Things To Do
in Colares
Colares (municipality in Pará, northern Brazil) is a small coastal town and riverine community set near the Amazon estuary and Atlantic coast, known for its mangroves, beaches and strong fishing traditions. The town offers a relaxed, low‑key atmosphere with colorful local markets, boat traffic on tidal rivers and authentic Amazonian‑coastal cuisine. Visitors come for birdwatching, boat trips through mangroves, sunsets over the estuary and encounters with traditional caboclo culture.
Infrastructure is basic compared with larger cities, so travel here rewards those seeking nature, local food and an unpolished cultural experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll along the beautiful beaches of Colares, letting the gentle waves wash over your feet. Enjoy a refreshing breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh fruit juices and local pastries. After breakfast, take some time to relax on the sand or swim in the clear waters.
In the afternoon, indulge in some water sports like paddleboarding or kayaking in the tranquil lagoons nearby. If you're feeling adventurous, consider hiring a local guide to take you on a boat tour of the surrounding mangroves. Take a break for lunch at a beach restaurant, enjoying fresh seafood dishes while overlooking the ocean.
As the sun sets, head back to the beach for stunning views of the sunset over the horizon. Afterward, explore the local nightlife with a visit to a nearby bar, where you can enjoy live music and mingle with locals and tourists alike. End your day with a delicious seafood dinner at a renowned restaurant, sampling regional specialties.
Begin your day by visiting the nearby Fishing Village, where you can witness the traditional lifestyles of local fishermen. Enjoy breakfast at a local spot, where you can try regional delicacies like tapioca and regional cheeses. Interact with the locals, learning about their fishing techniques and daily routines.
In the afternoon, take part in a cultural workshop, perhaps learning how to craft local handicrafts or cook traditional dishes. After your workshop, visit the local artisan market to purchase unique souvenirs and support local artists. Enjoy lunch at a cozy eatery, sampling local dishes made from fresh ingredients.
Spend your evening at a cultural performance, ranging from folk dances to music showcases that celebrate the unique heritage of the region. After the performance, join in on a local dance lesson to immerse yourself fully in the cultural experience. Finish off with a late-night snack at a street vendor, enjoying regional treats.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee or snack at a café | $1-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi or moto‑taxi ride | $2-8 |
| 🏨Basic guesthouse / pousada (per night) | $25-70 |
| ⛴️Local boat transfer or guided tour | $10-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful, unspoiled estuary and mangrove scenery with rich birdlife
- Authentic local culture and fresh seafood
- Relaxed pace — great for disconnecting and nature photography
- Relatively inexpensive compared with larger tourist centers
- Limited infrastructure and services — fewer restaurants, ATMs and medical facilities
- Rainy season can disrupt travel and make some roads impassable
- Language barrier if you don’t speak Portuguese
- Modest nightlife and limited entertainment options
- "Olá / Bom dia" - Hello / Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you (male / female speaker)
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Fica longe?" - Is it far?
- "Pode tirar uma foto?" - May I take a photo?
- "Preciso de ajuda" - I need help
Places to Visit in Colares
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide, colorful skies over the river mouth provide dramatic light for silhouettes of boats and fishermen.
Narrow waterways framed by tangled roots—excellent for intimate nature and bird photography.
Candid scenes of vendors, fish drying and local commerce; great for street and documentary shots.
Low‑tide sandbanks and coastal vegetation offer landscape and wildlife opportunities, especially at golden hour.
Photograph traditional manioc processing, artisans and everyday life to capture cultural context (ask before photographing people).
Food in Colares
Colares Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Pará dish of duck cooked in yellow tucupi sauce and flavored with jambu; try it at larger regional restaurants or during local festivals.
Must-Try!
A hot, sour soup made from tucupi, jambu and tapioca starch, sold by street vendors and perfect for adventurous palates.
Freshly caught fish, simply seasoned and grilled or fried in small 'peixarias' — widely available and a local staple.
Thick, dark açaí often served savory with fish, manioc or tapioca in the north — different from the sweet bowls common in large cities.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Early morning market where fishermen sell fresh catch; great for buying raw fish or tasting fried snacks prepared on site.
Small vendors serve açaí by the bowl — ask whether it’s the sweet or savory style and try with manioc or fried fish for a regional experience.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use a friendly 'Olá' or 'Bom dia' to greet people. Handshakes are common in formal settings; friends and acquaintances may exchange one cheek kiss (right‑cheek) depending on local custom.
Approach fishing communities and private properties with respect; ask permission before photographing people or entering family areas.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or community events; beachwear is fine at the shore but cover up when returning to town.
Service is usually friendly but relaxed—be patient and polite; small gestures in Portuguese go a long way.
Safety
Tipping in Colares
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected in small towns. Restaurants sometimes include a 10% service charge; if service is not included and you were pleased, a 5–10% tip is customary. Tip boat crews, guides and drivers directly in cash; small amounts or rounding up are common.
Local currency is the Brazilian real (BRL). Cash is king in small towns—bring notes for markets, taxis and boat trips. Some restaurants accept cards but connectivity can be unreliable; ATMs may be limited so plan ahead.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Part of the rainy season: expect heavy brief downpours, rising river levels and higher humidity; some rural tracks may become muddy or impassable, but mornings can be clear for activities.
Rainfall starts to taper, waters remain high early in the season; good time for boat trips and birdwatching as access improves.
Drier months with lower river levels, more comfortable humidity and easier access to sandbanks and some trails; daytime temperatures remain warm.
Rain returns and rivers begin to rise; some services may change with the season but wildlife viewing remains strong.
Colares at Night
Hiking in Colares
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short boardwalks or informal trails through mangrove edges; best with a guide to learn about ecology and local species.
Walk low‑tide sandbanks and beaches for easy coastal hiking and wildlife spotting — check tides and go with a local guide if unfamiliar with tidal timing.
Simple walks along river edges connecting small settlements and offering cultural and nature viewing opportunities; expect muddy sections during the wet season.
Airports
How to reach Colares by plane.
The nearest major international/regional airport for Pará; from Belém you will typically continue by road and/or boat to reach Colares depending on exact location.
A larger regional airport to the west; useful if combining travel across the Amazon region, but further away by land than Belém.
Some nearby towns use small airstrips or boat terminals for regional connections—transfers are often by road or river boat rather than by frequent scheduled flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Mixed‑heritage (indigenous, European and African) riverine communities form a significant part of local population and cultural life.
Indigenous peoples and traditional riverine families contribute to local customs, crafts and subsistence practices.
Smaller numbers of people from other Brazilian regions live and work in town; Portuguese is the dominant language.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport—local pickup games and community matches are common and an easy way to connect with locals.
Both subsistence and sport fishing are important local activities; visitors can join paid fishing trips or learn traditional methods.
Informal beach soccer, swimming and river paddling are common pastimes during calm low‑tide periods.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Colares.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited but possible: manioc dishes, tapioca, rice, beans and fruit are common. Ask for fishless plates at restaurants and be explicit that you avoid meat and fish; small towns may have fewer prepared vegetarian choices than larger cities.
Vegan travelers should expect to rely on fruit, manioc, rice and beans; bring snacks for remote days and confirm use of animal broth in soups and sauces like tucupi.
Manioc‑based foods (tapioca, farinha) are naturally gluten‑free, but cross‑contamination can occur; communicate dietary needs clearly and carry essentials when traveling to remote areas.