Port Guide | Brazil | Worth a Wander
Macapa
August C. W. | Editor
Published on 2025-05-06
Welcome to Macapa, intrepid globetrotters-one of the few places on earth where you can straddle the equator, snap selfies from two hemispheres simultaneously, and promptly regret your ambitious wardrobe choice due to humidity levels best described as "Amazonian sauna chic." Wedged comfortably at latitude zero, Macapa proudly flaunts the Marco Zero monument-a photogenic landmark for hemisphere-hoppers and geography nerds alike-allowing you to casually brag forevermore about your two-continent straddle. Beyond your hemispherical exploits, this underrated Brazilian port city sweetens the deal with hearty local cuisine (try the tacaca soup, trust me), bustling riverfront markets, and an infectious Amazonian warmth that makes sticking around for a couple of days an unexpectedly brilliant choice. So slap on some mosquito repellent, hydrate generously, and dive headfirst into this delightful equatorial oddity-you'll thank me later.
Brazil has 11 Travel Advisories
Stay up to day with regional travel advisories.
Notes from the Editor
Macapa is known for its unique geographical location, situated right on the equator. The city is home to the Marco Zero monument, which marks the dividing line between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Travelers should be aware of the high humidity levels and prepare accordingly.
Where do cruise ships dock in Macapa?
Port Name Macapa
Country Brazil
Region South America
Ship Terminal Porto de Macapa
Port Type Commercial port
Accessibility The port is located approximately 5 kilometers from the city center of Macapa, which is accessible by taxi and local transport.
What's the weather like in Macapa?
Best Season to Visit April to September
Climate Tropical climate with a dry and a wet season; hot and humid year-round.
Weather Notes The dry season from April to September is ideal for visiting, while the rainy season from December to March may bring heavy downpours and flooding.
Temperature Range 76-88F (24-31C)
High Temp 95F
Low Temp 70F
Average Temp 82F
What do I need to know about Macapa?
Language Portuguese
Currency Brazilian Real (BRL)
Card Widely Accepted 1
Population 500,000
Timezone UTC-3
How do I get around Macapa?
Taxis, local buses, and rideshare services are available from the port to the city and surrounding areas.
What are The Best Things to do in Macapa?
Discover what you should do while you're in Macapa.
Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere
Equator Monument and Marco Zero
Av. Equatorial, 01, Jardim Marco Zero, Macapa, AP, Brazil
Visit the monument where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere. This spot also offers stunning views of the Amazon River.
Distance from Terminal: 3.1 miles
Floating Houses of Macapa
N/A
Visit the unique riverside community living in traditional floating houses along the Amazon River.
Distance from Terminal: 5.2 miles
Zerao Stadium
Av. Jacinto Gontijo, 505 - Zerao, Macapa, AP, Brazil
Catch a football match where the equator line splits the field. An unmissable experience for sports fans.
Distance from Terminal: 2.8 miles
June: Procession of Sao Pedro dos Pescadores
N/A
Witness this spectacular procession on boats in honor of Saint Peter, the fishermen's patron saint.
Distance from Terminal: 2.5 miles
Historical and cultural landmarks
Fortaleza de Sao Jose de Macapa
Centro, Macapa, AP, Brazil
A well-preserved Portuguese fort from the 18th century offering insights into colonial history.
Distance from Terminal: 1.2 miles
Para-Tucuju Cultural Center
Av. Feliciano Coelho, 1509 - Trem, Macapa, AP, Brazil
Discover the rich cultural tapestry of the local indigenous and Afro-Brazilian communities through exhibits and performances.
Distance from Terminal: 2.5 miles
April: Marabaixo Festival
N/A
Experience weeks of traditional dancing, singing, and drumming that celebrates Afro-Brazilian history and culture.
Distance from Terminal: 2 miles
July: Festival of Quadras Juninas
N/A
Celebrate traditional June festivities in July, featuring vibrant dances, music, and costumes.
Distance from Terminal: 2.3 miles
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Bioparque da Amazonia
Rod. Juscelino Kubitschek, 90 - Cabralzinho, Macapa, AP, Brazil
Explore the Amazon's diverse flora and fauna in this immersive ecological park.
Distance from Terminal: 3.7 miles
Macapa Mangroves
N/A
Explore the mangrove forests that are crucial to the Amazonian ecosystem through a guided kayak tour.
Distance from Terminal: 4.8 miles
Amapa National Forest
N/A
Venture into the heart of the Amazon jungle for a trek through lush rainforest, part of the government's preservation project.
Distance from Terminal: 65 miles
Fishing Trip on the Amazon River
N/A
Join a guided fishing trip to catch exotic Amazon fish in their natural habitat.
Distance from Terminal: 8 miles
Overnight Trips
Comic-Con Experience in Sao Paulo | Editor Highlight
August C. W. | Editor
Published on 2025-05-06
Best Time to Go
Season
Cost
$50-$150 USD
Activity Level
Easy
Where to Book
Online
If you've ever dreamed of watching Batman debate existential philosophy with Pikachu while simultaneously dodging Darth Vader's lightsaber selfies, Sao Paulo's Comic-Con Experience is your candy-colored, pop-culture-infused fever dream come true. Descending upon Brazil's most electric metropolis every December, this event channels the joyful chaos of Carnival through a geeky prism of comics, cinema, and cosplay, complete with exuberant superfans, mind-melting panel discussions, and merch booths that seem to multiply faster than Tribbles. Get there early-preferably when morning sunlight softens the lines of caffeine-powered Jedi and Game of Thrones extras who camp overnight-and grab your tickets at least six months in advance; this bustling extravaganza draws colossal crowds north of a quarter-million eager nerd pilgrims. Budget carefully (think around R$300-500 for a single-day pass, plus the irresistible impulse buys of vintage manga and artisanal action figures), pack snacks, water, comfy shoes, and a sense of humor for the inevitable moments of surreal cross-cultural madness. Even if your cosplay skills peak at 'sarcastic t-shirt enthusiast,' it's worth losing yourself in this glorious madhouse for one reason alone: years from now, you'll still be dining out on stories about trading barbs with bilingual Deadpools or navigating a bathroom queue behind eight remarkably patient Harley Quinns.
Comic-Con Experience in Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
Consider taking a trip to this major pop culture event for a different kind of experience.
Distance from Terminal: 1480 miles
A Little Extra
Gastronomic Tour of Tucupi and Tacaca
N/A
Indulge in a food tour through the flavors of Amazonian cuisine, including the unique taste of Tucupi and Tacaca.
Distance from Terminal: 2 miles
Cachaca Tasting Tour
N/A
Taste hand-crafted cachaca, a traditional Brazilian spirit, with regional flavors in local distilleries.
Distance from Terminal: 6 miles
Cruzeiro Bar and Restaurant
Av. Mendonca Furtado, 2868 - Centro, Macapa, AP, Brazil
Dine at this local favorite for a chance to taste a variety of local Amazonian dishes.
Distance from Terminal: 1.5 miles
Brazil Regional Tip
Greeting people with physical contact, such as hugs or kisses on the cheeks. When introduced to new people, Brazilians usually exchange cheek kisses or warm embraces, even if meeting for the first time.