A little more than two days by boat from Belém, Santarém is the second city in the state of Pará and one of the region's most beautiful cities, situated at the confluence of the Rivers Tapajós and Amazon. Santarém used to be inhabited by the Tapajós Indians. Some of the history of these people, who according to legend used to drown adulterous women and mummify their distinguished relations, is represented in the city museum, in the João Fona Cultural Center. Ceramic pots recently found at the archaeological site on the Taperinha Estate on the outskirts of Santarém, reveal the existence of an advanced pre Andean civilization, which has led to new interpretations in relation to the human occupation of the American continent.

Bordered by river beaches and clear waters all year round, Alter do Chão, an ancient fishing village is thirty five kilometers from the city center. The beach is wedged into an inlet between the River Tapajós and Lake Muiraquitãs. Of a similar age to Santarém - both were founded in 1661 - Alter do Chão was the territory of the Boraris Indians who left behind them a five-day ritual: this is the Sairé festival that takes place each July and is a native celebration that has gradually incorporated the religious symbols of the Jesuit fathers in native dances and chants. Today the festival includes the Procession to the Holy Ghost, with pilgrims invoking justice, carrying flags and adorned rods. Drummers also join the procession, during which flags are hoisted, litanies are recited and local traditional dance presentations take place. Finally a big lunch is offered by the judges to the participants.