Alter do Chão

At the beginning of February, we got some time off in honor of Carnaval, and we finally went on our first real vacation in Brasil. We had all heard a lot of good things about this town called Alter do Chão in the state of Pará, so we planned a trip there with two other couples. The city is very small and tranquil with no stoplights and just a few restaurants, and everything is within walking distance to the beach.
When we arrived at the nearby airport after the short flight from Manaus, it was still the middle of the night and raining on us. The airport there is super small with only one terminal, and you walk from the plane to the terminal. For some reason, I think it is just so fun and dramatic to arrive that way!

After our flight. Thanks for the umbrella, Tam! 

Since we were vacationing the week before Carnaval, we weren't able to find a hotel that could accommodate all 6 of us. One couple ended up staying at one place, and Debora and Mark shared a 2 bedroom "suite" with us at another pousada. We were all rather underwhelmed upon seeing our future home for 5 days, but after some nervous laughter, we figured we wouldn't be spending much time there anyway. Plus, the owner of the pousada was very nice and helpful, and the complimentary breakfast was quite good. 

So it's no Holiday Inn....

 

Well, we really didn't spend much time there except to sleep cause we all preferred hanging out at the beach. The beach is actually on the river (part of the Amazon) and the amount of sand depends on the season. When it is dry season, the water disappears and leaves a lot of beach. The time of year when we were there, we had a good balance of sand and water, and we had to take a canoe to get to the Ilha do Amor. 

Ilha do Amor, the most popular and closest beach

At the port- that is the island behind us. 

In the dry season, that water is gone, 

and you can just walk across to the other side.

The second day we were there, we hired a guide- John Lennon was his name!- and he took us on his boat to a more remote beach. We stopped at a few places along the way to see hidden lakes and some wildlife, and we all remembered how fun it is to be cruising the water in a speedboat. 

TOURISTS!!!

This is a hidden lake we stopped to see.

My girl Débora and me

The almost deserted beach John Lennon took us to visit. 

We stayed there all morning and afternoon, swimming in the water,

eating delicious fish, hanging out with friends, 

and of course, getting some sun.

That is Jay out there.

The little froggy was jumpin in the water, 

but I already have my prince ;)

A big iguana that was chillin on the step!

Eating a small, fried fish. Mmmm!

This was before a little bone got stuck in my tongue and 

Débora had to work her magic.

Lunch is served! Fish, chicken stew, pasta, beans, rice, farofa.

After a really fun day there, we got dropped off at the Ilha do Amor where we stayed until the sun set.

Sippin on some fresh coconut water. Super refreshing after a day in the sun.

TO BE CONTINUED....