Marajó

Marajó is a large river island at the mouth of the Amazon River in the state of Pará, northern Brazil, and is one of the world’s largest river islands. Its size and riverine landscape distinguish it from surrounding mainland areas.

The island offers extensive freshwater beaches, river channels, floodplain lakes and rural villages; typical visitor activities include boat trips, wildlife viewing and visiting riverside communities. Local crafts and ceramics are also a point of interest in several towns.

The island has a long human history that includes pre-Columbian cultures noted for distinctive pottery and mound-building. More recent centuries saw colonial settlement and development of cattle and buffalo grazing that continue today.

Marajó lies at the mouth of the Amazon River in Pará, adjacent to the city of Belém which functions as the main access hub. The landscape is low-lying and heavily influenced by seasonal river flooding.

• Access: Most visitors travel to the island by ferry or boat from Belém, which is the principal regional gateway.
• Wildlife and livestock: Large herds of water buffalo are a distinctive feature of the landscape and local economy across the island.

What to See #

• Soure: Main town on the island and the usual base for visitors, with ferry connections and local guesthouses; it serves as a starting point for river and beach excursions.
• Salvaterra: Another significant riverside town offering access to inland waterways, local markets and transport links to rural parts of the island.