Marajó

Marajó is the world’s largest river island, located at the mouth of the Amazon River in Brazil’s Pará state. It covers about 40,000 square kilometers and lies in an intricate system of estuaries, channels, and floodplains created by the Amazon delta. The island’s environment includes extensive várzea (seasonally flooded) forests, coastal mangroves, and freshwater ecosystems that support a wide range of plant and animal life.

The island is notable for its pre-Columbian history, particularly the Marajoara culture. This complex society produced distinctive ceramics and built large earthwork mounds and settlement patterns across the island and adjacent regions before European contact. Archaeological remains highlight organized communities, trade networks, and sophisticated craftsmanship that influence the cultural heritage of the area today.

Administratively, Marajó is part of Pará and comprises several municipalities, with Soure frequently cited as one of the main urban centers on the island. The population is concentrated along waterways and coastal areas, where communities engage in fishing, agriculture, and livestock farming. The economy also includes ecotourism, drawing visitors to its wildlife, birdlife, and cultural heritage.

Biodiversity on Marajó is high, featuring capybaras, caimans, howler monkeys, river dolphins, and numerous bird species. The island’s ecosystems face pressures from deforestation, agricultural expansion, and climate variability, but portions are protected or managed to conserve wildlife and habitats.

Access to Marajó is primarily by ferry and road connections from the mainland, with local boat travel common for navigating its network of channels and communities.