Across various regions of the Brazilian Amazon, traditional Indigenous, riverside, Quilombola, and rubber-tapper communities have been developing experiences and activities to welcome travelers, offering an up-close look at their culture and history. Through community-based tourism, where the communities themselves take center stage, tourists have the opportunity not only to experience transformative and unique moments but also to support the preservation of these cultures and the rainforest itself.
According to Solange Barbosa, Vice President of MUDA! The Brazilian Collective for Responsible Tourism, community-based tourism has enormous potential to strengthen local traditions and community identities. “Particularly in the Amazon, community tourism has always been present and is very important for generating income for communities, offering a sustainable alternative to predatory activities like deforestation and mining,” says Solange. “But it is essential that it happens with the community’s consent and leadership, without interfering in their daily activities.”
By participating in activities such as handicraft workshops, hiking trails, gastronomic experiences, canoeing through streams, and storytelling sessions, visitors have the chance to see the Amazon through the eyes of its inhabitants, gaining a deeper understanding of their close relationship with the forest and its resources. This cultural exchange not only promotes more conscious tourism but also helps to preserve the Amazon rainforest.
Check out some amazing experiences for creating authentic connections with Brazilian Amazonian communities:
Fantastic Amazon with Poranduba Amazônia
Baixo Rio Negro – Amazonas
The new Amazônia Fantástica (Fantastic Amazon) itinerary, designed by Poranduba Amazônia, offers an immersive four-day experience in the heart of the Rio Negro Sustainable Development Reserve, two hours from Manaus. The program brings together some of the best Amazonian experiences, with monthly departures for small groups. Guests stay within the Tumbira riverside community and enjoy hiking, boat trips through the Anavilhanas National Park, visits to Indigenous malocas and river beaches, savoring local cuisine, and engaging in conversations with community hosts. The itinerary balances adventure, contemplation, and cultural immersion, inviting visitors to connect with the community’s daily life and the rhythms of the Amazon.
Responsible Tourism at Uakari Lodge
Tefé – Amazonas
This incredible floating lodge, located in the heart of the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve in the Amazon, is a pioneering example of sustainable and community-based tourism in Brazil. Since its founding in 1998, Uakari Lodge has operated as a nonprofit project, co-managed by the Mamirauá Institute and local communities. Guests at Uakari Lodge not only contribute directly to the income of the communities but also have the chance to discover the extraordinary biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest and support its conservation. Activities include guided forest trails, canoe rides, and wildlife observation, including iconic species such as the pink river dolphin, jaguar, and uakari monkey. Visitors can also learn about the Amazon’s conservation challenges through activities led by researchers.
Alter do Chão by Boat with Vivejar Experiências
Alter do Chão – Pará
Vivejar Experiências invites travelers to a five-day immersion in the state of Pará, discovering the charms of the picturesque village of Alter do Chão. The Alter do Chão by Boat itinerary sails the Tapajós and Arapiuns rivers, showcasing not only natural beauty but also the history, culture, people, and traditions of the region. Travelers will discover crystal-clear beaches, visit riverside communities, explore local projects like flour production and turtle conservation, and enjoy traditional crafts and cuisine. Vivejar, a social enterprise, works exclusively with itineraries that positively impact the destinations.
Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve with Destino Acre
Rio Branco and Xapuri – Acre
Dive into the rich culture and nature of the Acrean Amazon with a day trip to the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve, one of Brazil’s first protected areas and the second largest in the country. Guided by the family of Mr. Raimundão, a renowned rubber-tapper leader, visitors will experience the daily life of a traditional community, walk interpretive trails, and learn about the local flora. A regional lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients is included. The experience concludes with a visit to the “Ateliê da Floresta,” where artisans create sustainable crafts using fallen wood. The day also includes a city tour of Xapuri, immersing visitors in the region’s history and culture.
Cotijuba Island – Pará
Known as the “golden island” by the Tupinambá Indigenous people, Cotijuba Island offers a rich historical and cultural heritage alongside serene landscapes and forested beaches. In the “Viva Cotijuba” itinerary, created by Vivenciar with the Women’s Movement of Belém Islands (MMIB), travelers are invited to experience local daily life and MMIB’s projects promoting the socio-economic development of women in the region. Activities include a visit to MMIB with breakfast, a handicraft workshop, a cultural performance featuring traditional music and dance, an ecological trail, and time to enjoy the island’s beautiful beaches.
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