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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛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.
Ideal for sunrise and sunset shots of boats, reflections and daily river life; captures the rhythm of traffic along the channels.
Close-up nature photography opportunities: winding roots, birds, and the interplay of light and water — best accessed by small boat with a local guide.
Candid street and portrait photography of vendors, manioc grinders and artisanal food production — always ask permission before photographing people.
During low water, expansive sandbanks appear and provide dramatic wide-angle compositions with sky, water channels and scattered boats.
Food in Chaves
Chaves Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
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!
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.
Fresh catch grilled over coals, served with rice, beans and farinha (manioc flour) — widely available at riverfront restaurants.
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
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.
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.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use a warm greeting: 'Bom dia' (good morning) or 'Boa tarde' (good afternoon). Handshakes are common; friends may exchange cheek kisses. Politeness is valued.
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 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 at markets is acceptable but do so politely and with a smile. Support small producers by buying local products at fair prices.
Safety
Tipping in Chaves
Ensure a smooth experience
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.
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...
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.
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.
Temperatures are warm to hot year-round with little seasonal temperature variation; plan for heat, sun protection and hydration regardless of month.
Chaves at Night
Hiking in Chaves
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
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.
At low water, extended walks across sandbanks and shores reveal coastal flora, unique mudflat ecosystems and great photographic opportunities.
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.
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.
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.
Regional international airport in the state of Amapá; an alternative entry point depending on routing, though overland/river travel to Chaves will be lengthy.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
River-dwelling communities with livelihoods tied to fishing, small-scale agriculture and extractive activities — central to local culture.
People of mixed indigenous and European/Afro-Brazilian ancestry who form the cultural backbone of many Marajó settlements.
Smaller indigenous groups and Afro-descendant communities contribute distinct traditions, crafts and cuisine to the region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport — informal matches in town plazas and local youth teams are common.
Traditional boat skills and occasional local races or regattas reflect the river culture and are community highlights during festivals.
Both a livelihood and a recreational activity: sport and subsistence fishing are central to local life.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chaves.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
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.
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.
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.