Marajó holds the title for the world's largest river island, a vast land expanse in the mouth of the Amazon that is larger than many countries. The island has been settled for centuries so most of the original rainforest is gone. Instead, Marajó boasts low-lying, periodically flooded ranchland like that of the Pantanal. The ranches are lightly stocked with water buffalo and chock-full of incredible populations of large and colorful birds -- egrets, herons, parrots, toucans, and startling scarlet ibis, not to mention caiman and the occasional troupe of monkeys. A number of these ranches (fazendas) have opened themselves up to tourism, allowing visitors to experience the island's nature and unique way of life.
