Places to Visit in Tabatinga on Your Trip to the Amazon
Tabatinga blends history, Indigenous culture, nature, and Amazonian flavors into one destination. From the imposing Portal da Fronteira to the Solimões River viewpoints, every corner offers a different experience.
Getting to Tabatinga is easier than you might think. This Brazilian town, next door to Leticia (Colombia), is the perfect gateway for anyone looking to explore the Amazon triple border: by air from Manaus, on foot or by moto-taxi across the border from Leticia, or by boat down the Solimões.
Portal da Fronteira: an iconic symbol between Leticia and Tabatinga
Tabatinga's Portal da Fronteira is one of the most photographed spots in the Amazon and the exact point where Brazil begins, right on the border line with Leticia. Its large metal structure represents the union of the three Amazonian countries; at its base, visitors can take photos with the letters spelling BRASIL in the background.
It can be visited at any hour — the structure lights up at night, which also makes for good photos.
Comara and Voyager viewpoints: where to watch the best sunset
The Comara and Voyager viewpoints are two must-stops for anyone looking for a panoramic view of the Amazon River and the meeting point of Colombia, Peru, and Brazil. Both have restaurants where you can eat while watching the Amazonian sky change color.
Comara is known for its lively party atmosphere and its famous triple-border music show, while Voyager stands out for its younger crowd and live music. Either one offers the best postcard view of an Amazonian sunset.
Tabatinga's church: the spiritual heart of the Brazilian Amazon
The Nossa Senhora do Perpétuo Socorro church, known as the Igreja Matriz de Tabatinga, was completed in 1989 on Rua Pedro Teixeira, with four towers inspired by the old São Francisco Xavier Fort — a symbol of the community's origins.
It is a fitting spot for religious tourism at this international border: Colombian and Peruvian visitors come to attend Mass or simply take in the structure, considered one of the most important in the Upper Solimões.
CFSOL / 8th BIS Tabatinga: military history and national symbol
The Solimões Border Command / 8th Jungle Infantry Battalion is one of Tabatinga's oldest institutions, built in 1776 to guard the border and fight the trafficking of enslaved people and spices. With over two centuries of history, it continues to protect the Amazonian territory.
It is known for its iconic phrase "Aqui começa o Brasil" (Here Brazil begins), carved at its entrance, and for the statue of a jaguar honoring the bond between the Brazilian people and the rainforest — a must-stop for anyone visiting the triple border.
Rua dos Calçados: Tabatinga's popular shopping street
On Avenida Marechal Mallet, Rua dos Calçados packs in dozens of shops selling Brazilian and international footwear brands, along with clothing, crafts, and local products — one of the main shopping areas for tourists and residents, where Portuguese and Spanish mix in the street.
Tabatinga's Municipal Market: local food and culture
In the town center, the Municipal Market brings together regional fruits and vegetables, Amazonian coffee, natural remedies, and crafts from Upper Solimões communities. Visitors can try fresh juices and browse a wide range of exotic spices.
Feira Tikuna: Tabatinga's most authentic Indigenous market
The Feira Tikuna brings together Tikuna producers who sell fruits, vegetables, herbs, and traditional seasonings directly. Popular products include açaí, burití, cupuaçú, taperebá, and bacurí, along with natural oils and handmade remedies — an example of fair trade with local communities.
Umariaçú community: living Tikuna culture in Tabatinga
The Umariaçú community is one of the main cultural centers of the Tikuna people, the Amazon's largest Indigenous ethnic group. During a visit you can see body painting made with natural pigments, learn about their craftwork, and, on special occasions, witness the Pelazón — the ritual marking girls' transition into womanhood within the community.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Tabatinga and how do you get there?
Tabatinga sits at the western edge of Amazonas state, Brazil, on the border with Leticia (Colombia) and Santa Rosa (Peru). You can fly directly from Manaus or cross the border on foot from Leticia, with no visa needed if you stay within the border zone.
What places should you visit in Tabatinga?
Highlights include Portal da Fronteira, the Comara and Voyager viewpoints, the Nossa Senhora do Perpétuo Socorro church, the Municipal Market, the Feira Tikuna, the Umariaçú community, and CFSOL / 8th BIS.
What's the best time to visit Tabatinga's viewpoints?
Between 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., when the sun sets over the Solimões River and the sky turns gold and pink.
Do I need to exchange money to visit Tabatinga?
Yes. While some places accept Colombian pesos, it is best to carry Brazilian reais (BRL), especially at restaurants or small shops.
Is Tabatinga safe to visit?
Yes. The same basic precautions apply as at any border destination: avoid walking alone through quiet areas at night and keep your belongings in sight.
What should you eat in Tabatinga?
Local dishes like charcoal-grilled tambaqui (gamitana), pirarucú, patarasca, and Amazonian ceviche, plus fresh juices made from açaí, cupuaçú, copoazú, and burití.
What is the best time of year to visit Tabatinga?
You can visit year-round: December to June is the rising season, great for boating, and July to November is the falling season, great for walking tours and city sightseeing.