Alter do Chao Port Guide

The iconic Ilha do Amor (Island of Love) is a must-visit sandbar located directly opposite the village waterfront, perfect for swimming and relaxing in warm freshwater shallow bays. Another popular highlight is exploring Lago Verde, also known as the Green Lake, where visitors can take silent canoe rides through the flooded rainforest to spot monkeys and birds.

For nature enthusiasts, guided day excursions to FLONA Tapajós (Tapajós National Forest), about an hour away, offer unforgettable hikes beneath massive ancient samauma trees and opportunities to learn about traditional forest communities.

Located approximately 30 kilometers (45 minutes by road) to the east is Santarém, the second-largest city in Pará state, where visitors can witness the famous natural phenomenon where the dark Amazon River and tapajós river waters flow side-by-side without mixing.

History buffs can visit Belterra, situated about an hour south of the port, which was established by Henry Ford in the 1930s as an ambitious rubber plantation town featuring American-style wooden bungalows.

Cruise ships anchor off the coast in the Tapajós River, and tender boats bring passengers straight to the main pier or beach at the edge of the village. From the tender landing, the central village square, restaurants, and beachfront are just a brief two-minute walk away.

The tender arrival area provides immediate access to small beachfront cafes, local artisan stalls, and wooden water taxis ready to transport visitors across the narrow channel to Ilha do Amor.

The local currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real (BRL). US Dollars and Euros are rarely accepted by local vendors, so having local currency on hand is highly recommended for small purchases.

Credit cards are accepted in established restaurants and larger shops, but beach kiosks and local boatmen typically require cash. ATMs are sparse in the village, so it is best to obtain cash onboard your ship or at an ATM in nearby Santarém before arriving.

Alter do Chao is widely considered one of the safest and most laid-back destinations along the Amazon cruise route. Independent exploration around the village and beaches is very safe during daylight hours, though standard precautions against petty theft should be maintained.

When swimming, remain mindful of river currents and follow local advice regarding stingrays by shuffling your feet in shallow waters. For deep forest excursions, traveling with an organized group or certified local guide is strongly advised.

The area experiences a hot, tropical climate year-round, with average temperatures ranging between 26°C and 32°C (78°F to 90°F) and high relative humidity. The dry season runs from August to December, bringing lower water levels and expansive white sand beaches, while the wet season from January to July creates high water levels ideal for flooded forest boat trips.

Passengers should pack lightweight, breathable clothing, swimsuits, comfortable walking shoes, high-SPF sunscreen, and insect repellent.

The village itself is small and compact, making walking the most convenient way to explore onshore attractions. To cross over to Ilha do Amor or visit nearby lagoons, visitors rely on local wooden motorboats, known as rabetas, which offer cheap short water taxi trips.

Taxis and public buses are available near the main square for trips into Santarém, or passengers can book a guided Tapajós River boat tour directly at the beachfront.

Shopping in the village centers around hand-crafted goods created by local and indigenous communities. Popular items to purchase include handmade bio-jewelry crafted from Amazonian seeds, wooden carvings, woven baskets, and traditional Carimbó musical instruments.

Shops and market stalls line the main square, Praça Sete de Setembro, and the waterfront promenade. Prices are generally reasonable and bargaining is minimal, though gentle negotiation at small beach stalls is acceptable.