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Marajó Island - close to 50.000Km2, the largest marine-fluvial island in the world, has an ancient civilization that was famous for its ceramics. It is divided in two almost equal regions. The eastern half of the island is called the fields region. It is characterized by low-lying fields with savannah type flora, sectioned by strips of remaining forest along the rivers. Various varieties of palm trees and dense mangrove swamps line the coast. The island's western half, called the forest region, is covered by primary forest.
Marajó has two seasons: the very rainy one from January to June and the dry from July to December. The island's few roads are elevated three meters. Marajó is supported by the herd of buffaloes and zebus that wander the fields and are well adapted to the wetland conditions.
The island is filled with hundred of bird species such as egrets, flamingos, herons, parrots, ducks, hawks, toucans and the graceful scarlet ibis with its long curved beak. The sight of a flock of deep-pink ibis flying against Marajó's green background is unforgettable. Alligators, monkeys, capivaras and large anacondas complete the scene for a fantastic photo-safari.
Sourer, the island's principal town is a little city shaded by mango trees with oxen and buffalos grazing in the streets. Like others coastal cities, it is primarily a fishing village. Marajó is also a paradise for fishermen. You will catch the ferocious piranha or the one and half meter Pirarucu among others.
The best way to discover Marajó is through its Fazendas (ranch, farm). With the farmer as a guide, you can discover all the wildlife of the island. Visiting a water buffalo ranch, you will understand why this animal is so useful to the farmers: carrying cowboys, pulling carts and providing the ranch with its milk and meat.
Accommodation recommended at Marajó Island is Fazenda Nossa Senhora do Carmo, located at approximately 80km from Belém: 25 min by one engine chartered plane to Salvaterra air trip or 3 hours by regular boat to port of Camará. Then 45 min to 1 hour by motorized canoe to the ranch up the Camará River. In the main wooden-made house there are two floors, 2 living room, 1 dining room, 6 rooms, 3 bathrooms (all windows and doors with mosquito netting).Energy provided by diesel generator, fresh water, telephone, TV.
No luxury but rustic comfort. The ranch can accommodate 20 paxs. Tours: horse and buffalo riding, tours by canoe and kayak on river, creeks and lake, fishing, bird watching, tours by jeep on the ranch fields (from August to December only), observation of wildlife, photo safari, activities of a ranch, relaxation.
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