Brazil's Northern Region
The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide: Santarem & Alter do Chao
White sand beaches on the Tapajós River and Lago Verde, earned the nickname the Caribbean of the Amazon
Santarém is a major city in Pará situated at the confluence of the Amazon and Tapajós rivers, where the clear blue Tapajós meets the darker Amazon in a visible two-coloured stretch of water known as the “Encontro das Águas”. About 37 kilometres upriver sits Alter do Chão, a riverside village district of Santarém founded in 1626 and originally inhabited by the Borari people, now a centre for community tourism and cultural festivals such as the September Festa do Çairé.
Alter do Chão is recognised for its white-sand river beaches like Ilha do Amor and the clear waters of Lago Verde that appear during the low-water season between August and December, often called the “Brazilian Caribbean”. Travellers base themselves in Santarém for access to boat trips on the Amazon, visits to Tapajós National Forest, and exploration of traditional riverside communities, while spending days in Alter do Chão for beach days, hiking, and kayaking through igarapés (small shallow waterways).
Top 10 Things to See & Do in Santarem & Alter do Chao
Centro Cultural João Fona: Located in Santarém’s historic centre. Exhibits Tapajônica ceramics, archaeological artefacts, old furniture and indigenous crafts. Offers an overview of the region’s colonial and indigenous history.
Praça Mirante dos Tapajós: Lookout square in Santarém where you can observe the meeting of the Tapajós and Amazon Rivers. Good for seeing the difference between the two rivers’ colours and flow.
Floresta Nacional do Tapajós (FLONA): National forest south of Santarém. Guided visits include jungle trails, riverside communities such as Jamaraquá and Maguari, wildlife observation and swimming in small streams.
Relax on Ilha do Amor: Sandbank across from Alter do Chão village. In the dry season you can walk or take a canoe. Offers swimming, sunbathing and small kiosks selling local fish.
Hike to Serra da Piraoca: Short hike starting from Ilha do Amor. The summit gives panoramic views of Alter do Chão, Lago Verde and the Tapajós River.
Visit Lago Verde and Floresta Encantada: Lagoon and flooded forest next to Alter do Chão. Canoe trips allow you to paddle under trees and see aquatic plants and birds.
Watch sunset at Pindobal: Pindobal Beach lies on the Tapajós River about 30 km from Alter do Chão. Known for its long strip of sand and good sunset view over the river.
Carimbó dance performances: Attend traditional Carimbó music and dance shows in Alter do Chão’s village square or local bars. Performances often happen weekly and during the Sairé Festival.
Boat trip through Canal do Jari: Waterway near Alter do Chão lined with floating vegetation. Boat tours offer viewing of giant water lilies (Victoria regia), birdlife and local riverside communities.
Try Para's local cuisine: In both Santarém and Alter do Chão try regional dishes such as tambaqui fish, tacacá (shrimp soup), manicoba (pork and mandioca leaves cooked for 7 days), salpicão (shredded chicken and vegetable salad). Also try juices made from Amazonian fruits like cupuaçu, taperebá, and muruci.
How long to spend in Santarem & Alter do Chao
It is recommended to spend at least 5 days in the region, to visit a variety of the city's beaches, explore the surrounding rainforest, and take a boat trip.
Ilha do Amor (Love Island) - Alter do Chao
Where is Santarem, Brazil
Quick Facts about Santarem & Alter do Chao
Population of Santarem, Brazil
Population of Santarem: 360,871 people (IBGE, 2025)
Population of Alter do Chao: 9,834 people (IBGE, 2022)
Nicknames
People from Santarem are called santareno, while people from anywhere else in Pará State are called paraenses.
Closest airport
Santarém–Maestro Wilson Fonseca International Airport (STM)
Main bus terminal
Terminal Rodoviário de Santarém
Main port
Porto de Santarém
Things to know before you go to Santarem & Alter do Chao
Best time to visit: The region has two main seasons: wet season (April to August) and dry season (September to March). Beaches appear in the dry season.
Currency and payments: Many businesses charge an extra fee to pay by credit card. It is best to bring some cash.
Health precautions: Vaccination for yellow fever is recommended for travel in the Amazon. Mosquito repellent and light long-sleeved clothing are useful to reduce insect bites. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is highly recommended.
Connectivity: Mobile phone coverage and internet access is limited, especially when visiting waterfalls outside of the city centre.
Packing essentials: Bring light clothing, a waterproof bag for electronics, sunscreen, insect repellent, sturdy shoes for hikes, a reusable water bottle, and cash for small purchases.
Weather: Expect high humidity and hot temperatures year-round. Rain can occur even in the dry season, so pack rain gear or waterproof covers for your belongings.
Is Santarem safe for tourists
Like any big city, there are safer and more dangerous areas, but the majority of tourists who stay in the tourist areas will not have problems. Sticking to well-known areas, planning your movements in advance, and being aware of your surroundings will go a long way in avoiding trouble.
In Santarem, many hotels are located in the busier Centro area, so this an ideal area to stay. On the other hand, some areas on the outskirts of the city (such as Aldeia) can be riskier, especially after dark.
These are my personal recommendations for ways you can stay safe:
Use Uber or 99 Pop with a credit card linked to your account, as it avoids handling cash and provides a digital record of your trip
Avoid walking at night, particularly in quieter areas or streets with little lighting
Keep your phone, jewellery, and other valuables out of sight when in public
Do not leave your belongings unattended on the beach
Be cautious when withdrawing cash, choose ATMs located inside banks or shopping centres
If in doubt, ask your hotel or host for up-to-date local advice on places to avoid
Is Alter do Chao safe for tourists
Alter do Chao is a small and quiet town, and is generally considered safe for tourists. Being aware of your surroundings will go a long way in avoiding trouble.
These are my personal recommendations for ways you can stay safe in Alter do Chao:
Don't walk around with large amounts of cash, carry only the cash you need for the day or a credit card
Keep an eye on your belongings when swimming, or ask someone to watch your bags, if you are not travelling with a guide
At night, stick to the main streets or paths where other visitors and locals are walking
Ask your pousada or host if you are unsure about the best routes or areas to explore
Travel insurance for Santarem
Travel insurance is not just a nice-to-have, it is an important safety-net that can prevent a stressful incident from turning into a costly and time-consuming disaster. The reality is that unexpected events can happen on any trip. Even something as simple as missing a connecting flight can lead to unexpected accommodation and transport costs. If you become unwell, medical bills in another country can quickly become expensive. Without insurance, you have to handle all of this on your own in an unfamiliar environment, possibly in a language you do not speak.
I have personally relied on travel insurance multiple times, including when I had belongings stolen in Europe, fell sick while travelling in Asia, and had flights cancelled. In each case, the support I received meant I could focus on solving the problem instead of worrying about costs.
When travelling to the Amazon Rainforest, it is especially important to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation, as the remote location can make access to specialised care more difficult.
For a small daily cost, you can be covered for a wide range of scenarios, from theft to delayed flights and medical emergencies. Having one phone number to call and a company that deals with the problem for you is worth far more than the price of the policy. I personally use Safety Wing, and I recommend them to friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. You can get a quote here.
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