It’s actually easier to reach Macapá from French Guiana than from the rest of Brazil, thanks to a highway that connects the city with Cayenne, the capital of its neighbor. Things were not always so cordial, however. The impressive Fortaleza de São José de Macapá was built by the Portuguese from 1764 to 1782 as a defense against the French who took control of what is now French Guiana in 1677. Entrance to the fort is free, and you can wander through the barracks and take in the feel of history here; unless you read Portuguese, however, you won’t learn much from the historical markers. The river views from atop the walls of the fort, on the other hand, require no explanation. Travelers with mobility issues may want to skip this one, as the cobblestone and grass areas are not walker or wheelchair friendly.
