São Gabriel da Cachoeira

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

Understand
São Gabriel da Cachoeira is 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 35,000 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.

By plane
The most practical access is by air; the trip takes about two hours, leaving from Manaus to São Gabriel da Cachoeira. The town´s airport is tiny and only serves flights between these two cities. Nevertheless, it´s the only quick way to get in.

By boat
The most poetic access is via the Negro River. A slow cargo boat takes about three to four days travel to reach the city, leaving from the Porto de São Raimundo in Manaus. The return trip takes 2 days. Tickets cost about 250-300 R$ for deck space (where you can hang a hammock), and 800-1100 R$ for a 3-person cabin. Many boats stop in Barcelos and Santa Isabel do Rio Negro. There are at least two speed boats from Manaus. The trip takes about 24 hours.
 * Almirante Azevedo II: Departs every other Wednesday at 17:00. Tel: (92) 9125-8944, (92) 3625-6984, (92) 9143-1223, (92) 8183-2147.
 * Barco Genêsis. Departs Fridays at 17:00. Tel: (92) 9202-1028.
 * Comandante Natal VI. Departs every second Friday at 18:00. Tel: (92) 9122-8553, (92) 9381-2926.
 * Gênesis III. Departs every second Friday at 15:30. Tel.: (Manaus) (92) 8119-8591, (92) 8171-4442, (92) 99314-9707. (São Gabriel) (97) 99199-0042, (97) 99171-1727.
 * Gênesis IV. Departs every second Monday at 15:30. Tel: (92) 8119-8591, (92) 8171-4442.
 * Tanaka Neto V & IV. Departs Fridays 18:00. Tel: (92) 3471-1730, (92) 9981-9195.
 * Expresso Diamantina. Departs Fridays at 15:00. Tel: (92) 3471-1730, (92) 9981-9195. 300-400 R$
 * Tanaka Expresso. Departs Tuesdays and Fridays at 08:00. Tel: (92) 3471-1730, (92) 9981-9195.

Get around
The city is small enough to walk everywhere. A limited number of taxis may be found around the city. There are a few boat services to get to nearby King's Island, in the middle of the river.

See
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.

Do

 * 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.

Buy

 * 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

Drink
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. A few cases of violence by gangs of youths have been reported. Avoid starting any arguments or walking alone after dark.

Sleep
There are no luxurious hotels in the city. However, it offers a limited number of clean and cheap accommodations.

Respect
Indigenous people 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 Indigenous women and of course, don't pollute.

Go next
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.