Hafen
Santarem

Indulge your senses with the exquisite beaches and flavours of Amazonia during this scenic and relaxing, full-day sightseeing excursion with lunch.

Santarém, Casa da Farinha, Native Trees, Mill, Tapioca-Making

Depart the pier for the short drive to the historic Casa da Farinha, which is located in an environmentally protected area. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of this scenic property, a former manioc flour factory. Along the way, see cassava flour grown on-site, native trees such as rubber and brazil nut, and a mill. The same river that moves the great wheel of the mill also passes through the banks of the Casa da Farinha. In addition, garner a unique insight into the local cuisine, including how to make their staple dish, tapioca.

Alter do Chão, Tapajós River, White-Sand Bay & Beaches, Free Time, Sunbathing, Swimming

Next, re-board your coach and head to Alter do Chão, the ‘Caribbean of the Amazon’ and Santarém’s weekend resort. Located on the Tapajós River, this picture-perfect island is ringed by a white-sand bay and renowned for its exquisite beaches. Upon arrival, ample free time is available to relax on the white-sand beach, soak up the Amazonian sun, take a refreshing dip in the inviting, cool, and calm waters of the Tapajós River, and/or explore the small, nearby town.

Motorised Canoe-Ride, Belo Alter Hotel, Lunch, Fish, Meat, Local Specialities, Folkloric Show

Following your beach visit, embark a motorised canoe for the short transfer to the famous Belo Alter Hotel. Upon arrival, disembark your canoe and proceed for a traditional buffet lunch consisting of fresh fish and meat dishes, local specialities, and desserts. Your meal is accompanied by a folkloric show featuring African and indigenous dancing, part of the local culture. After lunch, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 50-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience the natural beauty of the Brazilian Amazon on-foot during this picturesque, hiking excursion in the Tapajós National Forest.

Brazilian Amazon

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 80 minute drive to the Tapajós National Forest, a section of the Brazilian Amazon that is a major resource of tropical hardwoods. En route, travel along Route 163, the Santarém-Cuiabá Highway, which is the only way to reach southern Brazil by road.

Tapajós National Forest

The protected Tapajós National Forest spans an area of 1,482,660 acres (600,011 hectares). Upon arrival, begin your guided, 1.5 hour forest hike. Along the way, explore the abundant flora and fauna of this beautiful forest, and discover diverse tree species that include the Brazil nut and rubber trees. At the conclusion of your excursion, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 80 minute drive back to the pier.

Enjoy a picturesque cruise along the waterways of the Tapajaa ós and Amazon Rivers.

Depart the pier in Santarém aboard a boat for a scenic river tour.

Meeting of the Waters

As you cruise down-river, encounter an unusual phenomenon called the 'Meeting of the Waters', where the mighty Amazon and Tapajós rivers merge.

Maica

Next, proceed to the Maica area, a natural outlet of the Amazon River. The advantage of this area is a much smaller stream, making it easier to see the sights during your 90-minute boat-ride through the floodplain. The lush landscape reflects the natural beauty of the Amazon Basin, and offers splendid vistas of local bird species and the occasional freshwater dolphin. Before returning to Santarém, a stop is made for piranha fishing. If you opt not to fish, you can relax on board and take in the soothing sights and sounds of the forest.

Your tour concludes with an approximate 70-minute scenic cruise back to the pier.

On this fascinating tour, you will explore Belterra, a village fruit of an attempt by Henry Ford to revive the Amazon rubber trade in the first half of the twentieth century.

Belterra

In 1934, Henry Ford purchased 700,000 acres of land to harvest the rubber he required for car tires due to his increasing production of automobile. He named the plantation 'Belterra', located approximately 44 kilometers (27 miles) from Santarem or one hour drive.

Belterra, built on a hill overlooking the Tapajós river, mimics a small American town with whitewashed wooden houses, immaculate gardens, fire hydrants, churches and spacious tree-lined streets.

Upon arrival at the rubber village, visit Belterra's old Vila Americana (American Village). See the hospital constructed by Ford that today is used by the Major.

Henry Ford

Belterra became home to approximately 4000 workers and their families, among natives and American citizens.  Buildings were constructed, roads paved, electricity and telephone lines installed, right in the heart of the jungle! However, no significant amount of rubber was ever really exported from Belterra or Ford's other Amazonian plantation, Fordlandia, and when synthetic rubber was introduced to the US, Ford closed both sites, selling them in 1946 for just US$250,000 to the Brazilian government - a fraction of the estimated US$20 million that he had invested in them! The rubber groves at both complexes, no longer tapped, fall under the authority of Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture, and today are used for research and training

Following this unique experience, return to the ship in Santarem.

The scenic beauty and historic landmarks of Santarém are yours to discover during this picturesque, half-day tour of the city.

Santarém Waterfront

Begin your tour with a drive along the waterfront. Since boats are the chief mode of transportation in the Amazon, you will see cargo, produce and passenger vessels in various shapes and conditions. Proceeding toward the town center, a short stop will be made at the cathedral.

Cathedral and Sacred Art Museum

Next, visit the local cathedral and a small museum displaying sacred images of the last four centuries; paintings of local artists and photographs of the decades 1920 to 1950.

Meeting of the Waters

Then, continue on to a lookout point from where you can observe the Meeting of the Waters. This natural phenomenon of the muddy Amazon and the blue waters of the Rio Tapajos flowing side by side define the character of the city.

Tapajós Handcraft fair.

Santarém was inhabited by indigenous ethnic groups and today those groups show some of their culture through the local handicraft market. Browse through handicraft made of wood, roots, ceramics, leaves, stones and seeds, all produced by the local communities.

Observe local activities in the narrow streets of the old center before taking a short drive into the countryside.

Casa da Farinha

A visit to this old manioc flour factory turned farm will introduce you to a variety of native trees, including rubber trees. A short demonstration shows you how latex is extracted. Afterwards, head back to the pier.

Enjoy a local culinary experience in the Amazon Forest.

Leave the port for an approximately 30 minutes coach ride to reach a local Amazonian community.

Amazonian São Bras Community and Casava

Here families make their living out of local plant, from which they use leaves, fruits and roots. Manioc is the most important root because, from it, the natives extract several elements which are part of their daily dishes.

During the visit, the natives will show you how they handle cassava roots and the products they produce from them, such as the yellow broth called “Tucupi”; manioc flour and cassava gum.

Enjoy the opportunity to taste small snacks made of cassava, manioc and Tacacá, an indigenous soup made of Tucupi and cassava gum, local herb, garlic and shrimps.

Continue with a short drive to the restaurant, where a special meal is waiting for you.

Casa do Saulo Restaurant

Fish barbecue is the specialty in Alter do Chao. A few rustic eateries can be found here, however the best is the Casa do Saulo. Few times has the history of a house been so mixed with that of its owner. Not surprisingly, Saulo Jennings' restaurant at Praia do Carapanari, was named Casa do Saulo. Living and working go together in this place. The house, overlooking the Tapajós, is decorated with pieces of local crafts and the building is immersed in nature.

During your meal, you will be able to taste the local Tapajonic cuisine. After lunch, you will have some time to explore the beautiful natural setting before your 45 minutes' drive back to the port.

Chef Saulo Jennings

Born in Santarém, on the banks of the Tapajós River, Saulo Jennings proudly defines himself as a river boy. In 2009, he opened the doors of his home to give life to the Casa do Saulo restaurant. He studied at the Laurent School, in São Paulo and went on to research the origin of food that he is preparing at his restaurant. The correct handling of inputs, sustainability and quality of life through food have always guided the Chef.

Tour starts visiting sites in Santarém City , such as  driving to Downtown of  Santarém for a stop at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Conceição. The oldest building in Santarém, dating back to 1761. After visiting the church, continuous the tour toward the Manioc Flour House, Locally known as Casa da Farinha. This facility gives visitors a chance to see rubber trees and Brazil nut trees. You will also find out what foods are important to the locals, and how they make the staple, tapioca.

Departing the Manioc Flour House, drive into rural Brazil to Alter do Chão. This charming town is Santarém's weekend resort which has about 2,000 inhabitants year round. Alter do Chão is located on the clear Tapajós River and features lovely white sand beaches ( In case you whish , during dry season ,  can cross a narrow river till a sand beach by local canoes( out of package). Average Rate is U$ 10.00 pax.

free time to visit the village and do some shopping.

The charming town of Alter do Chão is Santarém’s weekend resort. Located on the Tapajos River and known for its lovely white sand beaches as the ‘Caribbean of the Amazon’.

Please  Note :  The amount of walking involved during the period of free time (approximately two hours) is at the discretion of the individual. All guests are advised to exercise due caution in regards to bathing conditions. Come wearing your swimming costume under casual clothes and do not forget a towel and adequate sun protection. Toilet facilities are available in local restaurants within the town square of Alter do Chão . Transport will be by local buses; please note that air-conditioned vehicles are not available in Santarém. A bottle of water would be a handy addition to your bag.

 For reference, it may be possible to take a local boat to Ilha do Amor – a small island in front of the beach, the cost of this is approximately $10, and is not included in the tour cost.

Explore Santarem at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private vehicle. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned vehicle and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Santarem at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned vehicle and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.