Santana Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, food, and culture in Santana, Brazil. Plan your trip with our comprehensive, long-form travel guide.


Introduction to Santana

Welcome to Santana, a small town located in the heart of the Amazon rainforest in the Amapá state of Brazil. This natural gem offers a unique opportunity to experience the unspoiled Amazonian rainforest, stark cultural contrasts, and authentic Brazilian hospitality.

This comprehensive tour guide will help you discover the best attractions, activities, food, and culture that Santana has to offer. From visiting museums and historical places to trying out the local food and drinks, we’ve got you covered.

List of Places to Visit in Santana

If you’re planning a trip to Santana, start by exploring some of the must-visit attractions in this charming town.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museu Histórico Joaquim Caetano da Silva: Learn about Santana’s history through artifacts, photographs, and documents.
  • Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição: This beautiful church is one of the oldest in the town, built in the 18th century.
  • Fortaleza de São José de Macapá: Take a day trip to this historic fort and explore its impressive architecture and exhibits.

Natural Attractions of Santana: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Rio Vila Nova: This river is perfect for swimming and relaxing.
  • Santuário Ecológico: Take a hike in this natural reserve and observe exotic bird species and native flora.
  • Volta Grande do Xingu: Explore the stunning beauty of this natural waterfall.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Santana

If you’re an adventurous traveler, consider exploring Santana’s stunning landscapes on foot or bike.

  • Rio Matapi Trail: Take a peaceful walk along the river while enjoying scenic views of the Amazon rainforest.
  • Pacoval Urban Park: This park offers beautiful hiking paths, bike trails, and picnic spots.
  • Trilho do Mirante: This trail is perfect for a hiking or biking adventure up to a mesmerizing viewpoint.

Best Things to Do in Santana: Activities and Tours

Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, there are plenty of activities and tours for all travelers in Santana.

  • Boat Tour of Rio Amazonas: Take a boat trip along the river to see the exotic wildlife and explore nearby communities.
  • Fishing Tour: Go fishing with locals and learn about traditional techniques and tools.
  • Cultural Tour of Santana: Discover the local culture and traditions of this Amazonian town through dance and music performances, handicraft workshops, and community gatherings.

Week-Long Itinerary for Santana

If you’re planning to spend a week in Santana, here’s a sample itinerary to help guide you:

Day Activities
Day 1 Explore Museu Histórico Joaquim Caetano da Silva; Visit Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição; Try local cuisine at Zilton’s Restaurante.
Day 2 Take a boat tour of Rio Amazonas; Go on a fishing tour with locals; Relax on Rio Vila Nova.
Day 3 Explore Santuário Ecológico; Hike on Trilho do Mirante; Visit Fortaleza de São José de Macapá.
Day 4 Discover Volta Grande do Xingu; Go Piranha fishing in the river; Visit a local Candomblé temple.
Day 5 Take a cultural tour of Santana; Attend a dance and music performance; Buy souvenirs at the local market.
Day 6 Visit the Pacoval Urban Park; Explore the town on bike; Try exotic fruit juices at the local vendors.
Day 7 Relax on the beach at Fazenda Maria; Dip in the natural pools at Cachoeira do Ambrósio; Say goodbye to this charming town.

Food and Drink Scene of Santana

Santana has a unique and distinct food and drink scene thanks to its location in the Amazon rainforest. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages to try:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tacacá: A traditional soup made with shrimp, manioc, and jambu.
  • Tucupi: A yellow soup made from manioc root and served with fish or meat.
  • Jambu: A local herb that gives a tingly sensation in your mouth and is often added to dishes as a spice.

Local Beverages

  • Cupuaçu juice: A refreshing drink made from the fruit of the Cupuaçu tree, which is similar to an Amazonian version of the cocoa tree.
  • Cachaça: A Brazilian distilled spirit made from sugarcane.

Where to Stay in Santana: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Budget

  • Pousada da Cida: A family-friendly guesthouse with comfortable rooms and excellent service.
  • Pousada Xiborena: A cozy hostel located near the city center.

Mid-Range

  • Hotel Ouro Verde: A comfortable hotel with air-conditioned rooms and an outdoor pool.
  • Hotel Ouro Negro: A mid-range hotel with cozy rooms and a 24-hour front desk service.

Luxury

  • Ekinox Santana Hotel: A modern and stylish hotel with luxurious rooms and great amenities.

What to Buy in Santana: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you want to take a piece of Santana home with you, here are some local products and souvenirs to consider buying:

  • Handcrafted jewelry: Santana is known for its beautiful handcrafted jewelry made from local Amazonian materials.
  • Native handicrafts: You can find an abundance of beautiful crafts made from local materials like wood, seeds, and natural dyes.
  • Cachaça: Take a bottle of the local spirit back home with you.

Local Culture and Customs of Santana

Santana has a vibrant culture that reflects its Amazonian roots. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

  • Community life is an essential part of the culture. Be sure to attend community gatherings, dance performances, and workshops for a genuine cultural experience.
  • Respect local traditions. Santana has a strong Afro-Brazilian influence, and traditional practices like candomblé are respected and celebrated.
  • Be mindful of the environment. The Amazon rainforest is an unparalleled natural wonder that requires protection and conservation, so be sure to follow sustainable tourism practices when visiting.

Best Time to Visit Santana

The best time to visit Santana is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. During this time, the weather is mild and pleasant, and the town is bustling with festivals and cultural events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Santana

Do:

  • Engage with the local community. Santana has friendly locals who love to share their culture and traditions with tourists.
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
  • Explore the natural beauty of the Amazon rainforest. Santana is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes that make for great outdoor adventure.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the environment. The Amazon rainforest is an essential part of Brazil’s ecosystem and must be conserved.
  • Overuse natural resources. Drink water from a reusable bottle and opt for eco-friendly activities.
  • Be wary of unsafe neighborhoods. Do some research and ask locals about the safety concerns.

Safety and Health

Safety in Santana

Although Santana is a relatively safe town, there are some precautions you should take when traveling:

  • Avoid walking alone at night.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.
  • Stick to well-lit and populated areas.

Health in Santana

When traveling to Santana, make sure to take the following precautions:

  • Get vaccinated. Check with your doctor for advice on vaccinations and other health measures you should take before traveling.
  • Pack a first-aid kit. Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and any necessary medication.
  • Drink bottled or filtered water. Avoid drinking tap water, and choose from a reliable vendor.

Getting to Santana: Transportation Options and Logistics

Santana is well connected to major cities in Brazil through road and airways.

Airports Near Santana

  • Aeroporto Internacional de Macapá, located 25 miles from Santana.

Bus Stations Near Santana

  • Terminal Rodoviário de Santana, located in the city center.

Other Options

  • Private Car: You can hire a private car from Macapá or any nearby city to reach Santana.

How to Get Around in Santana

Santana is a small town, and most places are within walking distance. If you need transportation, here are some options:

  • Taxis: Taxis are readily available in Santana and are reasonably priced.
  • Buses: Public buses run frequently and are a cheap way to get around the town.

Where to Go Next from Santana: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking for more places to explore near Santana, here are some nearby destinations to consider:

  • Macapá: The capital city of Amapá state is just a short drive away, with historic landmarks and multicultural street markets.
  • Ilha de Marajó: This large island is located in the mouth of the Amazon River and is considered to be the largest freshwater island in the world.
  • Belém: Belém is a vibrant city and the gateway to the Amazon rainforest.

Conclusion

Santana is a hidden gem that offers an authentic and unique experience for adventurous travelers. With this comprehensive tour guide, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip filled with cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, and delicious local food. Happy travels!

Port of Santana Port of Santana