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Far the most interesting place in Santarem, at any hour of the day or night, is the waterfront.
You can watch the boat traffic, check out some of the shops along the way and try one of the delicious local ice creams at Nido (look for the direction on Restaurants Tips) or Panificadora Lucy (on the Praca do Pescador). Many of the city's restaurants and nightspots line the waterfront. It gets especially lively during the rainy season when the beaches are under water.
If you stay until late afternoon, this is also the place to see the sunset.
Updated Jul 7, 2007
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A great place to visit while you're in Santarem is the village of Alter do Chao which lies along the bank of the green-blue river Tapajos. It's home to some of the pretiest fresh-water beaches in the Amazon. One of the most popular is Ilha do Amor (Island of Love), a sandbar in front of the village. Note that from April to July, when the water is high, the beach shrinks considerably.
You can get to Alter do Chao by boat (80 minutes) or by bus (one hour).
Updated Feb 6, 2007
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The meeting of the green-blue Tapajos river with the ochre-coloured waters of the Amazon, which flow alongside each other for many kilometres without mixing, is worth a boat excursion. It is even more spectacular than at Manaus.
In Santarem it is best viewed from Praca Mirante do Tapajos, on the hill in the centre of the city and just a few blocks from the waterfront.
Updated Feb 1, 2007
I like small museums, especially when they contain a qualify collection and a very friendly staff. The Museum de Santarem is in a building labelled Central Cultural de Joao Fona. It is open week days with no entrance charge. (Donations are accepted.) The collection included items from Indian culture as much as 6000 years old as well as displays about more recent colonial times.
Let me admit that for me part of the special pleasure of my visit was the great interaction I had with the staff. I could even understand their Portuguese.
Updated Sep 2, 2006
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Alto do Chao is just 45 mins by bus from Santarem and is a hidden paradise enjoyed largely by the locals. The fresh water is very inviting in the hot and humid temperature and it comes as a welcome relief after a few days on an Amazon ferry.
Written Feb 25, 2003
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Reviews and photos of Santarém attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Santarém sightseeing.
Alto do Chao is just 45 mins by bus from Santarem and is a hidden paradise enjoyed largely by the locals. The fresh water is very inviting in the hot and humid...
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Santarem - Pearl of River Tapajos
Santarem, the third largest city of the Brazilian strech of the Amazon river, is located in the center, halfway between Manaus and Belem. The city is at the confluence of the aquamarine river Tapajos...
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Santarem is appoximately half way between Belem and Manaus on the Amazon River. The river serves as the main transportation route for Santarem and the trip is popular for locals and backpackers. All...
3
I will admit that when I first arrived in Santarem I was not particularly impressed. There was a very long river front with many transport boats, but not much in the way of architecture. It seemed...
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