The larger portion of the town is comprised of indigenous land accessed only with the authorization of FOIRN see below how to get an authorization. Traditional customs are blended with modern habits; however, the further you go from the center, the more authentic it gets. The town itself has, however, many interesting places to see.
Sao Gabriel da Cachoeira is full of interesting legends: one of them tells us that a long time ago there was a giant snake that didn't allow anybody to cross the River Negro; everybody that tried ended up inside the snake. Thus two natives constructed a huge trap and succeeded in catching and petrifying the reptile. Nowadays the petrified snake can be seen on D. Pedro Massa Avenue, functioning as a bump. Another legend says that the gorgeous Adana was close to the river when two men, Buburi and Curucui, fell in love at first sight and started fighting for her. Scared, Adana fell in the water and drown. The rivals desperately jumped after her, trying to get her back. They succeeded, and Adana returned as Adana island in the middle of the River Negro, and her lovers are the two streams of water passing by her.
Pico da Neblina National Park
It is the second largest Brazilian Park, and the third largest in Latin America. It has a diversity of landscapes. Its mountain ranges are located on a culminating point of Brazil, the Neblina Peak, with an altitude of 3,014 m, a permanent target of attention by scientists and researchers. The vegetation of the area includes several formations, and is home to the richest fauna in the country, with many species threatened of extinction. The visits should be booked and only made accompanied by a guide. To obtain further information, call the Parkâs main office, phone 097 3471-1617.Morro da Fortaleza
Visit the trenches of this fort built in 1763. One of its main attractions is the Anta stone and its strange high relief drawings; a leg, animal vessels, and a human foot print. Legends say that it is the petrified remains of a tapir which fed a hungry tribe that roamed through the region.Praia Grande
On the Negro River , this and other small beaches appear temporarily, and emerge between September and January, during the riverâs dry period. Praia Grande Long Beach has a 500 m. strip of white sands and icy waters because of the springs that pour down from the Neblina Peak. Do not be deceived by the calm appearance of the river as the current is strong and treacherous.Morro da Boa Esperança
On the way uphill, ceramic panels on the rock tell of the via-crucis. At the top, are found the chapels of Nossa Senhora Auxiliadora, and the Crucified Christ. ON the side, two gigantic stones balanced on top of smaller ones.Serra da Bela Adormecida
The mountains draw the profile of the princess of the Sleeping Beauty fairytale, with a high bosom and long hair, who falls asleep 30 km from the city, and awaits a handsome prince to kiss her. She can best be appreciated from the Fortaleza hill.Indigenous Villages
Tukanos, Ianomâmis and Baniwas live in the Upper Negro River. The villages maintain primitive customs. Access is by boat in trips that last from 6 to 12 hours. Visits are only possible with FOIRN authorization see below. For further information: Phone 092 3471-1187.