river beach · Santarém, PA
Ilha do Amor
A sandbank in front of the village, reached by canoe in a few minutes, with warm, shallow water on both sides. Its size changes with the level of the Tapajós.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Ilha do Amor
The Ilha do Amor (Island of Love) is the postcard view of Alter do Chão, a village on the Tapajós River that belongs to Santarém, in western Pará. Despite the name, it is not really an island: it is a sand spit in front of the village that separates Lago Verde from the Tapajós.
It depends on the river. When the water drops, the whole strip of white sand appears. At high water, much of it is submerged. It is because of this river beach that Alter do Chão earned the nickname Amazon Caribbean.
The crossing is made on catraias, canoes run by the village boatmen, and takes a few minutes. At the height of the dry season you can walk across. On the island there are stalls with tables, umbrellas, food and drinks.
Each side has its own feel. The Lago Verde side has most of the stalls. The Tapajós side is the favorite for watching the sunset and fills up in the late afternoon. From above, the best view of the island is from Serra Piroca, in the village itself.
It is an easy outing, good for families and for anyone who just wants beach time and a river swim. On weekdays the mood is relaxed; on dry-season weekends the sand gets packed.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Half a day to a full day, depending on how long you want to stay on the sand.
Best time
When the Tapajós is low, from August to December, when the whole strip of sand is exposed; in the late afternoon, on the river side, to watch the sunset.
How to get there
It is in front of the Alter do Chão waterfront, a district of Santarém (PA). From Santarém, take a taxi or bus along the paved road to the village; from the waterfront, cross by catraia (small ferry canoe) or, at the height of the dry season, on foot.
Tip
On dry-season weekends, arrive early to get a spot on the sand. Bring small bills for the catraia and the beach stalls.
A look at the place
Ilha do Amor 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 Ilha do Amor
When does the Ilha do Amor appear?
When the Tapajós River is low, from August to December. At high water, much of the island is underwater.
How do I get to the Ilha do Amor?
From the Alter do Chão waterfront, by catraia (small ferry canoe), in a few minutes. At the height of the dry season you can walk across.
Is the Ilha do Amor a real island?
No. It is a sand spit in front of the village that separates Lago Verde from the Tapajós River.
Are there facilities on the Ilha do Amor?
Yes. There are stalls with tables, umbrellas, food and drinks, mostly on the Lago Verde side.
Where can I watch the sunset on the Ilha do Amor?
On the side facing the Tapajós River, which gets busier in the late afternoon.