2 Best Sights in The Amazon, Brazil

One of the largest sites for cave paintings dating 10,000–12,000 years ago is in Monte Alegre. Thousands of cave paintings can be seen in the hills behind town in the area called Serra da Lua. Hire a cab or a mototaxi to take you to the closest ones, about an hour away.

Nelsí Sadeck is a local guide with a wealth of information on cave paintings. He's a civil engineer by trade, but has assisted archaeologists in the region. Nelsí doesn't speak English (though you can email him in English), but he's still the best guide around. Contact him a few weeks in advance. Wear comfortable hiking clothes, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and take lots of water, a light lunch, snacks. A full day tour costs R$450 for up to six people, and includes transportation in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. It's customary to tip the guide and driver. Plan to leave around 6:30 am and return at 8 pm.