Macapá is an amazing destination. Known as the “capital of the middle of the world” for being the only one in Brazil crossed by the Equator Line, the capital of the state of Amapá offers tourists several entertainment options – mainly related to nature tourism.
Built on the banks of the Amazon River, the city carries great historical value and deserves to have every little piece praised by those who visit.
During the months of March and September, the city presents tourists with a beautiful phenomenon called the equinox. The event consists of the alignment of the sun with the Equator, as a result of which day and night are the same length, certainly an unforgettable experience for spectators.
Things to do in Macapá
1 – Fortaleza de São José do Amapá (Fortress of Sao Jose do Amapá)
Located on the banks of the Amazon River, the Fortress of São José de Macapá was built between 1764 and 1782 to guarantee the sovereignty of the extreme north of the country. However, in the 1950s, the complex was listed as a National Historic Landmark. In such a way that it is currently one of the main postcards of the capital of Amapá. Unmissable!
Location: Rua Cândido Mendes, 1611 – Downtown / From Tuesday to Sunday from 8am to 5pm
2 – Marco Zero (Ground Zero)
The Marco Zero Monument is the most visited attraction in Macapá. This is where the imaginary line of the Equator, which divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemisphere, marks. Since this occurs when the circle in the center of the monument is filled by the sun at the exact moment when it is on the equator. The coolest thing about visiting this attraction is the fact that the visitor has the opportunity to have one foot in each hemisphere.
Location: Juscelino Kubitschek Highway, km 2, Zerão.
3 – Píer Trapiche Eliezer Levy (Pier Trapiche Eliezer Levy)
Built in the 1940s, this pier is undoubtedly the perfect place to watch the Macapa sunset. With a structure 400 meters long – which advances into the Amazon River –, the pier provides tourists with a privileged view of the waterfront. In other words, it is to experience the Amazon in its essence.
Location: Rua Beira Rio – Santa Inês / From Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 10 pm.
4 – Trilha Maracá (Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural) – Maracá Trail (Private Natural Heritage Reserve)
In order to be more in touch with nature? So the good choice is to do the Maracá Trail, located within the Private Natural Heritage Reserve – RPPN Revecom, on Santana Island, 25 km ( 15 miles) away from Macapá.
The trail / guided tour lasts about two hours and during the journey it is possible to see agouti, bats, several species of birds and exotic plant species, that is, an immersion in the Amazon rainforest.
Location: Rua D. Vinte e Oito – Vila Amazonas, Santana / The tours are guided and take place in the morning and in the afternoon at two times: from 9 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm
Tickets: children up to 4 years old, seniors and people with special needs – free; children from 5 to 9 years old – BRL 10; adults and children from 10 years old – BRL 20).
5 – Museu Sacaca (Sacaca Museum)
Built to honor the healer Raimundo dos Santos Souza (better known as Sacaca), one of the most famous citizens of Amapa, the Sacaca Museum houses dozens of attractions. There are 12,000 square meters that house a small river, typical houses of rubber tappers, chestnut trees and various indigenous ethnic groups existing in the state.
The visit allows the visitor to experience the day-to-day life of traditional communities in the Amazon. In this way, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the culture of Amapá. Great experience!
Location: Av. Feliciano Coelho, 1509 – Train / From Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm / For more information, visit: http://www.museusacaca.ap.gov.br/
6 – Balneário do Curiaú
Located within the Environmental Protection Area of Curiaú, 15 km ( 9 miles) from Macapá, Balneário do Curiaú is one of the main attractions in the region. The site is home to a quilombola area and the Balneário formed by the waters of the Curiaú River.
The spa offers a great infrastructure to enjoy a quiet day with the whole family or friends
Location: Estrada AP-070, 58 – AP-070 – Maraçou / (I couldn’t find the exact time).
7 – Walk along the shore of Macapá
Visiting Macapá and not taking a walk along its shores bathed by the Amazon is the same as visiting Rio de Janeiro and not seeing Christ. It is nice to arrive at the place in the late afternoon, so there is time to enjoy the sunset. Then, go to the bars and restaurants in the surroundings, eat some typical delicacies and enjoy live music.
Location: The extension of the waterfront covers the entire city center.
8 – Boat trip on the Amazon River / Santana Island
Boat ride on the Amazon River Santana Island. Photo: Santana.
Tourism in Macapá would not be the same if there was no option for a boat trip on the Amazon River. Very traditional, the tour through the heart of the Amazon departs from Porto do Açaí – located in the municipality of Santana, 26 km (16 miles) from the center of the capital –, and continues towards Ilha de Santana. Throughout the journey, it is possible to see up close the practically untouched fauna and flora of the most famous forest in the world.
Location: Av. Santana, 2275, Santana / Several local agencies offer the tour.
9 – Casa do Artesão (Craftsman’s House)
Casa do Artesão is the largest handicraft center in the state of Amapá. The space sells the work of indigenous people and local artisans. That’s why all the pieces are made with natural products such as wicker, wood, clay, fibers, among others. Do you want to take souvenirs for family and friends? Then go to Casa do Artesão and help to contribute to local workers and the preservation of their culture.
Location: Rua Francisco Azarias da Silva Coelho Neto, S/N – Centro / From Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 9pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 3pm to 9pm.
10 – Praia do Araxá / Orla do Araxá
Praia do Araxá or Orla de Araxá, in the capital of Amapá, is a tourist complex that offers tourists good infrastructure. There are four bars, six kiosks, a soccer court and a volleyball court. Undoubtedly, it is one of the biggest points of the city. Do not let to go!
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