Things To Do
in Parintins
Parintins is a vibrant river city on the Amazon in northern Brazil, reachable mainly by boat from Manaus or by air. It is renowned for its rich folklore, colorful costumes, and the legendary Boi-Bumbá festival that animates the streets with music and dance. Life centers on the mighty Amazon and its network of canals, markets, and riverfront cafés.
Surrounded by lush rainforest, Parintins offers a seamless blend of culture, nature, and warm Amazonian hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Church of São Benedito, known for its stunning architecture and rich history. Stroll through the charming streets of the historic center, where you can admire colorful colonial buildings and local art. Grab a traditional breakfast at a local café, enjoying fresh tapioca and regional fruits.
After lunch, visit the Museu de Parintins to learn about the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Amazon region. Engage with local artisans at the nearby craft market, where you can find unique handmade souvenirs. As the sun begins to set, take a leisurely walk along the riverside promenade, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Experience the lively nightlife of Parintins by dining at a local restaurant, savoring delicious Amazonian cuisine. After dinner, head to a nearby bar to enjoy live music, featuring traditional Brazilian rhythms. End the night with a stroll along the waterfront, watching the river shimmer under the stars.
Attend a morning rehearsal of the famous Boi Bumbá festival, where you can witness the colorful costumes and lively performances. Interact with the performers and learn about the significance of this cultural celebration in the local community. Enjoy a breakfast of local delicacies while mingling with festival-goers.
Join a guided tour to explore the history and significance of the Boi Bumbá festival, including its origins and its impact on local culture. Participate in traditional dances and games that are often held in the community during festival preparations. Enjoy a light lunch at a local food stall, sampling regional dishes like peixe assado (grilled fish).
As night falls, immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the festival by attending an evening show featuring spectacular performances. Cheer on your favorite teams as they compete in colorful parades filled with music and dance. Wrap up the night at a nearby plaza, where you can enjoy a traditional bonfire and share stories with locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee/Drink | $1-3 |
| 🏨Hotel room per night | $30-60 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $3-5 |
| 🧺Local crafts souvenir | $5-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant culture rooted in Amazonian folklore
- Abundant wildlife and scenic riverfront views
- Compact size makes exploring on foot feasible
- Warm, welcoming locals and abundant street food
- Limited international-level amenities outside the city center
- Peak crowds during festival periods can raise prices and reduce accessibility
- Mosquito activity requires protection and repellent
- Weather can be hot and humid with rainy spells year-round
- "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?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Não entendi" - I didn't understand
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Parintins
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful activity at the riverfront with boats, markets, and sunset skies over the Amazon.
Dockside area with working boats, lines of nets, and morning light perfect for documentary shots.
Vibrant costumes, props, and traditional scenes provide dynamic portrait and detail shots.
Busy stalls, exotic fruits, and colorful produce offer strong color and candid photography opportunities.
Golden hour over the river, with silhouettes of palm trees and boats crossing the water.
Food in Parintins
Parintins Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hot tucupi-based soup served in a cup with jambu and dried shrimp; a quintessential Amazonian street staple.
Must-Try!
Tambaqui or pirarucu layered with vegetables and tucupi, baked or steamed; a hearty river fish dish.
Fried tambaqui served with farinha (manioc flour) for a simple, satisfying meal.
A refreshing bowl of frozen açaí pulp topped with fruits and granola; a popular indulgence before sunset.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling riverside market where you can sample fresh fish, tucupi-based dishes, and tropical fruits.
Sidewalk vendors offer tacacá, caldo de peixe, empadas, and sweet treats like cocadas along the quay.
Boat-landing market with prepared meals and quick bites for travelers docking after river trips.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple hello (Olá) and a polite nod or handshake are standard; addressing elders with courtesy is appreciated.
Ask about family and local culture; modest dress is suitable in churches and formal settings; avoid discussing sensitive topics in first meetings.
Show appreciation for folkloric performances; photography of people should be with permission and with respect to cultural norms.
Safety
Tipping in Parintins
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, tipping is appreciated but not always included; 5–10% is common if service is good. Casual street vendors typically do not expect tips.
Cash is widely accepted; credit/debit cards are increasingly usable in towns and larger eateries. Pix and mobile payments are common for transfers and some shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Lower rainfall and more predictable heat; ideal for outdoor activities and riverfront explorations, though humidity remains high.
Increased rainfall and higher river levels; trails can be muddy but landscapes are exceptionally lush and wildlife activity is strong.
Boi-Bumbá festival season brings parades, performances, crowds, and non-stop cultural energy; book accommodations early.
Birdwatching and animal encounters are favorable in early morning outings; expect warm air and frequent showers at any time.
Parintins at Night
Hiking in Parintins
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short jungle treks within reach of the city, offering opportunities to observe birds, plants, and small wildlife.
Ventures to the larger island’s forested edges where river landscapes meet dense vegetation; guided tours recommended.
Airports
How to reach Parintins by plane.
Small regional airport with domestic flights connecting to Manaus and other nearby towns; expect modest facilities and shorter security lines.
Major gateway to the Brazilian Amazon; standard international and domestic flights, with connections to most Brazilian cities.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
People living along the Amazon and its tributaries, with distinct cultural practices and tight-knit networks.
A blend of indigenous traditions and mixed Brazilian influences that enrich the local culture.
Visitors drawn to folklore, music, and Amazonian experiences, especially during festival season.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Brazil, with local leagues and informal games on weekends around town.
Recreational boating, fishing, and paddling are common pastimes given the riverine setting.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Parintins.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available at many spots; ask for pratos sem carne (dishes without meat) or mandioca-based plates. Communicate clearly with cooks, as tucupi-based preparations may include animal broths.