lake · Santarém, PA
Lago Verde
A shallow lake next to the village, explored by canoe through areas of flooded forest. The route passes the so-called Floresta Encantada (Enchanted Forest), with trees standing in the water.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Lago Verde
Lago Verde is the lake next to the village of Alter do Chão, a district of Santarém, in western Pará. It is formed by the waters of the Tapajós River and separated from the river by the sand strip of the Ilha do Amor. It is one of the village's postcard views.
The water is calm and changes color with the light, from green to blue. In the dry season, white-sand beaches appear along the shores. At high water, the water spreads into the forest and creates an igapó, the flooded forest typical of the Amazon.
The best-known trip is to the Floresta Encantada (Enchanted Forest), an arm of the lake with trees standing in the water. Usually you go by speedboat to the edge of the forest, and the rest is done in a paddled canoe, in silence, among tree trunks and igarapés (creeks). You can see birds, monkeys and, with luck, sloths.
On the lake itself you can also kayak or stand-up paddleboard, swim in the shallows and relax on the beaches. The canoe trip is relaxed and suitable for all ages, but it requires getting in and out of small boats.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow half a day for the speedboat and canoe trip through the Floresta Encantada; a full day if you want to add beaches and other stops on the lake.
Best time
For the Floresta Encantada, the Amazon winter, in the first half of the year, when the rising Tapajós floods the forest and the canoe goes deeper among the trees; in the dry season, from mid to late year, only the first part of the route is possible, but the white-sand beaches appear. Mornings usually bring calmer water and soft light.
How to get there
The lake is right next to the village of Alter do Chão, which you reach by road from Santarém. Trips depart from the village waterfront in speedboats and canoes run by local boatmen and agencies; for the Floresta Encantada, you go by speedboat to the edge of the forest and continue by canoe.
Tip
Book the trip in advance and ask the boatman how far the canoe can go in at the time of your visit. Bring insect repellent, sunscreen and a waterproof phone case.
A look at the place
Lago Verde 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 Lago Verde
How do I get to the Floresta Encantada on Lago Verde?
Trips depart from the Alter do Chão waterfront. You go by speedboat to the edge of the flooded forest, and the rest of the route is in a paddled canoe.
What is the best time to visit Lago Verde?
For the Floresta Encantada, the high water of the Amazon winter, in the first half of the year, when the canoe goes in among the trees. In the dry season, from mid to late year, the white-sand beaches appear.
Can you see the Floresta Encantada in the dry season?
Only partly. With the river low, the canoe usually reaches only the first part of the route.
Do I need a guide?
For the Floresta Encantada, yes: the trip is done with local boatmen or agencies. On the lake, you can rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard in the village.
Do you have to pay for the trip?
Yes, boat and canoe trips are paid and arranged with boatmen or agencies in the village. Check prices locally.