Tefé

Tefé is a municipality situated on the north bank of the Solimões section of the Amazon River, positioned beside a water body created where the Tefé River meets the main channel. The town's layout follows the river, with waterfront areas serving as focal points for local activity.

Portuguese Carmelite missionaries initiated contact with Muras indigenous groups around Lake Tefé in 1620, establishing a settlement that became the foundation for the town. This early colonial encounter led to permanent occupation of the area.

Local indigenous communities depend on the river for fishing, transport, and agriculture, shaping how the town interacts with its surroundings. This relationship remains visible in daily routines and local trade.

Visitors can reach the town from Manaus either by plane or river boat, with boat journeys lasting approximately 12 hours. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting accessibility and conditions in different parts of town.

The municipality encompasses substantial portions of the Tefé National Forest and Catuá-Ipixuna Extractive Reserve, protecting vast forested areas. These conservation zones make the surroundings a significant location for preserving the Amazon ecosystem.

Location: Amazonas

Inception: 1759

Elevation above the sea: 93 m

Shares border with: Uarini, Alvarães, Carauari, Coari, Juruá, Maraã, Tapauá

GPS coordinates: -3.35389,-64.71083

Latest update: December 20, 2025 00:16