river beach · Santarém, PA
Ponta de Pedras
A Tapajós beach marked by reddish rock formations that reach out over the water. A good full-day option, away from the bustle of the village.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Ponta de Pedras
Ponta de Pedras is a freshwater beach on the right bank of the Tapajós River, along the road between Santarém and Alter do Chão, in western Pará. It is in a riverside community and is one of the longest beaches in the region.
What sets it apart from its neighbors are the rock formations scattered across the fine white sand, reaching out into the river. The lower the river drops, the more rocks and sand are exposed.
Because it is so long, you can find quiet stretches even on busy days. Along the beach there are rustic restaurants with thatched huts serving regional fish, such as tambaqui and pirarucu. The late afternoon, with the sun setting over the Tapajós, is one of the most popular moments.
It is a full-day outing with no physical effort: calm-water river swimming, shade and regional food. It is farther from the bustle of the village of Alter do Chão.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow a full day, or at least an afternoon to stay until sunset.
Best time
When the Tapajós is low, roughly from August to January, when the strip of sand and the rocks are most exposed; late afternoon is the best time to watch the sunset over the river.
How to get there
It is about 35 km from downtown Santarém. By car or taxi, take the Everaldo Martins highway (PA-457) toward Alter do Chão, then a final stretch of dirt road. You can also get there by boat, on trips departing from Alter do Chão.
Tip
Bring cash and confirm the return time with your driver or boatman, since the final stretch is a dirt road and there is not much transportation.
A look at the place
Ponta de Pedras 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 Ponta de Pedras
Where is Ponta de Pedras beach?
In Santarém (PA), on the bank of the Tapajós River, about 35 km from downtown, in the area between Santarém and Alter do Chão.
How do I get to Ponta de Pedras?
By car or taxi on the Everaldo Martins highway, toward Alter do Chão, with a final stretch of dirt road. There are also boat trips from Alter do Chão.
What is the best time to go to Ponta de Pedras?
When the Tapajós is low, roughly from August to January, when more sand and rocks appear. At high water the strip of sand shrinks.
Are there restaurants at Ponta de Pedras?
Yes. There are rustic restaurants with thatched huts along the beach, serving regional fish such as tambaqui and pirarucu.
Is Ponta de Pedras good for swimming?
Yes. It is a freshwater river beach with calm water, good for spending the day and watching the sunset.