Belém, capital of the state of Pará, is a port city and gateway to Brazil’s lower Amazon region. By Guajará Bay, the riverfront district Cidade Velha (old town) preserves Portuguese-colonial architecture, including churches, colorful azulejo-tile houses and a 17th-century fortification known as Forte do Presépio. Ver-o-Peso is a vast, open-air market on the water selling Amazonian fish, fruit and handicrafts
In Belém do Pará, you should visit the Ver-o-Peso Market and the Docks Station to experience the local culture, explore the Feliz Luzitânia Complex (home to the Presépio Fort and the Cathedral), stroll through the Theatro da Paz and Mangal das Garças, and even venture to the Combu and Mosqueiro Islands for some nature. Don’t forget to try typical dishes like Duck in Tucupi and Tacacá.
Where to go and what to see:
Ver-o-Peso Market and Docks Station:
Experience the hustle and bustle of Latin America’s largest open-air market, then visit the Docks Station, a revitalized complex with bars, restaurants, and shops.
Feliz Luzitânia Complex:
Visit the Presépio Fort, which tells the story of the city’s founding and offers views of Guajará Bay, and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Mangal das Garças:
An ecological park in the city center, great for a family outing and to explore the Amazonian flora and fauna.
Theatro da Paz:
One of the city’s greatest icons, a historic theater that recalls the richness of the Rubber Boom era.
Combu Island and Mosqueiro Island:
Take a boat trip to Combu Island, a paradise of rivers and açaí, or to Mosqueiro Island, with its saltwater beaches.
Basílica Santuário de Nazaré:
Visit the imposing basilica, one of Brazil’s main religious temples.
Praça da República:
Enjoy the gardens and the monument in the center of the square, a venue for events and with the famous Cine Olympia and Theatro da Paz nearby.
Typical Foods:
Duck in Tucupi and Tacacá:
Don’t miss out on sampling Pará cuisine with these iconic dishes featuring tucupi and jambu.
Açaí:
The city of Belém is famous for its açaí, which can be found in various establishments and markets.
Tip: The “Amazonian summer” period, from June to November, is the best time to visit, as it has less rainfall.
Ilha do Marajo
To explore Marajó Island, it’s ideal to dedicate at least 3 to 5 days for a comprehensive experience, allowing you to explore the main attractions, local culture, and nature. However, you can take a short trip of 1 to 2 days to get a taste of the island, or extend your stay to up to a week for a deeper immersion, depending on your time and interests.
Suggested itineraries by time:
1 to 2 days:
For those short on time, you can take a short trip to Soure, exploring the city center, nearby beaches like Barra Velha, and, if you have more time, a visit to a farm like São Jerônimo to see buffalo.
3 to 5 days:
This is a good time to explore the Soure region in depth and, at a more leisurely pace, visit beaches like Pesqueiro and Céu, hike in the Amazon rainforest, explore Praia do Goiabal, and even take a canoe ride through the mangroves.
More than 5 days:
For a complete immersion, you can include cities like Afuá, with its houses on stilts, and delve deeper into Marajó culture, experiencing the local knowledge and unique relationships.
What influences the ideal time:
Your interests:
If the goal is simply to see the natural beauty, a weekend may be enough. If you want to immerse yourself in the culture, understand the traditions, and visit other centers like Afuá, more days will be necessary.
Your starting point:
The island is close to Belém, which can facilitate shorter trips. For a more complete itinerary, it’s important to consider the travel time to the port of departure, which is the largest island in the world.
Weather
It’s always hot in Belém, with maximum temperatures ranging from 32°C to 35°C year-round. The best and worst times to travel depend on the intensity of the rain. When planning a trip to Belém, consider the period known as the “Amazonian summer,” which runs from June to November.