ruins · Novo Airão, AM
Ruínas de Airão Velho
A settlement founded in 1694 on the banks of the Rio Negro, it prospered during the rubber boom and was emptied in the 20th century, when residents moved to the new town. Ruined mansions overgrown by the forest and an old cemetery can be visited by boat.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Ruínas de Airão Velho
Airão Velho is what remains of the old town of Airão, one of the first Portuguese settlements on the bank of the Rio Negro, near the mouth of the Jaú River. Today it is a ruined village surrounded by forest, in the municipality of Novo Airão, inside the Parque Estadual Rio Negro Setor Norte (state park).
The settlement grew out of a religious mission in colonial times. During the rubber boom, between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it lived its richest period as a point for collecting and selling the region's latex. When rubber collapsed, residents gradually moved, from the 1950s on, to where Novo Airão stands today. A local legend says the town was abandoned because of fire ants, but there is no proof of this.
On the visit, you walk among the walls of mansions, the church and other old buildings, many overtaken by roots and trees. The old cemetery, with iron crosses and headstones, can also be visited.
The trip is by boat along the Rio Negro and is usually done with a guide or boatman from Novo Airão. There are no tourist facilities on site, and you walk through the forest. It combines well with a trip to the Parque Nacional do Jaú.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow a few hours, including the boat trip from Novo Airão.
Best time
Any time of year; early in the morning or late in the afternoon it is less hot for walking among the ruins.
How to get there
It is on the bank of the Rio Negro, near the mouth of the Jaú River, upstream from Novo Airão. You can only get there by boat, hired at the Novo Airão port or on tour operators' trips.
Tip
Use insect repellent, closed-toe shoes and light long-sleeved clothing, because the forest has taken over the ruins; do not climb on the old walls.
A look at the place
Ruínas de Airão Velho in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Ruínas de Airão Velho
What is Airão Velho?
The ruins of the old town of Airão, a colonial settlement on the bank of the Rio Negro, near the mouth of the Jaú River, abandoned in the 20th century. Walls of mansions, the church and an old cemetery remain, overtaken by the forest.
How do I get to Airão Velho?
Only by boat, along the Rio Negro, from Novo Airão. You book the trip at the town's port or with tour operators.
Why was Airão Velho abandoned?
When the rubber boom ended, the economy went into crisis and residents moved, from the 1950s on, to where Novo Airão stands today. The story that fire ants drove the population out is a legend, with no proof.
Is Airão Velho related to Novo Airão?
Yes. Airão Velho was the old town, and Novo Airão was born when residents moved to a new spot on the Rio Negro.
Can you visit Airão Velho together with the Parque Nacional do Jaú?
Yes. The ruins are near the mouth of the Jaú River, on the way up the Rio Negro toward the park, and many itineraries include both visits.