• Photo: guentermanaus / Shutterstock

Alter do Chão

Dubbed the "Carribean of the Amazon" because of its crystalline waters, white-sand beaches, and laid-back vibe, Alter do Chão is a relaxing place to spend a few days in the Amazon. The village itself is simple, with only a handful of pousadas and restaurants, but Alter's cosmopolitan community unites hippies, herbalists, and healers with nature lovers and off-duty entrepreneurs drawn to the area's natural beauty.

During the dry season (August–February), white-sand islands and beaches emerge from the green waters of the Rio Tabajós, the only clear river in the Amazon. During high tide, you can explore jungle trails or take canoe trips through the extensive network of igarapés and igapós (small flooded waterways). During the wet season (May–July), the rainfall limits many activities. Year-round, one of the best ways to explore is by boat trip, which allows you to visit the culturally dynamic communities within a few hours of Alter do Chão. There is an abundance of wildlife nearby, from monkeys to botos, the famous pink river dolphins.

Read More

Advertisement

Find a Hotel

Plan Your Next Trip