Things To Do
in Santarém
Santarém sits on the Tapajós River in Pará, Brazil, serving as a gateway to the Amazon. Its waterfront markets, colonial churches, and riverside cafés give the city a relaxed, vibrant tempo. The surrounding region offers easy access to Alter do Chão, famed for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear lagoons.
In town, you’ll find lush markets, flavorful river cuisine, and warm, welcoming locals.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Wander along Praça da Matriz as the sun rises, admiring the ornate 18th-century church façade and pastel colored colonial buildings. Sample fresh açaí and tapioca at a nearby café while locals greet you warmly. Feel the city’s heartbeat as vendors set up their stalls under towering mango trees.
Join a guided walking tour to uncover hidden Portuguese tiles and carved wooden doors in narrow alleys. Visit the Museu de Arte Sacra to see priceless religious artifacts and learn about Amazonian baroque. Pause for cold coconut water at a street kiosk while watching riverboats drift by.
Stroll to the riverbank at twilight to see fiery orange skies dancing on the Tapajós. Dine at a family-run bistro serving regional fish stews, paired with fresh manioc flour. End the night with forró rhythms drifting from open-air gatherings in Praça da Matriz.
Board a small boat at dawn for a tranquil cruise upstream where the Amazon meets the Tapajós. Watch fisherman casting nets and families preparing canoes for market day. Feel the mist on your face as the forest canopy glows in golden light.
Stop at a riverside community to learn traditional boat-building techniques and sample smoked tambaqui. Help locals harvest jatobá nuts and discover their culinary and medicinal uses. Share stories under palm-thatched roofs as you sip homemade guaraná juice.
Return to Santarém on a sunset cruise, witnessing the sky transition through fiery hues. Enjoy grilled fish and fried plantains at a floating restaurant moored on the shore. Let the gentle rocking of the boat lull you into relaxation as lanterns flicker on the water.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $2-4 |
| 🛍️Local crafts and souvenirs | $5-40 |
| 🏨One night in a mid-range hotel | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant river life and biodiversity
- Good value for money
- Excellent base to explore the Amazon and Alter do Chão
- Heat and humidity can be intense
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Some areas may have uneven terrain or accessibility challenges
- "Oi" - Hi
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado(a)" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Onde fica o [lugar]?" - Where is the [place]?
Places to Visit in Santarém
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic white-sand beach along the Tapajós with turquoise waters; a dream for sunset photography and wide-angle river shots.
The riverfront offers long, golden-hour silhouettes of boats, palm trees, and colonial façades reflected in the water.
Colorful market stalls, vibrant produce, and candid street scenes that showcase daily life in the city.
Historic streets and waterfront squares with churches, old brick facades, and lively civic spaces.
Food in Santarém
Santarém Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hot Amazonian soup made with tucupi, jambu (an Amazonian herb that can numb the mouth), and dried shrimp. Best enjoyed from street stalls or riverside eateries.
Must-Try!
Duck cooked in tucupi sauce, typically served with cassava flour or manioc flour (jepu). Robust and deeply flavorful.
Pirarucu fillets prepared in tucupi sauce, a signature river dish showcasing local fish and tangy sauces.
Frozen puree of açaí served in a bowl with fruits and granola—perfect for cooling down in the heat.
A hearty fish stew with river fish, peppers, and herbs; comforting and savory after a day by the water.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market offering fresh fish, exotic fruits, manioc, and ready-to-eat snacks; great for people-watching and authentic bites.
Evening stalls along the quay serving tacacá, tapioca, fried plantains, and grilled fish with a view of the sunset.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite Brazilian greetings: bom dia, boa tarde, boa noite. A casual handshake or cheek kiss is common among friends; address people politely and use basic Portuguese phrases when possible.
Ask before photographing people, especially in markets or villages; dress modestly in religious sites; remove hats and speak in a calm, friendly tone in public spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Santarém
Ensure a smooth experience
If service charge is not included, a tip of 10–15% at restaurants is customary. Small local vendors may appreciate rounding up.
Cash is widely accepted, especially at markets and street stalls. Cards are common in hotels, larger restaurants, and tourist-centric spots; carry some cash for smaller purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with lower humidity and plenty of sunshine; ideal for beach trips to Alter do Chão and outdoor activities, but evenings can be cooler near the river.
Heavier rainfall and higher river levels; lush landscapes and abundant wildlife, but some boat trips may be affected by rain and visibility; pack a lightweight rain jacket.
Santarém at Night
Hiking in Santarém
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy to moderate hikes with river views, forest scenery, and opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Coastal-like riverbank paths with immersive canopy experiences and birdwatching.
Airports
How to reach Santarém by plane.
Local airport serving domestic flights; convenient for quick trips to Belém and regional centers.
Major hub with connections to Brazilian cities and some international flights; used for longer journeys.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Diverse mix of locals and migrants from various Brazilian regions.
Communities around the Tapajós and surrounding forests contribute distinctive cultures and crafts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The region loves football; watch local matches or join informal games in parks.
Common in schools and community courts; a popular indoor/outdoor option.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Santarém.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes center on fish and meat, but you can still find vegetarian options like tapioca, rice with beans, plantains, fruits, and salads; ask for tucupi-free preparations or substitutions when needed.