Official Language:
Portugese
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Currency:
Brazilian Real
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Population:
Approximately 1,000 people call Alter do Chao home
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Alter do Chao Brazil:
A mild climate without extremes of temperature. Winters are never too cold and summers are always moderately hot. The weather is best from April to October. The North has an Atlantic climate that is influenced by the Gulf Stream. The Center has dry summers and short mild winters. The South has a warm, dry Mediterranean climate without extremes of heat. Overall the wettest season is from November to March.
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Meaning 'Altar of Earth', this island fishing village of houses on stilts edges a turquoise lagoon and one of the loveliest of the white sand beaches on the Rio Tapajos, a tributary joining the great Amazon River. Alter do Chao is located twenty-five miles (40 km) from the city of Santarem. It is a beach community which is named after the flat-topped hill that provides a backdrop for the island. This small island is located on the Tapajos River, offering cute cottages along the white-sand beaches lined with leafy palm trees.
The municipality of Santarém, is slightly bigger than Belgium, and has 32km of asphalted road. About good two-thirds of this is accounted for by the road that leads from Santarém to its beach resort of Alter do Chao. Alter do Chăo is situated on a gorgeous bay in the Rio Tapajós overlooked by two climbable hills, one is shaped like a church altar, which gives the place its name. If you happen to be there on the weekend keep in mind that the beaches are packed with people.
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Attractions |
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Alter is a very charming tourist resort. Its major attractions are the beaches and lakes and the trail to the summit of Piroca Peak. Your cruise ship will anchor off Alter do Chao and you will be taken ashore by tenders. When you arrive at the pier you can simply walk just one block to the Arariba Shop where you will find a small collection of indigenous arts and crafts from the area. Some of these arts and crafts have historical significance and are on display while others are for sale. Feel free to shop around at the open-air fair for Indian and regional artifacts at the local square. For those visitors who wish to relax, the fresh waters of the Tapajos River are great for swimming. From this island you can head into the Amazon jungle on foot to explore the wildlife and get a glimpse of the many different species of plants that grow here.
If the beach is too crowded, take a canoe ride to the other side of the bay at the entrance to the path leading up to the higher hill. It is a half-hour walk through the forest but it is well worth the view. When you reach the top you will see beautiful views of the meeting of the Tapajós and Amazon rivers, those who want to spend their time more leisurely...
Besides, the town hosts one of the best museums of indigenous art in Brazil: the Museum of the Preservation of Indigenous Art. The museum features indigenous handcrafts from all over Amazonia, as well as ancient pottery.
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