Belém
There are rich and unique flavors in the heart of the Amazon that visitors will fall in love with. The local cuisine in Belém is so expressive that the city was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Make sure you try all the local delicacies!
Located right in the cradle of the Amazon Rainforest, the state of Pará has rich biodiversity and lots of natural beauty. The state capital, Belém, is one of the most popular destinations for tourists who seek direct contact with the treasures of Brazilian wildlife and vegetation. And the local cuisine, influenced by indigenous flavors, is an essential part of the experience when visiting the region.
Local dishes refer to stories about the memory of the state and indigenous-Brazilian identity, dazzling and captivating gastronomic tourism enthusiasts. Among the most renowned delicacies in the region is tucupi, a yellow sauce extracted from wild manioc roots. It has a strong and striking flavor, and it is the most used ingredient in local dishes.
Tacacá, a kind of soup, made with tucupi sauce, tapioca starch, paracress, and dried shrimp
A curious fact is that tucupi cannot be consumed right after extraction. It needs to go through a cooking process that can take approximately a week. Despite this peculiarity, it is one of the most traditional items in the local cuisine and makes up some of the most popular dishes in the region, such as Pato no Tucupi (Duck in tucupi sauce).
Another popular local dish is called Tacacá. It is a kind of soup, made with tucupi sauce, tapioca starch, paracress, and dried shrimp. In addition to these two dishes, there is another one called maniçoba, made with ground cassava leaves (maniva). To start off with, the leaves need to be cooked for about 5 days. After that, it’s time to add meats such as sun-dried beef, chorizo, pig’s feet, smoked bacon, and ribs. Duck in Tucupi Sauce, Tacacá Soup, and Maniçoba make up the triad of traditional dishes in Pará.
Another item that is really popular in Pará and that everyone must try is the açaí berry, a fruit from a typical Amazon palm tree. Locals enjoy the fruit in many different ways: as a thick smoothie to be eaten with a spoon, mixed with cassava flour or tapioca, as a side dish for fish, or simply as a fruit juice.
One of the most interesting ways to explore local identity and customs is to try the local cuisine in Belém. Those who visit the city will always remember its unique and delicious flavors.
By plane
+55 (91) 3210-6000
The International Airport of Belém receives domestic flights from most Brazilian capitals, as well as international flights.
By bus
+55 (91) 3266-2625
The Belém Bus Terminal operates intercity and interstate lines.
By boat
+55 (91) 3182-9136
The city has an excellent river transport structure. The Port of Belém is interconnected with other destinations in northern Brazil, such as Manaus, Santarém, and Macapá.
By Bus
There are several bus lines serving the city. If you want to find out more about bus routes and timetables, please visit the ViaLoc website.
Personal Vehicles or Rentals
A good way to get around the city and to visit nearby destinations is to rent a car.
By Boat
Some tourism agencies offer boat rides in which visitors will experience the Amazon Forest, the city’s river shore, some riverside communities, and nearby islands. The most traditional boat tours depart from Estação das Docas (Wharf Station).
Taxis and Ridesharing Companies
One of the options to get around the city comfortably is to use local taxis and ridesharing companies.
Useful Numbers
Pará Tourism Department:
+55 (91) 3110-5000
Tourist Police:
+ 55 (91) 3212-0883
+55 (91) 98123-1178
Military Police: 190
Paramedics: 192
Fire Department: 193
Power Voltage
110V
Local Weather
Belém has warm weather all year round, but it also gets lots of rainfall. The wettest months are February, March, and April. The best period to visit the city is between the months of August and November, when there is less rain.
