10 Amazing Year-Round Things to Do in Santarem Brazil

Key Takeaways:

• Santarém is a riverside Amazonian city that offers rich culture, stunning nature, and riverfront adventure all year round.

• From white sand river beaches to jungle hikes and cultural festivals, there’s always something happening in Santarém.

• Whether you’re into nature, food, or history, this hidden gem in Pará state delivers authentic Brazilian experiences without the crowds.

Located in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon where the Tapajós and Amazon rivers meet, Santarém is a city that surprises nearly every traveler who visits. Once a small indigenous village and later a Portuguese colonial hub, it has grown into a cultural and ecological hotspot in northern Brazil. Known for its untouched beaches, rich indigenous heritage, and biodiverse landscapes, Santarém offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Travelers love it for its access to both the rainforest and rivers, especially the stunning “Meeting of the Waters” phenomenon. With fewer crowds than Manaus but all the Amazon beauty, it’s the ideal year-round destination for those wanting to explore Brazil’s natural wonders while enjoying a vibrant local culture rooted in history, craft, and community.

Table of Contents

1. Witness the Meeting of the Waters by Boat

2. Relax on the White Sands of Alter do Chão

3. Explore Tapajós National Forest on a Jungle Trek

4. Visit the Museu Dica Frazão and Its Amazonian Art

5. Shop and Taste at the Santarém Mercado Municipal

6. Attend the Sairé Festival of Dance and Tradition

7. Take a Sunset Cruise Along the Tapajós River

8. Discover the Giant Tree Roots at Flona Tapajós Trails

9. Swim in the Crystal Waters of Praia de Pindobal

10. Learn About Regional Life at the João Fona Museum

1. Witness the Meeting of the Waters by Boat

One of Santarém’s most iconic sights is the “Encontro das Águas”, or Meeting of the Waters, where the deep blue Tapajós River flows side by side with the muddy brown Amazon without mixing for several kilometers. This natural phenomenon is best seen by boat, where you’ll float along the dividing line and take in the sheer force and contrast of the two rivers.

Boat tours run year-round and often include stops at small river villages, wildlife spotting, and fishing demonstrations. Early morning and late afternoon trips offer the best lighting for photos and a chance to see birds and dolphins. It’s an unmissable and uniquely Amazonian experience that reminds you just how alive the landscape is in this part of Brazil.

2. Relax on the White Sands of Alter do Chão

Often called the “Caribbean of the Amazon,” Alter do Chão is a river beach village just 30 km from downtown Santarém—and it’s absolutely stunning. Between August and January, when the river level drops, expansive white sand beaches emerge and surround Ilha do Amor (Island of Love), creating one of the most beautiful inland beach experiences in the world.

Even outside beach season, the village remains vibrant with restaurants, artisan shops, and views of lush green hills across the water. You can kayak, take a paddleboard out, or simply enjoy a cold drink at one of the riverside kiosks. Alter do Chão offers peace, beauty, and a deep connection to nature all year round.

3. Explore Tapajós National Forest on a Jungle Trek

The Floresta Nacional do Tapajós (Tapajós National Forest) is a protected area just south of Santarém, offering immersive jungle trekking experiences. With trails that wind through dense rainforest, past giant samaúma trees, and into small riverside communities, it’s one of the best places in Brazil to understand the biodiversity of the Amazon firsthand.

Local guides—often from indigenous or riverine families—lead treks year-round, sharing their deep knowledge of plants, animals, and survival skills. The forest is alive with howler monkeys, vibrant birds, medicinal trees, and more. You’ll come away with both awe and appreciation for the fragile and fascinating ecosystem.

4. Visit the Museu Dica Frazão and Its Amazonian Art

For a deep dive into Santarém’s creative soul, stop by the Museu Dica Frazão, named after a local artisan who became internationally recognized for her work using Amazonian natural materials. Dica Frazão created elegant dresses, accessories, and home decor items using things like fish scales, seeds, and tree bark—all sustainably harvested from the region.

The museum houses her creations and tells the story of her life and artistic process. It’s a year-round destination for anyone interested in art, fashion, or environmental creativity. You’ll be amazed at how nature can become wearable beauty in the hands of a true Amazonian artist.

5. Shop and Taste at the Santarém Mercado Municipal

The Mercado Municipal is Santarém’s bustling central market, where the region’s flavors and culture collide. Open daily, it’s filled with vendors selling exotic fruits, spices, river fish, and handmade crafts. It’s the perfect place to sample regional specialties like tacacá, cupuaçu juice, or freshly grilled tambaqui.

Beyond food, the market also offers souvenirs and a chance to chat with locals about their products and traditions. It’s lively in every season and offers a true taste of Santarém’s heart. For travelers who love food and local culture, this is where your senses come alive.

6. Attend the Sairé Festival of Dance and Tradition

Each September, Santarém hosts the Sairé Festival in Alter do Chão, one of the region’s most important cultural celebrations. It’s a spectacular mix of religious ritual and Amazonian folklore, highlighted by the Boto Tucuxi vs. Boto Cor-de-Rosa theatrical dance competition. The festival features parades, traditional drumming, community gatherings, and intricate costumes inspired by river legends.

While the main event takes place over a few days, rehearsals, music nights, and community crafts happen year-round. If you’re not visiting in September, local performers still host smaller shows that give you a taste of the festival spirit. Sairé is a beautiful way to experience the rhythm, pride, and myth of the Amazon through local eyes.

7. Take a Sunset Cruise Along the Tapajós River

The Tapajós River is one of the most pristine and photogenic waterways in Brazil—and there’s no better way to experience it than on a sunset cruise. Small boats depart from Santarém or Alter do Chão in the late afternoon, drifting along the river as the sky turns orange and pink. With reflections dancing on the water and jungle silhouettes on the horizon, it’s one of the most peaceful ways to connect with the Amazon.

Many cruises also include fresh juice or caipirinhas, light snacks, and background stories from local guides about the river’s ecology and culture. This activity is available all year and makes for a romantic, relaxing, or simply awe-inspiring way to end your day. Don’t forget your camera—you’ll want to capture this golden hour glow.

8. Discover the Giant Tree Roots at Flona Tapajós Trails

Back inside Tapajós National Forest, don’t miss the chance to walk the Trail of the Samaúma, where you’ll encounter some of the largest tree roots in the world. The samaúma tree, also known as the “queen of the forest,” towers high above the canopy with roots that stretch like walls around its base. The trails are moderately easy and filled with rich biodiversity.

Guided hikes operate year-round, and local communities such as Jamaraquá and Maguari offer eco-tourism lodging and educational tours. Standing at the base of a samaúma tree is a humbling and unforgettable moment. It’s nature at its most majestic—massive, ancient, and sacred.

9. Swim in the Crystal Waters of Praia de Pindobal

Praia de Pindobal is a less-crowded alternative to Alter do Chão but just as stunning, with clear water, fine sand, and riverside food stalls. Located a little farther downstream, this beach offers a more tranquil vibe and is popular with locals who want a peaceful swim and a plate of grilled fish.

During the dry season (August–January), the beach stretches wide and clean, perfect for sunbathing, playing beach soccer, or floating in calm waters. Even during the rainy season, it remains accessible and scenic. If you’re craving a chill river day with fewer tourists, Pindobal is the hidden gem you’re looking for.

10. Learn About Regional Life at the João Fona Museum

Santarém’s João Fona Museum is housed in one of the oldest buildings in the city, a colonial structure right on the riverfront. Inside, you’ll find ceramics from ancient Tapajó civilizations, historic photos, and relics from the city’s colonial and indigenous past. The museum does a great job of highlighting the fusion of cultures that define Santarém today.

It’s a quick but worthwhile stop to get historical context for everything else you’ll experience in the region. Open year-round and often free or low-cost to enter, it’s great for travelers who enjoy understanding the deeper story behind a destination. Plus, the view of the river from the museum steps is a bonus in itself.

What to do if you have kids?

Santarém is an easygoing and adventurous destination for families traveling with kids. Alter do Chão offers shallow, clear water that’s perfect for swimming and splashing, while riverboat rides give kids the thrill of spotting dolphins or giant lily pads. Visiting the João Fona Museum or taking short nature walks through Tapajós National Forest are both educational and exciting. Many restaurants are casual and kid-friendly, and most outdoor areas are spacious and safe. With nature all around and welcoming locals, kids can experience a side of Brazil that’s playful, peaceful, and full of wonder.

Where can I find free events in Santarem Brazil taking place this weekend?

To discover free events happening this weekend in Santarém, head to PlanMyWeekend.ai. This AI-powered platform curates community activities, concerts, workshops, cultural fairs, and outdoor gatherings based on your vibe—no alcohol, no nightlife required. Whether you’re exploring Santarém as a local or a visitor, PlanMyWeekend helps you instantly discover what’s happening nearby without the scroll fatigue. It’s the easiest way to make your weekend unforgettable—without spending a cent.

Final Thoughts on Planning a Trip to Santarem

Santarém is a city that blends myth, nature, and vibrant community in ways few destinations can. From dancing in the streets during Sairé to floating silently past the Meeting of the Waters, every moment here feels connected to something deeper. It’s not just a gateway to the Amazon—it’s a thriving cultural hub with riverfront charm, jungle adventures, and some of Brazil’s best-kept secrets. Whether you’re coming for a weekend or an extended escape, Santarém will welcome you with open arms, warm water, and endless stories waiting to be explored.