Alter do Chao, Brazil: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Best Time to Visit Alter do Chão

Understanding the unique seasonal patterns of the Amazon region is crucial for planning your trip to Alter do Chão. Unlike the rest of Brazil, the Amazon experiences its own distinct seasons that dramatically transform the landscape.

Seasons in the Amazon

Recommended Time to Visit

For beach lovers: August to November is ideal, when the beaches are at their most expansive and the weather is consistently sunny.

For nature enthusiasts: June-July or December-January offer a balance – some beaches are visible while water levels are still high enough for exploring flooded forests and spotting wildlife.

For cultural experiences: September is perfect for witnessing the Sairé Festival, one of Brazil’s oldest cultural celebrations that combines Catholic and indigenous traditions.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Reaching this Amazon paradise requires some planning, but the journey is part of the adventure. There are two main ways to get to Alter do Chão.

By Air

The most convenient way to reach Alter do Chão is by flying into Santarém International Airport (STM), located about 35 km (22 miles) from the village. From there:

• Direct flights to Santarém are available from Belém, Manaus, and Brasília
• From international destinations, you’ll need to connect through major Brazilian cities like São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro
• From Santarém airport, take a taxi (approximately R$130-150) or public bus to Alter do Chão

By River

For a truly authentic Amazon experience, consider traveling by riverboat:

• Ferries connect Santarém with Manaus (1.5 days downstream) and Belém (2-3 days)
• Most travelers recommend going with the current (Manaus to Santarém or Santarém to Belém)
• Basic hammock accommodation costs R$150-250 (bring your own hammock)
• Private cabins are available on some boats for additional comfort

Getting Around Locally

Alter do Chão is a small village where most attractions within the town center are easily accessible on foot. For exploring further afield:

Where to Stay in Alter do Chão

Accommodation in Alter do Chão ranges from budget-friendly guesthouses to boutique eco-lodges. Most options are small, locally-owned establishments rather than large resort chains, giving you an authentic experience.

Best Areas to Stay

Accommodation Types

Top Things to Do in Alter do Chão

From relaxing on pristine beaches to exploring the Amazon rainforest, Alter do Chão offers a perfect blend of leisure and adventure. Here are the must-do activities during your visit:

1. Relax on Ilha do Amor (Love Island)

The iconic postcard image of Alter do Chão, this sandy peninsula becomes an island during high water. With its soft white sand and crystal-clear blue waters, it’s easy to see why it was once voted Brazil’s best beach. Reach it by a quick boat ride (R$5) or wade across during low water. Beach bars serve cold drinks and fresh fish, and you can rent chairs and umbrellas for the day.

2. Hike to Serra da Piraoca

For panoramic views of the region, take the 40-minute hike up Piraoca Hill (110m tall). The trail starts on the western side of Ilha do Amor and rewards hikers with stunning vistas of the Tapajós River, Lago Verde, and the surrounding rainforest. Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

3. Explore Tapajós National Forest (FLONA)

Immerse yourself in the Amazon rainforest with a visit to the Tapajós National Forest. Full-day tours take you to communities like Jamaraquá or Maguari, where you can hike through primary rainforest, see ancient trees like the massive Samaúma, swim in refreshing igarapés (forest streams), and learn about medicinal plants from local guides.

4. Visit Canal do Jari

This narrow channel connecting the Tapajós and Amazon rivers offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. Tours typically include visits to a water lily garden, the “Sloth Trail” where you can observe sloths and squirrel monkeys up close, and stops at pristine beaches. This tour is best during the rainy season or early dry season when water levels are higher.

5. Take a Boat Tour to the Best Beaches

Explore the stunning beaches along the Tapajós and Arapiuns rivers. Popular destinations include Ponta do Cururu (perfect for sunset), Pindobal Beach, Ponta Grande, and the beaches of Arapiuns River. Full-day tours typically include stops at multiple beaches, lunch at a riverside restaurant, and a sunset viewing spot.

6. Experience Enchanted Forest (Floresta Encantada)

During the rainy season, take a canoe through the flooded forest areas around Lago Verde. Navigate between partially submerged trees as sunlight filters through the canopy, creating a magical atmosphere. This is one of the best opportunities to spot wildlife including birds, monkeys, and sometimes river dolphins.

7. Watch the Meeting of Waters

Near Santarém, witness the fascinating natural phenomenon where the dark waters of the Amazon River meet the clear blue waters of the Tapajós River but don’t immediately mix. The two rivers flow side by side for several kilometers, creating a distinct boundary between the two colors.

8. Visit Indigenous Communities

Several tours include visits to riverside communities like Coroca, where you can learn about traditional crafts, sustainable practices like meliponiculture (stingless bee keeping), and conservation projects. Purchase handcrafted items directly from artisans to support the local economy.

9. Experience Carimbó Music and Dance

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Carimbó, the traditional music and dance of Pará state. Regular performances take place in Alter do Chão, especially at the weekly “Quinta do Mestre” show at the Centro de Referência do Carimbó. The lively rhythms combine African, Portuguese, and indigenous influences.

10. Watch the Sunset at Ponta do Cururu

End your day with the breathtaking sunset views from Ponta do Cururu beach. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky and water transform into a canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples. Most boat tours include a sunset stop, or you can arrange a specific sunset tour.

Dining & Local Cuisine

The cuisine in Alter do Chão, sometimes called “Tapajônica,” combines Amazonian ingredients with traditions from Pará state. Prepare your taste buds for unique flavors you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Must-Try Local Dishes

• Pirarucu and Tambaqui – Delicious Amazon freshwater fish prepared grilled or in stews
• Tacacá – A traditional soup containing shrimp, jambu leaves (which create a tingling sensation), and tucupi sauce
• Duck in Tucupi – Duck cooked in yellow manioc sauce with jambu leaves
• Pure Açaí – Unlike the sweetened version popular elsewhere, Amazonian açaí is served unsweetened, often alongside fish
• Jambu Caipirinha – The classic Brazilian cocktail infused with jambu, creating a unique tingling sensation

Where to Eat

Local Treats

Don’t miss trying exotic fruit ice creams from local shops like Boto Gelato, featuring flavors like cupuaçu, bacuri, taperebá, and cumaru (known as the “vanilla of the Amazon”). These provide a delicious way to experience the unique fruits of the region.

Cultural Spots & Festivals

Beyond its natural beauty, Alter do Chão offers rich cultural experiences that showcase the blend of indigenous, African, and European influences that shape the region’s identity.

Sairé Festival

If you visit in September, don’t miss the Sairé Festival, one of Brazil’s oldest cultural celebrations dating back to the 17th century. This five-day event combines Catholic traditions with indigenous folklore, featuring:

• Colorful processions with the Sairé symbol (a semi-circular wooden arch)
• Traditional Carimbó music and dance performances
• The Boto (river dolphin) folklore competition between the pink and blue dolphins
• Local food, crafts, and religious ceremonies

Indigenous Craft Shops

Alter do Chão is an excellent place to purchase authentic indigenous crafts directly supporting local communities:

• Araribá Cultura Indígena – The largest collection of authentic indigenous art from 80+ Amazon communities
• Loja Tapajônica – Jewelry and art made by local indigenous artisans
• Community visits – Purchase tucumã palm crafts directly from artisans in communities like Coroca

Carimbó Performances

Experience the traditional music and dance of Pará at regular performances throughout Alter do Chão:

• Quinta do Mestre – Weekly Thursday evening performances at Centro de Referência do Carimbó
• Pirarimbó – An evening experience combining traditional fish preparation (Piracaia), storytelling, and Carimbó music

Practical Travel Tips

Make the most of your visit to Alter do Chão with these essential tips:

How to Book Tours

There are several ways to arrange boat tours and activities in Alter do Chão:

• Pre-booking – Agencies like Serenature and Selvagem Tours accept WhatsApp reservations
• Local booking – The Association of River Tourism (ATUFA) has representatives on the waterfront
• Through accommodations – Most pousadas can arrange tours for guests

Most full-day boat tours follow a similar format: 9am departure, multiple stops throughout the day, lunch (not included in price), and return around 6-7pm after sunset viewing.

Suggested Itineraries

Why Alter do Chão Should Be On Your Brazil Itinerary

Alter do Chão offers a rare combination of pristine beaches, authentic cultural experiences, and accessible Amazon rainforest adventures. Unlike more commercialized destinations, it retains a laid-back charm while providing comfortable accommodations and excellent cuisine. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on white sand beaches, immersion in nature, or cultural insights, this “Caribbean of the Amazon” delivers an unforgettable experience that showcases a different side of Brazil beyond the famous coastal cities.