Ilha de Marajó

Bathed by the fresh waters of the Amazonas and Tocantins rivers and the salty Atlantic, this Switzerland-sized island at the mouth of the Amazon lies only 60 miles northwest – a three-hour ferry ride – from Pará’s capital, Belém. The world’s largest river island, Marajó offers secluded beaches, dense mangroves filled with exotic bird life, and a trio of small, appealing towns: Soure, Salvaterra, and Joanes. It also boasts thousands upon thousands of water buffalo, which are both a source of transportation and of food (juicy steaks and creamy buffalo mozzarella are endemic and irresistible). Don’t miss a day trip – or an overnight stay – at a ...

Bathed by the fresh waters of the Amazonas and Tocantins rivers and the salty Atlantic, this Switzerland-sized island at the mouth of the Amazon lies only 60 miles northwest – a three-hour ferry ride – from Pará’s capital, Belém. The world’s largest river island, Marajó offers secluded beaches, dense mangroves filled with exotic bird life, and a trio of small, appealing towns: Soure, Salvaterra, and Joanes. It also boasts thousands upon thousands of water buffalo, which are both a source of transportation and of food (juicy steaks and creamy buffalo mozzarella are endemic and irresistible). Don’t miss a day trip – or an overnight stay – at a working buffalo farm. Marajó also possesses a strong indigenous heritage, kept alive by local festivals and artisans who fashion pottery based on the centuries-old ceramics created by their ancestors.

About the Expert

Michael Sommers is the author of Moon Brazil and Moon Rio, as well as the blog Thrill of Brazil. He has been living in Salvador, Brazil since 1999.