Ilha do Marajó in Brazil is one of the largest fluvial islands in the world spanning 50,000 km² of land and comprising of 250, 000 inhabitants and extensive fazendas (farms).

The island lies at the mouth of the Amazon River in the State of Pará, divided into two main geographical regions, the eastern half of the island is called “regiao dos campos” known for its low-lying fields, flora and strips of forest. The western half is called “região da mata” where it is mainly rainforest, whilst lining the coast is palm trees and dense mangrove forests.

Similarly, the weather is also divided in two, with only a rainy and dry season, raining from January-June and dry from July-December. The first six months of the year are marked by the island becoming a swamp where the eastern side submerges completely under a metre of water.

Whilst the herds of buffalos adapt well to the rainy season, the dry season sees the birds flying in with the guará, a deep pink flamingo, very abundant and outstanding against the greenery of the island.

The main town, Soure which is on Rio Paracauari, is the favoured spot to stay at and has a regular boat service from Belém and accessibility to the best beaches and farms. There are also many bay beaches near Soure, the remote beach called Praia Araruna deemed as the most beautiful abundant with fresh and salt water and only 10 minutes by taxi from the town.

Abit further across from Soure is Salvaterra, which can be access by a short boat ride across the river. Shuttle boats leave every hour during the day and cost around 1 dollar. 10 minute walking distance from the town is Praia Grande de Salvaterra, a long stretch of beach that gives a great view of the fences corrals that dot Marajó's coastline.

Travellers that want to venture further from Salvaterra can take a 24km dirt road to Câmara, and even further to the rustic town Cachoeira do Arari (51km).

Located in the north and famous for fishing, is the town Santa Cruz do Arari, where it is only accessible by plane and is completely submerged during the rainy season due to its location on Lagoa (lake) Arari.

Off the north coast is the island Ilha Caviana, known as a prime location to observe the pororoca (the thunderous collision between the Atlantic tide and the Amazon River) between January and April during full or new moon.