Ministério do Turismo

Santarém

Popularly called the "Pearl of the Tapajós River", Santarém is the largest city in the Western area of the State of Pará, and its second most important city. With origins that go back to the great indigenous nation of the Tapajós, the city is located on the margins of that river. It is surrounded by forests, “igapós” (flooded wood areas), and many ponds and “igarapés” (small river lagoons formed by running, crystalline water), and all that a few minutes away from downtown. In Vila de Alter-do-Chão, a small neighboring town, river beaches are formed during low water season (from August to December). One of the local attractions is the encounter of rivers Tapajós and Amazon, whose waters won’t “mix”. This spectacle can be seen from the city’s very port entrance. On one side, the greenish-blue waters of Tapajós River and, on the other side, the muddy waters of the great Amazon River.

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Basic information
Weather:
With a weather profile different from other areas in the State of Pará, this city has a dominant dry season, compensated by abundant rains in the remaining season. That ensures the formation of dense forests surrounding Santarém, offering a great potential for the woodcutting industry.
City facts
State: Pará
Region: North
Population: 262,538 inhabitants
Area Code: (93)

Distances
Belém: 1526 km (or 50h by boat)
Itaituba: 391 km
Altamira: 749 km
Accommodation / Restaurants
The best options are in the town of Alter-do-Chão, located 30 km away from Santarém. The town offers hotels, inns and restaurants serving the rich and typical regional cuisine. Among local specialties, the "tucunaré on butter" and the "pirarucu stew", dishes made with some of the most delicious and popular fish in the Amazon region.
How to get there
By Plane: daily direct and connection flights, with approximate duration of 1 hour, on Boeing 737 airplanes, via the International Airport of Belém, or on smaller planes from Brasilia, in connection flights.
By Car/Bus: There is access from Belém, through Federal Highway BR-316, and State Highways PA-140, PA-151, PA-256, PA-150, PA-263, BR-422, BR-230 (the famous Trans-Amazon highway) and BR-163 (the Santarém-Cuiabá highway). Being surrounded by unpaved roads, Santarém is quite isolated during the rainy season (Dec/May). During that period, access is available only by boat or by plane.
By Boat: By small and medium size boats, through the Amazon River, with an approximate length of 60 hours. Navigation companies Alves & Rodrigues and A.R. Transportes connect Santarém with other cities on a regular basis.
Services
Tourism agencies: Amazon Planet, tel. +55 (93) 527-1172 / Santarém Tur, tel. +55 (93) 522-4847.

International Airport: tel. +55 (93) 522-4328
Bus Station: +55 (93) 522-3392
Attractions
Alter-do-Chão
The town of Alter-do-Chão is 30 km away from Santarém. It is considered the most famous resort in the area. It is the most appreciated beach in the region and an obligatory stop for foreign cruises. Bathed by the Tapajós River, the town’s beach is temporary, since it is formed during the river’s high water season. One of the curiosities about this town is its green lake, whose waters change color during the day, from blue to green.

Ceramics from the Tapajós Nation
The Tapajós indigenous nation, who lived in great numbers in the area around Santarém before colonization, created a peculiar style of ceramics. Vessels and statues express their culture and mores in peculiar drawings showing human and animal figures.

The Maicá Lake
Formed by the Maicá River, this is a rare point for observing local birds and the life style of riverside populations. Best hours for a visit are either early morning or late afternoon. Visitors may rent a boat at the local port, right across the City Market.

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