Santarem (pop. about 300,000) is the major centre between Manaus and the Atlantic Ocean. As a result it is a major commercial centre serving a large area. It is at the junction of the Amazon and Tapajos Rivers. The "meeting of the rivers" features a distinct line with the brown, silty waters of the Amazon meeting the much clearer waters of the Tapajos. The waterfront is crowded with boats and ferries of all sizes since the rivers are the main mode of transport. Also, there is only one bridge across the entire Amazon. The city is full of hundreds of small shops. Tourism definitely takes second place to the region's population. Very friendly, pleasant people and a fairly clean city. Production of soybeans is also growing rapidly with a Cargill soybean processing plant on the waterfront next to our cruise ship.