Alter do Chão, is an area of mixed savanna and terra firm forest located at the margins of the Tapajós River, near its confluence with the Amazon river, in the State of Pará. Due to its habitat heterogeneity the area has a high diversity of reptiles and amphibians. Also, the crystal clear waters of the Tapajós – already praised by Alfred Russel Wallace, when he stayed several months in the region in 1848 – offers ideal diving possibilities to observe a great variety of reptiles (bring along your diving gear).
The village of Alter do Chão has reasonable tourist infrastructure, with a tourist class hotel, several hostels, restaurants and beach kiosks where meals based on an amazing variety of fish are served. INPA has been carrying out long term research projects in this area, thus several specialized guides will be at the disposal of groups for excursions to savanna and forest patches, and or boat to diving or traditional fishing areas.
Alter do Chão is reached from Manaus over the town of Santarém by plane ($200-250 return ticket) or by passenger boat ($80 return ticket in private cabin), which 1 ½ days downriver days up river. For more information, please contact orcalplanet@orcalplanettour.com.br.
Amazon Forest Excursions Schedule
Number
Excursions
In
Out
Duration
Rate
1
JAÚ NATIONAL PARK EXPEDITION
August 12/2008
August 16/2008
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
US$ 705.00
2
JAÚ NATIONAL PARK EXPEDITION
August 23/2008
August 27/2008
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
US$ 705.00
3
LAKE MAMORI EXPEDITION
August 13/2008
August 16/2008
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
US$570.00
4
LAKE MAMORI EXPEDITION
August 23/2008
August 26/2008
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
US$570.00
5
ANAVILHANAS EXPEDITION
August 14/2008
August 16/2008
3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
US$420.00
6
ANAVILHANAS EXPEDITION
August 23/2008
August 25/2008
3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
US$420.00
7
Alter do Chão*
August 14/2008
August 16/2008
3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
US$420.00
8
Alter do Chão*
August 23/2008
August 25/2008
3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
US$420.00
9
MANAUS VIEW
August 15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24
03 hours
9 – 12 am
US$60.00
10
MEETING OF THE WATERS
August 15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24
06 hours
9 – 3 pm
US$80.00
11
SUNSET TOUR AND ALLIGATOR SPOTTING
August 15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24
03 hours
6 – 9am
US$60.00
12
FISHING TOURS (PIRANHAS)
August 15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24
03 hours
9 – 12 am
US$55.00
13
ARIAU JUNGLE TOWERS LODGE
August 15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24
05 hours
9 – 2pm
US$120.00
14
MANAUS BY NIGHT
August 15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24
06 hours
9 – 3 pm
US$110.00
15
PRESIDENTE FIGUEIREDO WATERFALLS
August 15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24
08 hours
9 – 4 pm
US$85.00
16
Project Biological Dynamics of Fragments
August 15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24
06 hours
9 – 3 pm
US$110.00
17
Adolpho Ducke Reserve
August 15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24
08 hours
9 – 4 pm
US$85.00
(*) Not include air ticket. NOTE: if you go to the excursion before the congress, you go directly from the airport to the Boat. If it is happen after the Congress, you back directly from the boat to the airport. ALL OTHER TRIPS IN AMAZONAS, PLEASE CONTACT US:orcalplanet@orcalplanettour.com.br To reserve the packages above, please fill the TRAVEL FORM and send it by fax to direction bellow:
Survival and adventure travel
Some longer than usual excursion to less frequently offered locations, like Jaú National Park, and Alter do Chão (forest/savanna mosaic habitat at the margin of the Tapajós River (Pará), including some physically demanding options, are offered by Jungle Trekker.
Other sides of interest for persons looking for less orthodox excursions may be those of orcalplanet@orcalplanettour.com.br.
Beyond Amazon
Orcal Planet Tour offers tours to Salvador (Bahia) and the Iguaçu Falls (Paraná) which may be purchased in combination with your travel packages.
If you would like to add an impression of Brazilian coastal scenery to your experience in the tropical rainforest, a visit to São Luiz (capital of the state of Maranhão) and the nearby Lençois Maranhenses National Park may be an excellent option. Lençóis is comprised of a spectacular extension of sand dunes and freshwater ponds. Modest but agreeable lodging is provided in the nearby town of Barreirinhas. More informtion on Lençóis Maranhense ( and other destination in Brazil for eco-travelers) may be obtained: orcalplanet@orcalplanettour.com.br.
