Hotels in Alter do Chao

Alter do Chão: White-Sand Beaches on the Tapajós River

Alter do Chão sits on the southern bank of the Tapajós River in Pará state, roughly 35 km west of Santarém in the Brazilian Amazon. The town draws visitors for its freshwater beaches — particularly the Ilha do Amor sandbar, which emerges fully between July and December when river levels drop. The surrounding cerulean waters of the Tapajós are unusually clear compared to the muddy Amazon mainstream, a contrast visible where the two rivers meet near Santarém.

Where to Stay and Getting Around

Pousadas and small lodges line Rua Pedro Teixeira and the waterfront. Most properties are within walking distance of the central beach area. Access from Santarém takes about 40 minutes by bus or taxi along BR-163. The nearest commercial airport is Santarém–Maestro Wilson Fonseca Airport (STM), served by flights from Belém and Manaus.

Practical Tips

• Best season: July–November for exposed sandbars and dry weather.
• River access: Small wooden boats ferry visitors to Ilha do Amor for a few reais.
• Festival: The Çairé Festival (September) is one of the Amazon's largest religious and cultural gatherings.
• Currency: Carry Brazilian reais in cash; ATM access is limited in the village.