Covering the same surface as Switzerland, the Island of Marajó is the largest fluvial Island in the world. Located in the heart of the immense delta formed by the Amazon and Tocantins Rivers, facing the Atlantic –and consequently under the influence of tides- the Island has close to 200 000 inhabitants.

Native Indians, the inhabitants of Marajó more than 3000 years ago, have left interesting testimonies of their passage, seen in the earth paintings in red, black and white typical to this region. Notably in the earthenware pots painted red… But above all it is the landscape with its contrasting panorama that has earned this enormous island its reputation

The western half of Marajó is covered by mangroves; in its eastern half, it has immense prairies, some of them remaining dry the whole year through.
On the coast the mouths of the rivers are surrounded with mangroves. Inside the island the western half of the island is covered in thick forest and flooded most of the year, while the eastern part offers a panorama of savannah where hundreds of thousands of buffalo roam. They are the most common animals on the island since a ship sailing in the direction of Guyana sunk off the coast of the island. The buffalo, excellent swimmers that they are, rejoined the coast and found conditions on Marajó ideal.

A ferry leaves every day from Belém to moor some hours later near Soure, the main town on the East coast (or by airplane – 30 minute flight)

As soon as we step on the island, the special atmosphere of this remote land strikes us. It is as if time does affect this area the same way as it does the mainland. On the only road of the island, some vehicles pass by, as well as carts pulled by oxen and the "boiaderos", the herders, who eye us scornfully from horseback. Rural Marajó delicately reveals its real treasure: the kindness of its nonchalant people, the creativity of its craftwork, a remarkable folklore as well as the food as special as the ingredients it is made from.

Departure at 05:30. Our private vehicle takes us, with our English-speaking guide, to the pier (regular boat - 3-hour crossing – departure at 09:00 for the 10 o’clock boat on Sundays) for the trip towards the river island of Marajó. Upon arrival, short drive on board a van (30-minutes) on the only road of the island to the pier of Beiradão where a motor canoe awaits us, the only means of transportation allowing access to the interior of this wild island.
At the bend of an igaporé (waterway), appears our shelter for the night, the superb Fazenda do Carmo, which principal activity is the extensive rearing of water buffalo. For the volunteers, option of a buffalo back or horseback excursion in the savannah until the sun sets down.
After dinner, canoe excursion on an igaporé where we will attempt to spot some of the local fauna.
All included. Night in a Fazenda.
Option: trip Belém – Marajó by private plane / 30-minute of outstanding flight / $ 140 US extra per person / 3 people minimum / departure from the hotel at 07:00 / take-off at 07:30.

In the morning, excursion in the forest (primary and secondary forest, dolphins, monkeys…) then, after lunch, we reach the charming village of Soure after a two-hour trip.
We continue on to the northernmost point of the island where, among the mangrove, we can walk to the superb beaches of Pesqueiro and Araruna.
Night in Soure, in a pousada on the shores of the river (Paracauary***) where we are welcome by Sir Lima and his wife.
Lunch included. Dinner open. Night in a pousada.
Option: extra day(s) on the island, at the fazenda or at the pousada, ask us.

Depending on the return time of the boat (depending on the tide!), nap in Soure or around the pousada (possibility of a swim and to practice kayak in the river).
Transfer in a minibus to Camara, then regular boat to Belém where we arrive at around 18:00.
Transfer to the hotel.
Meals not included. Night in hotel.