Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
5 min of reading 
6 comments 
Alter do Chão, in Western Pará, Gains National Attention with Its Freshwater Beaches, Lush Landscapes, and Strong Cultural Presence. Recognized by the Ministry of Tourism, the Village Reinforces Its Role as a Showcase of Amazon Ecotourism.
In western Pará, 37 km from Santarém, Alter do Chão has returned to the national spotlight as one of the most photogenic destinations in Brazil, according to publications from the Ministry of Tourism News Agency.
The recognition reinforces the image of the village as a showcase of Amazon ecotourism, where freshwater beaches, forests, and traditional communities share the same scenery.
Known as the “Brazilian Caribbean”, Alter do Chão combines stretches of light sand with the turquoise of the Tapajós River and areas of preserved forest.
-
Cities in the United States are slowly sinking, and the reason behind the ground subsidence may surprise even experts as buildings, streets, and entire neighborhoods begin to give way without visible signs.
-
Two restaurants in Brazil achieve the highest rating in the Michelin Guide and elevate the country to a new level of fine dining.
-
At 6,800 meters in the Pacific, the deepest shipwreck ever recorded was found, and within it lies the story of sailors who faced Japanese battleships with a ship five times smaller…
-
A Brazilian college has created a blood test that identifies breast cancer with 95% accuracy before the tumor appears and has already tested it on 1,200 women…
From the center of Santarém, access is via the PA-457 (Everaldo Martins Highway), taking about 45 minutes by road.
What Explains the New Highlight
The unique landscape drives images that have circulated across the country and social media, as indicated by recent materials praising the photogenic nature of the destination.
This visibility adds to a history of awards and international lists that have already elevated Alter do Chão to a reference point among river beaches in Brazil.
Among the best-known attractions are the Island of Love, the Enchanted Forest, and observation points for the Meeting of Waters between the Tapajós and Amazonas — frequent excursions on local itineraries during the dry season.
Specialized publications and travel guides confirm these postcard views as must-see stops.
Beach Season and Best Time to Visit
During the so-called Amazônia Summer, from August to December, the level of the Tapajós lowers, revealing sandbanks that form the beaches in front of the village, including the emergence and expansion of the Island of Love.
In months of high water, part of these areas becomes submerged, altering the dynamics of outings and the view.
This seasonality is described in updated itineraries and guides.
Nature and Culture Side by Side
In addition to the beaches, trails in forest areas, paddling through igarapés, and visits to clear water lagoons complete the experience.
On various routes, there are stops at riverside communities in the Tapajós and Arapiuns regions, where visitors learn about management practices, regional cuisine, and forest-based handicrafts.
Materials from the Ministry of Tourism and field reports highlight community-based tourism as a key axis for conservation and income generation.
The village also serves as a gateway to preservation areas and cultural immersion experiences with traditional peoples.
At specific times, local operators offer overnight stays in simple structures in the forest, with meals based on fish, cassava, and regional fruits.
The combination of nature and riverside lifestyles supports the proposal for responsible tourism.
Local Voices and the Power of Networks
The municipal tourism secretary, Eliziário Bastos, celebrated the national reach recently achieved.
“This is a step forward for our tourism and reinforces Santarém’s role in the national scene. Each recognition is a victory for our people and for the Amazon.”
According to tourism expert Ediane Lavor, the circulation of images on social media has been pivotal in consolidating the appeal of the destination:
“Images of Alter do Chão travel the world. Our beaches and traditions showcase the beauty of the Pará Amazon and attract an increasing number of visitors.”
How to Get There and Move Around
The most common starting point is Santarém, which receives commercial flights and operates direct connections with capitals of the Northern and Central-West regions, such as Belém and Brasília, as well as routes to Manaus.
Airlines frequently update their schedules but regularly offer seats on these routes throughout the year.
For those who prefer river travel, it is also possible to arrive by boat from Belém or Manaus, making long crossings through the Amazon.
From the municipal seat, the trip to the village via PA-457 usually takes less than an hour.
Taxis, rideshare cars, and vans from tour operators make the journey daily.
In Alter do Chão, transportation to beaches and points of interest is provided by licensed boatmen from local associations.
Ecotourism with a Focus on Preservation
The organization of tourism in the region seeks to reconcile visitation and conservation.
Official documents on community-based tourism and the Brazilian Tourism Map — federal instruments that guide public policies — include Santarém among the prioritized municipalities in the regionalization of the sector.
In 2025, the municipality renewed its presence on the Map, according to records from the city hall.
National categorization varies based on indicators such as flow, formal jobs, and tourism revenue.
Practices such as vessel control in sensitive areas, encouragement of Cadastur enrollment, and itineraries that highlight traditional knowledge are cited by public agencies and local entities as measures to distribute economic benefits and reduce impacts.
The guidance for visitors is to follow conduct recommendations, collect waste, respect areas for community use, and hire regulated services.
Essential Itineraries
First-time visitors typically include the crossing to the Island of Love, excursions to Lago Verde, and paddling among flooded trees in the Enchanted Forest.
Depending on the river level, it is possible to extend the itinerary to Ponta do Cururu at dusk and observe the visual meeting of the Tapajós and Amazonas rivers at strategic points near Santarém.
Guides and travel portals list these routes among the most sought after.
Meanwhile, local gastronomy offers Amazônia fish, cassava flours from different roastings, and native fruits.
Handicrafts made from fibers and seeds are found in fairs and community shops, with income reverted to producing families.
Finally, the charm of Alter do Chão is not only explained by aesthetics.
The interplay between communities, nature, and tourism services provides visitors with a living picture of the Pará Amazon and helps anchor the local economy in sustainable practices.
For you, what is the first image that comes to mind when you think of the “Brazilian Caribbean”: the sandy stretch of the Island of Love, the blue of the Tapajós, or the riverside culture that gives soul to the place?
O lugar é lindíssimo, como já tive oportunidade de ir em vários épocas do ano, pois minha sogra é de lá,falo com propriedade, perde quem falou o que não conhece 😊
Alter do Chão é a praia 🌴 mais bonita do Brasil e fica em Santarém Pará.
Como tem gente **** que no mínimo não conhece e fazem comentários escrotos não e atoa que alter do chão desbancou algumas e foi eleita como a praia mas bonita do Brasil aceitem e se um dia poderem ir conhecer vão e verão a blz desse lugar de aguas doce e claras onde vc pode mergulhar e passar o dia todo dentro da água