Tefé is a small city in Amazonia, in the northwest part of Brazil. It is surrounded by waters of Tefé Lake and the river of Solimões – a tributary to the magnificent Amazon river. At first glance, Tefé is a modest port town, but for tourists, it is the gateway to the amazing world of exotic virgin nature.
In the 17th century, the Portuguese Carmelites founded a settlement here, which they originally called Nogueira. 100 years later the village was raised to the rank of the city and the name was changed to Ega. Finally, in the 19th century, it was renamed Tefé. Already in 1620 missionaries made the first converts among the anatives. Today, Tefé is the seat of the Roman Catholic territorial prelature.
Pousada Multicultura and Hotel Stylos Hall are among the highest rated hotels (pousadas) in the city. Surely everyone will find accommodation within the reach of their purse. The price usually includes breakfast.
Tefé is above all an excellent starting point for the trips to the Mamirauá nature reserve. You can live there, for example, in bungalows drifting on the river, such as Pousada Uacari. But the real adventure starts with a tour to the jungle, where you can observe flocks of fabulously colorful parrots, toucans, noisy monkeys, as well as tapirs and capybaras flitting between the trees. If you’re lucky, you might see a jaguar or a giant anaconda hiding in the thicket. Seeking adrenaline? Spend a night in the jungle! Sleeping in a hammock, sheltered only by a palm-frond roof is an unforgettable experience. If you crave even more excitement, try piranha fishing or a night boat safari in search of caimans. The natives are open and friendly but without an English-speaking guide, you might struggle to communicate with them.
Amazonia welcomes tourists with excellent regional cuisine. You need to try grilled freshwater fish, such as pirarucu, a species only found in the Amazon, and dishes with rice and chicken. Time for dessert? Here come beijinho de coco (coconut kisses) and tropical fruit. Alcohol enthusiasts will surely develop a taste for local beer and delicious cocktails such as batida and caipirinha. We recommend Stylo Drinks, Varandas Pizzaria e Restaurante, and Trapiche restaurants.
