Altamira, Brazil
Region: Pará
Geographic Coordinates: -3.202800, -52.205800
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Population: 109938
Language: Portuguese
Altamira is a city located in the state of Pará, Brazil. It is situated on the banks of the Xingu River, Which is one of the largest tributaries of the Amazon River. Altamira has a population of around 110, 000 people and covers an area of approximately 159, 000 square kilometers. The city has a rich history that dates back to pre-Columbian times when it was inhabited by indigenous tribes such as the Kayapó and Arara. However, It was not until the arrival of European settlers in the 18th century that Altamira began to develop into a thriving town.
Today, Altamira is known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The region boasts an incredible array of flora and fauna including jaguars, Giant otters, Anacondas and over 500 species of birds. Visitors can explore this unique ecosystem by taking guided tours through nearby national parks such as Serra do Pardo or Xingu Indigenous Park. In addition to its natural wonders, Altamira also offers visitors a glimpse into Brazil’s rich cultural heritage. The city hosts several annual festivals including Festa de São João (St John’s Festival) which celebrates traditional Brazilian music and dance with colorful parades and street parties.
Another popular attraction in Altamira is its vibrant art scene. The city boasts several galleries showcasing works by local artists as well as contemporary pieces from across Brazil. For those interested in history and archaeology, Altamira also offers access to some fascinating ancient sites such as Caverna da Pedra Pintada (Painted Stone Cave). This cave contains some remarkable examples of prehistoric rock art dating back thousands of years. Overall, Whether you are interested in exploring nature reserves or immersing yourself in Brazilian culture, There are plenty of reasons why Altamira should be on your travel itinerary!
Attractions in Altamira, Brazil
- The most famous landmark and tourist attraction in Altamira, Brazil is the Belo Monte Dam. It is one of the largest hydroelectric dams in the world.
- Other popular attractions include the Xingu Indigenous Park, where visitors can learn about the culture and traditions of indigenous peoples.
- The Cachoeira do Arrependido waterfall offers stunning views and swimming opportunities.
- Additionally, Altamira has several parks and natural areas that are popular with tourists such as Floresta Nacional de Altamira (Altamira National Forest) and Parque Ambiental Encontro das Águas (Environmental Meeting Park).
- Altamira, Brazil is renowned for its thriving agricultural industry, specifically in the cultivation of soybeans and cattle.
- The city also boasts a substantial mining sector, with abundant reserves of gold and copper in the nearby area.
- In addition to this, Altamira has a burgeoning tourism industry owing to its close proximity to the Amazon rainforest and popular tourist sites like the Xingu River and Belo Monte Dam.
- Other industries that thrive in Altamira include construction, transportation, and energy production.
- Altamira is a city located in Brazil, founded in 1911.
- As a relatively new city, there are no significant historical events or people associated with Altamira before its founding.
- However, several notable events and people have emerged since then that have shaped the city’s history and culture.
- One of the most significant developments in Altamira was the construction of the Trans-Amazonian Highway during the 1970s.
- The highway was built to connect Altamira to other cities in Brazil and played a critical role in developing the region.
- Another noteworthy event was the construction of Belo Monte Dam, one of Brazil’s largest hydroelectric power plants.
- This project has been controversial due to its impact on indigenous communities and environmental concerns.
- Sister Dorothy Stang was an American-born nun who lived and worked as an environmental activist in Altamira for over three decades.
- Sadly, she was assassinated by hired gunmen on February 12th, 2005.
- Land conflicts between indigenous communities, farmers, ranchers, and loggers have plagued this area for decades.
- Illegal gold mining has also become a significant problem around Altamira since it became more accessible through road construction.
- There are several indigenous groups living near Altamira who have unique cultures that have been threatened by development projects like dams and highways.
- Agrarian reform movements aimed at redistributing land from large landowners to small farmers and indigenous communities have also taken place around this region.
- Overall, while there may not be many notable historical events or people associated with Altamira before its founding as a city; there have been many significant developments since then that continue to shape its history today.
- Parque Ecologico da Cidade: A nature reserve with hiking trails and picnic areas.
- Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia de Altamira: A museum dedicated to the history and culture of the indigenous people of the region.
- Praia do Morro: A beautiful beach with clear waters and white sand.
- Mirante do Cristo Redentor: A statue of Christ overlooking the city from a hilltop viewpoint.
- Praia do Maracanã: Another stunning beach known for its calm waters and stunning sunsets.
- Catedral Nossa Senhora de Nazaré: A historic cathedral built in 1958 with beautiful stained glass windows.
- Centro Cultural João Batista Neto: An art center featuring exhibitions by local artists.
Please note that some of these places may be temporarily closed or have limited hours due to COVID-19 restrictions, so it is best to check before visiting.
- Altamira Futebol Clube – Founded in 1997, Altamira FC has participated in several regional and state-level championships.
- Atlético Clube de Altamira – Established in 2009, this club has also competed in various competitions at the regional level.
- Esporte Clube Bahia de Altamira – This team was founded in 2010 and has since participated in several tournaments organized by the Pará Football Federation.
- Associação Atlética Monte Azul – Although not based solely in Altamira, this club has a strong presence across northern Brazil and has won multiple titles at the state level.
Overall, football is a popular sport among residents of Altamira with many local clubs participating in competitions throughout the year.
- Festa de São Sebastião (St. Sebastian Festival) – held every January 20th to honor the patron saint of the city.
- Festa de Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Our Lady of Conception Festival) – celebrated on December 8th to honor the Virgin Mary.
- Encontro dos Povos do Xingu (Xingu Peoples Gathering) – a biennial event that brings together indigenous peoples from the Xingu River basin for cultural exchange and celebration.
- Feira Agropecuária e Industrial de Altamira (Altamira Agricultural and Industrial Fair) – an annual trade fair showcasing local agriculture, industry, and commerce.
- Semana da Cultura e Turismo de Altamira (Altamira Culture and Tourism Week) – a week-long event featuring cultural performances, exhibitions, and activities promoting tourism in the region.
- Carnaval de Altamira (Altamira Carnival) – a lively street festival held every year before Lent with parades, music, dancing, and colorful costumes.
- Festival Folclórico do Rio Xingu (Xingu River Folklore Festival) – a traditional festival that celebrates the folklore of the region with music, dance performances by local communities along with their traditional costumes showcasing their unique culture.
Note: Due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on public gatherings/events might be different than usual or postponed/cancelled for safety reasons so it’s always better to check updated information before attending any events/festivals mentioned above in person.
- Moqueca de peixe: a fish stew made with coconut milk, dendê oil, tomatoes, onions and peppers.
- Pato no tucupi: a traditional dish made with duck cooked in tucupi (a yellow sauce made from cassava), jambu leaves (a local herb) and rice.
- Churrasco: Brazilian-style barbecue meat served with farofa (toasted manioc flour) and vinagrete (tomato and onion salad).
Some popular restaurants in Altamira that serve these dishes include:
- Restaurante do Ceará
- Churrascaria Boi Dourado
- Tapiocaria Raízes do Norte
- Parque Ambiental da Prainha is a park that offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a beautiful beach.
- Parque do Amapá is a large park that provides soccer fields, basketball courts, playgrounds, and jogging paths.
- Praia do Carapebus is a beach with calm waters ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
- Lagoa Azul is a natural swimming pool surrounded by lush vegetation.
- Clube de Campo de Altamira is a private club that offers tennis courts, swimming pools, and other recreational activities for members.
- Praça da Matriz serves as the main square of Altamira where locals gather to socialize and enjoy outdoor events such as concerts and festivals.
- Rio Xingu National Park covers an extensive protected area that provides hiking trails through the rainforest and opportunities to see wildlife such as monkeys and birds.
- Praia do Amorim is another popular beach in Altamira known for its clear waters and sandy shoreline.
- Passeio Fluvial no Rio Xingu (River Cruise on the Xingu River) – A river cruise on the Xingu river enables tourists to explore the region’s diverse flora & fauna while enjoying scenic views of Amazonian landscapes from aboard their boat!
- Serra do Cachimbo National Forest Reserve – Located close by Altamira city limits this reserve allows visitors to go trekking or bird watching in Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest!
