Acre, located in the southwestern Brazilian Amazon, is a destination rich in rainforest, biodiversity and cultural heritage. Known as the land of Chico Mendes and the Forest People, the state offers ecotourism experiences, Indigenous cultures, rubber plantations and national parks. Visitors can explore Rio Branco, Xapuri and the Juruá Valley through immersive and sustainable travel.
Acre is one of Brazil’s most authentic ecotourism destinations.
Located in the south-western Brazilian Amazon, the state of Acre has most of its territory covered by dense rainforest. Combined with wild rivers and fine, clear sand, the region stands out as one of Brazil’s most remarkable ecotourism destinations.
Beyond its vast biodiversity, Acre is also the land of Chico Mendes and the so-called “Forest People.” For centuries, forest communities have lived sustainably from natural resources such as rubber and Brazil nuts.
Chico Mendes and the struggle of the Forest People
The importance of the forest to its people led to historic conflicts, most notably the struggle led by rubber tapper Chico Mendes, who was assassinated in 1988 in Xapuri.
Mendes fought for the rights of the Forest People and became internationally recognized as a symbol of environmental preservation. His hometown, Xapuri, is now known as Brazil’s capital of ecological consciousness.
Rio Branco: multicultural capital of Acre
Rio Branco, the state capital, is a unique city marked by a multicultural population, diverse beliefs and traditions, and a blend of modern and historic architecture. This contrast is visible in its squares, museums, palaces and parks.
One of Acre’s main highlights is the rubber tree plantations near Xapuri, including the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve, as well as the Pimenteira and Cachoeira plantations, where visitors can experience rainforest life and the daily routine of rubber tappers.
Ecotourism, biodiversity and ancestral cultures
When it comes to ecotourism, the Juruá Valley stands out as one of the richest regions in terms of biodiversity. Major highlights include:
Serra do Divisor National Park, on the border with Peru
Territories inhabited by the Ashaninka Indigenous community
Other attractions include flights over the geoglyphs, visits to the Flor de Lótus (Santo Daime) community, native handicrafts and folkloric festivals, such as the Yawa Festival.
In Acre, travelers find natural beauty, adventure, tribal culture and conscious ecotourism combined in a single destination.
Optional Tour Package – Rio Branco, Acre
05 Days / 04 Nights
Rio Branco blends multicultural life with Amazonian heritage. Foto: Sérgio Vale/Secom
Day 01 – Arrival in Rio Branco
Arrival at Rio Branco Airport and reception by a local guide. Transfer to hotel and check-in.
First part of the city tour: Revolution Square, Memorial of the Autonomists, Rio Branco Palace, Old Market, Joaquim Macedo Footbridge and Gameleira Complex.
Return to hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 02 – Rio Branco City Tour
Buffet breakfast.
Second part of city tour: Chico Mendes Park and Capitão Ciriaco Park.
Lunch at Restaurante Inácio (buffet).
Third part of city tour: handicraft workshops, Tucumã Park, Forest Library, House of the Forest People and House of the Artists.
Return to hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 03 – Rio Branco to Xapuri
Buffet breakfast and check-out.
Transfer by private air-conditioned bus/minibus to Xapuri (177 km, approx. 2½ hours).
Stop en route to visit the geoglyphs.
Lunch at Pousada Aushawa with regional cuisine.
City tour in Xapuri: Chico Mendes’ house, Chico Mendes Foundation, downtown and Xapuri Museum.
Transfer to Seringal Cachoeira (33 km).
Check-in at Pousada Ecológica Seringal Cachoeira, visit to the local community.
Dinner and overnight.
Day 04 – Rainforest Experience
Buffet breakfast.
Community encounter and ecological trek.
Lunch at the lodge restaurant.
Dinner and overnight.
Day 05 – Departure
Buffet breakfast and check-out.
Farewell meeting with the local community.
Transfer to Rio Branco Airport.
Acre combines nature, culture, adventure and sustainable travel.
Package Includes
English-speaking local guide
Local nature guide
Transportation as described
2 overnights in Rio Branco with buffet breakfast
3 overnights in Seringal Cachoeira (shared bunk beds) with buffet breakfast
Tours and meals as mentioned (beverages not included)
Single and double rooms apply only in Rio Branco. In Seringal Cachoeira, accommodation is in shared rooms with bunk beds. This itinerary can be combined with Peru (Cusco).
* For airline tickets from the U.S to Brazil or Latin America, customized travel packages, hotels and cruises, please visit our travel agent page or contact Magali Da Silva – Phone / WhatsApp: 1 (323) 428-1963. We are based in Los Angeles, California and have been established for over 25 years.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the state of Acre located?
In the southwestern region of the Brazilian Amazon, bordering Peru.
2. Who was Chico Mendes?
A rubber tapper and environmental activist who fought for the rights of Forest People and rainforest preservation.
3. What are the main attractions in Acre?
Rio Branco, Xapuri, rubber plantations, Serra do Divisor National Park and Indigenous communities.
4. Is Acre a good destination for ecotourism?
Yes. Acre offers rainforest treks, biodiversity, cultural immersion and sustainable tourism.
5. Can this itinerary be combined with other countries?
Yes. The package can be combined with Peru, including Cusco.
