What to do in Alter do Chao – Amazon?

The village of Alter do Chao is located 35 kilometers south of Santarem, in the Amazon in Brazil. Alter do Chao was elected by the British daily The Guardian the most beautiful beach in Brazil. Indeed, the beaches are worthy of the Caribbean: white sand and crystal clear waters.

The village runs along the Rio Tapajos, a confluence of the Amazon River (Rio Amazonas). The beaches rise and disappear at the rhythm of the Rio Tapajos floods. When the water level is at its highest, after the rainy season, the beaches are submerged and we sail on the edge of the river between the treetops.

When and How to access Alter do Chao?

The best time to visit Alter do Chao is from July to December, during the dry season. The beaches are then wider. You can enjoy a maximum of activities: kayaks, windsurfing, trekking, diving, etc …

Alter do Chao is 35 kilometers from Santarem. The village can also be reached in day tours.

Things to see and do in Alter do Chao

We have arrived in this peaceful village where we feel positive waves from the start. We had the chance to sympathize with a resident who lodged us in a beautiful house throughout the stay.

We were able to exchange and discover more precisely the culture of the peoples of the Amazon. There are many possibilities for activities around Alter do Chao. The first of these is the discovery of Lagoa Verde by boat. Another highlight of Alter do Chao: the island of Love. Let’s not forget the sumptuous sunsets on the Rio Tapajos. And finally the expeditions in the nearby primary forest. An entire program !

Lagoa Verde

At this time of the year, the rivers Amazon and Tapajos are at the highest and cover a large part of the banks. The beaches are submerged. Only tree tops appear and serve as perches for birds. We then sail in this unreal landscape.

the island of Love

We went, always with Mario and his boat on Ilha do Amor located a few hundred meters opposite the village of Alter do Chao. This island becomes accessible on foot in the dry season.

We are lucky to witness an unusual show. We meet boaters feet in the water sitting on beach chairs. Hallucinating, this vision in the middle of the Amazon.