Indigenous Tourism in Brazil: The Definitive Guide to Cultural Immersion within the Haliti-Paresi Villages

Have you ever thought about experiencing authentic cultural immersion, within an Indigenous community, in the heart of Brazil?

Located approximately 400 km from Cuiabá, the capital of the state of Mato Grosso, the municipality of Campo Novo do Parecis - which recently hosted the inaugural edition of FIT (International Ethnotourism Fair) - stands out as a global benchmark in this travel sector.

In this region, eight villages belonging to the Haliti-Paresi ethnic group, fully accredited by Funai (Brazil's official federal agency for Indigenous affairs), are opening their doors to travellers seeking fully immersive experiences that merge sustainable and regenerative tourism.

Developed directly by the communities alongside partner agencies, the itineraries direct funds raised back into the villages and towards programmes dedicated to preserving and restoring the Cerrado (Brazilian Savanna), the dominant biome in the local landscape.

Discover below some of the most famous tours available in the region.

Wazare Village: Heritage Meets Infrastructure

One of the region’s most prominent communities is Wazare Village, led by Chief (Cacique) Roni Azoinayce.

Situated within the 1.2-million-hectare Parecis Indigenous Reserve, the community is home to 28 residents, all members of the leader's family. Chief Roni pioneered the opening of the territory to community-based Indigenous tourism. Roni explains: "A lack of understanding breeds prejudice. I decided to open our village so people could experience our culture firsthand before rushing to judgement."

Visitors begin their journey with a welcome chant, performed barefoot upon the soil. According to the leader, walking unshod fosters a direct connection with nature.

Afterwards, guests pay homage to the elements: Earth (representing the people), Fire (the mind), Water (emotions), and Air (the spirit). The ritual continues with circle dances and chants accompanied by the rhythm of anklet rattles crafted from tree bark.

At the local school, teacher Valdirene Paresi, the chief's wife, showcases the bilingual education provided to children: the native language (Aruák) alongside Portuguese, in addition to mathematics and environmental awareness. "Striking a balance between Indigenous tradition and the wider world is vital for our people’s survival", says Roni, who holds a degree in Linguistics. 

The itinerary features demonstrations of traditional Indigenous games, visits to organic poultry and fish-farming projects, and a look at the hati - a traditional dwelling built from timber and thatch derived from guariroba (Syagrus oleracea) and buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) palms, two native species.

To cool off from the region’s intense heat, which frequently exceeds 35°C, the tour includes a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the River Verde alongside village residents. The experience concludes around a woodland campfire with ceremonial songs and traditional dances.

Quatro Cachoeiras Village: Deep Nature Immersion

Upon arrival at Quatro Cachoeiras ("Four Waterfalls") Village, travellers are greeted by 95-year-old Chief Narciso Kazoizae and his 23-year-old great-grandson, Alex Onaezokemae, who coordinates local tours.

Visitors are introduced to the hatis, their homes, which locals explain are engineered to last around 20 years. Featuring a rectangular base, vaulted roof and packed-earth floor, these traditional structures lack windows and have entrances at either end. The doorways stand just 1.5 metres high - a design rooted in Haliti-Paresi tradition, which dictates that visitors must bow as a gesture of respect when entering someone's home. An internal fire is kept burning 24 hours a day to deter wildlife and keep scorpions, spiders and other pests at bay.

In Haliti-Paresi culture, burials are also conducted inside the hatis, reflecting the belief that a person's spirit ought to remain where they lived.

While Chief Narciso finds value in sharing his heritage with visitors, passing knowledge to the younger generation remains his priority: "I always tell my grandchildren: you must master the ways of the wider world, but you must never lose sight of our culture and traditions", he explains.

As part of the visit, tourists can explore four parallel waterfalls - the village’s most celebrated natural landmarks. Before setting off down the 900-metre woodland trail, signage reminds visitors that littering (especially plastic bottles) is strictly prohibited and that sturdy, closed-toe footwear and trousers are required.

The waterfalls' convergence is stunning, complete with a viewing point at the top. Down along the riverbank, a designated swimming area allows travellers to enjoy the water.

Afterwards, visitors watch Chief Narciso craft a traditional ball step-by-step using latex harvested from the mangabeira tree, another regional native. The chief heats the liquid rubber in a pan, shaping it into a thin sheet before biting the edges and inflating it into a rubber balloon.

He then winds thin strips of latex around the core, forming a ball used in Jikunahati - a popular sport among community members. The defining rule of the game is that players may only hit the ball using their heads.

The village also offers handcrafted items for purchase, made using sustainably sourced forest materials such as native seeds and plant fibres.

Salto Utiariti Village: A Legend Carved in Water

For travellers seeking a spectacular waterfall over 90 metres high steeped in local folklore, Salto Utiariti is the ideal destination.

Community members welcome guests in a central shelter near the crest of the falls. Here, they share the origins of Utiariti Village - a name translates as "home of the wise man" - alongside cultural insights, such as how every individual receives a unique personal name from the pajé (spiritual leader) that is never repeated.

After learning about the tribe’s heritage, visitors can tackle the steep descent to the base under the guidance of an indigenous village escort. The rugged path requires good physical fitness and careful footwork, navigating rock walls, steep steps, mud and heavy spray - making waterproof pouches essential for phones and cameras.

Reaching the banks of the Papagaio River near the roaring plunge pool creates a profound spiritual atmosphere, just as local guides describe prior to the descent. Though visitors will get completely soaked from the mist and face a muddy trail, the views from the bottom make the trek well worth the effort.

The river offers a small swimming area among the rocks, though caution is required due to strong currents; entering the main river channel is not advised.

Back at the top, facilities include showers for changing clothes. Visitors can also hire picnic shelters for gatherings or browse the handicraft hut, where local artisans display authentic crafts and ornaments.

How to Visit the Parecis Villages: Travel Logistics and Packages

The journey to Campo Novo do Parecis typically begins by flying into Marechal Rondon Airport in Cuiabá - easily reached via connecting flights from São Paulo (Guarulhos) or Rio de Janeiro (Galeão). From Cuiabá, the drive to Campo Novo do Parecis takes between 5 and 6 hours along well-maintained, paved highways. 

Distances from the town centre:

Quatro Cachoeiras Village: 33 km

Wazare Village: 68 km

Salto Utiariti Village: 95 km

Routes leading into the Indigenous territories combine paved roads with well-graded dirt tracks suitable for standard vehicles. Upon arrival, villages offer basic amenities including electricity, drinking water, toilet facilities and Wi-Fi access.

Please note: All visits must be booked in advance through authorised tour operators. Essential items to pack include insect repellent and swimwear.

Cultural Experience (2 days / 1 night): From R$ 350.00 (approx. £50.00) per person. Includes tent accommodation, traditional meals (such as fish baked in banana leaves, tapioca and cassava), body painting, river swimming, rituals and evening fireside chats with community members.

Full Cultural Immersion (5 days): From R$ 2,500.00 (approx. £350.00) per person. Includes all village activities, water sports, 4x4 transport from Campo Novo do Parecis, bilingual guides, adventure equipment and entry fees.

Day Pass: From R$ 30.00 (approx. £5.00) per person. Covers site entry and river access only (cultural activities and accommodation are excluded). Visitors may bring their own food and drink; portable speakers and loud music are strictly prohibited.

(Package inclusions and pricing may vary slightly depending on the chosen village).