Santarém (Brazil)

What could be better than going for a swim in Alter do Chão's turquoise lagoons, surrounded by forests? Or visit stunning waterfalls, a few hours walk from the neighbouring town of Alenquer ,, followed by a trip to the Tapajos National Forest? And I bet you didn't know that there are cave paintings, over 11,000 years old, in the vicinity! Go to Monte Alegre if you're interested in seeing these amazing prehistoric works.

Rivers have always been the means of transport through the Amazon's rainforest. Since time immemorial, people have settled on their banks. It's why boats are the preferred choice of vehicle in this part of the country. A number of boats run from Manaus to Belém via Santarém. I took the bus one way and a hammock boat back. Even if the bus was quicker, the trip by boat was an amazing experience. You're on it for several days, getting to know your ' hammock neighbors', while traveling through breathtaking rainforest and passing people waving from the banks of riverside villages. From Santarém, you can catch boats that regularly leave for surrounding towns and from where you can visit lagoons, waterfalls, the rainforest, as well as spot colorful birds and decipher prehistoric graffiti.

Sometimes the distance between each place is surprising but that's life here - it's an immense region. So be prepared for long journeys, be it by foot, boat, bus or four-wheel drive!