**From cacao to chocolate: A sensorial Amazonian experience
on Combu Island**
Sail, learn, and taste forest delights on a journey that blends gastronomy, riverside culture, and lush nature
Belém is a true melting pot of sensations and a vibrant gateway to unforgettable experiences in the Amazon Rainforest. The city enchants with its rich history, the strength of local communities, and of course, its unique and ancestral gastronomy. Recognized as a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, Belém stands out for a cuisine that blends Indigenous, African, and European influences, always with fresh ingredients from the forest.
More than just flavor, food here is a tool for identity, social inclusion, and sustainable development. And nothing represents this universe better than the iconic Ver-o-Peso Market, where the aromas of herbs, roots, and exotic spices mingle with dishes that reveal much more than just the famous açaí.
Speaking of flavors and sustainable development, Combu Island stands out in the region. A slice of forest just 20 minutes by boat from the capital of Pará, Combu is where local communities transform forest fruits into livelihoods and gastronomic delights. There, you’ll hear inspiring stories of women like Dona Nena and Prazeres Quaresma, who turned cacao and açaí cultivation into symbols of resilience, flavor, and sustainable tourism.
The Chocolate Itinerary on the Path of the Islands blends adventure, learning, unique flavors, and direct contact with Amazonian roots in a one-day immersion. Ready for this moment?
FROM CACAO TO CHOCOLATE
The experience begins with a speedboat ride from Belém, around 9 a.m. In just a few minutes, the urban setting gives way to the deep green of the forest and the calm waters that lead to Combu Island. There, time seems to slow down. And it’s in this slower rhythm that you arrive at the home of Dona Nena, known as the Daughter of Combu.
On her small agroforestry property, where cacao and native fruits grow side by side with Brazil nut and samaúma trees, Dona Nena shares her knowledge generously and with a twinkle in her eye. She guides you through the cacao cycle—from cultivation to the fruit, from fermentation to drying the beans—leading up to the magical moment when the bean transforms into soulful, handmade artisanal chocolate. At each stage, she speaks of sustainability, the community’s struggles, and her love for the forest.
And when the chocolate melts in your mouth, you taste more than just flavor: you taste history! The visit ends with a regional snack full of chocolates, jams, fruits, and that feeling of not wanting to leave. But there’s a way to take a piece of this moment with you: chocolate bars, cupuaçu jams, and other products made right there, with what the forest offers and the heart transforms.
AÇAÍ WITH MEMORY AND ROOTS
The next stop on this tour is Saldosa (sic) Maloca, where you’ll be welcomed by host Prazeres Quaresma, a strong woman, daughter of the island, and guardian of traditions passed down through generations. The açaí you’ll taste there doesn’t come just from the palm tree, but from traditions that teach how to plant, harvest, wash, and process the fruit by hand. And that’s exactly what Prazeres will show you: the fruit’s rhythm, the care in preparation, the value in every detail.
The ritual begins with a visit to the plantation, where you’ll learn how açaí is harvested by peconheiros—skilled climbers who scale the tops of palm trees to collect the fruit—and how it is processed by hand. Then comes the tastiest part: sampling the pure, creamy açaí, served as traditional locals prefer—with grilled fish, tapioca flour, or even turned into creamy ice cream. Every spoonful is a burst of flavor that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about this Amazonian superfruit!
RIVERSIDE LUNCH
Next, get ready for one of the most authentic meals of your life! The riverside lunch is a celebration of Amazonian flavors, with everything fresh and locally produced. The main dish is grilled fish, accompanied by the irresistible jambu—an edible Amazonian plant that creates a tingling sensation in the mouth—and the classic tacacá, a creamy soup made with tucupi and dried shrimp.
To round it off, a selection of regional fruits like cupuaçu, bacuri, and taperebá, which perfectly balance the meal. Everything is served at a simple table full of meaning, where you’ll understand how the forest feeds not only the body but also the soul of riverside communities. Each bite is a lesson in sustainable gastronomy and a genuine connection with local culture.
ART THAT SAILS
To end the day with even more enchantment, the itinerary includes a tour of the Street River, the first floating art gallery in the Amazon. Created by Pará artist Sebá Tapajós, the project painted more than ten stilt houses with murals signed by artists from all over Brazil and the world.
Each painting is a portrait of riverside life, made with special paint to protect the wood and preserve memory. As you sail past the houses, the boat glides slowly, and you watch the art emerge between the riverbanks, reflecting on the water and accompanied by the smiles of local residents. It feels as if the river is speaking to you—about belonging, beauty, and resilience!
TIP: If you have extra time on your trip, consider a 2-day itinerary in the region. Besides visiting other chocolate producers, you’ll taste award-winning products and learn how to pair them with drinks and other foods. It’s a gourmet experience in the heart of the Amazon rainforest!
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW!
Before embarking on this adventure, take note! Don’t forget to wear light clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat. Take the opportunity to buy some artisanal chocolates and jams to take home. They’re so good you’ll want to gift them to everyone!
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours and is a deep dive into the Amazon, shaped by hands that care, create, and teach. It’s an experience that transforms those who go through it and leaves a lasting impression!
HIGHLIGHTS
UNESCO – Creative City of Gastronomy – Belém
Visit Brazil Vitrine Experience: Chocolate Itinerary on the Path of the Islands
HOW TO GET THERE
Belém International Airport