Alter do Chão (Pará): The Amazon’s Caribbean Paradise

Santarém isn’t your average travel destination, it’s something you feel deep in your soul.
Tucked away in the heart of Brazil, where the mighty Amazon and Tapajós rivers meet, Santarém is a place of raw, untouched beauty. Imagine landscapes that look hand-painted, where nature doesn’t just impress it embraces, heals and transforms. This isn’t the kind of place you check off a list. It’s where time slows down, the spirit of the Amazon pulses through everything, and each corner reveals something unexpected. You might arrive craving peace and leave ready to explore, or the opposite. That’s the thing about Santarém it meets you where you are, whether you're chasing silence, adventure, connection or just something real.

Picture this: waking up in a cozy treehouse, surrounded by rainforest whispers.
The morning breeze drifts through your window, and the calls of exotic birds become your alarm clock. Outside, a serene river reflects the sky like a mirror, and everything invites you to just breathe. In Santarém, even time takes a pause. No traffic, no rush just nature doing its thing. Instead of city noise, you’ll hear the Amazon sing. Instead of gray concrete, endless green in every direction.

Then there’s Alter do Chão, a hidden gem locals call the “Brazilian Caribbean,” but that label barely scratches the surface.
The water here is so clear your feet disappear beneath its warm, glassy surface. During the dry season, pure white sandbars emerge from the Tapajós River, creating dreamy beaches that seem to float. Walking on these temporary islands feels surreal, almost sacred. Yes, it’s beautiful, but there’s something magical too. Alter do Chão is the kind of place where the outside world fades away and you remember who you are.

Think Santarém is just about river beaches? Not even close.
There are forests that flood during certain times of the year, turning into something out of a fairytale. Take the Enchanted Forest, for example where trees grow directly from the water and narrow green tunnels stretch silently through the jungle. You can canoe slowly through this dreamscape, drifting between submerged tree canopies that feel alive with stories. Here, the Amazon isn’t just scenery, it’s the star of the show.

For thrill-seekers, Santarém is an open-air adventure park.
Jungle hikes, jet ski rides, boat crossings, hidden beaches, secret viewpoints it’s all waiting. But if your idea of a good time involves chilling out, you’ll find your happy place too: a hammock on the porch, a fire-grilled fish, a cold beer and a golden sunset that feels like time stopped just for you. Life takes on a new rhythm here slower, more grounded, more human.

And the people? They’re the heart of it all.
In Santarém, smiles come before words. Strangers become friends after a single conversation. Locals are proud of their home and love sharing it. It’s common to be invited in for a chat, a cup of strong Amazonian coffee with farinha, or even a spontaneous outing. People here make you feel like family, even if your real family is thousands of miles away.

And then there’s the food oh, the food.
This is not your typical Brazilian cuisine. This is the Amazon on a plate. Start with real açaí thick, unsweetened, earthy served with farinha or fried fish. It might surprise you at first, but you’ll be hooked in no time. There’s also tacacá with jambu (a leaf that makes your mouth tingle), duck in tucupi, maniçoba, and an amazing variety of freshwater fish like tucunaré, tambaqui and pirarucu. Every bite tells a story of tradition, culture and connection to the land. Eating in Santarém is like tasting the rainforest.

When night falls, the magic doesn’t stop, it only shifts.
The sky fills with stars so bright and close it feels like you could reach out and touch them. In Alter do Chão, soft lights flicker, the sounds of forró drift in the distance, and laughter floats through the warm night air. A simple riverside walk can easily turn into the best moment of your trip.

Maybe that’s why so many people come back.
And when they do, they’re never quite the same. Because some places you visit, and others feel like they know you. Santarém is one of those rare places. A warm Amazonian hug, a reset button for your soul, a reminder that life can be simpler, deeper and more connected to what truly matters.

If you haven’t been yet, maybe it’s time to say yes to something different. And if you’ve already been, tell us how many times have you thought about coming back? Share your story. Post your photos. Inspire someone else to take the leap. Because Santarém isn’t just a place to visit, it’s a place to live even if just for a few days. Just be warned: falling in love is very possible. So is wanting to stay.

What to Do in Alter do Chão? Must-See Attractions

• A white sandbank surrounded by the Tapajós River.

• Best time to visit: August to December (beaches are visible).

• Canoe trips to explore the riverbanks.

1️⃣ Ilha do Amor – The Most Famous Beach

2️⃣ Tapajós National Forest – Amazon Jungle Hike

• A white sandbank surrounded by the Tapajós River.

• Best time to visit: August to December (beaches are visible).

• Canoe trips to explore the riverbanks.

3️⃣ Lago Verde – A Natural Mirror

4️⃣ Ponta do Cururu – The Best Sunset Spot

5️⃣ Serra da Piraoca – Natural Viewpoint

6️⃣ Canal do Jari – Dolphin Encounter

• A one-hour hike to the top with panoramic views.

• Best time to go: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.

• Calm, clear waters for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.

• Water trails leading to hidden igarapés.

• One of the most stunning sunsets in the Amazon.

• A remote sandbank accessible only by boat.

• Watch pink river dolphins while the sun sets.

• Perfect for those seeking peace and tranquility.

• Boat trip through narrow Amazonian waterways.

• Spot pink river dolphins in their natural habitat.

• Meet local riverside communities

Best Time to Visit Alter do Chão

• Beach Season: August to December (low river levels).

• Flood Season: January to July (lush landscapes, great for boat trips).

• Special Events:

  • Borari Festival (October): Indigenous cultural celebration.

  • Sairé Festival (September): Largest folklore event in the region, featuring rituals and dances.

Essential Travel Tips

✅ Bring cash – limited ATMs.
✅ Use sunscreen and mosquito repellent – hot and humid weather, insects present.
✅ Respect local communities – responsible tourism is key.
✅ Don’t litter – Alter do Chão is committed to sustainability.
✅ Choose local guides – supports the local economy.

Where to Eat in Alter do Chão? Local Cuisine

• Must-Try Dishes:

  • Tacacá: Spicy shrimp soup with tucupi and jambu leaves.

  • Pirarucu de Casaca: Amazonian fish stew with banana and cassava flour.

  • Maniçoba: "Amazonian feijoada" made with slow-cooked manioc leaves.

  • Exotic Ice Cream Flavors: Cupuaçu, taperebá, and Brazil nut.

• Top Restaurants:
  1️⃣ Sabor Selvagem Restaurant – specializes in Amazonian fish.
  2️⃣ Casa do Saulo – regional cuisine in a rustic-chic setting.
  3️⃣ Manioca Tapajós – gourmet Amazonian flavors.

Where to Stay in Alter do Chão?

🏡 Charming Lodges:

• Boto’s Lodge – rustic bungalows in the jungle.

• Vila de Alter – great location and comfort.

🏨 Comfortable Hotels:

• Hotel Mirante da Ilha – stunning views of Lago Verde.

• Bela Vista Lodge – riverside accommodation.

⛺ Alternative Stays:

• Camping on Praia do Pindobal for an adventurous experience.

• Vacation homes on Airbnb for groups and families.

How to Get to Alter do Chão?

✈️ By Plane:

• Fly to Santarém (STM), then a 40-minute road transfer to Alter do Chão.

🚗 By Car:

• From Santarém to Alter do Chão via PA-457 (paved road).

🛥️ By Boat:

• Boats from Manaus or Belém to Santarém (long but scenic journey!).

Localisation

Alter do Chão, Pará, Brasil

Is Alter do Chão Worth Visiting?

Alter do Chão is one of the most stunning destinations in the Amazon and a must-visit for 2025! Whether you want to relax on river beaches, explore the jungle, or immerse yourself in local culture, this charming village offers unique experiences for all travelers.

📌 Like these tips? Share this post and start planning your Amazonian getaway!

Alter do Chão is an incredible place! The tips and itineraries are very useful for making the most of it.

Elizabeth Taylor

★★★★★