Things To Do
in Brasil Novo
Brasil Novo is a small Amazonian municipality in Pará, Brazil, set along winding rivers and dense rainforest. The town serves as a quiet gateway to jungle adventures, river excursions, and wildlife watching in the heart of the Amazon. Life here moves at a slower pace, with a tight-knit community and markets that showcase regional ingredients and crafts.
Weather is hot and humid year-round, with seasonal rains that pulse through the forest and rivers.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a guided boat tour down the Araguaia River, where you'll spot unique wildlife like pink river dolphins and colorful parrots. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local riverside café, savoring fresh fruits and regional dishes. As the sun rises higher, immerse yourself in the sounds of the rainforest, preparing for an adventurous day ahead.
After lunch, embark on a guided trek through the lush Amazon rainforest, learning about the diverse flora and fauna from an experienced guide. Keep your camera ready as you might encounter exotic animals and stunning waterfalls along the way. The afternoon culminates with a visit to a local indigenous community, where you can learn about their culture and traditions.
Return to your accommodation and relax with a delicious dinner featuring local Amazonian cuisine. As night falls, join a night safari to experience the nocturnal side of the rainforest, listening to the sounds of the jungle come alive. Wrap up the evening with a bonfire, sharing stories and enjoying the starry sky above.
Begin your day exploring the bustling local market, where you can sample fresh fruits, traditional foods, and handcrafted goods. Engage with local vendors, learning about their crafts and the rich cultural heritage of Brasil Novo. Take your time to soak in the vibrant atmosphere filled with the sounds of laughter and lively conversations.
After a hearty lunch at a nearby eatery, visit a local artisan workshop to witness the creation of traditional handicrafts. Participate in a workshop where you can create your own souvenir, guided by skilled artisans. As the afternoon sun sets, stroll through the town's picturesque streets, admiring colonial architecture and local street art.
Enjoy dinner at a cozy restaurant that specializes in regional cuisine, where you can taste dishes like tacacá and maniçoba. Afterward, experience a local music performance featuring traditional Brazilian rhythms that will get you moving. Cap off the night with a leisurely walk along the riverbank, taking in the scenic views.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee or small drink | $1-3 |
| 🥗Local lunch at mid-range restaurant | $8-15 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel or hostel per night | $20-50 |
| 🚖Taxi ride (1 km) | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich biodiversity and immersive river and rainforest experiences
- Warm, welcoming communities and affordable travel costs
- Accessible river-based activities with knowledgeable local guides
- Authentic Amazonian cuisine and vibrant markets
- Relaxed pace and fewer crowds compared to rainforest hubs
- Limited infrastructure and healthcare options, especially outside town
- Occasional rain and humidity requiring preparedness
- Nightlife is modest and centered around small venues
- Some services may only accept cash or local payment methods
- Long travel times to larger cities for major services
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does this cost?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Brasil Novo
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden light over the water with silhouettes of palms and distant jungle, ideal for serene landscape shots and reflections.
Shot opportunities of the forest edge from boats or trails, capturing layers of green and wildlife when conditions are calm.
Colorful stalls, local faces, and fresh produce provide vibrant street photography and candid moments.
Food in Brasil Novo
Brasil Novo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hot tucupi-based soup with jambu and dried shrimp, typically served in a cup and eaten quickly for a spicy, refreshing bite.
Must-Try!
Dried-pirarucu fish served with farinha (manioc flour) and often accompanied by peppers and onions.
Duck cooked in tucupi sauce, a classic Pará dish that pairs rich flavors with the tang of tucupi.
Local fried fish served with pirão (a thick, creamy cassava or cornmeal mixture) cooked in the fish broth.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market where you can taste fresh fruit, tacacá ingredients, cassava dishes, and snacks from riverfront stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'bom dia/boa tarde' and a handshake or kiss on the cheek depending on familiarity. Address people with 'senhor/senhora' or 'doutor/doutora' where appropriate.
Ask for permission before photographing people, especially in private spaces or markets.
Dress modestly in markets and religious spaces; try to avoid loud actions or showy displays in traditional settings.
Safety
Tipping in Brasil Novo
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is appreciated if service is not included. It’s common to tip guides and drivers after a tour or transfer.
Cash (BRL) is widely accepted, especially in markets and small eateries. Cards are increasingly accepted in towns, and mobile payments like PIX are common for transfers and some shops. In rural areas, cash is preferred.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Typically December through May brings heavy rainfall and high humidity; trails may be muddy, rivers swell, and mornings may be foggy. Pack quick-dry clothing, a waterproof bag, and sturdy sandals or shoes with good grip.
June through November often features fewer downpours and more comfortable trekking conditions, though heat and humidity remain high. Expect clearer skies and better wildlife visibility, with the caveat of occasional dust on unpaved roads.
Brasil Novo at Night
Hiking in Brasil Novo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A moderate, 3–4 km loop along the river with opportunities for wildlife spotting and forest understory views.
A day hike through dense forest leading to a calm lake; suitable for birdwatching and photography.
Airports
How to reach Brasil Novo by plane.
Major hub in Pará with domestic and some international flights; transfer options to smaller towns often involve regional flights or land travel.
Regional airport serving Santarém; provides access to the Tapajós region and connections to larger Brazilian hubs.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
People living in town centers with access to markets, schools, and basic services.
Small communities along the rivers with strong ties to fishing and forest livelihoods.
Nearby regions host Indigenous communities with rich cultural traditions and knowledge of the rainforest.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across the region, with informal games common in neighborhoods and on school grounds.
A traditional activity tied to river life, with local guides offering recreational fishing trips.
Common in community centers and schools, especially among youth.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Brasil Novo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for plant-based options like rice, beans, farofa, and fresh fruit. Ask for tacacá substitution or tofu-based dishes when available; many spots can adjust recipes on request.