Alter do
Chao is the first among the ten places with the most beautiful beaches in
Brazil, according to the British newspaper The Guardian. The paper also points
out the place as the world's most beautiful beaches with fresh water.
Perfect
for relaxing, nature has been very generous to the fishing village, which
belongs to the city of Santarém. The setting is idyllic, and holds a unique
beauty since its beaches are on the banks of the Tapajós River.
Alter do
Chao is the ideal place to enjoy the 'Amazonian summer' which happens between
the months of August to December. The month of September is the best time to
visit the location, for it is when the water flow decreases and forms sandbars
and beaches, which are more visible due to the receding of the Tapajós River.
The temperature in September is also milder.
Among the
shows provided by nature in Alter do Chao is the meeting of the waters of the
Tapajós and Amazon rivers. The crystalline waters of the Tapajós meet the muddy
waters of the Amazon but do not mix, providing unforgettable moments. The
Tapajós River is the only one among the
tributaries of the Amazon river with crystalline waters.
Upon arrival
at the village, tourists can hike and visit areas where botos dwell, a species
of freshwater dolphin. Alter has good tourist infrastructure with good inns and
hotels, health centers, restaurants, beaches with typical food stalls and
tourism agencies. The local artistic production can also be found at craft
stores, and at Alter do Chao Center one can find true Indigenous Culture and Art.
The canoe
trip at Green Lake, also known as the 'Enchanted Forest' is a must see when
visiting Alter do Chao. The igapós, or blackwater-flooded Amazonian forests are seasonally
inundated with freshwater. The Green Lake changes colors during the day, from blue to green. The
tour can be conducted between the months of February and July.
However, as you proceed, the Jacaru River unveils its wealth of waves and brings the most thrilling rapids. Especially in the lower section, the waterway offers rapids of Class IV, which can be tamed only by the amazing expertise of a professional or experienced rafter.
Alter do
Chao is the first among the ten places with the most beautiful beaches in
Brazil, according to the British newspaper The Guardian. The paper also points
out the place as the world's most beautiful beaches with fresh water. 
Perfect
for relaxing, nature has been very generous to the fishing village, which
belongs to the city of Santarém. The setting is idyllic, and holds a unique
beauty since its beaches are on the banks of the Tapajós River.
Among the
shows provided by nature in Alter do Chao is the meeting of the waters of the
Tapajós and Amazon rivers. The crystalline waters of the Tapajós meet the muddy
waters of the Amazon but do not mix, providing unforgettable moments. The
Tapajós River is the only one among the
tributaries of the Amazon river with crystalline waters.
The canoe
trip at Green Lake, also known as the 'Enchanted Forest' is a must see when
visiting Alter do Chao. The igapós, or blackwater-flooded Amazonian forests are seasonally
inundated with freshwater. The Green Lake changes colors during the day, from blue to green. The
tour can be conducted between the months of February and July.
In this video one can see how the açaí fruit is collected from the palm tree, being an option to the deforestation in the area. The value of a 14 kg (approx. 30 oz.) tin can full of açaí jumped from R$1.00 in 2004 to R$25 two years later after the acquisition of a boat by the local producers. Marajó is the larger island of the world´s largest fluvial archipelago in the state of Pará, hence the difficulty in competing with other markets.
