Alter do Chão | 5 days

As your plane descends into Santarém, the vast expanse of the Amazon’s freshwater rivers unfolds below — a breathtaking preview of the days to come. Upon arrival, our team will greet you at the airport and transfer you by car to Alter do Chão, a 30-minute journey through the lush landscape of northern Brazil.

Boarding begins at 3:00 PM. Once on board, you’ll be introduced to the crew and briefed on safety procedures, followed by time to settle into your cabin. We then head straight into the river for an unforgettable first dip in the Tapajós, a crystal-clear tributary of the Amazon.

Later, you’ll have time to stroll through Alter do Chão, known as one of the Amazon’s most charming villages.

After breakfast, we disembark at the Tapajós National Forest (FLONA), a vast conservation area of more than 500,000 hectares. We’ll anchor in front of the riverside community of Jamaraquá and venture into the untouched forest for a guided hike.

The highlight of the trail is reaching the legendary Samaúma tree — one of the largest and oldest trees in the Amazon, often referred to as the “grandmother of the forest.” Towering above the canopy with immense branches, she shelters an entire ecosystem of plants, birds, and animals.

The trail length can be adjusted to suit the group’s interest and energy level. After our forest adventure, we return to the boat for lunch. The afternoon is yours to swim and relax in the warm, emerald waters of the Tapajós.

We wake up in the Jari Channel, a quiet offshoot of the immense Amazon River. Early risers will be rewarded with one of the most magical experiences of the trip: the Amazonian sunrise, accompanied by a chorus of birdsong that stirs the forest to life.

We then sail toward the dark waters of the Arapiuns River, where the contrasts of white-sand beaches and dense green forest create unforgettable scenery. Keep your eyes open — river dolphins often appear to swim alongside the boat.

In the late afternoon, we arrive at the Coroca community. Here we visit a turtle conservation project, which includes a hatchery for baby turtles and a serene lake where they thrive. You’ll also have the opportunity to browse the local handicraft store, known for its high-quality, handmade pieces.

The visit is an inspiring example of how sustainable tourism supports the preservation of the Amazon’s biodiversity and its traditional communities.

After breakfast, we arrive at the São Marcos community for a hands-on cultural experience. You’ll visit a traditional “casa de farinha” (flour house), where locals demonstrate the process of turning manioc (cassava) into flour and other staples. This practice has nourished generations of forest-dwelling families and remains essential to life in the Amazon.

In the afternoon, we return to the river for a leisurely beach day. Whether you choose to swim, sip caipirinhas made with exotic fruits, snack on delicious appetizers, or rest in a hammock under a shady tree, the time is yours.

On our final morning, we wake up to the gentle sway of the boat on the calm green waters of the Tapajós. Before heading back, we take a last swim in the river — a refreshing goodbye to the Amazon.

We then sail back to Alter do Chão, where we disembark and transfer to the Santarém airport, in time for flights typically departing around noon.