Things To Do
in Tarauacá
Tarauacá is a small riverine town in Acre state, nestled along the Tarauacá River amid the Amazon rainforest. It offers a laid-back pace, lush green interiors, and a gateway feel to remote forest adventures. The town blends indigenous and regional Amazonian culture with markets, crafts, and riverside life.
Visitors can expect warm hospitality, steamy tropical weather, and opportunities for birdwatching, rafting, and immersion in local communities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Tarauacá and settle into your accommodation. Spend some time refreshing after your journey and soaking in the local atmosphere. Visit a nearby café to enjoy a traditional Brazilian breakfast while planning your itinerary.
Take a leisurely walk through the town center, admiring the vibrant markets and local art. Stop by the Tarauacá River to enjoy the stunning views and perhaps take a short boat ride. Engage with local artisans to learn more about their crafts and the culture of the region.
Dine at a local restaurant and experience the flavors of the Amazon. Try some traditional Amazonian dishes made with fresh local ingredients. As you wind down, enjoy live music or cultural performances that may be taking place in the town square.
Set off early for a guided hike in the nearby Parque Nacional da Serra do Divisor. Immerse yourself in the lush rainforest, observing unique flora and fauna that are endemic to the region. Capture breathtaking photos of waterfalls and scenic vistas along the trails.
Continue your hike, discovering hidden paths and learning about indigenous plants and their uses. Break for lunch in a shaded area, enjoying packed food while taking in the sounds of the jungle. Your guide will share stories of local legends and the history of the area.
Return to Tarauacá and visit a local bar to unwind after your adventure. Enjoy a refreshing caipirinha while socializing with fellow travelers or locals. Consider heading to a spot where you can stargaze, appreciating the beauty of the Amazon night sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 🛏️One night in a budget hotel | $25-45 |
| 🚕Taxi (start fare, short ride) | $2-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Access to pristine Amazonian scenery and river life
- Friendly locals and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere
- Fresh, regional Amazonian cuisine and markets
- Limited infrastructure compared to major cities
- Seasonal rain can affect trails and river travel
- Fewer entertainment options and nightlife beyond local bars
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Pode falar mais devagar, por favor?" - Could you speak more slowly, please?
- "Eu não falo português muito bem." - I don't speak Portuguese very well.
Places to Visit in Tarauacá
Visit one of these nice places.
Long river views with golden hour reflections on the water and silhouettes of boats and palm trees.
Colorful stalls, vibrant produce, and candid street photography of daily life.
Historic church with modest colonial charm set against a tropical backdrop.
Central square where locals gather; great for portraits and community scenes.
Food in Tarauacá
Tarauacá Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hot Amazonian soup made with tucupi (fermented manioc broth), jambu, and dried shrimp; best tasted fresh at riverside stalls.
Must-Try!
Crispy fried pirarucu (a large Amazonian fish) often served with onions, lime, and farofa.
Grilled tambaqui, a native river fish, typically served with manioc flour and fresh herbs.
A thick, comforting manioc porridge that accompanies fish and meat dishes.
Açaí pulp served in a bowl, usually blended with fruit and granola for a refreshing snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market where you can taste local fruits (cupuaçu, tucumã), fish, and ready-to-eat snacks.
Casual vendors offering tacacá, coins of street food, and beverages with a view of the river at sunset.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'Olá' or 'Bom dia'; a handshake is common in formal situations and with strangers. Use polite forms like 'Senhor' or 'Senhora' in more formal settings.
Ask permission before photographing people or intimate community scenes; many residents welcome photos when respectfully requested.
Respect private property and indigenous communities; avoid loud behavior near sacred sites or during curfews; dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Safety
Tipping in Tarauacá
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of around 5-10% is appreciated if not already included. Taxis and informal service may be rounded up. In markets, tipping is discretionary and often informal.
Cash (BRL) is widely accepted in markets and smaller shops. Credit/debit cards are commonly accepted in larger restaurants and hotels. Digital payments like PIX are increasingly popular for transfers and some vendors may accept them.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Typically June through September brings lower rainfall and more comfortable visiting conditions; expect hot days and clear skies, ideal for outdoor activities and river trips.
October through May sees heavier rainfall and higher humidity; river levels rise, wildlife activity increases, and trails can be muddy—plan extra time for outdoor plans.
Tarauacá at Night
Hiking in Tarauacá
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic riverside trail with opportunities for birdwatching and river views; moderate effort and best with a local guide.
A more challenging jungle trek offering panoramic rainforest vistas and biodiversity; permits and local guidance recommended.
Airports
How to reach Tarauacá by plane.
Small regional airport serving domestic flights; convenient for quick access to and from Tarauacá, with connections to larger hubs in the region.
Mid-sized airport serving broader national and regional flights; a common transit point for longer journeys through Acre and neighboring states.
Major airport in Acre offering more frequent connections to other Brazilian cities and international routes via hubs.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of Afro-Brazilian, Indigenous, and mixed-heritage communities making up the town’s core population; riverine families are prominent in surrounding areas.
Nearby villages maintain traditional crafts, languages, and livelihoods connected to the forest and river systems.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport in the region, played in schools, parks, and local leagues; weekends bring community matches and gatherings.
A common sport in urban centers, with local leagues and informal courts in neighborhoods.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tarauacá.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Tarauacá, many vegetarian options revolve around mandioca, beans, rice, and plantains; communicate your preferences in Portuguese and look for menus labeled 'vegetariano' or ask the kitchen to modify dishes.