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Alter do Chão Brings Seasonal Beaches, Clear Water, and Amazonian Traditions in One of the Most Sought-After Destinations in the Country.
In western Pará, the district of Alter do Chão, in Santarém, features formations of river beaches with white sand, clear water, and characteristics of a riverside village.
The combination of preserved nature, reduced vehicle circulation, and international recognitions – such as the Silver Seal of Sustainable Tourism – has solidified the destination’s image among the most sought-after in the country, according to data from the Ministry of Tourism and sector entities.
Where is Alter do Chão
Alter do Chão is located on the right bank of the Tapajós River, about 37 kilometers from downtown Santarém, with main access via the Everaldo Martins highway (PA-457).
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The journey typically takes 40 to 45 minutes by road transport. The beaches form during the dry season of the Tapajós.
Between approximately August and January, the lowering of the river level exposes extensive areas of clear sand, creating islands and sand points that can extend great distances.
Love Island and Freshwater Beaches
The Love Island, located in front of the village, is one of the most well-known spots in Alter do Chão.
During periods of more intense drought, access can be made by walking through shallow areas.
At other times, it’s necessary to use small canoes operated by local boatmen.
The structure at the site includes seasonal kiosks serving meals primarily based on regional fish.
Other beaches, such as Pindobal, Ponta de Pedras, Cajueiro, Arariá, and Ponta Grande, also appear during low water.
Part of them is accessed by boats in tours operated by agencies and locals.
The shacks are usually simple, with a menu centered on Amazonian fish.
Transparency of the Tapajós River
The Tapajós River has a greenish color and high transparency in several stretches, according to environmental studies and monitoring records.
This creates a contrast with the Amazon River, which has muddier waters, near the confluence of the rivers in Santarém.
At certain points, it is possible to see the riverbed several meters deep.
Along the Alter do Chão waterfront, the gastronomic offer increases in the high season, with establishments that particularly focus on fish from the region.
The tourism infrastructure remains simple, with small buildings and traditional services.
Village Routine and Essential Services
The population of Alter do Chão ranges between 7,000 and 8,000 residents.
Sandy streets, walking commutes, and reduced vehicle traffic are part of everyday life, which, according to local guides and residents, contributes to a sense of tranquility in the village.
The service offering includes pharmacies, mini-markets, ATMs, and hostels of various profiles.
There are family accommodations and others with broader structures.
Tapajós National Forest and Community Tourism
The Tapajós National Forest (Flona Tapajós), managed by ICMBio, is located near the district and covers about 527,000 hectares.
The territory includes trails, areas of dense forest, and traditional communities that welcome visitors on organized tours.
Tours to the region include guided trails, wildlife observation, and visits to areas managed by riverside communities.
The community-based tourism model is applied to some of the activities and aims to generate local income with low environmental impact.
The destination received the Silver Seal for sustainable tourism in 2025, awarded by the Green Destinations program in partnership with Brazilian institutions such as Sebrae.
The recognition classifies Alter do Chão at an advanced level of environmental and social management.
Climate, Low Water, and Flooding
The climate is equatorial, with temperatures generally ranging between 26°C and 32°C throughout the year.
The low water months, from August to the end of the year, concentrate the most beach formations.
In the flooding period, between February and May, the rising river level alters the landscape, submerging sand banks and allowing navigation through igarapés and flooded forest areas.
Local Culture and the Çairé Festival
The local culture incorporates influences from the Borari indigenous peoples and religious traditions introduced during the colonial period.
One of the most well-known expressions is the Çairé Festival, which features religious rituals, folkloric performances, and the Boto Festival, in which the Pink River Dolphin and Tucuxi groups perform scenes and choreographies.
The Ministry of Tourism began to support the event, with funding allocated for the 2024 edition and the preparation of the 2025 edition.
National and International Recognition
In 2009, the British newspaper The Guardian listed Alter do Chão beach among Brazil’s highlights.
Since then, the destination has appeared in rankings and specialized reports.
In 2021, Alter do Chão was voted Best National Tourist Destination at the UPIS Tourism Award.
In 2024, it ranked among the 15 most desired destinations by Brazilian travelers, according to a survey by the Ministry of Tourism on travel trends.
Based on sector data, Alter do Chão has been gaining prominence for featuring freshwater beaches, nearby conservation units, and sustainability initiatives.
Eu já fui, lugar lindo conhecido como Caribe brasileiro, eu indico quem puder ir conhecer, não vai se arrepender.
Quero ir este em Novembro de 2026, anotando os detalhes em meu caderninho de viajens programadas.
Irei conhecer.Deve ser realmente um paraíso.