São Gabriel da Cachoeira

Brazil

São Gabriel da Cachoeira is a city located on the shores of the Negro River, in the state of Amazonas. Most of its inhabitants are indigenous people.

São Gabriel da Cachoeira is located on the left margin of the Negro River, 850 km from Manaus. It has a strategic position bordering the countries of Colombia and Venezuela. The city is surrounded by the Amazon Forest and 90% of the population is composed of Brazilian indigenous people. The region combines, along the medium and high Negro River, 430 settlements that house 35 thousand indigenous people of 23 different groups. The city is also a base for mountaineers seeking to climb Pico da Neblina, the highest peak in Brazil. It's OK to go there by yourself, especially if you can speak some Portuguese. If this is not the case, it's recommended (although not indispensable) that you go through one of the many travel agencies in Manaus.

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.

  • 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 river’s 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 +55 92 3471-1187.
  • Pico da Neblina National Park, Rodovia BR 307; Mailing address: Avenida Dom Pedro Massa, 51 - Centro. São Gabriel da Cachoeira - AM. 69750-000., +55 97 3471-3008, +55 97 3471-1617, +55 97 3471-3008 (Instituto Chico Mendes). This 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 3014 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 park’s main office (+55 97 3471-1617).Fax: +55 (97) 3471-1017 / 3471-3008.

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 river’s 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 +55 92 3471-1187.

Pico da Neblina National Park, Rodovia BR 307; Mailing address: Avenida Dom Pedro Massa, 51 - Centro. São Gabriel da Cachoeira - AM. 69750-000., +55 97 3471-3008, +55 97 3471-1617, +55 97 3471-3008 (Instituto Chico Mendes). This 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 3014 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 park’s main office (+55 97 3471-1617).Fax: +55 (97) 3471-1017 / 3471-3008.

  • Visit the headquarters of the Federation of Indigenous Organizations of Alto do Rio Negro – FOIRN, where it is possible to buy indigenous handicraft, consult publications of indigenous peoples and check some historical pictures. You will also need to get an authorization here if you plan to visit some indigenous land. Avenida Álvaro Maia, Phone +55 92 3471-1349.
  • If you plan to climb the Pico da Neblina you'd better think twice. It's not for the faint-hearted and demands excellent physical conditions. Therefore no guide will take anyone uphill without prior mountaineering and climbing experience. Certified guides can be found all over the city and in Manaus.

Visit the headquarters of the Federation of Indigenous Organizations of Alto do Rio Negro – FOIRN, where it is possible to buy indigenous handicraft, consult publications of indigenous peoples and check some historical pictures. You will also need to get an authorization here if you plan to visit some indigenous land. Avenida Álvaro Maia, Phone +55 92 3471-1349.

If you plan to climb the Pico da Neblina you'd better think twice. It's not for the faint-hearted and demands excellent physical conditions. Therefore no guide will take anyone uphill without prior mountaineering and climbing experience. Certified guides can be found all over the city and in [[Manaus]].

  • Indigenous handicrafts can be bought in many stalls around the city or at the headquarter of the Federation of Indigenous Organizations of Alto do Rio Negro – FOIRN

Indigenous handicrafts can be bought in many stalls around the city or at the headquarter of the Federation of Indigenous Organizations of Alto do Rio Negro – FOIRN

  • La Cave du Conde, Rua Brig. Eduardo Gomes, 444, +55 (92) 3471-1435, +55 (92) 3471-1738. 7:00 - 22:30, Tue-Sat. Regional cuisine. Nice place with balcony and a beautiful garden.
  • Restaurante Dina, 31 de Março no number (Two long blocks from the soccer field., +55 (92) 3471 1552. 7:00-15:00, Tues-Sun (closed Mon).
  • Mix Lanche, Av. 7 de Setembro. A sandwich and snack bar.
  • Palhocinha da Graça, Av. 7 de Setembro, no number. Pizzas, sandwiches and some finger food. Two kiosks with a view to the Rio Negro.
  • Sabores Pizzaria, Av. 31 de Marco, 247.

La Cave du Conde, Rua Brig. Eduardo Gomes, 444, +55 (92) 3471-1435, +55 (92) 3471-1738. 7:00 - 22:30, Tue-Sat. Regional cuisine. Nice place with balcony and a beautiful garden.

Restaurante Dina, 31 de Março no number (Two long blocks from the soccer field., +55 (92) 3471 1552. 7:00-15:00, Tues-Sun (closed Mon).

Mix Lanche, Av. 7 de Setembro. A sandwich and snack bar.

Palhocinha da Graça, Av. 7 de Setembro, no number. Pizzas, sandwiches and some finger food. Two kiosks with a view to the Rio Negro.

Sabores Pizzaria, Av. 31 de Marco, 247.

Beer and other alcoholic drinks are readily available in all the restaurants and bars in the city. More than 50% of the inhabitants are under 20 years old, making the night life really lively in bars, but remember that the huge majority of people are indigenous, so don't expect fancy clubs and disco music. A word of caution is important: deep in the night things can get dangerous. Recently a few cases of violence by gangs of youths were reported. Avoid starting any arguments or walking alone after dark.

Needless to say, indians have traditional customs that are completely different from urban behavior. Ask permission before taking a picture, keep distance in more isolated areas, don't stare at indian women and of course, don't pollute.

The best way to go anywhere from here is heading back to Manaus and then choose another destination. Barcelos is located halfway along the route to Manaus.