of food or drink is a friendly gesture.

Ask permission before photographing people working on farms or private property, and be mindful of local schedules and customs — small communities value respect and courtesy.

Casual dress is fine, but modest clothing is appropriate in churches and formal community events. Avoid loud or disruptive behavior in public spaces.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants a 10% service charge may be included on the bill; if not, leaving a few Brazilian reais for good service or rounding up is common. Tip small guides, drivers or hotel porters a modest amount for helpful service.

Brazilian Real (BRL) is the currency. Cash is handy for markets, small eateries and rural purchases; debit and credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted in established businesses, though remote farms and stalls may be cash-only. ATMs exist in town but bring backup cash for excursions. Contactless and Pix instant transfers are common in urban areas.

December to March: warm to hot with frequent afternoon showers; humid conditions but lush green landscapes. Ideal for swimming in waterfalls but expect sudden rain — bring rain gear and check river flow before swimming.

April to June: drier, cooler mornings and comfortable daytime temperatures. Good season for hiking, photography and coffee farm visits with clearer skies.

June to August: coolest months with chilly mornings in the highlands (can be brisk at dawn); nights are cooler but daytime is pleasant — bring a light jacket, especially for viewpoints and early hikes.

September to November: warming up with floral blooms and active wildlife; transitional rains begin toward late spring. Great time for birdwatching and seeing new growth in plantations.

A significant portion of the population works in coffee, banana and dairy farming, forming tight-knit agricultural communities.

Local families who maintain traditional lifestyles, small businesses and community institutions such as churches and markets.

As in many rural Brazilian towns, there is a notable elderly demographic involved in community life and local traditions.

Younger residents often commute to larger towns and Vitória for education, work or services, while some return for family and cultural events.