Santarém’s best tours showcase Brazil’s mighty Amazon at its finest. The Arapiuns River stands out with pristine beaches and authentic village visits, while the Jarí Canal offers prime wildlife viewing – expect to see sloths, monkeys, and countless birds. Nature lovers will appreciate the FLONA Jamaraquá Tour through Tapajós National Forest, where local guides share their deep forest knowledge. The Water Encounters Tour is a must for photographers, capturing the spectacular meeting of the Amazon and Tapajós rivers. We especially love the flexibility of Alter Do Chao tours, letting you mix adventure activities like fishing with relaxed beach time.
Let’s explore these remarkable Amazon experiences in detail.
Good To Know
The Santarém Water Encounters Tour offers an exploration of the Amazon and Tapajós River confluence, with the opportunity to spot wildlife like pink river dolphins.
The Alter Do Chão Jarí Canal Tour provides an immersive experience in the natural environment of the Javi Canal and Crocodile Lake, with sightings of sloths, monkeys, parrots, and dolphins.
The Alter Do Chão FLONA Jamaraquá Tour is an immersive experience in the Tapajós National Forest, showcasing the Amazon ecosystem and offering highlights of rubber history and an authentic Amazonian lunch.
The Flexible Alter Do Chão Tour – Santarém offers a customizable experience covering 10 attractions, with options for nature immersion, fishing, and camping, led by a private guide knowledgeable in Brazilian history.
The Amazon Eco Tour provides a traditional lunch, a refreshing swim in the river, and a range of beverage options, catering to an international audience and offering excellent value.
Alter Do Chão Arapiuns River Tour
Situated along the banks of the Arapiuns River, the Alter do Chão Arapiuns River Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
This all-day guided excursion promises an immersive experience, with highlights including a visit to the Urucureá community to witness straw craft production, a picnic at the scenic Caruci beach, and a walk through the captivating sand dunes at Torono Tip.
Guests can also opt to visit the Anã community to learn about beekeeping and fish farming for an additional fee. The tour culminates with a stunning sunset viewing at the Icuxi tip.
Rated 4.6/5 based on 42 reviews, with 93% of travelers recommending the experience, this private tour provides a unique opportunity to discover the vibrant culture and serene landscapes of the Arapiuns River area.
With professional local guides, refreshments, and the option for a paid lunch, the Alter do Chão Arapiuns River Tour is a must-do activity for visitors to Santarem.
Read our full review: Alter Do Chão Arapiuns River Tour Review
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Alter Do Chão Jarí Canal Tour
The Alter do Chão Jarí Canal Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the region’s captivating flora, fauna, and natural environment. This tour, recommended by 100% of travelers with a 4.9 rating based on 21 reviews, takes guests on a journey through the Javi Canal and Crocodile Lake, where they can spot diverse wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, parrots, alligators, iguanas, dolphins, and hundreds of bird species.
The tour includes a hike up Piraoca Mount, offering panoramic views, and visits to key attractions like Selvagem Beach, the Island of Love, Ponta de Pedras, and Crocodile Lake. Refreshments, an experienced local guide, and entrance fees to Mr. Edilson Property are all included.
Travelers can also choose to purchase alcoholic drinks or book a private tour for an additional fee. The tour starts at 9:00 am and meets at the Alter do Chão – Selvagem Tours, CAT – Centro de informações Turisticas, with pickup options available.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, strollers and service animals are allowed. However, it isn’t recommended for individuals with serious medical conditions.
Read our full review: Alter Do Chão Jarí Canal Tour Review
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Alter Do Chão FLONA Jamaraquá Tour
The Alter do Chão FLONA Jamaraquá Tour offers visitors an immersive exploration of the Tapajós National Forest, a remarkable region renowned for its diverse Amazon ecosystem.
This full-day excursion, rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 38 reviews, immerses travelers in the natural wonders of the Amazon, from the pristine beaches along the river to the vibrant flora and fauna of the Jamaraqua area.
Highlights include observing the region’s unique rubber history, savoring an authentic Amazonian lunch, and enjoying the breathtaking sunset at a secluded beach.
The tour also includes live commentary, refreshments, and souvenir photos, providing a comprehensive and memorable experience.
With a maximum of 70 participants and a minimum booking requirement of 5 people, this tour is an excellent choice for those seeking to discover the heart of the Brazilian Amazon.
Though non-refundable, the 97% recommendation rating suggests this tour is well worth the investment.
Read our full review: Alter Do Chão FLONA Jamaraquá Tour Review
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Santarém Water Encounters Tour
Santarém Water Encounters Tour offers visitors an immersive exploration of the Amazon River and Tapajós River confluence. This highly-rated tour, with an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 17 reviews, provides a unique opportunity to witness the region’s remarkable wildlife, including the iconic pink river dolphins and black piranhas.
Priced at $84.45 per person, the non-refundable tour includes a guided cruise, local taxes, beverages, light refreshments, and an included lunch. While alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, gratuities aren’t included.
The tour starts at 9:00 am from the CAT – Centro de Informações Turísticas in Alter do Chão, Santarém, and returns to the same meeting point. With a maximum capacity of 70 travelers, the tour offers a personalized experience led by multilingual guides, ensuring the safety and enhancement of the wildlife encounters.
Participants should be in good health, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are allowed.
Read our full review: Santarém Water Encounters Tour Review
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Alter Do Chao Sunset Tour
Offering an enchanting exploration of Santarém’s natural wonders, the Alter do Chao Sunset Tour invites visitors to enjoy the captivating landscapes and vibrant wildlife of the region.
With 100% recommendation from previous travelers, this 5-star rated tour provides an unforgettable experience, taking participants on a journey to explore Alter do Chão’s waters, swim in the Enchanted Forest, and spot diverse wildlife like monkeys, sloths, turtles, otters, and alligators.
The tour also includes a visit to Tilheiro Island and Piranha Lake, as well as a picnic with fresh fruits at Moça Beach, all culminating in the stunning sunset views from Ponta do Cururu.
Priced at $59.12 per person, the tour accommodates up to 70 travelers and includes refreshments like ice, water, fresh juices, and caipirinhas.
With convenient meeting and pickup options, the Alter do Chao Sunset Tour offers an exceptional way to discover the natural beauty of Santarém.
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Flexible Alter Do Chao Tour – Santarem
For those seeking a more customizable exploration of Alter do Chão’s natural wonders, the Flexible Alter Do Chao Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to tailor the experience to individual interests.
This 10-attraction tour begins at the 14 springs of Green Lake and culminates with a sunset view at Ponta do Cururu. Along the way, visitors can expect nature immersion via speedboat and slow boat, with options to include fishing and overnight camping.
The tour is led by a knowledgeable private guide well-versed in Brazilian history. Throughout the day, travelers enjoy complimentary mineral water, fruit, and beer, with alcoholic beverages, fresh juices, and caipirinha available on the boat tours.
Lunch is served à la carte on strategic beaches. The tour departs from the CAT – Centro de Informações Turísticas in Alter do Chão and can accommodate up to 70 guests, though it isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Priced from $67.56 per person, this flexible tour earns a 4.1-star rating based on 12 reviews.
Read our full review: Flexible Alter Do Chao Tour – Santarem Review
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Alter Do Chão Amorim Tour
The Alter Do Chão Amorim Tour provides visitors a chance to explore the lesser-known areas of the Amazon Rainforest, delving into the rich history and natural beauty of the Alter do Chão region and the Amorim area along the Tapajos River.
This full-day private excursion offers a comprehensive experience, with a focus on observing local flora and fauna, learning about the area’s rubber history, and interacting with the natural environment.
Guests can swim in refreshing waters, taste local fruits, and enjoy light refreshments, beverages, and a provided lunch. The tour is led by a professional guide, ensuring an informative and immersive experience.
With pickup options available, the tour starts at 9 AM and ends back at the meeting point in Alter do Chão.
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars from 1 review, this private tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for travelers with back problems.
However, it’s stroller-friendly and allows service animals, making it accessible to most travelers.
Read our full review: Alter Do Chão Amorim Tour Review
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Amazon Eco Tour
What better way to experience the sustainable living practices of the Amazon than through the comprehensive Amazon Eco Tour?
This immersive eco-experience offers visitors a unique opportunity to sail into the heart of the rainforest, visit an indigenous village, and learn first-hand about sustainable plant, animal, and fish farming.
The tour includes a traditional lunch and a refreshing swim in the river, with water, ice, fresh fruit, and beer provided on the boats.
Offered in four languages, the tour caters to an international audience, with a focus on the region’s environmental stewardship.
Departing from Alter do Chão, the tour is a private experience, ensuring personalized attention.
At $67.56 per person, the Amazon Eco Tour provides excellent value, with rave reviews from past participants.
Whether you choose the 1-day or 2-day option, this sustainable adventure is a must-do for anyone seeking an authentic Amazon experience.
Read our full review: Amazon Eco Tour Review
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Santarém Maica Lake Tour
Santarém Maica Lake Tour offers visitors a full-day excursion into the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. This immersive experience allows travelers to discover the remarkable biodiversity of Maica Lake.
Accompanied by a professional local guide and tour escort, guests can observe an array of fascinating wildlife, including toucans, macaws, iguanas, alligators, and potentially even sloths.
The tour includes beverages, a delicious lunch, and all necessary activities. While alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, gratuities aren’t included.
The meeting point is at Alter do Chão – Selvagem Tours, CAT – Centro de informações Turisticas in Santarém, Brazil, with options for direct arrival or pickup requests. The tour begins at 9:00 am and has a maximum group size of 70 travelers.
Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for most participants. Reviewers have highlighted the positive experience with the guide, though some note fewer animal sightings than expected.
Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and the tour is non-refundable.
Read our full review: Santarém Maica Lake Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Santarém offers a diverse range of tours that showcase the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness. From river excursions to jungle hikes, visitors can enjoy the Amazon’s stunning landscapes and explore the unique traditions of the local communities. Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, these tours provide an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Santarém’s vibrant and captivating environment.