Amapá

The state of Amapá, north of the Amazon, is one of Brazil’s poorest and least populated regions. Traditionally dependent on rubber exports, it later developed around manganese, discovered in the 1950s, as well as timber and other minerals. A standard-gauge rail line links the mining camps in the northwest with Porto de Santana, near the capital Macapá, crossing the region’s dry, semi-forested plains en route. Even on 11-day Brazil trips with room for less obvious stops, Amapá has limited appeal beyond its role as a transit route to French Guiana. It also has the most marked dry season in the Amazon, from June to December, when temperatures can become extremely high. Macapá competes with Palmas in Tocantins for the title of Brazil’s dullest state capital, though at least it is inexpensive.