Pousada Arara

My husband and I stayed here for four days, and it was the worst stay we’ve ever had together. The place is very far from the center and ridiculously expensive. The rooms and bathrooms are small, and rats ran around above the ceiling all night, making noise the whole time. One night we came back in the early hours and there was no water in the bathroom. Breakfast was very basic, just bread, coffee, cake, tapioca, and couscous. Service was awful. Everyone working there seemed forced to be there, and any request felt like we were asking a favor. The rats and terrible service were the worst parts. I’d never come back. Zero stars if I could.

The inn is basic, with no luxury, but it met our expectations and was worth the price. We had a double bed, minibar, TV, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi, though the shower had no heater. There’s parking if you arrive by car. Breakfast was very good, with fruit, cakes, juice, bread, and cheese. You can also ask the lady to make a little tapioca with a fried egg fresh for you. We decided to spend a day here while sightseeing with my wife, and took the bus from the corner stop by Praça São Sebastião in Santarém. The Santarém circular bus passes right in front of the inn, with a stop about 20 meters away, before continuing to Alter do Chão’s central square. In Santarém, you can catch it at Praça São Sebastião or Praça Tiradentes; it goes along av São Sebastião, through the center, Av Tapajós, Mercadão 2000, Av Cuiabá, and Fernando Guilhon by Rio Tapajós shopping. The fare is R$ 3,60. If you’re coming from the airport with just a backpack or small suitcase, you can take a bus to Rio Tapajós shopping, about 7 km from the airport. Grab a snack there, then catch the bus to Alter do Chão from the stop on the same side of the street as the shopping center.

The owners were exceptionally kind and welcoming, and the service and cleanliness were great. It’s a simple, cozy inn, and breakfast was always generous, with plenty of fruit, cakes, bread, and juice.

Socorro is an unforgettable host. The inn is charming, the room was comfortable and clean, and breakfast was really pleasant.