North Travel Guide

Planning your trip to North Brazil? This travel guide covers the best attractions, food and drink scene, where to stay, and transportation options for a hassle-free visit to this vibrant region of Brazil.


Introduction to North

North Brazil features a unique culture, rich history, exotic cuisine, and stunning natural beauty that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. From the bustling cities of Manaus and Belém to the stunning beaches in Maranhão and Pará, North has something for every type of traveler.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we cover everything you need to know when planning a trip to North Brazil, including the best attractions to visit, local culture and customs, where to stay and eat, and how to get around.

List of Places to Visit in North

North Brazil is home to numerous attractions ranging from beautiful beaches to stunning waterfalls and forests. Some of the top places to visit in North Brazil include:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. The Teatro Amazonas in Manaus: A stunning opera house built in the 1800s during the rubber boom
  2. The Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi in Belém: A natural history museum featuring exhibitions on the Amazonian flora and fauna
  3. The Forte do Presépio in Belém: A fort built in the 1600s by the Portuguese to protect the city from Dutch invasions
  4. The Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil in Belém: A cultural center featuring exhibitions on Brazilian art, music, and cinema.

Natural Attractions of North: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. The Amazon Rainforest: One of the most biodiverse places on earth with fascinating wildlife, indigenous tribes, and eco-tours.
  2. The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park: A stunning park featuring sand dunes that create lagoons during the rainy season
  3. The Jericoacoara National Park: A paradise for windsurfers and kiteboarders, with pristine beaches and crystal clear water
  4. The Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with outstanding natural beauty, hiking, waterfalls, and hot springs.

Hiking/Biking Routes of North

North Brazil is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous hiking and biking trails that offer stunning views of the Amazon rainforest, beaches, and waterfalls. Some of the best routes include:

  1. The Anavilhanas Archipelago trail: A 7-day hike through dense jungle and mangroves on the Rio Negro river.
  2. The Chapada dos Guimarães National Park bike trail: A 5-day ride through the stunning cerrado landscape near Cuiabá
  3. The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park trek: A 4-day hike through the sand dunes and lagoons that are a unique natural wonder.

Best Things to Do in North: Activities and Tours

North Brazil offers a wide range of activities and tours for adventure seekers, historians, and those looking to relax on pristine beaches. Some must-do experiences include:

  1. Boat tour on the Amazon river: A unique opportunity to explore the rainforest, watch exotic wildlife, and visit local communities
  2. Kiteboarding in Jericoacoara: Known worldwide as one of the best spots to kiteboard due to steady winds and warm waters
  3. Visit the Encontro das Águas (Meeting of the Waters): Tour to where the dark Rio Negro and the muddy Rio Solimões meet to form the Amazon
  4. Indulge in local cuisine: North Brazil has a diverse culinary scene with dishes like tacacá, a soup made with tapioca dough, shrimp, and tucupi.

Week-Long Itinerary for North

Here’s a perfect week-long itinerary for North Brazil:

Day 1-2: Visit Manaus and explore its iconic attractions, including the Teatro Amazonas, Mercado Municipal Adolpho Lisboa, and the Ponte Negra beach. Day 3-4: Discover the stunning nature in the Amazon National Park with a boat tour, wildlife watching, hiking the rainforest, and enjoying the region’s gastronomy. Day 5-6: Head to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park and walk through its sandy lagoons and dunes, you can enjoy a sunset with sparkling ‘caipirinhas,’ a Brazilian classic cocktail. Day 7: Travel to Belém, the gateway to the Amazon River Delta, visit the historical center, the Forte do Presépio, and end with a walk in the Ver-o-Peso market.

Food and Drink Scene of North

North Brazil is known worldwide for its unique cuisine, blending indigenous, African, and European influences. Some must-try dishes and drinks include:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Tacacá: A typical soup from the Northern region, made from cassava juice, jambu, shrimp, and herbs.
  2. Pato no Tucupi: A slow-cooked duck dish served with a sauce made from tucupi, a local cassava juice
  3. Vatapá: A delicious seafood stew made with shrimp, coconut milk, and bread crumbs.

Local Beverages

  1. Cachaça: A distilled liquor made from fermented sugarcane juice, the base for Brazil’s most famous cocktail, Caipirinha.
  2. Açaí juice: A popular drink made from the açaí fruit, served sweet or salty.
  3. Cupuaçu juice: Another popular fruit juice, often described as the Brazilian version of chocolate milk due to its creamy texture.

Where to Stay in North

North Brazil has plenty of accommodation options to fit every budget and preference. Some top choices include:

  1. Pousada do Arvoredo in São Luís: A cozy boutique hotel in the historic center of the city.
  2. La Maison in Manaus: A stylish hotel near the Teatro Amazonas that offers a swimming pool and lush gardens.
  3. Pedra Furada Hotel in Jericoacoara: A luxurious beachfront hotel that provides comfort and tranquility to its guests.

What to Buy in North: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When visiting North Brazil, don’t forget to take home some souvenirs of your trip. Some great options include:

  1. Handicrafts from the Ver-o-Peso market in Belém, such as Amazonian pottery, handmade hammocks, and woodcarvings.
  2. Local spices and ingredients, such as the tucupi sauce, that make up the unique flavors of North Brazilian cuisine.
  3. Jewelry and artifacts made with indigenous materials like seeds, feathers, and recycled materials.

Local Culture and Customs of North

When traveling to North Brazil, it’s essential to be aware of the local culture and customs to avoid any discomfort or disrespect.

North has a multicultural population and unique traditions such as Carimbó Folk dance in Pará, and the Boi-Bumbá Festival in Amazonas, which represents the region’s diverse cultural heritage. Make sure to respect the indigenous peoples and their territories.

Best Time to Visit North

The best time to visit North Brazil is between May and October when the region is generally dry, and wildlife is more likely to be seen. This period is outside the rainy season, reducing the risk of flooding or changes in the planned itinerary.

Do’s and Don’ts of North

Do:

  1. Respect the cultural heritage and traditions of the indigenous peoples
  2. Use environmental-friendly practices and avoid activities that harm the flora and fauna
  3. Embrace the different languages and dialects and be open to learning from the local’s customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  1. Avoid visiting tourist attractions with wild animals that are mistreated for profit
  2. Don’t litter or pollute natural areas.
  3. Do not take anything without permission of the owners, as taking a piece of the culture is a form of violence.

Safety and Health in North

Safety in North

North Brazil is generally safe, and violent crimes are not common. However, travelers should take the following precautions:

  1. Avoid walking in the dark or isolated areas alone, and avoid carrying lots of cash with you.
  2. Keep your belongings close to your person and do not leave any in plain sight in your car or your room. It is also recommendable to protect your virtual life, using passwords for your devices, avoid public Wifi, and protecting your photos.

Health in North

Visitors should consult their doctors about vaccinations and medications before traveling to North Brazil. A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory in some areas of the Amazon and other remote regions, so check this info before you start your itinerary. We recommend taking precautions against malaria, dengue, and the Zika virus by using repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothes, and sleeping with mosquito nets.

Getting to North: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near North

Manaus International Airport (MAO) and Belém/Val-de-Cans International Airport (BEL) are the main airports of North Brazil, with several domestic and few international flights.

Bus Stations Near North

Manaus and Belém have several bus stations with daily services from and to most Brazilian cities.

Other Options

Several cruises and boat tours are available if you need to travel between cities of the Amazon basin, such as Iberostar cruise or Tucano boat for a more adventurous itinerary.

How to Get Around in North

North Brazil is a vast region, and travel varies depending on the destinations you choose and the type of experience you want. Domestic flights, like those with Azul, will help you connect different areas or states. You can also rent a car to have more flexibility to explore a particular area, but beware of the irregular state of some roads, and always book the car insurance.

Where to Go Next from North: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Suppose you have more time to explore the country after traveling to the North. In that case, there are several options close by, such as the Northeast region with iconic destinations like Salvador, Recife, and Fortaleza, with beautiful beaches, historic centers, and incredible food. Also, Brasília and Rio de Janeiro, the country’s most iconic cities, are easily accessible via domestic flights.

Conclusion

North Brazil is a place full of unique experiences that combine nature, history, and culture for an unforgettable trip. Remember to respect the customs and cultures of the region and take precautions to ensure a safe journey. With this guide, you can plan a great itinerary, indulge in amazing food, and travel across North Brazil with confidence. Bon Voyage!

Sunset on the Rio Negro, in Amazonas (Brazil) Sunset on the Rio Negro, in Amazonas (Brazil) Jalapão State Park, in Tocantins Jalapão State Park, in Tocantins


    Acre
    Amapá
    Amazonas
    Pará
    Rondônia
    Roraima
    Tocantins