Parintins

Parintins is a city in the Brazilian state of Amazonas, near the border of Pará.

The city is famous for the Boi Bumbá festival that celebrates Amazonian culture.

• Fast motor launches leave Manaus in the early morning. 10 hours, 120-150 reais, two different comanies on alternating days.
• Several large riverboats a day from Manaus, about 30 hours.
• Two boats a day to Santarem, 14 hours, 50 reais. These are en-route from Manaus, often with delays.
• Trip www.voetrip.com.br flies to many regional destinations.

• The Parintins Festival is one of Brazil's most famous and exciting festivals. Visitors arrive at the island of Parintins to witness the dispute played by the two "bumbás", groups of people, representing the two "bulls": "Caprichoso" and "Garantido", from the Parintins Cult.

Dozens of pousadas, starting at 20 reais a night.

• Parintins is an exotic Island in the middle of the Amazon. A major festival in July is held where the entire Island of some 10,000 are mobilized into two competing "Bois" following old traditions yet not dissimilar to our famous carnaval. Best reached by boar where you can stay aboard very few … • Hank J.