Belém

Belém

In Belém, taste the rich cuisine and explore the exuberance of the Brazilian Amazon.

Belém is the capital of the State of Pará. Founded in 1616, this city is also called Belém do Pará. Located in the Guajará Bay, it is formed, in addition to the land portion, by a group of river islands. Currently, this city has established itself as the main urban center of Pará and one of the gateways to the Amazon. Despite the elements of modernity, this metropolis preserves its past since the times of the gold rush and rubber extraction.

Fun facts

In Belém takes place the Círio de Nazaré, a Catholic religious event, inherited from the Portuguese colonizers, marked by processions in devotion to Mary of Nazaré, which attracts millions of people.

Founded in 1964, in Belém, Sorveteria Cairu was chosen by Taste Atlas as one of the 100 most iconic ice cream shops in the world. Highlight the açaí ice cream, a native fruit to the region.

Considered the oldest operating cinema in the country, Cine Olympia stands the test of time and maintains the pulsating seventh art in Belém.

The Feliz Lusitânia cultural complex covers the port region of Belém where the Portuguese arrived in the North region in 1616.

Inside the Amazon Rainforest

The connection with the Amazon provides diverse experiences of contact with nature, such as views of freshwater beaches, in addition to the proximity to Marajó Island, a charming destination for lovers of biodiversity and outdoor activities. Known for its vast areas of forest, pristine beaches and unique ecosystems, the island offers an authentic experience of the Brazilian Amazon. Visitors can explore its expansive natural landscapes, observe lush wildlife, and take part in canoe trips along winding rivers.

Belém is one of the starting points for observing the “pororoca”, the meeting of the waters of the Amazon River, the largest river in the world, with the Atlantic Ocean. It is possible to observe this natural phenomenon from a boat, jet ski or plane. For adventure lovers, river surfing on the wave formed when the waters meet is another spectacular experience.

In Cidade Velha, you can also go to Parque Mangal das Garças, which is home to hundreds of water birds, such as herons and tuiuiús, and visit the viewpoint over the Guamá River.

Cultural heritage of the people of the region.

Belém knew how to build one of the most interesting and diverse cultural offerings in the country. The highlight here is the contemporary music scene that has consolidated itself through a mix of genres and its own audience. Brega and tecnobrega were born with the mix of local music and electronic music, living in harmony with more traditional cultural manifestations, such as carimbó.

One of the biggest references of culture and history in the state is the Feliz Lusitânia Complex. Among museums, palaces and mansions, there are beautiful period buildings, where it is possible to get a taste of the Portuguese influence in Belém. The complex has several attractions, one of which is the Sé Cathedral, inaugurated in 1771. It is from here that you leave, every second Sunday in October, one of the largest religious processions in Brazil: the Círio de Nazaré.

Internationally recognized gastronomic creativity.

One of Belém’s greatest inspirations comes from its gastronomy. The place is the gateway to Pará cuisine and today is part of UNESCO’s network of creative cities, with emphasis on its cuisine. Its gastronomic richness has a strong native-Brazilian character and influence from European settlers, based on ingredients from Amazonian fauna and flora.

At Mercado Ver-o-Peso, a historic space on the banks of the Guamá River, there is a treasure of smells and flavors, where you will find a variety of products, from herbs to exotic Amazonian fruits such as açaí, cupuaçu and bacuri. The Estação das Docas tourist and cultural complex complements the experience, offering typical and genuine dishes and drinks. The Tapioca Festival and the Gastronomia das Ilhas Festival are events that activate the regional gastronomic scene.

On Combu Island, on the other side of the Guamá River. Known for the production of cocoa and açaí. Combu Island is considered an environmental conservation unit. In addition to plant extraction, the population lives from fishing and tourism. You can visit chocolate factories, plantations, restaurants, and an open-air art gallery.

At the center of the debate on climate action.

Symbolically, the Amazonian city will host the most important international climate event, the 30th UN Conference on Climate Change (COP-30), in November 2025.

The combination of sustainability and unique experiences makes Belém a spectacular destination.

Photo gallery

How to get there?

Main Airports

Aeroporto Internacional de Val de Cans, Belém 9Km

Main Bus Terminals

Rodoviária de Belém

Useful information

The standard voltage in the city of Belém is 110V.

The temperature in Belém does not vary greatly, remaining stable throughout the year. The heat is perfect for outdoor activities and nature, as well as visits to gastronomic and cultural complexes.

Vaccination against yellow fever is recommended, at least 10 days before traveling.