Things to Do in Tabatinga: Complete Guide

Tabatinga, in Amazonas state (Brazil), forms the famous Amazon triple border together with Leticia (Colombia) and Santa Rosa Island (Peru). If you're wondering what to do in Tabatinga, here is a clear, practical guide: viewpoints, markets, food, shopping, cultural visits, and, if your trip lines up, the Festisol, its biggest celebration.

Motocarro tour: the best way to see Tabatinga

Start with a motocarro (motor-taxi) tour (2–4 hours). It is cheap, safe, and takes you straight to the essentials: the market, viewpoints, and local neighborhoods. Ideal if you only have one day and want to cover several highlights.

Viewpoints and scenery: Comara and La Fera

• Mirador de la Comara — panoramic views of the Solimões River and the rainforest; spectacular sunsets.
• La Fera — a great photo spot facing the Amazon to capture the sheer scale of the river.

Markets and shopping: fish, shoes, and chocolate

• Market square and fish stalls — tambaqui (gamitana), paiche, and Amazonian fruits and spices.
• Calle del Calzado (Shoe Street) — low prices on shoes, clothing, and accessories.
• Amazonian chocolate shops — bars and liqueurs with local cacao, copoazú, and camu camu.

Food: buffets, rodizios, and charcoal-grilled fish

• Brazilian buffets and rodizios — a variety of meats and side dishes.
• Charcoal-grilled tambaqui — a must: intense flavor, 100% Amazonian.
• Pair it with farofa and local fruit juices.

Nightlife in Tabatinga

Bars and clubs with Brazilian and Latin music. A lively but relaxed vibe — many travelers cross over from Leticia to spend the night.

Festisol: Tabatinga's big celebration (complete guide)

The Festisol (International Festival of the Tribes of the Upper Solimões) is Tabatinga's most important cultural event. It takes place at Tabatinga's Cultural Center, known as the Onçódromo, and draws thousands of people from Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. In 2025, the XI Festisol ran from September 25 to 28 at the Onçódromo.

It is an artistic competition between two major folk associations: Onça Preta (linked to the Ticuna nation) and Onça Pintada (linked to the Omagua nation). Over several nights they compete with "tribal chants" and a cast of 19 roles (presenter, tribal singer, batucada queen, tribal shaman, moça nova, warrior, and others), with choreography, drums, giant floats, and Amazonian mythic storytelling.

Dates vary each year, between September and December depending on the edition and the municipal calendar. In 2024 (X Festisol) it ran from November 28 to December 1, with national artists like Solange Almeida and Mari Fernandez, free admission. In 2025 (XI Festisol) it ran from September 25 to 28, with Onça Preta crowned champion. To confirm dates and lineup each year, check the official channels: Instagram @festisoltbt / @festisoltabatinga, and the Facebook page of the Tabatinga Prefeitura Municipal.

It is held at Tabatinga's Cultural Center ("Onçódromo"); in 2024 admission was free for the main nights. It helps to arrive early for a good spot, bring reais (R$) for food and souvenirs, wear light clothing with hydration and rain cover, and cross by motocarro or taxi from Leticia (open border for short visits, bring an ID).

Things to do in Tabatinga with kids

• CIGS Tabatinga Zoo — small, educational, and close by.
• A motocarro ride — comfortable and safe.
• Amazonian fruit and juices — copoazú, camu camu, açaí.

Practical tips for your visit

• Currency — use reais; many shops do not accept pesos or soles.
• Clothing — light and breathable; the climate is warm and humid year-round.
• Transport — motocarro for trips around town; cheap and typical.
• Border — from Leticia you can enter without a visa for short visits; if you're flying or traveling into Brazil's interior, complete the immigration process.