Things To Do
in Chaves

Chaves is a small riverside municipality in northern Brazil, set in the estuarine landscape of the Amazon/Marajó region where river life shapes daily rhythms. The town has a close-knit riverine (ribeirinho) culture with wooden houses, boat traffic, and livelihoods built around fishing, small-scale agriculture and cassava processing. The surrounding mangroves, tidal channels and sandbanks offer striking scenery, abundant birdlife and an authentic, off-the-beaten-path Amazon experience.

Expect simple infrastructure, warm hospitality, and a strong sense of local tradition shaped by indigenous, caboclo and Afro-Amazonian influences.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the charming historic center of Chaves, where you can admire colonial-era architecture. Stroll through the picturesque streets, taking in the vibrant local culture and stopping at quaint shops. Don’t forget to visit the Church of São Sebastião, an iconic landmark that offers a glimpse into the town's rich history.

afternoon
:

After a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, continue your exploration by visiting the Museu do Cangaço, which showcases the history of the banditry in the region. Engage with interactive exhibits and learn about the unique stories that shaped Chaves. Wind down your afternoon with a leisurely walk along the waterfront, where you can enjoy the scenic views of the bay.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a local bar to experience the vibrant nightlife of Chaves. Enjoy traditional Brazilian music while sampling regional cocktails and snacks. Cap off your evening with a scenic stroll along the illuminated waterfront, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.

day 2
Cultural Immersion at Local Markets
morning
:

Begin your day at the bustling Mercado Municipal, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and flavors. Sample fresh fruits, regional cheeses, and artisanal products while chatting with friendly vendors. The vibrant colors and lively atmosphere make for an unforgettable morning experience.

afternoon
:

After your market visit, partake in a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Brazilian dishes using fresh ingredients sourced from the market. With the guidance of a local chef, you’ll create a delicious meal while gaining insight into the culinary heritage of the region. Enjoy your creations for lunch, savoring the flavors of Chaves.

evening
:

In the evening, attend a cultural performance featuring local dancers and musicians that highlight the rich traditions of Chaves. This immersive experience will allow you to appreciate the artistry and passion of the performers. After the show, enjoy a late-night snack at a nearby food stand, trying out street food specialties.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant$4-10
Coffee or açaí snack$1-3
🍺Domestic beer (bar)$1.50-4
🚤Short boat ride / water taxi$2-15 (depends on distance)
🏨Basic guesthouse / pousada (per night)$20-50

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic, off-the-beaten-path Amazon/riverside culture and scenery
  • Rich regional cuisine and fresh river fish
  • Excellent opportunities for birdwatching, photography and boat excursions
  • Warm local hospitality and community-based experiences
  • Limited infrastructure and few tourist facilities
  • Seasonal access issues due to heavy rains and high water
  • Mosquitoes and tropical health risks require preparation
  • Fewer language resources — Portuguese is essential in many interactions
  • "Olá / Bom dia / Boa tarde" - Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado (m) / Obrigada (f)" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica o mercado?/a água?/o banheiro?" - Where is the market?/the water?/the bathroom?
  • "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Socorro!" - Help!

Places to Visit in Chaves

Visit one of these nice places.

Riverside Promenade

Ideal for sunrise and sunset shots of boats, reflections and daily river life; captures the rhythm of traffic along the channels.

Mangrove Channels and Canoe Paths

Close-up nature photography opportunities: winding roots, birds, and the interplay of light and water — best accessed by small boat with a local guide.

Local Market and Cassava Processing Areas

Candid street and portrait photography of vendors, manioc grinders and artisanal food production — always ask permission before photographing people.

Sandbanks and Estuary Views

During low water, expansive sandbanks appear and provide dramatic wide-angle compositions with sky, water channels and scattered boats.

Culinary Guide

Food in Chaves

Cuisine around Chaves reflects Pará state and Amazonian traditions: heavy on fish, cassava (manioc) in many forms, tropical fruits and regional ingredients such as tucupi (fermented manioc broth) and jambu (a numbing herb). Meals are hearty and savory, with açaí as a staple snack or accompaniment rather than a sweet dessert. Fresh river fish, grilled or stewed, is central, and local preparations favor bold, earthy flavors.

Chaves Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pato no Tucupi (Duck in Tucupi)

A classic of Pará: duck cooked in yellow tucupi sauce with jambu — strong, sour and aromatic; in Chaves you'll find simplified, local versions in family-style restaurants or special feasts.

Must-Try!

Tacacá

A hot, savory soup served in cups made of tucupi with jambu and shrimp; often sold by street vendors in the morning or at stalls near markets.

Grilled River Fish (Peixe Assado)

Fresh catch grilled over coals, served with rice, beans and farinha (manioc flour) — widely available at riverfront restaurants.

Açaí (Savory Style)

In Pará the açaí is commonly served less sweet and eaten with fish, manioc or tapioca — try it both ways to taste the regional style.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Municipal Market and Riverside Stalls

Small daily market where vendors sell fresh fish, fruits (cupuaçu, bacuri), manioc products and açaí; try tacacá and tapioca at morning stalls and buy farinha or smoked fish to take home.

Local Feira (Periodic Street Market)

Weekly or bi-weekly open-air fair where you can sample regional snacks, grilled skewers (espetinhos), and meet local producers of cassava flour and smoked fish.

Climate Guide

Weather

Chaves has an equatorial/tropical climate: hot and humid year-round with mean temperatures typically in the mid-20s to low-30s °C (mid-70s to high-80s °F). There is a pronounced wet season with heavy daily rains and a drier season with lower river levels; humidity remains high throughout the year.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Use a warm greeting: 'Bom dia' (good morning) or 'Boa tarde' (good afternoon). Handshakes are common; friends may exchange cheek kisses. Politeness is valued.

Respect for Riverine Life

Ask permission before photographing people or private houses; be respectful of fishing operations and community routines. Avoid littering and be mindful of sacred or private sites.

Dress and Behavior

Dress modestly for village visits; swimwear is fine at sandbanks but wear cover-ups in town. Keep noise levels respectful during religious services and community events.

Bargaining

Bargaining at markets is acceptable but do so politely and with a smile. Support small producers by buying local products at fair prices.

Safety Guide

Safety

Chaves is generally safe for visitors who use common-sense precautions: avoid walking alone late at night, keep valuables out of sight, and secure belongings in boats. Health risks include mosquito-borne illnesses (dengue, malaria in some rural areas) — use repellents and consider antimalarial advice from a travel clinic. Drink bottled or treated water and ensure vaccinations (including yellow fever, routine immunizations) are up to date. In emergencies, expect limited local medical facilities and possible need for transfer to larger towns.

Tipping in Chaves

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not always expected in small towns. In restaurants a service charge (10%) may be added; if not, 5–10% is a polite gesture. Tip local guides, boat drivers and porters directly in cash for good service.

Payment Methods

The local currency is the Brazilian real (BRL). Small towns prefer cash — carry enough notes for markets, boat trips and small purchases. Credit/debit cards may work in larger restaurants but network coverage can be unreliable; ATMs may be scarce so plan ahead.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Wet season (roughly December–May)

Expect frequent heavy rains, rising river levels and higher humidity; some dirt roads may become impassable and boat travel becomes the primary transport. Mosquito activity and humidity are higher; pack rain gear, quick-dry clothing and waterproof bags for cameras.

Dry season (roughly June–November)

Lower water levels expose sandbanks and make certain sandbank walks and beach-like spots accessible; easier overland travel and slightly less humidity. This is often the best time for wildlife viewing on exposed shores and for boat-based photography.

Equatorial heat year-round

Temperatures are warm to hot year-round with little seasonal temperature variation; plan for heat, sun protection and hydration regardless of month.

Nightlife Guide

Chaves at Night

Nightlife in Chaves is low-key and community-oriented: expect small bars (botecos), occasional live music (forró, samba) and local festivals rather than clubs. Evenings are best spent at riverside eateries or participating in a local festa if one coincides with your visit. For more nightlife options, regional centers or Belém offer a livelier scene.

Hiking in Chaves

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Mangrove and Igarapé Trails

Short guided walks along mangrove-boarded igarapés (small channels) to observe birdlife, crabs and local vegetation — best with a local guide who knows tidal patterns.

Sandbank Walks on Estuary Islands

At low water, extended walks across sandbanks and shores reveal coastal flora, unique mudflat ecosystems and great photographic opportunities.

Community Forest Trails

Trails maintained by riverside communities offering gentle rainforest walks, opportunities to learn about medicinal plants, cassava cultivation and local fauna.

Airports

How to reach Chaves by plane.

Breves Airport (BVS)

Regional airport on Marajó island with limited domestic flights; often the closest commercial air link for parts of the Marajó region. From Breves you may continue by river transport to Chaves.

Val-de-Cans / Belém–Júlio Cezar Ribeiro International Airport (BEL)

Major international gateway for Pará with frequent domestic connections; reach Chaves by a combination of land and river transport (longer travel time) or regional connections from Belém to Marajó towns.

Macapá – Alberto Alcolumbre International Airport (MCP)

Regional international airport in the state of Amapá; an alternative entry point depending on routing, though overland/river travel to Chaves will be lengthy.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and walkable on foot, but many streets are unpaved and can be muddy in the wet season. For exploring beyond the center you'll likely need boat transport or motorbike/4x4 depending on conditions. Comfortable walking shoes and waterproof footwear are recommended.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Ribeirinhos

River-dwelling communities with livelihoods tied to fishing, small-scale agriculture and extractive activities — central to local culture.

Caboclos / Mixed Heritage

People of mixed indigenous and European/Afro-Brazilian ancestry who form the cultural backbone of many Marajó settlements.

Indigenous and Afro-Amazonian communities

Smaller indigenous groups and Afro-descendant communities contribute distinct traditions, crafts and cuisine to the region.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport — informal matches in town plazas and local youth teams are common.

Canoeing and Boat Racing

Traditional boat skills and occasional local races or regattas reflect the river culture and are community highlights during festivals.

Fishing

Both a livelihood and a recreational activity: sport and subsistence fishing are central to local life.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Chaves is light compared to urban centers; the dominant transportation modes are small boats, motorcycle taxis and occasional cars. Roads outside the center can be rough and affected by seasonal flooding. For inter-town travel, ferries and riverboats are common; plan travel time carefully as schedules can be flexible and weather-dependent.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Chaves.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are limited but feasible: rice, beans, tapioca, salads and fruit are common; request no fish stock and be aware many dishes use tucupi or shrimp broth. In smaller towns, explain needs clearly in Portuguese and consider bringing snacks or supplements.

Vegan / Gluten-free

Cassava/tapioca-based dishes are naturally gluten-free and often vegan-friendly, but cross-contamination with fish or shrimp is possible. Carry basic staples if you have strict dietary needs.

Allergies

Seafood is central to the cuisine; if you have shellfish allergies or other serious allergies, communicate them in Portuguese and choose simple dishes (rice & beans) in trusted establishments.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Chaves likely has a basic health clinic for primary care and minor emergencies; for advanced care or hospitalization travelers are usually transferred to larger regional hospitals (for example in Breves or Belém). Obtain travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and bring necessary medications and insect-bite prevention. Ensure vaccinations (yellow fever recommended) and consult a travel health clinic before travel.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide