This Santarém Travel Guide will give you a comprehensive overview of one of the best destinations in the Brazilian Amazon. Known as a hidden gem, Santarém is a small city rich in local culture, regional cuisine and breathtaking natural wonders and have rich history. Located where the Amazon River meets the Tapajós River, Santarém boasts beautiful scenery, a rich and fascinating history and a mix of traditional dishes and local specialties.
The city has a historical importance that dates back to the Portuguese explorers. Whether it’s a day trip, an unforgettable experience or a deep dive into the cultural events of the Amazon, this guide will show you the main activities, the best time to visit this paradise and how to best explore Santarém.
Santarém Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit
1. Alter do Chão – The Caribbean of the Amazon
Alter do Chão is an essential destination for those who love nature and outdoor activities, as I do. The town is home to the famous Ilha do Amor, a perfect place to relax on its white sandy beaches. You should know that the dry season is the best time to visit, as the beaches are even clearer and more inviting. What’s more, Alter do Chão becomes even more beautiful during the local festivals, where you can experience folkloric dances and traditional music, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture.
2. Meeting of the Waters
This is where the Tapajós River meets the Amazon River. The waters of the Tapajós are clear, while those of the Amazon are dark, creating an impressive visual contrast. This phenomenon occurs due to the difference in temperature, density and speed of the waters of the two rivers, which prevents them from mixing easily.
The contrast between the waters is visible to the naked eye, forming a visible line that separates the two rivers. This encounter is impressive when you observe it from a boat, sailing along the calm waters, with the lush landscape all around. This is an unmissable experience in Alter do Chão, as it is a unique and unforgettable opportunity.
3. Tapajós National Forest
And if you’re looking for a deeper dive into the Amazon, you’ll want to visit the Tapajós National Forest. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to diverse wildlife, towering trees and local traditions rooted in the 8th century. Local guides will lead you on private tour, allowing you to explore this hidden gem, experience exclusive activities and taste fresh ingredients such as Amazonian fruits and olive oil.
4. Praça Tiradentes
In the historic center of Santarém, you’ll find Praça Tiradentes, which enchants with its colonial architecture, the church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição and the Igreja da Graça, a Gothic church (gothic architecture) dating from the 16th century. Also in the historic center you can visit the sacred art museum (Museu de Arte Sacra) and the cabaças tower, which played a crucial role in shaping the city’s long history. The square conveys a vibrant atmosphere, full of history and charm.
5. Ponta do Cururu
Ponta do Cururu is one of the most enchanting tourist spots in Santarém. Located on the banks of the Tapajós River, it is famous for its breathtaking panoramic views and is one of the best places to watch the sunset in the region. The landscape of Ponta do Cururu is marked by the immensity of the river, the typical vegetation of the Amazon and the crystalline waters that reflect the colors of the sky, creating that perfect setting.
6. Lago Verde (Green Lake)
The main attraction of Lago Verde is the possibility of taking boat trips, where you can explore the crystal-clear waters and observe the local fauna, such as birds, fish and even some mammals that inhabit the area. The lake is surrounded by a tropical forest which makes the environment even more mystical and perfect for connecting with nature in an intense way.
7. Mercado 2000
Mercado 2000 is a place you have to go to, where you can experience the daily life of Santarém and explore the diversity of local products. The market is famous for selling fresh fish, tropical fruit, spices, handicrafts and other typical Amazonian products. As you walk through the aisles of the market, you can observe the local bustle, interact with the vendors and learn more about the culture and habits of the region’s inhabitants. This is great, as you’ll have a very immersive experience.
8. Feira do Pescado (The Fish Marke)
The Fish Market, which takes place near Mercado 2000, is one of the biggest attractions for those who want to get to know Amazonian cuisine up close. Here you’ll find a wide variety of freshwater fish, such as tambaqui, pirarucu and tucunaré, as well as other seafood. The market is the perfect place for those who like fresh fish. There are also other foods typical of the region, such as Amazonian fruits, which are only found in that region, and dishes prepared with local ingredients, allowing you to have a unique culinary experience.
9. Tacacá Festival
If your trip coincides with the first week of July, you can enjoy the Tacacá Festival, a typical dish made with tucupi (a broth extracted from manioc), jambu (a herb typical of the region) and dried shrimp, served hot in gourds. The festival takes place in the community of São Braz. During the event, you will experience Amazonian cuisine and culture in a unique way.
10. Maica Lake – A Paradise for Bird Watching
Lago do Maicá is an excellent destination for nature lovers, especially those who enjoy birdwatching. The region is home to a great diversity of species, as well as being one of the ideal places to spot pink dolphins. To make the most of this experience, I recommend taking boat ride at sunrise or in the late afternoon, as these are the times when the animals are most active. Local tour guides accompany the tours, sharing information about the biodiversity of the area and enriching the experience with their knowledge of the local ecosystem.
Best Time to Visit Santarém
The best time to visit Santarém depends on your travel preferences and the experiences you want to have:
- Dry season (July to December): This is the best time for outdoor activities, boat trips and to enjoy the beautiful beaches of the Amazon River and the Tapajós River.
- Wet season (January to June): The wet season is a great time to explore the flooded forest, take boat trips and take part in the cultural events that take place in Santarém.
- If you like local festivals, then you should visit the city during the Sairé Festival, a vibrant celebration with folkloric dances, traditional music and lots of live music.
FAQs About Visiting Santarém
What is the best time to visit Santarém?
The best time to visit Santarém is during the dry season, when you can enjoy the white sandy beaches and the best outdoor activities.
How do travelers get to Santarém?
You can reach Santarém by direct flights from Manaus, Belém or Brasília, or you can opt for a boat trip on the Amazon River.
Is Santarém safe for tourists?
Yes, Santarém is safe in general, but you should take common precautions as with any other trip and choose tour companies that follow sustainable tourism practices.
What should travelers pack?
You should pack light clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent and a bottle of water. If you’re visiting during the rainy season, it’s advisable to take waterproof equipment.
Cultural & Culinary Experiences
- Festival do Sairé: This is one of Santarém’s most traditional cultural events, held annually in September. During the festival, visitors can enjoy folk dances, such as carimbó, and engage in music and performances typical of Amazonian culture.
- Riverside communities: Visiting riverside communities along the Tapajós and Amazonas rivers offers an immersion into local traditions, with the opportunity to learn about the way of life, traditional festivals and customs of the people who live along the riverbanks.
- Historical Landmarks:Historical landmarks: Visit the Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça, Jardim das Portas and Praça Sá da Bandeira to see colonial architecture with Gothic influences.
- Amazonian cuisine: Local cuisine includes regional dishes such as pirarucu, maniçoba and tacacá, all made with local ingredients. Açaí is another Amazonian delicacy that you can’t miss. It can be consumed in different ways, whether in juices, bowls with granola or as a base for other dishes.
Conclusion
Santarém is a fascinating destination that offers a rich combination of cultural and natural experiences. Located in the heart of the Amazon, the city enchants with its lush landscapes anda popular attractions such as the beaches of the Tapajós River and the waters of Lake Maicá, as well as allowing you to immerse yourself in its vibrant local culture. You can explore the city’s history, admire the colonial architecture in Praça Tiradentes and participate in traditional festivals such as the Festival do Sairé and the Festival do Tacacá.
Santarém’s cuisine also stands out, with authentic dishes such as tacacá, pirarucu and maniçoba, which reveal the unique flavor of the Amazon region. Santarém offers a genuine experience of the Amazon, between the charm of its natural landscapes and the richness of its cultural and gastronomic traditions. So? What are you waiting for to embark on this adventure?
