Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
5
A FLIGHT OVER ACRE'S GEOGLYPHS
One of the main attractions in the eastern part of Acre state is the area's mysterious geoglyphs ,
discovered in 1977. Since then, a number of other structures have been found, with more and
more being unearthed over the years; there are now just under three hundred that have been
recorded. While little is generally known about these geometric designs, it is believed that they
predate the arrival of European colonialists and may possibly have had religious purposes.
The geometric shapes have an internal area of 10,0000 to 30,000 square metres and a depth
of up to 5m, and as a result are only really visible from the air. Maanaim Turismo ( T 68 9917
3232, T 68 9214 7131, W maanaimturismo.com; R$750 for up to 3 people) offer flights over
the geoglyphs, while Eme Amazônia (R$595/person; minimum 2 people, cheaper if there's a
group of 8; T 68 3222 8838, W emeamazonia.com.br) offer hot-air balloon rides . As hot-air
balloons travel with the direction of the wind and the pilot therefore has no control over
where you're heading, flying over the geoglyphs by plane will mean you will be able to spot
many more shapes. However, floating over the Amazon rainforest in a hot-air balloon is a truly
unforgettable experience; the trip with Eme Amazônia even includes a delicious breakfast in
the field you land in.
and of Brazilian intellectuals. On top of this, the region's burgeoning development
means that Rio Branco is also a thriving and very busy market town, pivotally situated
on the new road and with an active, if tiny, river port.
If you happen to be in Rio Branco during the third week of November, don't miss the
Feira de Produtos da Floresta do Acre (Acre's Rainforest Products Fair), usually housed
in the splendid SEBRAE building on Avenida Ceará (take the Conjunto Esperança bus
from the central terminal and follow the signs), and accompanied by local bands.
Gameleira
Lying on the southern bank of the river, the Gameleira is the city's historical core. The
riverbank is lined with pretty colourful buildings erected during the rubber boom at
the end of the nineteenth and beginning of the twentieth century. The lovely Cine
Teatro Recreio was originally built to house cultural and artistic shows. Along the
riverbank flutters Acre's large flag, at full mast all year round, rea rming the people's
pride and patriotism in their nascent state.
Parque Urbano Capitão Ciríaco
Av Dr Pereira Pasos s/n • Mon-Sat 4am-6pm • Free
The lovely Parque Urbano Capitão Ciríaco is home to native Amazonian flora including
approximately four hundred rubber trees, and is a pleasant spot for a stroll. Make sure
you head to the rubber-tapper's hut; the friendly tapper Antônio will be happy to tell
you more about how latex is extracted from the trees, before being smoked onto bales
(leave him a donation; he's usually around Mon-Sat in the mornings).
Mercado Velho
Rua Epaminondas Jacome 2755 • Mon-Sat 4am-6pm • Free
Built at the end of the 1920s, the beautiful Mercado Velho was one of the city's first
brickwork constructions. Today, along with meat, fish and vegetable stalls, it houses a
number of craft shops; it's a good spot to buy souvenirs (see p.399). The market also
hosts cultural shows, from live music bands to dance performances.
Palácio Rio Branco
Av Getúlio Vargas, Praça Povos da Floresta • Tues-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 4-8pm • Free • T 68 3223 9240
Inaugurated in 1930, the beautiful Palácio Rio Branco is the seat of the government
of Acre. The building features Doric and Ionic columns on the main facade and a
well-preserved wooden ceiling within. It houses a lovely museum on Acre's history and
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search