Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
5
that is complemented by a refreshing sea breeze. The
speciality here is pan-fried fish - try the
pescador na telha
(
R$73.80), large enough for three to four people.
Accommodation is either in neat and tidy small doubles or
in 22 clean and colourful chalets sleeping three, four
and eight, with some giving onto the pool area.
Mon-Thurs 8a
m-7pm
, Fri 8am-10.30pm, Sat & Sun
8am-11.30pm.
R$184
Ilha de Cotijuba
Just 18km northeast of Belém, the haven of
Ilha de Cotijuba
is replete with beautiful
beaches, rainforest and access to
igarapé
creeks. It's the perfect place for birdwatching
and nature walks. In 1990 the island was made an Environmental Protection Area,
encouraging conservation efforts and prohibiting motorized vehicles. The island's
communities subsist on fishing, agriculture and tourism.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
COTIJUBA
By boat
There are regular boats from the port of Icoaraci to Cotijuba (hourly; 45min; R$5).
Salinas
Located 240km east of Belém,
SALINAS
is one of Pará's most visited beach resorts.
here are two beaches here: Praia Masarico and Praia Atalaia. The former is rather built
up, while the latter is considered to be one of the state's nicest stretches of coast. The
beaches here have fine white sand and green-grey waters due to the sediment carried by
the Amazon River.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
SALINAS
By bus
There are regular bus services running to Salinas
that leave from outside Belém's rodoviária (daily 6.30am,
9am, 1pm, 4.15pm & 6pm; 4hr; R$29).
Ilha de Algodoal
About 160km east of Belém and wonderfully remote,
Ilha de
Algodoal
(also known as
Ilha de Maiandeua) can get moderately crowded at weekends and holidays, but nothing
compared to most places on this coast. The beaches are enormous and beautiful. If you
want to relax and do nothing for a few days or longer in sleepy tranquillity, this is the
place to head.
Take as much cash as you'll need; electricity only arrived here in 2005. The
island has free community wi-fi, although it's often hard to come across a decent
enough signal.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
ILHA DE ALGODOAL
By bus and boat
Excelsior buses leave from Belém's
rodoviária to Marudá (6am, 9am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm, 4.30pm
& 7pm; 4hr; R$22.50) from where there are boats to Algodoal
island (first boat departs at 9am, last boat returns at 3pm
Mon-Thurs and at 5pm Fri, Sat & Sun; 40min; R$7). You will
be met by a number of horse-pulled carts that shuttle visitors
across the sandy paths and beaches (R$10) - there is no
motorized transport on the island.
ACCOMMODATION
Chalês do Atlântico
T
91 3854 1130,
W
chalesdo
atlantico.ilhadealgodoal.com.
This place features eight
colourful chalets dotted around a leafy area with potted
plants, wooden tables and chirping birds. Most chalets
have a mezzanine and sleep up to four; some are nicer than
others so take a look at a few before settling in. There are
also four welcomi
ng dou
bles and a small restaurant
serving local dishes.
R$120
Ponta do Boiador
T
91 3279 0060,
W
boiador.com.
This pretty wooden building on the side of the island's main
sandy path has rooms set on the first floor; more spacious
rooms have hot water, while all feature a/c, television and
a small balcony with hammock and sea views. There's a
large breezy area with
deckch
airs looking directly onto a
lovely stretch of beach.
R$130
