'''Belem''', located near the mouth of the Amazon River in northern Brazil, is the capital and largest city of the state of Para.

Understand

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

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

Every year, in the second Sunday of October, it is celebrated in Belem, one of the largest catholic procession of the world, Cirio de Nazare.

Get in

Distance from some capitals:

  • Brasilia - 2140 km
  • Sao Paulo - 2970 km
  • Rio de Janeiro - 3450 km
  • By bus

    Huge bus terminal a few kilometers east of the center. Many local buses pass here. It is possible to travel by air-conditioned coach to Belem from most major points in Brazil. However, due to its relative isolation, travel times can be quite lengthy (Example 27 hours to Fortaleza) - especially from the south.

    By plane

    There are regular international flights linking Belem to Cayenne, Georgetown, Paramaribo and Miami, and many direct domestic flights linking Belem to Brasilia, Fortaleza, Manaus, Rio de Janeiro and Macapa. Bus ''Pratinhas'' to/from Presidente Vargas, and ''Marex'' to/from Prca da Republica. Taxi to center R$ 20-30 (negotiate!).

    By boat

    Passenger terminal at the north end of the docks. Many daily boats to nearby islands, including twice to Ilha do Marajo. Also to Macapa, Santarem and Manaus, with connections further north and west.

    Get around

    By Bus

    For a Brazilian city its size, Belem suffers from a complete lack of urban bus terminals. The number of buses passing ''Avenida Presidente Vargas'' is nothing short of astonishing, and you can get virtualy anywhere within Greater Belem from here. The challenge lies in finding the right bus, and also getting onboard, as it will stop anywhere on a stretch of some 2-300 metres, or atempt to pass straight. Do as the locals: Wave and run for it!

    Another transport "hub" is in front of the bus terminal, next to ''Sao Braz'', only slightly less chaotic.

    Most buses run until about 11PM, but minibuses go virtually around the clock on major roads.

    By Bicycle

    If you for some strange reason find yourself in possesion of a bike while in town, there are actually a great number of cycle lanes along the main avenues.

    See

    Although central Belem looks quite unappealing upon first sight, there is a vast number of well preserved colonial buildings within the city limits, especially those that house official bodies. Belem has many attraction, here are some of many attractions the city offers.
  • '''Mangal das Garcas''' - the region's vegetation, animals and food can be appreciated in this large park just off the city centre
  • '''Estacao das Docas''' (Station of the docks)
  • '''Complexo Feliz Lusitania''' (Complex Happy Lusitania)
  • '''Casa das Onze Janelas''' (Eleven House of Windows)
  • '''Mercado Ver-o-Peso''' (See-the-Weight Market) - a large and lively traditional market set in a respectable historic building, trades regional items and offers a good taste of the local culture.
  • '''Mercado Ver-o-Rio''' (See-the-River)
  • '''Forte do Castelo'''
  • '''Praca Batista Campos''' (Batista Campos Square)
  • '''Museu de Artes de Belem''' (Belem Arts Museum)
  • '''Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi''' (Emilio Goeldi Museum)
  • '''Praca da Republica''' (Republica Square)
  • Teatro da Paz (Theater of Peace). raca da Republica. ue - Fri 9 AM - 5 PM, Sat - 2 PM. $ 4, Tuesdays free. Rivals the Para for the full menu.

  • '''Regional Ice Creams''': made with fruits like Acai, Cupuacu, Tapereba, Bacuri, Graviola, etc. Best ice cream maker is Sorveteria Cairu, several branches around town, including at ''Docas'' (Station of the docks).
  • '''Tacaca''': a delicious soup made with shrimp, tucupi (a broth made with wild cassava) and jambu (Acmella oleracea). It must be served extremely hot in a cuia and it can be served with pepper or not.
  • '''Caldeirada Paraense''': is made with fish, srhimp, eggs, onion, potatoes, tomatoes, red pepper, tucupi and jambu. I must be served hot with rice and pirao.
  • '''Manicoba''': is made with leaves of Manihot, salted pork, dried meat and some smoked ingredients, such as bacon.
  • '''Pato no Tucupi''': is made with duck, jambu and tucupi, the same liquid used to prepare '''Tacaca'''. People eat this food with rice and pepper.
  • '''Vatapa'''
  • '''Caruru'''
  • Drink

    The refurbished warehouses by the riverside, '''Estacao das Docas''' (or simply '''Docas''') offer a number of outside tables, and fairly expensive menus. '''Amazon beer''' has an in-house brewery.
  • Botequin. ome 3 km South from Praca da Republica. ntry R$ 10. Live music and DJs, good on Wednesdays
  • Acai Biruta. y the bay, next to the cathedral. ntry R$ 7 when live music. Big beer R$ 3.. Mostly reggea, some rock. Beached boat built in, hammocks. Good on Sundays.
  • Mormaco. y the Mangal. You should try the genuine beer from Para, which is called CERPA and can be easily found.

    Sleep

    There are two main areas for accommodation, both featuring the full range:
  • On and around ''Avenida Presidente Vargas'' on the very edge of the commercial center, and also close to many sights, but rather seedy and not too safe in its smaller alleys at night.
  • The area around the bus terminal and ''Sao Braz'', somewhat easier going.
  • Budget

  • Hotel Amazonia. ua O de Almeida 548. ust off Praca da Republica and Presidente Vargas. 0 55 91 3222 8456. ttp://www.hotelamazonia.com/. 1 am. 1 am. orms R$ 13, Singles R$ 18, Doubles R$ 30 or 40 (with bathroom). otalamazonia@globo.com. Cleaned, friendly staff and save place.
  • Hotel Hilton Belem. v. Presidente Vargas, 882. cross from Praca da Republica. 0 55 91 4006 7000. eservasbelem@hilton.com. ttp://www.belem.hilton.com.
  • Hotel Regente. v. Governador Jose Malcher, 485. 2Km from the airport. 0 55 91 3181 5000. eserva@hregente.com.br. ttp://www.hotelregente.com.br.
  • Hotel Sagres. v.Governador Jose Malcher, 2927. ear from the Terminal . 0 55 91 4005 0005. agres@datanetbbs.com.br. ttp://www.hotelsagres.com.

    Three places within 50 meters of each other at '''Travessa Frutuoso Guimaraes''', some three blocks inland from the ''Docas''.

  • Vitoria Regia. ingle R$ 25, shared bathroom. Basic
  • Fortaleza. ingle R$ 15, shared bathroom. Kitchen and laundry, popular among backpackers, friendly and funny owner/manager speaks French, virtually no sound barriers between rooms. Basic.
  • Hotel Palacio. ingle R$ 15, R$ 25 with bathroom.. High ceilings, restaurant for cheap lunch. Just down the street is the nicer
  • Ver-o-centro. ingle R$ 55.
  • Hotel Ver O Peso. pposite of ver o peso market. ouble R$ 65 with bathroom.. Terasse with view of Market and Amazon River.

    Stay healthy

    Stay safe

    Belem is still a quiet town, althoug some say that it is sailing up as one of the most risky Brazilian cities (August 2007). Even at daytime you should not wander too far off, especially not in deserted streets. Always ask at your hotel for safe areas.

    Get out

  • Ilha do Mosqueiro is the closest beach area from Belem, some 80 km away. Buses at least every half hour from the bus statioin. Boats on weekends and high season.
  • '''Icoaraci''' some 25 km north of the centre offers a pleasant bayside walk with quite a few bars and restaurants. Car ferry for '''Ilha do Marajo''' leaves from here. Local buses from downtown.
  • '''Salinopolis or Salinas''' is beautiful place with nice beaches(Atalaia, Macarico, etc...), a three hours from Belem, and it is a good place to visit/stay (at least one night). [http://www.privedoatalaia.tur.br/]
  • Ilha do Marajo is possible as a day trip, but consider spending at least one night. Many agencies offer packages, but you can mostly get along cheaper on your own. [http://www.pousadadosguaras.com.br]
  • Ilha de Algodoal is a beautiful Island, and there is one of the most preserved beaches in the North of Brazil in there (Princess beach). [http://www.algodoal.com.br/]
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  • Crispim is possible a day trip.
  • Santarem (Brazil) two hours from Belem, by plane.
  • Brasilia three hours from Belem, by plane.