Cruise port Alter do Chão
Info for port Alter do Chão on 22 Jan 2028
Port information & tips for Alter do Chão
Often referred to as the "Caribbean of the Amazon," Alter do Chão captivates with its snow-white sandy beaches set amidst Brazil's lush tropical vegetation. Its idyllic location on the Rio Tapajós ensures a relaxed atmosphere and offers a unique nature experience thanks to its crystal-clear waters and lively waterfront promenade. Outstanding sights include the picturesque Ilha do Amor, the fascinating Lago Verde, and the Serra da Piraoca viewpoint with its wide panorama. As cruise ships anchor in the bay, travelers reach the central pier of Alter do Chão directly by tender boat. This landing point is located right in the town center, allowing the charming streets, regional markets, and dreamlike stretches of shore to be easily explored on foot.
Alter do Chão is a charming village on the Tapajós River in the Brazilian state of Pará and serves as a unique gateway for Amazon river cruises. Cruise ships typically anchor in the river, and guests are conveniently transported ashore by tender boats or small local boats, often directly to the famous freshwater beaches or simple jetties.
Airplane
For guests from the DACH region, travel to Alter do Chão is primarily recommended by plane. The nearest airport is Santarém International Airport (STM), also known as Maestro Wilson Fonseca Airport, located approximately 29 to 38 kilometers away. There are no direct flights from Europe; instead, you first fly to one of Brazil's larger international airports such as Belém, Manaus, or Brasília, from where national airlines such as Gol, Azul, or Latam offer connecting flights to Santarém (STM).
Transfer & Shuttle
From Santarém International Airport (STM), you can reach Alter do Chão quickly thanks to good connections. A taxi ride or private transfer takes about 35 minutes and costs between R$100 and R$200. In addition, there is the option to use a local bus (line 19 or similar), which also takes around 32 to 39 minutes and represents a more affordable alternative. Many cruise lines also offer their own transfer services that take you directly to your embarkation point.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region and the necessary domestic flights, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel in Alter do Chão or nearby Santarém is recommended. This allows for a relaxed start to your Amazon adventure and provides sufficient time to adjust to the climate and overcome potential jet lag. Numerous hotels in Alter do Chão are available and provide a pleasant base before the start of your cruise.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Alter do Chão is a charming village on the Tapajós River in the Brazilian state of Pará and serves as a unique gateway for Amazon river cruises. Cruise ships typically anchor in the river, and guests are conveniently transported ashore by tender boats or small local boats, often directly to the famous freshwater beaches or simple jetties.
Airplane
For guests from the DACH region, travel to Alter do Chão is primarily recommended by plane. The nearest airport is Santarém International Airport (STM), also known as Maestro Wilson Fonseca Airport, located approximately 29 to 38 kilometers away. There are no direct flights from Europe; instead, you first fly to one of Brazil's larger international airports such as Belém, Manaus, or Brasília, from where national airlines such as Gol, Azul, or Latam offer connecting flights to Santarém (STM).
Transfer & Shuttle
From Santarém International Airport (STM), you can reach Alter do Chão quickly thanks to good connections. A taxi ride or private transfer takes about 35 minutes and costs between R$100 and R$200. In addition, there is the option to use a local bus (line 19 or similar), which also takes around 32 to 39 minutes and represents a more affordable alternative. Many cruise lines also offer their own transfer services that take you directly to your embarkation point.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region and the necessary domestic flights, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel in Alter do Chão or nearby Santarém is recommended. This allows for a relaxed start to your Amazon adventure and provides sufficient time to adjust to the climate and overcome potential jet lag. Numerous hotels in Alter do Chão are available and provide a pleasant base before the start of your cruise.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Since cruise ships in Alter do Chão usually lie at anchor, you can conveniently reach the charming village center directly by tender boats. From the landing stage, the most important sights and beaches are easily accessible and within short distances.
On Foot
The compact center and the picturesque waterfront boulevard are located directly at the tender boat landing stage. In less than five minutes, you can reach the central Praça de Sete de Setembro as well as the adjacent restaurants and handicraft shops.
Water Taxis (Catraias)
The traditional wooden boats wait directly on the shore and take you on a short, two-minute ride to the famous Ilha do Amor. Thanks to the experienced boatmen, this crossing is very safe and also offers a magnificent view of the Caribbean of the Amazon.
Taxi and Public Buses
Official taxis are available at the main square and allow for comfortable trips to more remote beaches or into the rainforest. In addition, regular public buses connect the village with the nearby city of Santarém, which facilitates individual exploration of the region.
To make the most of your stay in Alter do Chão, a combination of the paradise-like river beaches and exploring authentic village life directly on the banks of the Rio Tapajós is recommended.
Ilha do Amor
This striking sandbank is celebrated as the Caribbean of the Amazon and impresses with fine white sand and turquoise freshwater, making it a perfect retreat in close proximity to the ship's pier.
Lago Verde
The emerald green lake surrounds the village and allows for fascinating boat trips into the sunken forest of the Floresta Encantada, where visitors experience the unique flora and fauna of the region in an almost magical atmosphere.
Dorfzentrum & Centro de Artesanato
The charming village center delights with its relaxed way of life and the handicraft center, which presents high-quality handmade treasures of the Tapajós culture while inviting you to linger in the cozy cafes on the square.
Ilha do Amor
The Ilha do Amor is the radiant centerpiece of Alter do Chão and is located directly across from the pier, so you can easily reach the fine sandy beach in just a few minutes with one of the traditional small rowboats. This dreamlike location impresses with its relaxed atmosphere and also offers an excellent infrastructure with cozy beach huts serving local delicacies and cool drinks directly by the water. Thanks to the crystal-clear, warm freshwater and the picturesque backdrop, the island is the ideal place for an unforgettable day of swimming in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. Ideally, start your visit in the morning to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere to the fullest, and plan your return to the tender boat at the latest ninety minutes before departure.
The return journey to the mooring point in Alter do Chão is very relaxed and easy to navigate thanks to the town's compact size. When using the tender boats, simply plan a little extra time for the short crossing to the ship.
On Foot
From the Orla waterfront promenade and the central Praça Sete de Setembro, you can easily walk back to the tender boat pier in just a few minutes. The path leads through the lively village center and is easy to find thanks to the clear layout and proximity to the water.
Water Taxis (Catraias)
If you spend the day at the beach on Ilha do Amor, traditional wooden boats will take you directly back to the mainland. The rowers are ready at the shore, and the short crossing ends directly at the promenade, very close to the meeting point for returning to the ship.
Taxi and Tuk-Tuks
For trips from slightly further afield, you will find taxis and motorized tuk-tuks at the central taxi rank near the Centro de Atendimento ao Turista (CAT). In addition, vehicles are often available in front of the larger pousadas and will take you quickly and punctually back to the port area thanks to the short distances.
In port on 22 Jan 2028
