Amazon River: Manaus to Belém
Journey east along the Amazon River, visiting Novo Airão, taking a riverboat to Alter do Chão, and ending at the estuary city of Belém.
An in-depth route traveling from inland Manaus all the way to the estuary city of Belém. The first section features Novo Airão and the Rio Negro archipelago; the middle section involves a two-night local riverboat journey to Santarém, transferring to the white sand beaches and national forest of the Tapajós River; the final section flies to Belém. The riverboat offers rustic conditions, providing an authentic local commute experience rather than a cruise, making it ideal for repeat travelers who enjoy a slow pace. A flight is used from Santarém to Belém to keep the itinerary within 13 days.
The beaches of Alter do Chão emerge from August to December. Boat schedules and routes may be affected during dry years.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival & Manaus Old Town
Manaus & the Amazon（Amazon Theatre、Church and Square of São Sebastião、Adolpho Lisboa Market）
Take a taxi from the airport to the historic center (approx. 30 minutes), and explore the theater and market area on foot in the afternoon.
The Amazon Theatre is closed on Mondays; this day can be swapped with Day 2.
Stay: Historic Center
Day 2 · Meeting of Waters Boat Tour
Manaus & the Amazon（Meeting of Waters）
Take a morning boat tour from the Port of Manaus to see the Meeting of Waters and floating communities, returning to port around 4:00 PM.
Stay: Historic Center
Day 3 · Across the Bridge to Novo Airão
Manaus & the Amazon（Rio Negro Bridge） → Novo Airão & Anavilhanas（Novo Airão Artisans Association (AANA)、Pink River Dolphins at Novo Airão）
Charter a car in the morning across the Rio Negro Bridge via AM-352 (approx. 2.5 hours), and enjoy activities in town in the afternoon.
Dolphins are protected wild animals; do not touch or feed them. Check local availability first.
Stay: Rio Negro Lodges
Day 4 · Anavilhanas Archipelago
Novo Airão & Anavilhanas（Anavilhanas National Park）
Take a small boat tour through the archipelago's waterways and riverside communities, taking most of the day, arranged by your lodge or a local agency.
Stay: Rio Negro Lodges
Day 5 · Return to Manaus & Boat Prep
Novo Airão & Anavilhanas → Manaus & the Amazon（Bosque da Ciência (INPA)）
Charter a car back to Manaus in the morning (approx. 2.5 hours), visit the Bosque da Ciência in the afternoon, and buy your boat ticket and hammock.
Bosque da Ciência is closed on Mondays and requires booking; food on the boat is limited, so stock up on snacks.
Stay: Historic Center
Day 6 · Board the Riverboat & Head East Down the Amazon
Manaus & the Amazon（Floating Port of Manaus）
Head to the pier in the morning to secure your hammock space; the boat departs around midday, taking about 31 to 40 hours to reach Santarém.
Regular passenger boats only run on specific days of the week; the entire itinerary must be planned backward based on the boat schedule.
Day 7 · A Full Day on the Riverboat
Parintins
Spend the entire day sailing, with potential brief stops at river towns like Parintins, spending another night on board.
If the boat arrives at night, check into a hotel in Santarém first before heading to Alter do Chão the next day.
Day 8 · To Alter do Chão & Ilha do Amor
Alter do Chão
After arriving in Santarém, take a taxi (approx. 40 minutes) to Alter do Chão, then take a small ferry boat to the sandbar.
The hike up Morro da Piraoca takes about 2 to 3 hours; make sure to descend before sunset.
Stay: Alter do Chão
Day 9 · Tapajós National Forest
Tapajós National Forest
Take a morning boat along the Tapajós River to the national forest, trek through the jungle and visit local communities, returning after sunset.
You must be accompanied by a community guide; book this through a local agency a day in advance.
Stay: Alter do Chão
Day 10 · Fly to the Estuary City of Belém
Take a taxi to Santarém Airport (approx. 30 minutes), fly to Belém (approx. 1.5 hours), and head to Estação das Docas in the evening.
Direct flights may have inconvenient schedules; check departure times carefully when booking.
Stay: Campina (Historic Centre)
Day 11 · Belém Old Town & Ver-o-Peso
Belém（Ver-o-Peso Market、Forte do Presépio (Forte do Castelo)、Casa das Onze Janelas、Mangal das Garças）
Spend the day walking around the old town; take short taxi rides between the fort, market, and Mangal das Garças.
Mangal das Garças is closed on Mondays.
Stay: Campina (Historic Centre)
Day 12 · Combu Island Riverside Day Trip
Take a taxi to Ruy Barata Pier, take a small boat (approx. 15 minutes) to the island, and return in the evening.
Some restaurants on the island are closed on weekdays; try to schedule this visit between Friday and Sunday.
Stay: Campina (Historic Centre)
Day 13 · Theater, Basilica & Departure
Belém（Theatro da Paz、Basílica de Nossa Senhora de Nazaré、Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi）
Take a taxi in the morning to visit the theater, basilica, and museums, and head to the airport in the afternoon or evening (approx. 30 minutes).