Santarem: Exploring One of the Top Amazon River Stopovers
Considered as among the oldest towns in the North region, Santarem is popular for its historical structures and monuments. It lies between the two northern capitals, Manaus and Para. The city is also particularly bordered by two different rivers, the muddy Amazon River and the clear Tapajos River. Because of the town’s biodiversity and location, it has attracted a handful of resorts and hotels to accommodate incoming guests. You can reach Santarem, Brazil, via the town’s own Santarém-Maestro Wilson Fonseca Airport or the neighboring Alenquer Airport (ALT).
Best Time to Visit
While the city does not celebrate any huge events, the neighboring town of Parintins hosts the second biggest fest next to Rio de Janeiro's Carnaval. The Boi Bumba Festival attracts nearly 230,000 attendees every year in June. This makes the town the busiest during this season. Expect most of Santarem, Brazil hotels to be packed, if not expensive. Meanwhile, come between March and May for a cheaper stay in the city.
What to Do & Area Attractions
While in Santarem, enjoy yourself in the Pajucara Beach and Ponta de Pedras Beach, both of which are in the city’s vicinity and around an hour away from the city center. History buffs will also delight in a trip to the Museu Dica Frazao, which preserves the dresses and costumes made by Dona Dica Frazão. For accommodations, stay at the Hotel Mirante da Ilha and Pousada do Mingote. Both hotels serve free breakfast and are located near the beach.