Manaus Ágil tourism and culture of AmazonasSerra do Araçá waterfall (El Dorado)
This is Serra do Araçá. A unique place, magical, but little explored. Considered a dream for many and a privilege for few.
With a free fall of almost 400 meters high, it is the highest waterfall in Brazil. It is located in the extreme north of the state of Amazonas, in the Serra do Araçá State Park, in the city of Barcelos.
Unfortunately, the park is one of those that only exists documented on paper, having been created on March 9, 1990, by Decree 12,836, as there is no enforcement and even no infrastructure to the site, not even riverine or indigenous communities, which makes it a completely wild and dangerous area. The road leading to the waterfall is considered extremely difficult. Faced with this scenario, very few tourism agencies venture to organize expeditions to the site. The main one, currently, is Katerrea tour operator based in Novo Airão and with great experience in boat trips on the Middle and Upper Negro River. The price, however, makes the excursion practically impossible, around five to six thousand reais per person.
It is worth mentioning that Barcelos was the first capital of the state of Amazonas, later this title was transferred to Manaus. Nowadays, the city is emerging again, but as the capital of sport fishing. Some of the tourist attractions in Barcelos that are most sought after by visitors are its more than 1,400 islands, the beaches, which emerge during the ebb tide of the rivers, making it the largest river archipelago in the world; it also includes visits to the Jaú National Park, considered the fourth largest environmental reserve in Brazil. Finally, it is also the second largest municipality in Brazil, being smaller in area only than Altamira-PA.
How to get to Barcelos from Manaus?
The trip to Barcelos can be made by river or by purchasing an airline ticket to Barcelos Airport. The distance from Manaus to Barcelos is 405 km as the crow flies and 656 km by river via the Rio Negro.
↠ Traditional boat (Motor Ship) - trip of approximately 32 hours;
↠ Express boat - trip of approximately 12 hours (faster than boat);
↠ Plane - trip of approximately 1 hour (depending on the size of the plane).
How to get to
How to get to Serra do Araçá waterfall from Barcelos?
↠ Distance from Barcelos - distance from Barcelos. 200 km as the crow flies and 393 km by river;
↠ How to get there - by "voadeira" (fast boat), a trip of approximately 18 hours;
↠ Access to the Serra do Araçá State Park is free.
Best time to go?
↠ The best time to go to Barcelos is from April to September, when the rivers are still full.
Tips?
↠ Climb to the top of the mountain and simply admire the immensity of the Amazon from above; visit the top of the waterfall and enjoy the view of the Desabamento, Surpresa, Anta, Boto and Cuieiras waterfalls, all over 200 meters high, as well as the natural pool that forms at its base;
↠ Due to the tropical climate of the city, it is recommended to bring cooler clothes and, as a precaution, an umbrella or raincoats for rainy days. In addition, repellents are always welcome. As the temperature drops a little more at night, the ideal is to take some warm clothes, such as light sweaters.
