As Misões is a mildly interesting complex overlooking the mouth of Lago de Tefé and the main channel of the Rio Solimões. Founded in 1897, it has a well-kept garden, huge decaying church, and a cemetery full of former missionaries. The main building was a church-run vocational school where many of Tefé’s masons, metalworkers and other skilled tradesmen were trained. The elfish priest, Padre Altino from the north of Portugal, gives spirited tours to anyone who’s interested. The best time to come is Tuesday to Friday; to get there, hire a boat from the waterfront.
