Cruise port Alter do Chão
Info for port Alter do Chão on 15 Apr 2027
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.
