BELEM, BRAZIL: AT THE AMAZON MOUTH

Belem, at the mouth of the Amazon, is a major reference in a visit to the northern Brazilian Amazon. Belem is mainly a good picture of an equatorial port, deeply connected with traditional Amazon commercial life.

Ilha do Marajó and surroundings

Ilha do Marajó, close to Belem, is an enormous island, in the very mouth of the river Amazon. It has some good sandy beaches, and very good places for fishing and bird watching. The access (by boat) from Belém is easy, and the wildlife is abundant in the interior. Marajó offers a nice sample of the equatorial flora and fauna, and ecotourism is growing in it. There are daily boats from Belém to Soure, in the island’s Eastern tip (this Amazon cruise takes 4 to 5 hours). There are also air-taxis from Belém.

Near Soure – the main island town – there are very good beaches (Praia do Pesqueira and Araruna) and inexpensive accommodations. Once in Soure you may easily arrange small and less small trips to most interesting spots of the island.

Belem – the city

Here are some Belem highlights:

The river docks, with the old fort and the ancient market (Ver-o-Peso). The river docks are the liveliest places in town, in the morning. They are busy, colourful, exotic, reflecting the Amazon life.
downtown, closely linked to the early Portuguese colonization, with its narrow streets near the river docks, at Forte do Castelo.
In the old city, behind the Forte, you may visit the Opera House of Belém (an impressive monument, though much more modest than the Manaus Opera House), and the palaces-museums of Lauro Sodre and Antonio Lemos.
Praça da Republica: the Belem central park, is a good start for a walking tour; it’s a beautiful mango-tree lined avenue, agreeably shaded, with lots of beaux-arts and elegant buildings.
Emilio Goeldi Museum, with its excellent tropical zoo and flora components: Avenue Magalhaes Barata.

For more information on hotels in Belem:
Hotels in Belem

For more information on flitgts to Belem:
Flights to Belem

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