Making the most of Santarem
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
Ships berth at the new Docas de Santarem cruise ship dock. Downtown is an easy 15 minute walk from the port entrance, while taxis are readily available for town journeys or tours.
Take a map along.
A primary reason to visit Santarem is the "Wedding of the Waters", a phenomenon where two rivers merge while each retains different characteristics. Here, the clear, clean Rio Tapajos joins the muddy Rio Amazonas. The rivers run side by side for miles before blending, with a distinct clean line separating them even though they are flowing as one.
The Nova Orla Fluvial promenade runs along Av Tapajós for over a mile, from the Museu de Santarém nearly to the Docas do Para. Start a pleasant westward walk at Praça Matriz, passing colorful boats to finish in the massive Cargill facility's shadow, a symbol of Brazil’s burgeoning soy trade. There is little shade, so take a hat.
Getting around
Leaving Santarém is big business, with a travel agency on virtually every street corner.
Nearby places
Visit Alter do Chão, the nearby village with beautiful white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Relax at Praia do Amor (Love Beach), take a Lago Verde (Green Lake) boat trip, or explore Ilha do Amor (Island of Love).
Food and shopping
Across from the downtown waterfront, Mercado Modelo is the main market and impossible to miss. It opens into a very large market of stores, boutiques and shops.
Money
The currency is the Brazilian Real.
Staying connected
Portuguese is spoken.
Cafes offering customers free WiFi are sparse.
Opening Hours and
Most stores and businesses keep basic 9am to 6pm hours, with an extended lunch from around noon until 2pm.
Many museums close on monday.