Making the most of Macapa
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise vessels dock directly in the town centre.
Most ships, however, call only to obtain clearance from Brazilian authorities, and passengers cannot disembark during this process. Formalities include safety and health inspections plus immigration procedures. Depending on the vessel's complexity, clearance may require several hours. Some ships have a docking call but remain at anchor.
As part of Amazonia, Amapá's capital provides a stopping point for migrating birds alongside local flamingos, toucans and ibises. Sea and river turtles, giant alligators, manatees, anteaters and armadillos also contribute to the region's rich wildlife and add special colour to the forest's greenery.
At Macapá, the Amazon River reaches the beaches of Fazendinha and Araxá, which offer very good swimming. Straddling the Equator, the city preserves regional history through several monuments. Sao Jose Fort stands at its entrance and was completed in 1782 after 18 years of labour by Indians and slaves. It demonstrates French cultural influence and is among Brazil's best-preserved military monuments. Amapá's story also appears in the Church of Sao Jose de Macapá, dating from 1761. The city's oldest monument has a particularly austere colonial design...
Getting around
Macapá lies on the Equator and becomes extremely hot, so carry a cool drink and dress appropriately.
Nearby places
No through roads lead to or from Macapa.
Food and shopping
Browse the energetic market for colourful pottery painted with manganese, handmade leather products and traditional wooden carvings produced by local artisans.
Money
The currency is the Brazilian Real.
Staying connected
Portuguese is spoken.
Cafés offering their customers free WiFi are scarce.
Opening Hours and
Most shops and businesses normally trade from 9am until 6pm, with a longer lunch break of approximately noon to 2pm.
Many museums close on Monday.
O Marabaixo is an Afro-Brazilian celebration of music and dance held 40 days after Holy Week.