5 Best Sights in Alter do Chão, The Amazon

A 40-minute speedboat trip south of Alter do Chão is the community of Jamaraquá, which has developed a strong cultural identity. Here you can head into the forest for a three-hour hike to see a 500-year-old Samuama tree, or visit the rubber factory, where local artisans will explain how they extract rubber from the seringuero tree. Around the community there are numerous streams to explore by canoe and paddleboard. Many travelers end up spending a night or two in the community's small pousada, where both hammocks and private rooms are available. Prices start at R$20 per night. Jamaraquá is also accessible by road (R$15 one-way, three hours)

Jutting out into the river across from the main square, this fat finger of golden sand is one of Alter's picture-perfect postcard shots and a great place to spend a day basking in the sun, swimming, and paddleboarding. Rowboats transfer you across (R$10 return), as you will only be able to walk when the waters are at their lowest. Straw cabanas serving fresh grilled fish set out chairs and sun-loungers on the edge of the water. Paddleboards are available for rent for R$50 an hour. Amenities: food and drinks; toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; swimming.

A local favorite for escaping the crowds during high season, Lago Verde can be accessed by a short boat ride from Alter do Chao. There are secluded sandbanks that separate this lake from Rio Tabajós. Due to the sediment, the water takes on a translucent green color at times. When the waters are high, the surrounding forest is all but submerged, with the treetops forming a fantastical landscape that earned it the name of "floresta encantanda" (enchanted forest). Plan a day trip through a tour agency or speak to one of the boatmen at the main pier below the square.

The best place to watch the sunset, surrounded by botos (pink dolhpins), this sandy headland is a 15-minute speedboat trip from the pier. You can negotiate directly with the boatmen. There are no vendors, so take your own refreshements.

The small mountain that towers over Ilha do Amor is accessible by a single trail that starts at the end of the island and snakes up through the forest. A grueling 45-minute hike rewards you with spectacular views over Alter do Chão. A magical spot for sunset, go with a local guide and flashlight to help you on the return journey.