river · Breves, PA
Estreito de Breves
A network of small rivers, channels and islands linking the Amazon River to the Rio Pará, it is a route for boats crossing the Marajó archipelago. The trip reveals floodplain forests and riverside communities along the banks.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Estreito de Breves
The Estreito de Breves is a maze of narrow rivers, channels and islands on the western side of the Marajó archipelago. Linking the Amazon River to the Rio Pará, it works as a natural shortcut for boats traveling between the interior of the Amazon and Belém. It is also known as Furos de Breves, a name given to the region where the town is located.
Passenger boats, barges and cargo ships pass through these channels, as well as canoes and rabetas, the small motorboats locals use. In many stretches the banks are very close, and the boat seems almost to touch the forest. Navigating here takes experience: there are many islands and channels, and local captains rely on knowledge passed down through generations.
For travelers, the attraction is the crossing itself. From the deck, you see the floodplain forest up close and a string of wooden houses by the water, with canoes moored in front. It is a portrait of riverside life, where the river is the street and almost everything arrives by boat.
The trip takes no physical effort, but it is long and done by boat. If you travel by boat between Belém and the interior of the Amazon, you will cross the strait; to see the channels at a relaxed pace from town, arrange a boat trip in Breves.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Crossing the channels takes several hours on regional boat trips; an outing from Breves can take half a day.
Best time
During the day and in good weather, to enjoy the view of the banks; early morning and late afternoon have softer light and less heat on deck.
How to get there
The strait is on the outskirts of Breves, in western Marajó. Boat lines between Belém and the interior of the Amazon pass through the channels; in Breves, you can arrange boat trips through them.
Tip
Through the channels, stay on deck or by the railing to see the banks up close; bring sunscreen, insect repellent and a rain poncho, and photograph riverside life without intruding on residents' privacy.
A look at the place
Estreito de Breves 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 Estreito de Breves
What is the Estreito de Breves?
It is a network of narrow rivers, channels and islands in western Marajó that links the Amazon River to the Rio Pará. It is also called Furos de Breves.
How can I see the Estreito de Breves?
By boat. Boats on the route between Belém and the interior of the Amazon pass through the channels, and in Breves you can arrange a trip through them.
What will I see on the crossing?
Floodplain forest very close to the boat, wooden houses by the water, residents' canoes and rabetas (small motorboats), and passenger and cargo boats.
Do I need to be fit?
No. You sit or stand on the boat, but the trip is long; bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent and a rain poncho.
Is it dangerous to navigate the channels?
Navigation is tricky because of the many islands and channels, so it is handled by experienced local captains. Travel on licensed boats and wear a life jacket.