2022 Trans Amazonian Motorcycle Adventure: Day 30

After another great breakfast at our hotel in Itaituba, we headed out to take the 8am barge across the big Tapajós river on our 500km journey to Altamira.

The ride was another typical ride through the Amazon … rickety bridges, clouds of dust, some teaser paved sections, great views, farms and ranches, no burning, ponds and rivers, oppressing heat and humidity, zen beauty.

We took a measured approach to today’s distance. We had cold coconuts at our first stop. Amazing how your body just fills with instant energy. We also split them and ate the innards. Then we had a proper lunch at a churrascaría and had a final break for some plantains.

Today as I was being mesmerized by nature, all of a sudden a new feeling materializes. As you go through downhill narrow sections of the road with tall side walls, and you see in front of you far far away mountains or valleys covered with the greenest vegetation, the mountain appears to be moving away and that you are being absorbed by the whole vortex. I think the coconut is making me see things : )

We made it to our hotel on the banks of the Xingu River in Altamira. A great setting after a long day. Some took the wrong turn and did not come in until way after dark and the truck’s trailer lost a wheel and was also delayed until way after midnight. An eventful day.

Went out for pure Açaí and, with the coaching of the locals at the next table, we learned that you can put Tapioca pellets in there. It was actually really good. And after a pizza for dinner we called it a day. Exhausted!

Tomorrow, we head to Tucurui for the night as we make our way to Belem the day after. Another looong 400 km day tomorrow.