Altamira and the Xingu Are Trending for 2027: River Beaches, Waterfalls and the Amazon Beyond the Usual Route
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
Some links may earn Jet Set LatAm a commission at no additional cost to you. Recommendations remain editorially independent.
Jet Set LatAM · 2027 Trending Destinations
Here’s a name I did not expect on a 2027 trend list: Altamira. Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2027 report recorded a 95% rise in searches for this Amazon city in Pará among Brazilian travelers.
My first reaction was “where?” My second was “oh, that river.” Altamira sits on the Xingu, one of the Amazon’s great tributaries, and it’s the gateway to a part of Brazil most international travelers never see.
Let’s be honest from the start: this is not a five-star resort trip. It’s an adventure with a few comfortable edges. But if you love the idea of golden beaches in the middle of the rainforest, read on.
Why Altamira is having a moment
Altamira is, by area, the largest municipality in Brazil: roughly 160,000 square kilometers, bigger than many countries. Most of it is forest, rivers and Indigenous and protected lands.
Brazilian travelers are increasingly looking beyond the classic Manaus route for Amazon experiences that feel undiscovered. Altamira fits that perfectly.
The Xingu’s river beaches
The headline attraction is seasonal. During the drier months of the Amazonian “summer,” roughly July to September, the Xingu drops and reveals long stretches of fine golden sand and islands in the river.
Locals head out by boat to swim, picnic and camp on these temporary beaches. The water is warm, the sky is huge and the forest frames everything.
Timing matters, and river levels change year to year. Ask a local operator about conditions before you book.
Waterfalls, caves and trails
Beyond the beaches, the Xingu region hides waterfalls, rapids, caves and forest trails. Some falls in the wider region reach around 40 meters.
Local operators run kayak trips, trail walks and visits to ecological sites outside the city. Go with a guide; distances are big and roads can be rough.
Culture, cacao and the riverfront
In town, walk the orla, the riverfront promenade along the Xingu, best at sunset. Look for regional cooking with river fish, açaí and manioc.
The region is also cacao country, and community-based tourism projects are growing. Choosing local guides and family-run experiences keeps your money in the region.
Many Indigenous peoples live along the Xingu. Visits to Indigenous lands require authorization and should only happen through community-led, officially approved programs. Never just turn up.
The Belo Monte question
You can’t talk about Altamira without mentioning Belo Monte, one of the world’s largest hydroelectric dams, built on the Xingu near the city.
It reshaped the river around the Volta Grande do Xingu (the Xingu’s Big Bend) and remains controversial for its impact on Indigenous and riverside communities and ecosystems. A thoughtful traveler should understand that context before arriving.
How to get there
The easiest route is a domestic flight to Altamira, most commonly via Belém. By land, the city sits on the legendary Transamazônica highway (BR-230), but that’s an expedition, not a transfer.
Accommodation in Altamira is practical rather than luxurious. Book the best-reviewed hotel you can find and plan comfort for the other legs of your trip.
Pair it with the Amazon in style
Here’s my move: do Altamira for the adventure, then finish with something polished.
Manaus has the Amazon’s best-known jungle lodges, the Belle Époque Teatro Amazonas and the Meeting of the Waters. Our Manaus and Amazon jungle lodges guide has the picks.
Or head to Alter do Chão near Santarém, famous for its white river beaches on the Tapajós and laid-back pousadas.
How to plan Altamira well
- Go in the dry season. Roughly July to September for river beaches, sunshine and fewer mosquitoes.
- Book a local guide. Boats, beaches and waterfalls are best reached with experienced operators.
- Respect Indigenous lands. Only visit through authorized, community-led programs.
- Pack for heat and bugs. Light long sleeves, repellent and serious sun protection.
- Check vaccinations. Ask a travel clinic about Amazon-region recommendations, such as yellow fever.
What to pack
- Packing cubes: swimwear, bug-proof layers and one nice dinner outfit for Manaus
- Cashmere travel wrap: for freezing domestic flights
- Our full travel collection on ShopMy ↗
Plan the route in Jet Set LatAM ↗.
Amazon experiences — Manaus
See more tours on GetYourGuide ↗ · Compare tours on Viator ↗
Frequently asked questions
Why is Altamira trending for 2027?
Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2027 report recorded a 95% rise in searches for Altamira among Brazilian travelers, as interest grows in lesser-known Amazon destinations.
When do the Xingu river beaches appear?
In the drier months, roughly July to September, when the river level drops. Conditions vary each year.
How do you get to Altamira?
Most visitors fly in on domestic routes, commonly via Belém. The city also lies on the Transamazônica highway (BR-230).
Is there luxury accommodation in Altamira?
Options are practical rather than luxurious. For high-end Amazon lodges, pair your trip with Manaus.
Keep reading
- Travel Trends 2027: Latin America’s rising destinations
- Bonito, Brazil: crystal rivers and blue caves
- Signal Severance 2027: off-grid lodges
Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you book or buy through them, Jet Set LatAM may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This is a researched editorial guide; details, hours and prices change, so confirm before you go. Search data: Skyscanner Travel Trends 2027.
Your next good read
Keep exploring with Jet Set LatAM
Go deeper into the destination or follow a shared interest through these stories.
Turn inspiration into a journey
Make room for this in your next trip.
Notes from the Jet Set world
A little inspiration.
A beautiful next trip.
New stories, city discoveries and the Jet Set edit, delivered to your inbox.
Free to join. Unsubscribe whenever you like. Privacy & disclosure
Planning this trip? Save the places you love and build your itinerary in the Jet Set LatAM app.
Search flights with Skyscanner
Choose your airports and dates. Results open on Skyscanner.
This search uses affiliate tracking and may earn Jet Set LatAM a commission at no extra cost to you.
Compare stays in Brazil
The map starts around Rio de Janeiro. Search for the town or area that fits your route, then compare dates, total prices and cancellation terms.