Macapá

Macapá is the capital of Amapá, and one of the most deserted state capitals of Brazil. The locals call it "the capital of the middle of the world", as the equator runs through the city. In 2020, it was home to 513,000 people.

Climate
As a city cut by the equator and with a climate similar to cities like Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, get ready for intense heat, high temperatures and high humidity in Macapá. Regardless of the time of year, temperatures don't vary much and stay pretty much the same. The maximums are usually 31 ºC (88 ºF) and the minimums reach 24 ºC (75,2 ºF).

The rainy season occurs from December to July. Despite being an inconvenience for those who want to go outdoors, during the rainy season, there is a tidal wave called Pororoca, which takes place in Macapá between April and June. These are huge waves that are formed when the Amazon River meets the Atlantic Ocean. The pororoca is a tourist attraction that even allows surfing championships to be held.

Get in
Macapá is to the north of the immense mouth of the Amazon River, in a region covered by Amazon rainforest, and is separated from Belém by Marajó Island and is completely isolated geographically from the Brazilian capitals, having a land connection only with French Guiana. The only way to get to Macapá from Brazil is by plane or boat.

By boat

 * Boats from nearby Santana from Belém (24 hours), Santarém (30 hours, hammock R$ 120, cabin R$ 250) and Manaus (5 days), among other smaller destinations.

By bus

 * There are buses from Oiapoque on the border of French Guyana. Travel time varies greatly with the rains.

Get around
Metered taxis and moto taxis abound; some buses.

See

 * [[Image:Equator Line Monument, Macapá city, Brazil.jpg|thumb|The Marco Zero Monument, where the equator passes through Macapá]]
 * [[Image:Fortaleza São José de Macapá.jpg|thumb|Cannon at the Fort of Macapá]]

Do

 * There are a number of small beaches around the city, particularly popular on Sundays. The easiest to access is Fazendinha, with direct buses from the centre.

Eat
There are various restaurants and churrascarias just next to the fort at the riverside. They offer meals for R$7 to R$20 (March 2016) and are a popular spot for locals to grab their lunch (11:30 to 14:00).

Budget
All these are around the fort:



Drink


Bar Rods

At the river side and relaxed atmosphere.

Sleep
Most mid-scale hotels give a straight 20-30% discount on posted prices.



Go next
By boat from nearby Santana to Belém (24 hours), Santarém (40 hours, hammock R$ 125, cabin R$ 250) and Manaus(5 days), or by bus or 4WD to Oiapoque (7 to 12 hours, depending on road condition) 3 buses/day official price R$115 (February 2017).