Welcome to Alter do Chão, Brazil, a hidden gem nestled deep within the Amazon rainforest. Often called the "Caribbean of the Amazon," this unique river port captivates visitors with its stunning white-sand freshwater beaches that emerge from the Tapajós River during the dry season.
Cruise lines like Viking Ocean Cruises, Seabourn, and Silversea bring travelers here for an authentic Amazonian experience, combining relaxation on pristine river islands with adventures into the dense jungle. It's the perfect destination for those seeking natural beauty, tranquility, and a glimpse into the vibrant life of the Amazon.
The most iconic attraction is Ilha do Amor (Love Island), a spectacular white-sand peninsula that appears during the low-water season. It's just a few minutes away by canoe or boat from the village waterfront and is perfect for swimming and relaxing.
A must-do excursion is a boat trip into Lago Verde (Green Lake). Here, you can navigate through the igapó (flooded forest) by canoe, spotting monkeys, sloths, and a variety of birds in their natural habitat. For a panoramic view of the area, a short but steep hike up Serra da Piraoca offers breathtaking vistas of the Tapajós River and the surrounding landscape. Another popular activity is an Amazon rainforest hike in the Floresta Nacional do Tapajós to see giant trees and learn about medicinal plants.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
The largest nearby city is Santarém, located approximately 36 kilometers (22 miles) away, which is about a 45-minute drive. Santarém is a bustling Amazonian port city itself and offers a different perspective on the region with its historic waterfront and the famous "Meeting of the Waters" where the Tapajós and Amazon rivers run side-by-side.
For a deeper dive into nature, the Floresta Nacional do Tapajós (Tapajós National Forest) is a popular day trip. Communities within the forest, such as Jamaraquá, are about 1.5 to 2 hours away by boat and car, offering guided forest trails, wildlife viewing, and a chance to interact with local residents.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Cruise ships do not dock directly at Alter do Chão. Instead, they anchor in the deep channel of the Tapajós River. Passengers are then transported to the shore via the ship's tender boats.
The tenders arrive directly at the main village waterfront, placing you in the heart of the action. The village itself is very small and easily walkable. From the tender landing, you are just steps away from the central square, restaurants, souvenir shops, and the departure point for local boat tours. No shuttles or taxis are needed to explore the town center.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
The official currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL).
While some larger tourist-oriented establishments may accept US dollars, it is not common practice. For smaller purchases, local boat tours, and markets, you will need to pay in Reais. ATMs are available in the village center, but it's wise to carry some cash as a backup. Credit cards are generally accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, but less so in smaller shops and by local vendors.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Alter do Chão is considered a very safe and tranquil destination for tourists. The main safety considerations are environmental rather than crime-related. The sun is extremely strong, so high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential to prevent sunburn. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of bottled water is crucial in the hot, humid climate.
Insect repellent is highly recommended, especially during hikes and near forested areas, to protect against mosquito bites. While swimming in the river is a popular activity, be mindful of currents. It is perfectly safe to explore the village on your own, but for any jungle trekking or excursions into the Floresta Nacional do Tapajós, hiring a certified local guide is essential for safety and navigation.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Alter do Chão has a tropical rainforest climate, meaning it is hot and humid throughout the year. Average temperatures typically range from 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F).
The region has two distinct seasons. The dry season, or "Amazonian summer," runs from August to December, which is when the river levels are low and the famous white-sand beaches are fully exposed. The rainy season occurs from January to July, when river levels are high, creating beautiful flooded forests (igapós) perfect for canoe trips. Regardless of the season, passengers should pack lightweight, breathable clothing, a rain jacket or poncho for sudden downpours, swimwear, and sturdy walking shoes.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
The village of Alter do Chão is compact and easily explored on foot. Most key attractions within the immediate area are accessed by water.
Small motorboats, acting as water taxis, are readily available for hire along the waterfront to take you to destinations like Ilha do Amor or Ponta do Cururu. For exploring the flooded forests of Lago Verde, you can hire a local guide with a canoe for an igapó canoe tour. To reach the Floresta Nacional do Tapajós or the nearby city of Santarém, it is best to use pre-booked taxis or join an organized shore excursion, as public transport is limited and not geared towards tourists.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Shopping in Alter do Chão focuses on authentic, locally made arts and crafts. The main shopping area is around the Praça Sete de Setembro and along the waterfront, where you'll find numerous stalls and small shops (lojas).
Look for unique souvenirs such as bio-jewelry made from seeds, nuts, and fish scales, as well as beautiful pottery from the Tapajós region. Other popular items include woven hammocks, carved wooden bowls, and items made from natural fibers. The Centro de Artesanato do Tapajós is a great cooperative to find high-quality pieces. Prices are generally fixed in shops, but friendly bargaining may be possible with individual artisans at open-air stalls.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Explore the Floresta Encantada Selvagem by paddling a canoe through a magical flooded forest. This serene journey allows you to glide under the canopy and spot wildlife like monkeys and birds in the submerged trees.
The Alter do Chao Jari Canal is a prime location for wildlife spotting on a relaxing boat tour. This narrow channel connecting to the Lago Verde is famous for sightings of sloths, iguanas, and various Amazonian birds in the dense vegetation.
Relax on the iconic Ilha do Amor, widely considered the best and most famous beach in the region. This stunning white sandbar features charming thatched-roof kiosks where you can enjoy fresh local food and drinks with your feet in the warm, clear Tapajós River.
A trip to the Amazon Arapiuns River reveals some of the most pristine and deserted white-sand beaches in the Amazon. This excursion combines breathtaking natural beauty with cultural immersion, often including a stop at a local village.
Choose a community-based tour for an authentic cultural exchange with a traditional riverside community. You can learn about their sustainable way of life, watch local artisans weave intricate crafts from straw, and hear stories about the Amazon.
Experience the Amazon on an 8-day, 7-night trip through surreal landscapes of dense tropical forests and thousand-year-old trees. Discover the paradisiacal freshwater beaches of the Tapajós River, considered among the world's most beautiful by The Guardian. You will be welcomed by the riverside communities of Maguari and Jamaraquá for an intimate feel of the local culture while supporting community-based tourism.
Take the 3-day “Disconnect” vacation package to get away from daily stress and enjoy a rewarding experience in the Amazon. This tour allows you to explore the exceptional attractions in and around Alter do Chão. Immerse yourself in nature for a perfect short getaway.
Discover the “Essence” of the Amazon with this 5-day vacation package packed with beauty, tranquility, and unforgettable moments. Experience one of the most incredible locations in the region on a trip designed to provide peace and joy. This is your chance to find tranquility in nature.
Embark on the exclusive Amorim Adventure Tour to a fantastic region of the Tapajós River that very few people, including locals, know about. Created by Selvagem Tours, this magical “Wild tour in the amazon” explores the hidden wealth of the Amorim region. This is a rare opportunity to see a part of the Amazon that most visitors miss.
Journey to the Arapiuns River for an unparalleled adventure featuring lush banks with rock formations and beautiful deserted beaches. Discover long sand dunes that stretch for tens of meters in this wonderful scenario. You will also visit communities that manually produce their own crafts and practice ecotourism by creating turtles, bees, and fish.
Our one or two-day Eco-Tour offers a complete experience involving self-sustainable elements, contact with nature, and cultural immersion. Socialize in local communities and gain a comprehensive view of how human beings can live in harmony with the environment. You will see how the integration of these factors is favorable to the Amazon.
Tapajó Experiences are about feeling and living the Amazon by connecting people with nature and native guides. Your home for the trip is a cruise boat where you will enjoy some of Brazil's best Amazonian food. Interact with the lovable and receptive local people while immersing yourself in the forest for a life-changing experience.
Embark on the Alter do Chao Jari Canal tour, a spectacular trip to witness the area's rich biodiversity. The journey offers opportunities to spot fauna such as alligators, dolphins, monkeys, sloths, and hundreds of bird species. This personalized tour combines several fantastic attractions into one, showing you the best Alter do Chao has to offer.
Explore Western Pará, considered the heart of the Amazon, starting from the historic city of Santarém. Discover the beautiful freshwater beaches in Alter do Chão before crossing by canoe to a special trail accessible only on foot or by bicycle. On the way, you may see birds and trees typical of the Amazon and take an invigorating bath in the Tapajós River.
Explore the Tapajos National Forest (FLONA) on a fabulous tour to Jamaraqua that offers numerous attractions and a unique learning opportunity. Unlike other trips that treat Jamaraqua as a simple destination, this is a journey that explores various beaches and communities along the way. Experience great beauty and a pleasant exploration before reaching the final stop.
Enjoy the best of Alter do Chao in just a few hours with this special welcome tour. Strategically starting at 3:00 p.m., the trip is designed to delight you with the best local sites and a stunning sunset. This tour is a shortened version of the popular “Alter do Chão Incredible” tour, making it a perfect introduction to the area.
Take an unparalleled adventure on an Amazon Arapiuns River tour from Alter do Chao. The journey features lush banks with rock formations, beautiful deserted beaches, and sand dunes stretching for tens of meters. In this wonderful setting, you can visit communities that practice international ecotourism and produce manual crafts using local materials.
Witness one of nature's most surprising events, the “Encounter of the Waters,” where the Amazon and Tapajos Rivers merge without mixing. While visible from a distance, getting up close reveals a truly stunning spectacle. You can even feel the difference in the water, as the Amazon is denser and warmer while the Tapajos is lighter and cooler.
Arrange for a private transfer with a responsible, courteous, and punctual driver with over seven years of experience. The vehicle is always well-maintained and schedules are flexible to meet your needs. For families traveling with young children, a high chair is available upon advance request.
The 7-day “Pleasure” vacation package is carefully customized with the best of what Alter do Chão has to offer. This trip includes visits to beaches and communities, trekking on tracks, and enjoying homemade native food. You will also experience incredible tours, learn about nature, and create memorable moments on the Tapajós River.
Experience the exclusive “Alter do Chão Incredible” tour, customized to showcase the very best the region has to offer. This trip allows you to experience the 10 best sights and attractions of Alter do Chao in a unique way. The tour is specially designed to be full of joy and satisfaction.
Visit Maica Lake near Santarém, a place of wonderful biodiversity and an incredible natural fish nursery. The scenery is especially beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon, offering peace and calm waters. It is the best place in the area for fishing, observing reptiles, and marveling at a multitude of birds like herons, toucans, and macaws.
Discover the beaches of Aramanaí and Cajutuba, considered the most stunning in the Alter do Chão region. Located in the neighboring municipality of Belterra, these beaches are still relatively unknown to the general public. Sail to these unforgettable landscapes of white sand and crystalline warm waters with the comfort and safety that the Pajé vessel can offer.
This relaxing and beautiful boat trip prioritizes your safety and convenience. For your security, we pick you up at your place of accommodation and provide the boat tickets. All boats are equipped with safety vests and safety boats to ensure a secure journey.
Take the fantastic Fordlândia Amazon Tour to learn about an exciting story in the jungle. Discover the history of Henry Ford's failed agro-industrial project from 1927-1945, which was marked by revolt, disappointment, and cultural clashes. This customized tour visits all the best locations and attractions between Alter do Chão and the historic Fordlândia site.
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Overall cruises visiting Alter do Chao are rather affordable compared to other itineraries. Prices are around the same throughout the year. Take a look at the graph below for the average cost per day by month.
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