igarapé (creek) · Santarém, PA
Canal do Jari
A canoe trip through floodplain corridors where the landscape changes completely between the high-water and dry seasons. A good place to see birds and giant water lilies.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Canal do Jari
The Canal do Jari is a river channel in the Amazon floodplain, in the district of Arapixuna, in Santarém, in western Pará. You can only get there by river.
The trip is made by speedboat and canoe through narrow channels between floodable vegetation. Along the banks you see the stilt houses of riverside communities. The landscape changes a lot over the year: at high water the canoe glides between flooded trees; in the dry season, trails appear on dry land.
It is an outing for watching nature. You can see egrets and other birds, monkeys, sloths, caimans and river dolphins, as well as large giant water lilies. In the channel communities, residents welcome visitors with community-based tourism experiences, such as a trail to see sloths and a giant water lily garden with dishes made from the plant.
No fitness is required. It is recommended for anyone who enjoys wildlife, photography and learning about the riverside way of life.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
The trip usually takes half a day or a full day, depending on the itinerary and the starting point.
Best time
The high-water season, in the first half of the year, is when the channel is most beautiful and the canoe goes deeper into the flooded forest; mornings are usually best for seeing birds and other animals.
How to get there
Access is by boat only. Speedboat trips depart from downtown Santarém and from Alter do Chão; in the channel, part of the route is by canoe.
Tip
Bring insect repellent, a hat and sunscreen, and arrange with your guide a visit to the channel communities, which welcome visitors on set days and times.
A look at the place
Canal do Jari in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Canal do Jari
Where is the Canal do Jari?
In the district of Arapixuna, in Santarém (PA), in a floodplain area linked to the Amazon River. Access is by river only.
How do I get to the Canal do Jari?
Only by river. Speedboat trips depart from Santarém and Alter do Chão; inside the channel, part of the route is by canoe.
What is the best time to visit the Canal do Jari?
The high-water season, in the first half of the year, is considered the best time, with more flooded area, giant water lilies and wildlife.
What wildlife can you see in the Canal do Jari?
Birds such as egrets, monkeys, sloths, caimans and river dolphins, as well as giant water lilies.
Can you visit riverside communities in the Canal do Jari?
Yes. Communities along the channel welcome visitors with community-based tourism experiences, such as a sloth trail and a giant water lily garden.