×

Brazil🇧🇷 | citiesSantarémTapajós confluence, hammock boats, riverfront market, dusk square | things to do and best time to go

Explore VitóriaExplore Brasília

Backpacking in Santarém
👌 Worth visitingcity ranked #20
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

Santarém puts you on the Amazon with a hammock-boat ticket and a beach within a short ride. It sits in the north of Brazil, in Pará, where the clear Tapajós meets the muddy Amazon. A vendor at the waterfront told me “the river decides the day,” and he was right. Skip the city sights and go for the river and beaches. It suits flexible travelers, not schedule-driven ones. Unlike Alter do Chão, it is working and unpolished.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Brazil Travel Guide.


example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Brazil
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Brazil
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Brazil
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Brazil
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Brazil
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Brazil
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Brazil
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Brazil
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
villages
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #20 city in BrazilWhy Santarém should be on your travel list

Santarém works because it is the practical hub of the lower Amazon. You can catch hammock boats to Manaus or Belém, then spend days on the river without a tour operator. The city has real Amazon river commerce and a market where fish and fruit you have never seen are sold. It is also the easiest gateway to the Tapajós communities and forest reserves. Come for a night or two, use it as a base, and don’t expect nightlife or polish.

💡 HighlightsDon't-miss highlights and experiences

  1. Meeting of the Waters (Encontro das Águas): The clear green Tapajós runs beside the brown Amazon for several kilometers right off the waterfront. Go in the morning by boat, about 1 to 2 hours, US$10 to 20.
  2. Mercado Modelo and riverfront: A lively market with fish, açaí, herbs and cheap meals. Go early, free entry, 1 hour.
  3. Centro Cultural João Fona: A small museum in the old town hall with local history and archaeology of the Tapajó people. Free or very cheap, 45 minutes.
  4. Museu Dica Frazão: A small, quirky space showing local handicrafts and clothing by a known local designer. About 30 to 45 minutes, a few dollars.
  5. Cathedral of Nossa Senhora da Conceição: The riverfront cathedral anchors the old center. Visit in late afternoon, free, 20 minutes.
  6. Praça do Pescador at dusk: A waterfront square where
… read more 👉
  1. Meeting of the Waters (Encontro das Águas): The clear green Tapajós runs beside the brown Amazon for several kilometers right off the waterfront. Go in the morning by boat, about 1 to 2 hours, US$10 to 20.
  2. Mercado Modelo and riverfront: A lively market with fish, açaí, herbs and cheap meals. Go early, free entry, 1 hour.
  3. Centro Cultural João Fona: A small museum in the old town hall with local history and archaeology of the Tapajó people. Free or very cheap, 45 minutes.
  4. Museu Dica Frazão: A small, quirky space showing local handicrafts and clothing by a known local designer. About 30 to 45 minutes, a few dollars.
  5. Cathedral of Nossa Senhora da Conceição: The riverfront cathedral anchors the old center. Visit in late afternoon, free, 20 minutes.
  6. Praça do Pescador at dusk: A waterfront square where locals gather for sunset over the river, beers and snacks. Free, 1 hour.
Combine the market and the cultural center in one morning, then take the river trip after lunch. Outside the city, Alter do Chão, Belterra and Fordlândia make good day trips.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do in Santarém

Alter do Chão FLONA Jamaraquá Tour

Alter do Chão FLONA Jamaraquá Tour

4.9(67)
From €83
per personViator
Bike trip from Alter do Chão

Bike trip from Alter do Chão

5.0(56) 4h
From €293
per personViator
Alter do Chão Arapiuns River Tour

Alter do Chão Arapiuns River Tour

4.7(68) 8h
From €417
per personViator
Alter do Chão Jarí Canal Tour

Alter do Chão Jarí Canal Tour

4.9(46) 8h
From €83
per personViator
Regional Cruise in the Amazon

Regional Cruise in the Amazon

4.9(31) 96h
From €1,717
per personViator
Santarém Water Encounters Tour

Santarém Water Encounters Tour

4.7(34)
From €83
per personViator
Alter do Chao Sunset Tour

Alter do Chao Sunset Tour

4.9(23)
From €59
per personViator
Live the best attractions in Alter do Chão

Live the best attractions in Alter do Chão

4.5(26)
From €59
per personViator
Isaiah Transfer Alter do Chão and Santarém

Isaiah Transfer Alter do Chão and Santarém

4.6(14)
From €29
per personViator
Amazon FULL Vacation Package 3 Days

Amazon FULL Vacation Package 3 Days

4.9(9) 72h
From €1,175
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🏘️ NeighborhoodsKey areas and districts to know

Santarém is compact enough that two or three areas cover everything a backpacker needs, so skip the sprawling outer districts.
  • Orla / Waterfront (Centro): The riverfront promenade along the Tapajós is where you spend most of your time. Fish restaurants, ice cream stands and the Mercadão 2000 market sit within a short walk, and evenings fill with locals and live music. Best value in the city, and fully walkable.
  • Praça Rodrigues dos Santos and the old center: Colonial buildings, the cathedral and the cultural center are a quick stroll from the water. Give it an hour, not a day.
  • Where the rivers meet: The Tapajós runs clear and green beside the muddy Amazon, and you can see the line from the waterfront. It is free, so do it.
  • Outer districts: Residential and spread out. Nothing here justifies the taxi fare.

⌛️ 1 dayWhat you can realistically do in a day

8:00 AM, Mercado Modelo: Start here before the heat. Walk the stalls for fish, tucupi and fruit, and eat breakfast with tapioca and coffee. It is the most honest look at the city.
10:00 AM, Centro Cultural João Fona: Walk a few blocks to see Tapajó pottery and local history, which gives context to everything on the river.
12:30 PM, Lunch near the waterfront: Order grilled river fish with farofa.
2:30 PM, Meeting of the Waters: Take a boat from the port to see the two rivers run side by side.
5:00 PM, Docas and Praça do Pescador: Walk the less visited port area, watch hammock boats load, then settle in the square for sunset.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

  • Dry Season (August to December): Rainfall drops sharply, highs reach 32 to 35°C (90 to 95°F), and river beaches emerge along the Tapajós. This is the busiest and priciest stretch, with around 12 hours of daylight year-round.
  • Wet Season (January to June): Heavy afternoon downpours, 24 to 31°C (75 to 88°F), high rivers and cheaper rooms. Boat trips still run, but beaches vanish.
Book river boats and beds early if you arrive in September or October.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: below average for travelingMARMarch: below average for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: highly recommended for travelingAUGAugust: highly recommended for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: highly recommended for travelingNOVNovember: good for travelingDECDecember: good for traveling
when-to-go

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutBrazil Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Brazil
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Brazil
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Brazil
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Brazil
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Brazil
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Brazil
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Brazil
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Brazil
The digital guide (410 pages) contains:
✅ 146 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 14, 21 & 30-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ 52 Essential phrases & customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Brazil

The riverfront and the streets just behind it in Centro are the best places to sleep in Santarém. Budget guesthouses and a few hostels cluster here at roughly US$10 to 25 a night, and you can walk to restaurants and the boat docks. Evenings are lively and mostly safe along the promenade, though some back streets get quiet and dark. Noise from bars is the main gripe, so ask for a rear room. Taxis and mototaxis are always close by, and the bus stop for Alter do Chão is easy to reach. Staying in outer districts saves little and costs time.
Best hostels in Brazil


Best quality hotels in Brazil

🚌 Getting aroundMoving around without the hassle

Walking is the easiest way around Santarém, because the riverfront, market and old center all sit within about 1.5 kilometers of each other. Heat and sudden rain are the only real nuisances, so move early and carry a light rain jacket.
  • Walking: Free and fastest for the center. Skip it after dark on poorly lit side streets.
  • Mototaxi: The best value for longer hops. Rides cost US$1 to 3, and you will feel the wind, but rain makes it miserable.
  • Taxi and ride apps: US$3 to 8 for most city trips and the best option for airport runs, since the airport is about 15 minutes away. Worth it with a heavy pack, not otherwise.
  • City buses: Fares run around US$0.60 to 0.80. Routes to Alter do Chão run roughly every 30 to 60 minutes, take 40 to 60 minutes and cost about US$1 to 1.50. They stop in the evening,
… read more 👉
Walking is the easiest way around Santarém, because the riverfront, market and old center all sit within about 1.5 kilometers of each other. Heat and sudden rain are the only real nuisances, so move early and carry a light rain jacket.
  • Walking: Free and fastest for the center. Skip it after dark on poorly lit side streets.
  • Mototaxi: The best value for longer hops. Rides cost US$1 to 3, and you will feel the wind, but rain makes it miserable.
  • Taxi and ride apps: US$3 to 8 for most city trips and the best option for airport runs, since the airport is about 15 minutes away. Worth it with a heavy pack, not otherwise.
  • City buses: Fares run around US$0.60 to 0.80. Routes to Alter do Chão run roughly every 30 to 60 minutes, take 40 to 60 minutes and cost about US$1 to 1.50. They stop in the evening, so check the last departure. They are not worth the confusion for central trips.

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

Backpacking in Santarém costs about US$32 to 57 a day, based on a high-season dorm bed.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm (high season)US$12 to 18Few hostels, so basic guesthouse rooms are common.
Dorm (off-season)US$9 to 14Easier to bargain.
MealsUS$10 to 16Fish plates are US$4 to 8.
Local transportUS$2 to 5Mototaxis and buses.
City transport passNot offeredPay per ride.
Activities/entry feesUS$5 to 12Many sights are free.
MiscellaneousUS$3 to 6Water, snacks, repellent.
Total Daily BudgetUS$32 to 57About US$50 with a mid-range choice.
Lunch from the market or a per-kilo buffet instead of dinner at a riverfront restaurant saves several dollars a day.

source: numbeo.com
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsExploring the surroundings

Santarém works well for day trips because the main draws are close and reachable by public transport or short boat rides.
Alter do Chão:
White river beaches and clear water make this the standout. The bus takes 40 to 60 minutes and costs about US$1 to 1.50 each way. Go from September to December when sandbars are exposed. First-timers often arrive late and miss the best light and the quieter morning beaches.
👉 Explore Alter do Chão
Floresta Nacional do Tapajós (Belterra side):
A rainforest reserve with guided jungle walks and riverside communities. Budget US$20 to 50 including transport and a guide. It is best in the drier months. Hiring a guide is the common oversight, and you will spot far less without one.

Belterra and Fordlândia:
Belterra is a former Ford rubber town with American-style … read more 👉
Santarém works well for day trips because the main draws are close and reachable by public transport or short boat rides.
Alter do Chão:
White river beaches and clear water make this the standout. The bus takes 40 to 60 minutes and costs about US$1 to 1.50 each way. Go from September to December when sandbars are exposed. First-timers often arrive late and miss the best light and the quieter morning beaches.
👉 Explore Alter do Chão
Floresta Nacional do Tapajós (Belterra side):
A rainforest reserve with guided jungle walks and riverside communities. Budget US$20 to 50 including transport and a guide. It is best in the drier months. Hiring a guide is the common oversight, and you will spot far less without one.

Belterra and Fordlândia:
Belterra is a former Ford rubber town with American-style bungalows, about 1.5 hours by road. Fordlândia is farther and usually needs a boat or tour.

🍲 FoodEating & Drinking in Santarém

Fish from the Tapajós is the star here. Try tucunaré grilled or in a stew, and pirarucu, a firm, mild fish. Tacacá, a hot, tangy broth with jambu leaves that tingle your lips, appears at evening stands. Wash it down with fresh cupuaçu or açaí juice. Eat at the riverfront restaurants, the Mercadão 2000 market and the street stands along the promenade. Lunch plates run US$4 to 8, and locals eat early.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

Santarém is calm by Brazilian standards, and most problems are petty theft. Keep phones out of sight on the waterfront at night and avoid dark, empty side streets after about 10 pm. Solo travelers do fine, and women should use taxis or ride apps late. Agree on mototaxi fares before you climb on. Pickpockets work crowded markets, so carry a small day bag. Mosquitoes are the bigger daily annoyance.
Check Country Safety

FAQTraveler FAQ

Two to three days is enough for Santarém. Spend one day in town for the waterfront and the meeting of the rivers, and one or two days at Alter do Chão, 40 to 60 minutes away by bus for about US$1 to 1.50. Add a day for the Tapajós National Forest if you want a guided jungle walk.
Yes, Santarém is fairly safe for solo backpackers. Petty theft is the main concern, so keep your phone out of sight on the waterfront at night. Use taxis or ride apps after about 10 pm, which cost around US$3 to 8.
Santarém is known for the meeting of the clear Tapajós and muddy Amazon rivers, which you can see from the waterfront. It is also the gateway to Alter do Chão's white sand beaches, about 40 to 60 minutes away. Fresh river fish like tucunaré and the Tapajós National Forest are other draws.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Brazilian cities near Santarém

Explore more nearby:

  • Manaus—Rio Negro port, pink opera dome, iron market, rainforest tower| 594 km away
  • Belém—Riverside market, Amazon fruit, rubber-boom opera house, Círio procession| 699 km away
  • São Luís—Azulejo facades, reggae bars, tiled street, island old town| 1157 km away

💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Brazil including Santarém and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all cities

Or checkout all Brazil has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Explore Brazil
Country photo of Brazil
© Google Images

We 💚 feedbackIs it worth it?

Santarém pairs best with Alter do Chão and a hammock boat toward Manaus or Belém. I would give it one night, spend the rest by the river, and skip long city stays.

✈️ When did I visit Brazil?
Call it good timing or luck, but I was able to celebrate Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro in February 2022, after a round trip in the north and east coast.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Brazil, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story