Things To Do
in Borba
Borba is a small riverside city in Amazonas located along the Madeira River, where life centers on boats, markets, and the forest beyond. It serves as a gateway to the Amazon and its riverine communities, offering a glimpse into traditional ribeirinho culture. The city combines modest colonial-era architecture with busy markets and lively, family-run eateries.
Surrounded by lush jungle and river views, Borba is a laid-back base for nature and culture in the heart of the Amazon.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
You arrive in Borba in the early morning aboard a traditional riverboat, watching the dense rainforest drift by. After checking into your charming riverside lodge, you unpack and get acquainted with the lush surroundings. Your guide leads a brief orientation session to outline safety protocols and the week’s highlights.
A hearty Amazonian lunch introduces local flavors ranging from pirarucu fish to tucupi sauce. You then embark on a short boat tour to the village, witnessing daily life along the waterways. Learn about Borba’s history through lively stories shared by your guide.
As the sun dips below the horizon, enjoy a sunset cruise replete with pink dolphins playing in the river. Return to the lodge for a communal dinner around a fire pit and swap tales with fellow travelers. Drift off to the gentle sounds of jungle nightlife.
Start your day with a visit to the bustling Vila de Borba market, where stalls overflow with fresh produce and handmade crafts. Chat with local vendors about medicinal plants and extract traditional remedies from the region. Photograph vibrant fabrics and earthenware that reflect Amazonian heritage.
Participate in a hands-on craft workshop led by native artisans, weaving baskets or carving wooden figurines. Gain insight into traditional techniques passed down through generations along the riverbanks. Savor a light lunch of freshly caught fish and local fruits on a shaded veranda.
Return to the lodge for a cooking demonstration featuring regional ingredients such as tacacá and jambu. Enjoy your homemade feast under lantern light while listening to folktales from Amazonian culture. Stroll along the riverbank to observe night insects and distant howler monkey calls.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥤Coke/Water (0.33L) | $0.75-1.50 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🚎Local transportation (one-way) | $1-2 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room per night | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich Amazonian culture and river life
- Affordable costs and friendly locals
- Gateway to jungle experiences and wildlife
- Relaxed, authentic atmosphere away from major crowds
- Limited infrastructure and limited English in some areas
- Remote location can mean slower services and travel times
- Humidity and mosquitoes can be challenging
- Fewer large-scale entertainment options compared to big cities
- "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?
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Could you help me?
- "Fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Eu não falo Português" - I don’t speak Portuguese
- "Eu gostaria de..." - I would like to...
Places to Visit in Borba
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden-hour light over wide river horizons, with boats drifting and silhouettes of palm trees.
Colorful stalls, locals loading catches, and everyday river life—great for street photography.
Colonial-era buildings and cozy alleyways offering characterful lighting and textures.
Early morning reflections and quiet streets before the day heats up.
Food in Borba
Borba Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hot Amazonian soup with tucupi, jambu, and dried shrimp, typically served in a bowl with a fragrant, peppery kick.
Must-Try!
Duck cooked in tucupi sauce, often served with white rice and a side of manioc flour.
Dishes featuring the giant Amazon fish, prepared grilled or stewed with peppers and herbs.
Cold acai pulp served in a bowl with fruits or granola—a refreshing trail snack or light meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The municipal market where you can buy fresh fruit, fish, manioc, tucupi, and regional snacks.
Or along the port area, offering quick bites like tacacá, tapioca, and grilled fish right by the water.
Small stalls run by river fishermen with daily catches and prepared foods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly “bom dia/boa tarde” is common. Handshakes are typical when meeting someone; a warm smile also goes a long way.
Ask before taking pictures of people, especially in intimate or family settings.
Casual but modest clothing is appropriate; swimwear is best kept for the beach or pool areas.
Safety
Tipping in Borba
Ensure a smooth experience
In larger establishments, a service charge of around 5–10% may be included. In smaller eateries, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory—rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip is common.
Cash (BRL) is widely accepted; many places in Borba also accept credit/debit cards and some mobile payments, especially in larger eateries and hotels. Carry some cash for markets and smaller sellers.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Heat is common but rainfall is light; better for hiking and outdoor activities; waters stay accessible though levels can be lower.
High humidity and frequent showers; river levels rise, making boat trips more dramatic but mud and mosquitoes increase; plan for flexible outdoor time.
Borba at Night
Hiking in Borba
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle trails along the riverbanks offering birdwatching and river views; suitable for all levels.
Short jungle trails with opportunities to learn about local flora and wildlife with a guide.
Airports
How to reach Borba by plane.
The main regional gateway with domestic and international flights; travelers from Borba typically reach Manaus by air or river transport to connect onward.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
People living in Borba’s city center and nearby neighborhoods, often involved in commerce and service sectors.
Families living along the Madeira River who maintain strong ties to fishing and river-based livelihoods.
Diverse cultural influences contribute to the local flavor and traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across the region, played in parks, schools, and informal leagues.
River-based sports and activities common along the Madeira, reflecting local livelihoods.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Borba.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most dishes emphasize fish or meat, but you can order vegetarian stews with manioc, corn, plantains, beans, and rice. Request skip of animal broths and opt for tucupi-free options when necessary; many places can adapt if you ask.