BrazilTour

Amapá

Federal territory until 1988, when it became a state, Amapá has a long history of disputes for its land.

Cut by Equator line, the state’s capital Macapá keeps the state’s memory in its several historical monuments. Among them, São José Fort, at the city’s entrance, is an example of the French influence on the regional culture and considered one of the most preserved military monuments of the country.

Other places reflect very well the state’s history, such as the Church of São José de Macapá, of 1761. It’s the oldest monument of the city, with well preserved colonial traces.

The visitor can buy manganese powder-coated ceramic objects at Casa do Artesão (the Craftsman’s House), as well as native art items to take as souvenirs. The native art has beautiful pieces, such as weapons made of native woods and diverse utensils and ornaments made of teeth, animal bones, bird feathers, seeds and vegetal fibers.

Located in the Amazon Forest area, Macapá is the perfect resting place for migratory birds, besides local flamingos, toucans, guarás (a typical South American bird), sea and river turtles, jacaré-açu (a type of alligator), manatee, tamanduá-bandeira (great anteater), tatu-canastra (giant armadillo) and so many other animals that make up the rich fauna of the region, giving a special colorful touch to the green forest. There, Amazon River looks like the sea at Fazendinha and Araxá beaches, which offer delicious baths.

The State of Amapá has also the lowest deforestation rate of its original vegetation: only 2%. Most of its territory is occupied by forests, with the remaining area corresponding to savannah and plain areas. At the seaside, almost intact beaches get mixed with swamps, composing the largest Brazilian representation of this biome, where this mix of salt and fresh water is perfect for the reproduction of food chain for several animal species.

Over 23% of its area are protected, divided in eight units of environmental preservation, corresponding to 14% of the territory. Besides, it has two native reserves, which represent 8.6% of its lands and where about five thousand natives live, from different cultures, as Galibi, Karipuna, Palikur and Waiãpi.

In the State of Amapá, the sustainable tourism has been in increasing evidence, being considered by the state government as one of the most promising sectors of the regional economy.

The beauties in the State of Amapá are waiting for you. Come see, and become a fan!

Service:
Amapá State Tourism Department
http://www.setur.ap.gov.br/