Belém, located near the mouth of the Amazon River in northern Brazil, is the capital of the state of Pará and the largest city in the region.

Understand

Belém is on the banks of the Bay of Guajará, which is formed by a set of islands and river mouths on the estuary of the Amazon river. Its fluvial port helps putting into motion the Northern region of Brazil.

The city was established in 1616, after the construction of "Forte do Presépio", today "Forte Castelo", at the banks the Pará river. Belém is, in a way, a synthesis of the culture and the history of Pará and the Amazon.

Get in

It is possible to travel by air conditioned coach to Belém from most major points in Brazil. However, due to its relative isolation, travel times can be quite lengthy - especially from the south. Flying is the most practical alternative. There are two international flights linking Belém with Cayenne in French Guiana and Miami in USA; however there are many direct domestic flights linking Belém to Brasilia, Fortaleza, Manaus, Rio de Janeiro and Macapá.

Get around

See

Do

Eat

• Açaí: soup-like dessert made from the Açaí fruit
• Maniçoba: stew with pork and meat in a gravy made from manioc leaves (looks strange but tastes delicious)
• Pato no Tucupí: duck with jambú (vegetable) cooked in tucupí (delicious)
• Tacacá: soup with tucupí, dried shrimps and jambú (also delicious)
• Sorvetes (ice creams): made with regional fruits like Açaí, Cupuaçú, Taperebá, Bacurí, etc. Best ice cream maker is Sorveteria Cairú (they have several stores in Belém).

Drink

Sleep

Stay healthy

Stay safe

Get out