OtherA transit city that has supported logistics and trade deep in the Amazon, centered on simple markets and riverside life. On cruise calls, standard excursions are viewing the meeting of the rivers, the white-sand beach at nearby Alter do Chao, and rainforest tours.

Santarem

Santarem · Brazil · -2.44, -54.71

A river port city at the confluence of the Amazon and Tapajos rivers. The Meeting of the Waters, where two differently colored rivers flow side by side without immediately mixing, is the main attraction.

Port highlights

A regional city of about 300,000 people

Population

A tropical rainforest climate with almost no change in temperature throughout the year. February to May is the rainy season with heavy rainfall, while August to November is relatively dry.

Climate

Portuguese

Language

Brazilian real (BRL).

Currency

August to November (dry season, when riverside beaches appear)

Best time to visit

Local food

Charcoal-grilled Amazon River fish such as tambaqui, tacaca, acai, and cupuacu juice

Sights

Confluence of the Amazon and Tapajós riversAlter do Chao freshwater beachCentral market (Mercado)Tropical forest tour in Tapajós National ForestVisit to riverside floating villages

Monthly average high / low temperatures

31°

24°Jan

31°

24°Feb

31°

24°Mar

31°

24°Apr

31°

24°May

31°

24°Jun

31°

24°Jul

32°

24°Aug

33°

25°Sep

33°

26°Oct

33°

25°Nov

33°

25°Dec

Unit: °C · Calculated from NOAA GHCN-Daily station observations · Period: 1991–2023 · Station: SANTAREM-AEROPORTO · about 1.5 km from port · elevation difference about 55 m · Approximate (limited observation period) · Last checked: Oct 4, 2026 · A guide for choosing your travel month.

Local prices for travelers

Cheaper than Tokyo

Compared with Tokyo, Japan (median of items)79 (Tokyo = 100)

Compared with Tokyo, water, meals and beer are somewhat cheaper; coffee costs about the same; a Big Mac is somewhat more expensive.

R$2.39

Water 500 ml

R$15.00

Coffee

R$22.50

Inexpensive meal

R$14.50

Local beer

R$23.90

Big Mac

Prices in Santarem. · Amounts in the recorded local currency. No currency conversion applied. · Last checked: Oct 2026 (partly estimated) · Sources: Shop and menu prices · The Economist, Big Mac Index (CC BY 4.0)