As early as 1620 the Portuguese Carmelites could already boast of converts among the Muras, those natives of the Amazon established around Lake Teffé and on the borders of the neighbouring rivers.

Tefé, also called Ega at one time, was the fourth of eight aldeias[1] founded by Carmelite missionaries between 1697 and 1751[Note 1] along the Solimões and Negro Rivers.

It was abandoned due to a smallpox outbreak in the early 18th century and moved across the lake, where it remains today.

"[2] In 1910, an apostolic prefecture, the current Prelature of Teffe, was founded by priests of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit.

The municipal seat of Tefé is the largest town and commercial center of the middle Solimões region.