Santarem & Alter do Chao
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Port
Santarem, Brazil
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$150
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 5 hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Depart the pier for a drive into rural Alter do Chão. This charming town is Santarém's weekend resort and has about 2,000 inhabitants year round. Alter do Chão is located on the clear Tapajos River and is known for its lovely white sand beaches.
Enjoy a light refreshment while watching a local folkloric show. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to visit the village and do some shopping.
Heading out of Alter do Chão, you will stop at the manioc flour house. Locally known as the Casa da Farinha, this open-air facility gives visitors a chance to see rubber trees and Brazil nut trees. You'll also find out what foods are important to the locals, and how they make tapioca.
Continue to the town center for a stop at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Conceicao -- the oldest building in Santarém, dating back to 1761.
Then, you'll stop at fisherman's square, where free time is allocated for shopping. Transfer back to the port.
Please note: Wear light clothing, a hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. Bring a towel, sunscreen and a hat. In case of a high-water level, the beach area can only be reached by local canoes, which can be rented for a minimal charge. Tour involves walking over uneven ground for approximately 200 yards during the visit to the Casa da Farinha and and 10 minutes in the cathedral, plus 8-12 steps. Transportation in Santarém is not air-conditioned and there is no PA system. The rainy season in the Amazon extends from December through March. Bring a light waterproof outer layer on tour with you. Your guide will do his/her best to speak English, but please keep in mind that the limited tourism infrastructure of Santarém is part of the city's charm, and bear with any language difficulties (s)he may encounter.