Things To Do
in Bôca do Acre

Bôca do Acre is a small riverside town in western Acre, Brazil, nestled in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. It serves as a gateway to jungle adventures, river journeys, and vibrant local markets. The town blends riverine culture with Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous influences, evident in craft, food, and daily life.

Visitors will find a warm, relaxed pace, lush greenery, and opportunities to connect with local communities along the Purus and Acre river systems.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Acclimatization
morning
:

Arrive in Bôca do Acre and settle into your accommodation. Spend the morning doing some light exploration of the town, enjoying the local architecture and vibrant street life. Visit a local café to savor your first taste of Amazonian cuisine, like tacacá or açaí.

afternoon
:

Join a local guide for a gentle boat tour on the Acre River, taking in the lush surroundings and spotting local wildlife. Engage with the friendly locals as you learn about their customs and ways of life. Snap some photos of the stunning scenery and tranquil river flow.

evening
:

As night falls, prepare for a traditional Amazonian dinner featuring fresh fish and local ingredients. After dinner, stroll through the serene streets of Bôca do Acre, enjoying the sounds of nature and the soft buzz of local activity. Wind down your day with a cold drink at a local bar, reflecting on your first impressions of the Amazon.

day 2
Wildlife Watching
morning
:

Early morning is the best time for wildlife watching; rise with the sun and head out on a guided safari into the rainforests. As you trek through the lush greenery, keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds, monkeys, and other wildlife that inhabits this rich ecosystem. Capture the beauty of the sunrise filtering through the trees as you walk.

afternoon
:

Return to Bôca do Acre for a hearty lunch before embarking on an afternoon of fishing in the rivers or lakes. Experience the traditional techniques used by local fishermen while trying to catch some of the famous Amazonian species. Share your fishing tales with fellow travelers over lunch.

evening
:

Conclude your day with a sunset fishing session, where the golden light reflects off the water. Savor the thrill of reeling in a catch as the day transitions into night. Return to town for a delicious meal featuring your fresh catch, prepared by a local cook.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🍽️Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant$20-40
🏨Lodging (budget hotel) per night$25-60
🚎Local transport (one-way)$1-3
Coffee/snack$1-4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authenic Amazonian culture and hospitality
  • Accessible river-based adventures and nature
  • Limited nightlife and shopping compared to larger cities
  • Variable internet and service access in rural areas
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Onde fica o mercado?" - Where is the market?
  • "Eu não falo Português muito bem." - I don't speak Portuguese very well.

Places to Visit in Bôca do Acre

Visit one of these nice places.

Riverfront at Sunset

Golden light reflecting off the water as boats drift by; perfect for silhouettes and long exposures.

Mercado Municipal Interior

Colorful stalls, fresh produce, and textures—prime for vibrant street photography and close-up detail shots.

Docks and River Traffic

Bustling activity with boats, nets, and steam rising from street grills; candid moments abound.

Cultural Center Facade

Architectural details and wall murals that tell local stories; great for composition and storytelling.

Culinary Guide

Food in Bôca do Acre

Amazonian cuisine in Bôca do Acre centers on river fish, tropical fruits, and hearty staples like farinha. Dishes often balance bold, smoky flavors with fresh herbs, and meals frequently feature tucupi and regional condiments sourced from nearby forests.

Bôca do Acre Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Tacacá

A hot tucupi-based soup with dried shrimp and jambu leaves; a quintessential Amazon street dish, best enjoyed fresh at a stall.

Must-Try!

Peixe na Brasa

Grilled river fish such as tambaqui or pirarucu with lime, herbs, and farofa (toasted manioc flour).

Pato no Tucupi

Duck slow-cooked in tucupi sauce, often served with tapioca or white rice.

Açaí na Tigela

Frozen açaí pulp served in a bowl with granola, bananas, and other toppings; a refreshing energy boost after a day outdoors.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal da Boca do Acre

Vibrant market with river fish, tropical fruits, mandioca, farinha, and ready-to-eat snacks from paved and wooden stalls.

Riverside Street Food Drifts

Casual stalls along the waterfront offering grilled pescado, tapioca pancakes, and fruit cups with refreshing juices.

Climate Guide

Weather

Bôca do Acre has a tropical rainforest climate with hot temperatures year-round and high humidity. Expect daily highs in the low to mid 30s Celsius (86–95°F) and cooler evenings. Rain is frequent in the wet season, while the dry season brings relatively drier days but persistent humidity. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing and take precautions against mosquitoes.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and politeness

Greet with a friendly 'Olá' or 'Bom dia/Boa tarde.' Use 'senhor/senhora' for elders and show respect in conversations.

Photography consent

Ask permission before photographing people or private spaces, especially in indigenous or community settings.

Environment and pace

Respect local environmental practices; avoid loud behavior or littering; appreciate a slower, community-focused pace.

Dress and modesty

Casual, modest clothing is appropriate in town; cover shoulders when visiting religious sites or more traditional spaces.

Safety Guide

Safety

Stay aware of your belongings in crowded markets and on buses; use licensed taxis or ride-hailing options when available, especially after dark. Protect against mosquitoes with repellents and appropriate clothing, stay hydrated, and follow local guidance on river safety and wildlife. In case of medical needs, know the location of the nearest healthcare facility and carry a small first-aid kit.

Tipping in Bôca do Acre

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, 5–10% is common if service is not included; for guides and drivers, a small tip is customary at the end of a trip.

Payment Methods

Cash (BRL) is widely used in markets and smaller eateries; many larger establishments accept cards, but some smaller places are cash-only. ATMs are less abundant in town, so plan ahead.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Dry season (May–Sept)

Lower humidity and less rain make outdoor exploration easier. Trails are more accessible, but expect dusty conditions and heat during peak hours.

Wet season (Oct–Apr)

High rainfall and lush greenery; river levels rise, offering exciting boat trips but potential travel delays due to floods and muddy paths.

Shoulder seasons (Apr and Oct transitions)

Mix of showers and sun; comfortable temperatures with good wildlife visibility and moderate crowds.

Nightlife Guide

Bôca do Acre at Night

Nightlife in Boca do Acre is relaxed and riverside-focused, with casual bars offering cold drinks, local cuisine, and occasional live music. Expect socializing at small venues, with MPB-infused tunes or forró-style dances on some evenings. Most activity centers around the riverfront, and late-night options are more limited compared to bigger cities, making it a good fit for travelers who value a calm, authentic atmosphere.

Hiking in Bôca do Acre

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Purus River Edge Trail

Easy to moderate riverside hike offering wildlife glimpses and quiet forest scenery within a short drive from town.

Canopy Renewal Walk

Short forest walk near a protected area that provides elevated viewpoints and opportunities for birdwatching.

Airports

How to reach Bôca do Acre by plane.

Rio Branco – Plácido de Castro International Airport (RBR)

Main gateway to Acre; serves major Brazilian cities with road or river connections to Boca do Acre.

Cruzeiro do Sul Airport (CZS)

Regional hub in western Amazon; connections to Manaus and other Amazon towns; transfers to Boca do Acre by road or boat.

Getting Around

Walkability

Boca do Acre has a compact town center that is generally walkable, with riverside paths and market streets. Some outskirts and rural-adjacent areas may have unpaved or uneven surfaces, so a light pair of hiking shoes is useful. For longer trips or river transport, you’ll rely on boats or short rides by road.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Riverine communities (ribeirinhos)

Families and communities living along the banks of the Purus and Acre rivers, with a strong river-based culture.

Indigenous groups in the region

A diverse mix of Indigenous communities contributing to local crafts, knowledge, and traditions.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Futebol (soccer)

The dominant sport, with local games and pickup matches on weekends at community fields.

Fishing

A common pastime and potential activity with local guides along the riverbanks.

Canoeing/Kayaking

Popular among visitors seeking calm water routes and wildlife viewing.

Transportation

Traffic

Road infrastructure outside the town can be rough, with occasional unpaved stretches. Within town, traffic is light and mostly local, with boats and river transport playing a significant role in daily life. Public transport is limited; taxis and informal transport are common options.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Bôca do Acre.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian travelers can find beans, rice, cassava, salads, and fruit-based dishes. Request tucupi-free versions of tacacá or soups, and ask for plant-based accompaniments like farofa de dendê or roasted vegetables.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available at local clinics and a municipal hospital; for more serious or specialized care, travel to a larger city such as Rio Branco or Cruzeiro do Sul is common. Bring any necessary medications and a basic first-aid kit, and confirm clinic hours in advance when possible.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide