Alta Floresta

Museu da Colonização.  Visit the museum inside an Aeroplane
The Praça da Cultura is the home of an original museum which invites both visitors and locals to learn about the colonisation of the city. This unique museum come school sits within a twin engine Douglas DC-3 aeroplane which was acquired by three inseparable pilot brothers, fondly known as the “shrapnel brothers”. During the five years between 1980 and 1985, the Lima brothers flew thousands of missions, delivering medicines, people, food and fuel, and when they retired they donated their aeroplane to Alta Floresta.

Amazon Orchids
During a twenty year period, the biologist Apolonia Grade collected Bromelias, Orchids and her favourite plant, the Caraguatá (Bromelia balansae). The Caraguatá plant has a variety of species, some having fine teeth-like leaves with delicate combinations of colours, whilst others are entirely silver coloured. The Alta Floresta Apolonia contains within it, an extensive area which is perfect for the reproduction of various rare species and others that are at risk of becoming extinct. Of special interest is a plant of the Catassetum family, which firmly stick to the pollinating organ positioned upon the back of the Bumble and ordinary Bees.

The Waters that do not mix
When the transparent, amber waters of the Rio Cristalino meet with the greener and denser waters of the Rio Teles Pires, they do not mix one with the other, a phenomenon similar to that which occurs at the meeting of the Rio Negro and Solimões near Manaus.  

Just have a look at this Jewellery!
Artist Jose Antonio Ferreira Romeira creates eco-jewellery from the intricately patterned seeds of the Amazon, comprising of slices of the Coconut and Spiny Club Palms, and the kaleidoscope design of tropical vines. As most of the forest seeds are sepia toned, for example the Caryota Ruffle Palm, Small Acai Palm, Patawa Palm and the Murity Palm, Romeira inserts coloured stones, pieces of metal, leather and bones into his beautiful pieces, giving his truly natural jewellery a modern touch.

Do not miss tasting the “Golden Nut”
The Brazil nut gives a distinctive taste and aroma to sweet and savoury dishes alike. In granulated form, the Brazil nut is mixed with the ingredients for cakes and bread, and enriches ice-creams, yogurts, and breakfast cereals. Prepared with a creamy paste, it provides a delicious pancake filling and is sublime with grilled fish, creating a crunchy coating. A pure, high quality oil can be extracted from the nut, which when added, turns every dish into a delicacy.  These derivatives are produced by the Ouro Verde Amazonia, which in 2007, won the Chico Mendes prize in the category for “Sustainable Businesses”, together with six local communities who are responsible for collecting the Brazil nuts.