Quick Overview — 5 Ways to Experience Combú Island
- Cross the river from Belém by boat (about 15 minutes) with certified cooperatives and local tour operators.
- Enjoy riverside restaurants such as Boá na Ilha, Canto dos Pássaros, or Saldosa Maloca.
- Join local experiences: aromatic herb baths, biojewelry workshops, artisanal chocolate production, açaí harvesting and tasting, and guided forest trails.
- Stay overnight in riverside lodges and hostels for a deeper immersion (Ilha Branca Restaurante e Pousada, Olaria River Hostel).
- Navigate through small waterways, observe local wildlife, and choose community-based tourism that supports the local economy.
Combú Island is an Amazonian refuge located just minutes by boat from central Belém. Stilt houses, thriving family gardens, and traditional knowledge coexist with riverine life in communities such as Beira Rio Guamá, Igarapé do Combú, and Furo da Paciência.
For visitors looking to discover the island in an authentic and sustainable way, Rota Combú brings together restaurants, creative studios, cultural experiences, and local accommodations that value the bioeconomy, riverine traditions, and the leadership of the families who call the island home.
How to Get to Combú Island
The crossing departs from Belém’s waterfront and takes about 10–15 minutes. You can go independently or hire operators that organize the crossing and activities.
- Vida Caboca: A receptive operator offering personalized itineraries focused on biocultural tourism and partnerships with local initiatives.
- Samaúma Eco Experiências: Guided by Analice, a local resident, offering sensory and participatory experiences that highlight riverine knowledge and strengthen family-run businesses.
- Kayré Experiências: Provides personalized experiences with a focus on experiential tourism and conscious luxury, combining local narratives, excellent hospitality, and sustainable practices.
Practical tip: Confirm schedules and the need for reservations in advance, especially on weekends and holidays. Bring cash, as phone signal can be unstable in some areas.
Where to Eat: Best Restaurants on Combú Island
- Boá na Ilha: Creativity, freshness, and signature dishes and cocktails overlooking the Furo da Paciência.
- Canto dos Pássaros: A place of flavors and stories, with a riverside swimming area and a contemplative setting.
- Saldosa Maloca Eco Restaurante: A traditional restaurant with decades of history, sustainable practices, and a backyard with a century-old samaúma tree.
- Ilha Branca Restaurante e Pousada: A riverside restaurant combining regional cuisine, a peaceful atmosphere, and forest integration.
Read also: Where to Eat on Combú Island: The Best Restaurants and Amazonian Culinary Experiences
What to Do on Combú Island: Authentic and Immersive Experiences
- Ygara Handmade: Run by Charles and Iracema, offering experiences such as the açaí experience, aromatic herb bath, and forest trails. Experiences rooted in the Forest, guides by open-hearted river culture.
- AME — Combú Extractivist Women’s Association: A women-led collective preserving the traditional handling of andiroba and producing natural oils, soaps, and balms. Workshops and storytelling sessions highlight the feminine strength that sustains the forest.
- Biojewelry of Combú: In Silvia’s studio, seeds, leaves, and fibers become unique biojewelry pieces. Visitors learn about forest materials and her creative process.
- Filha do Combú Chocolate (Daughter of Combú): Created by Dona Nena, a reference in bioeconomy and female entrepreneurship. Using native cacao grown in agroforestry, Filha do Combú produces fine Amazonian chocolate and leads sensory experiences.
- Casa Kayré: Known for the “Noite Paraense”, an immersive evening celebrating Amazonian culture through regional cuisine, live music, and warm riverside hospitality.
For a complete 2-day itinerary on the island, click here.
Where to Stay: Welcoming Lodges on Combú Island
.
- Ilha Branca Restaurant and Guesthouse: Riverside chalets, a peaceful setting, and regional cuisine.
- Olaria River Hostel: Affordable lodging integrated with nature, featuring communal areas and riverside walkways.
Why Visit the Island with Rota Combú
.
Exploring the island through Rota Combú ensures positive impact by supporting the local economy, strengthening community initiatives, generating income for riverine families, and promoting cultural and environmental preservation. The network connects visitors to sustainable extractivism, artisanal production, and responsible hospitality.
Practical Tips (Quick Checklist)
- Book in advance when possible
- Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and comfortable footwear
- Bring cash. Internet signal can be unstable
- Respect local rhythms: ask permission before photographing people or private spaces
- Avoid disposable items: bring a reusable water bottle and dispose of waste responsibly
Plan Your Visit
To plan your itinerary and discover all available experiences, visit the Rota Combú website and follow @rotacombu on Instagram.
