Spend six days diving deep into the culture and local gastronomy on this hybrid eco-tourism and culinary itinerary in the Para State of Brazil. Start in Belem to see the local fish markets and sample cuisine, then head downriver to Cotijuba Island for a community visit where you'll learn to make local dishes, hike through the Amazon, and join the women's empowerment project to throw a beach luau.

Highlights

  • Explore the culture  & cuisine in Belém
  • Stay with a traditional community on the Cotijuba island 
  • Learn to make jewelry from Amazonian seeds and natural materials
  • Make—and eat!—a typical Amazonian meal 
  • Relax on beautiful freshwater beaches

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrival in Belém Belém
Day 2 Belém Belém
Day 3 Departure from Belém, Arrival at Cotijuba Island Ilha de Cotijuba
Day 4 Cotijuba Island Ilha de Cotijuba
Day 5 Cotijuba Island Ilha de Cotijuba
Day 6 Departure from Cotijuba Island and Arrival in Belém Ilha de Cotijuba

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Belém

Boats in the Belem harbor
Boats in the Belem harbor

Welcome to Brazil! Arrive in Belém, located on the coast. A private transfer will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your charming hotel in the city center. Enjoy the rest of the day, relaxing in the hotel or heading out to explore Cidade de Mangueiras.

In the evening, meet with your guide to prepare for the upcoming Amazon adventure. 

Day 2: Belém

Estação das Docas, a gastronomy hotspot in Belém
Estação das Docas, a gastronomy hotspot in Belém

After breakfast at the hotel visit one of Belém most famous sights—the popular Ver-o-Perso Market, where locals and tourists shop for fresh fish, regional specialties, and other unique food items of Pará state cuisine. In the afternoon, explore the city on a guided walking tour through the historic city center. 

Learn about the city's colonial history and architecture, its regional culture, as well as its key role in the occupation of the Amazon. Cap off the afternoon with a sunset stroll at the eclectic Estação das Docas, on the banks of the Guajará River bay.

Plan your trip to Brazil
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Day 3: Departure from Belém, Arrival at Cotijuba Island

Unique and amazing meals from the Amazonian region
Unique and amazing meals from the Amazonian region

After breakfast head out to the Port of Icoaraci, where you'll board a riverboat and head to the island of Cotijuba, home of the original home of the Tupinambá Indians. Upon arrival, your hosts from the local community will welcome you and show you around the island. Spend the rest of the morning doing various activities around the island, including lunch at the MMIB ( Belém Islands Women's Movement) project headquarters. 

After lunch check into one of the local guesthouses and dive into community life. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the Vai Quem Quer beach, a white-sand paradise that resembles an oceanfront beach (but is really on a fresh-water river!)

In the evening sit down to a home-cooked meal prepared by your hosts.

Day 4: Cotijuba Island

Make your own jewelry from natural materials
Make your own jewelry from natural materials

After a filling breakfast at the guesthouse join the women of the MMIB and the local culinary specialist for a cooking class. Learn how to make local specials, then sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor with a delicious lunch. 

In the afternoon continue the cultural education with a hands-on workshop learning about the various seeds and other natural materials of the Brazilian Amazon. Spend the class making bio-jewelry from the available materials and hearing local stories. 

After a full day, spend the evening relaxing and taking in the scenery before turning in for the night. 

Day 5: Cotijuba Island

Hiking in the Amazon Rainforest
Hiking in the Amazon Rainforest

Today you will head out on an exciting interpretive trail through the Amazon Rainforest to learn about local wildlife and plant species. After, cool off with a refreshing dip in the river. 

After lunch and a well-deserved afternoon siesta, roll up your sleeves to help prepare the decorations and meal for the evening's beach luau. You'll spend the evening enjoying the delicious food, music, and friendliness of the people of the State of Pará

Day 6: Departure from Cotijuba Island and Arrival in Belém

View of Belém and the Ver-o-Peso Market
View of Belém and the Ver-o-Peso Market

Spend your last morning on the island learning about community actions to keep the Rainforest thriving and healthy, as well as the community project developed by MMIB to partner with the elderly community members of Cotijuba.

After a farewell lunch, it's time to say goodbye. Board the riverboat to Icoaraci and enjoy the boat ride back. 

Arrive in the city and transfer to the airport to catch your connecting flight home. Safe travels! 

Map

Map of Immersive Amazon Community Visit - 6 Days
Map of Immersive Amazon Community Visit - 6 Days