Indigenous people promote tourism with the natural beauty of the Sacre River

Davi Vittorazzi – From Cenarium Magazine

CUIABÁ (MT) – A true paradise on earth can be visited by tourists in an indigenous village located in Mato Grosso. Specifically in Aldeia Rio Sacre, the place has waterfalls and crystal clear waters that leave visitors enchanted.

The village is located between the municipalities of Campo Novo do Parecis and Sapezal. The region has a waterfall with a stunning 5.6 meter waterfall, which joins the emerald green waters of the river.

Open to non-indigenous people since 2019, the project to promote tourism in the community is by Ivo André Zokenazokemae, 46 years old, an indigenous person from the Paresi Haliti ethnic group. He abandoned his nursing profession to dedicate himself to local tourism.

Through visits, he says that tourists get to know, in addition to the natural beauty, indigenous culture. “It’s a way for us to open doors and break paradigms”says to CENARIUM MAGAZINE.

Aldeia Rio Sacre is in two cities in Mato Grosso (Disclosure)

After it was opened, in a short time adventurous enthusiasts who like to explore natural wonders began to visit the Sacre River and admire the grandeur of the Salto da Mulher waterfall.

To enter the resort you must pay a day-use fee, at a cost of R$35 per person. Food and drinks are offered on site, as well as kiosk rentals (costs separately). The place is open during the week and weekends, but the latter is more common to welcome visitors.

The work to take care of the space is shared among the families living in the village. Each family is responsible for an area, which also has different entrances. The divided tasks are cleaning and maintenance of the place.

Tourists can practice extreme sports and discover indigenous culture in the village (Disclosure)

Ivo also describes that the project is important not only for the economy, but because it shows the reality of the indigenous people who live today. “We show many people who we really are, the contemporary indigenous people of the 21st century, the digital age and the globalized world. So, on our part, it’s nothing new [saber como vivem]. Many people started to visit our tourist spots, our attractions, and began to understand that it is nothing like what was commented on or passed on by other people”describe.

He further explains that through ethnotourism, it is possible for visitors to socialize. “In addition to the moment of leisure and relaxation, we also develop social activities, in which people can also have the opportunity to learn about indigenous culture and local tourism”adds Ivo.