In 2003, Nheengatu became an official language,[3] with Baníwa, Yepá-masã, and Portuguese in São Gabriel da Cachoeira.

It is also the northernmost city of Amazonas, and part of its territory is within the Pico da Neblina National Park.

However, the peak itself is located in Santa Isabel do Rio Negro, and São Gabriel da Cachoeira is in the lowlands.

The municipality contains the 36,900 hectares (91,000 acres) Morro dos Seis Lagos Biological Reserve, created in 1990.

[7] It contains the greater part of the 7,999,000 hectares (19,770,000 acres) Alto Rio Negro Indigenous Territory, created in 1998.