There are indeed roads that run through the entanglement of vegetation of the biggest forest in the world but the most natural and obvious pathways are undeniably the waterways, as wide as the sea, with no horizon in sight.
Here the boat is king, a means of travel for man alone, as much for the transport of produce as of passengers.
From Manaus and Belem, from Rio Solomon and Rio Negro, from the State of Roraima to the State of Acre, these superb boats, which are typical of the Amazon Basin, are admired.
Entirely made out of wood, they are rounded in shape with potbellied hulls and their curved drawbridges, like a huge toy, designed by an architect inspired by his plump muse.
Their lovely outlines tirelessly cut through this immense river network, slashing through the calm waters of the larger rivers, crossing a shoal of botos (freshwater dolphins) or accompanying the flight of a group of egrets interrupted from their fishing.
It makes up the most ideal way to learn about the mysteries of the Amazon whether it be on a regular boat with hammocks strung along the bridge, or in the comfort of cabins designed for a touristy cruise.

3-day cruise, Tapajos River & Alter do Chão

Day 1: SANTARÉM – RIO JARI - RESERVA FLORESTAL DE TAPAJOS

Arrival in Santarém in the morning (by plane or by boat). We immediately embark a private boat which will be our residence during our cruise in the company of our English-speaking guide specialized in the area.
We follow the Tapajos River until we reach the arm of River Jari, rich in wildlife (caimans, birds, iguanas, capybaras (a semi-aquatic rodent), pink dolphins…). It’s an area of varzea (flooded forest), flooded part of the year.
Depending on the water level, we stop in the Indian village of Arapixuna, where the natives subsist mainly on fishing and manioc. At the end of the day, we return to the River Tapajos and head in the direction of Floresta Nacional Do Tapajos.
All included. Night on board.

Day 2: RESERVA FLORESTAL DE TAPAJOS – ALTER DO CHÃO

Trekking – 5-hour of actual walking – no elevation gain – difficulty: moderate

We leave early in the morning, to avoid the heat of the afternoon, for a hike in the primary forest, to the discovery of the wildlife and the flora: rubber-trees, castanhas (chestnut trees), medicinal plants, and finally some giant trees … sometimes reaching 20 meters in periphery.
Then, by boat, we reach Alter Do Chão, a charming village fringed by white sand beaches, justly considered the most beautiful of the Amazon (and among the most beautiful in Brazil).
All included. Night on board.

Note: the trek can be shortened or eliminated, and the day dedicated to other activities (bathing, hike to Alter do Chão, or Olympic napping).

Day 3: ALTER DO CHÃO – MAICA - SANTARÉM

We reach Lake Maica. Our canoe follows the igaporés (waterways in Tupi), and we enter deeper in the mangrove. Here, some fishermen families have established their home on stilts. Water buffalos, monkeys, sloths, and numerous birds live peacefully nearby.
Further away, we can witness the surprising show of the incomplete encounter of the waters of the two rivers (the Amazon and Rio Tapajos). At this place, the river reaches 25 miles… in width!
We return to Santarém at the end of the day and transfer to the hotel (or airport, or to the pier, depending on the program).
Lunch included. Dinner open. Night in hotel.

This program is available on two different types of boats

Nheengatu

Length 14 m
Width 3,5 m
1 main cabin with double bed
1 secondary cabin with 3 twin beds
Room for 4 hammocks on the deck
360º panoramic sundeck
80 CV engine
Livable space 50 m2
3 crew members

Dona Zizi

Length 20 m
Width 5 m
1 main cabin with double bed / private bath
2 secondary cabin with 2 twin beds each
Room for 6 hammocks on the deck
360º panoramic sundeck
200 CV engine
Livable space 100 m2
3 crew members

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