Take advantage of your visit to the 9th iBOL Conference to explore the history, culture, and cuisine of , a metropolis in the heart of the Amazon. We have put together a list of must-see attractions in Belém and surroundings, from museums and iconic landmarks to beaches and islands, places where you can directly experience Amazonian biodiversity without leaving the city. Some of them may charge a nominal entrance fee.
Basílica de Nossa Senhora de Nazaré
Erected in 1909 at the site where the image of the Saint was discovered, the Basilica Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora de Nazaré (Our Lady of Nazaré) stands today as one of the most important and sacred sites for the people of Pará. Throughout the year, the Basilica Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora de Nazaré welcomes tourists and believers alike. When you visit, be sure not to miss the exquisite stained glass windows, the sacred works of art, and the magnificent organ that adorn the church. You can also explore the Nazaré Memory Space, which features a special collection of objects depicting the history of the largest manifestation of Catholic faith in the world.
The Nazaré Memory Space is located within the Basilica Sanctuary complex and is open daily to tourists and devotees seeking to delve deeper into the rich tradition of Pará's people. Situated in the Basilica's parking lot, it operates from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 12 pm, and from 2 pm to 6 pm, and on Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm.
Address: Avenida Nossa Senhora de Nazaré, No. 1300. Nazaré, Belém – PA
Find out more: https://basilicadenazare.com.br/
Forte do Castelo
The city of Belém began with the occupation of the Pará river, with the construction of the Fort and the first chapel. Located at the confluence of the Guamá River and Guarajá Bay, the Fort was listed by the Brazilian Institute of Historical, Artistic, and National Heritage (IPHAN) in 1962 and has become a tourist attraction in the city.
Address: Praça Dom Frei Caetano Brandão, no number - Cidade Velha.
Find out more: https://museus.pa.gov.br/museus/7/museu-forte-do-prespio
Theatro da Paz
Founded in 1878, at the height of the Rubber Cycle in the Amazon, it is a landmark of the period of abundant wealth that made the city of Belém grow and develop. A beautiful historic building with traces of neoclassical architecture.
Address: Avenida da Paz, Praça da República, no number – Campina, Belém – PA.
Find out more: https://www.theatrodapaz.com.br/
Ver-o-Peso Market
Considered one of the oldest public markets in the country, it was voted one of the wonders of the state of Pará and one of the 7 Wonders of Brazil. The Ver-o-Peso Market is the most famous landmark of Belém and showcases the best of local culture, including fruits, fishes, unique foods, popular traditions, souvenirs, art exhibitions, huge commerce activity and even a small port area. This place is right beside the Estação das Docas, on the shores of Guajará Bay.
Address: Avenida Boulevard Castilhos França – Campina, Belém - PA.
Museum of Sacred Art
Located in the former Episcopal Palace, integrated into the Church of Santo Alexandre, built by the priests of the Company with the participation of indigenous labor between the end of the 17th century and the beginning of the 18th century, it has a baroque style and was inaugurated in 1719.
Address: Praça Frei Brandão, no number. Cidade Velha, Belém – PA.
Find out more: https://museus.pa.gov.br/museus/3/museu-de-arte-sacra-do-par
Emílio Goeldi Museum
For 157 years, the Emílio Goeldi Museum has been conducting research on sociobiodiversity and conservation in the Amazon region. This zoo-botanical park showcases some of the Amazonian biodiversity, featuring live animals and plants within the heart of the metropolis. Additionally, there is an aquarium housing fishes, snakes, and reptiles, as well as a permanent exhibition of stuffed animals and insects from the Amazon. The museum also presents the scientific research conducted by the institution. Open Wednesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 1 pm.
Address: Av. Governador Magalhães Barata, 376 - São Braz, Belém – PA.
Find out more: https://www.gov.br/museugoeldi/pt-br
Rodrigues Alves Zoo-botanical Garden
With a total area of 15 hectares, this garden is a piece of the Amazon rainforest preserved in the heart of the city. Rodrigues Alves is home to more than 10 thousand trees, spread across over 300 species. Of the 15 hectares, over 80% consist of green areas, with only 20% dedicated to pathways for visitor circulation.
The Rodrigues Alves also houses 435 animals from 29 species living in captivity, and another 29 species living in freedom or semi-freedom within the forested area. Among the animals are the Amazonian manatee, alligators, turtles, tortoises, macaws, monkeys, among others. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8 am to 2 pm.
Address: Av. Alm. Barroso, 2305 - Marco, Belém – PA.
Find out more: https://semma.belem.pa.gov.br/bosque/
Urban Art Museum of Belém (M.A.U.B)
The M.A.U.B brings panels of Street Art with works applied on walls, facades, and buildings of the Ver-o-Rio Complex in Belém, turning the route into an open-air museum. The initiative involved a group of 22 selected artists from north to south of the country, who contributed with their indigenous, riverside, trans, northeastern, feminine, and Amazonian experiences to create the largest open-air museum in the Amazon.
Address: Avenida Mal. Hermes, No. 3881 – Umarizal
Find out more: https://maub.art.br/
Combu Island
A place where you can spend a day off and experience direct contact with the Amazon river and forest. The island offers several restaurant options that are open during the day. You can choose between restaurants with loud music, festive atmosphere, and city views, or quieter, more relaxing restaurants with closer contact with nature. In all of them, the chance to taste fish and other delicious dishes of the local cuisine.
There's no bridge or road to Combu Island. The only way to get there is by boat, crossing the Guamá River for about 15 minutes. Tickets cost R$ 20 and can be purchased at a small port located at Praça Princesa Isabel. In addition to restaurants, the island offers trails and chocolate factories that enhance visitors' experience.
Address: Av. Bernardo Sayão, no number. Terminal Hidroviário Ruy Barata. Condor, Belém - PA.
Find out more: https://ilhadocombu.tur.br/a-ilha-do-combu/
Mosqueiro Island
The bucolic island of Mosqueiro is located on the eastern coast of the Pará River, on the southern branch of the Amazon River, facing the Guajará Bay. It is located 70 km away from the center of the capital Belém. The best way to visit the island is by car or bus. It features 17 km of freshwater beaches with tidal movement. The name "Mosqueiro" originates from the ancient practice of fish "moqueio" by the Tupinambá indigenous people who inhabited the island. While there, be sure to visit Mosqueiro Village and sample the local delicacy, "tapioquinha," made from cassava starch with a variety of fillings.
Tickets are available at Belém Bus Station, located at Praça do Operário, São Brás, Belém – PA.
Cotijuba Island
Cotijuba Island is located at the westernmost point of Belém. It features stunning beaches on its western side, overlooking Marajó Bay. The island offers 18 km of trails and roads, as well as urban and natural zones. Within these zones, there are natural lakes in a floodplain ecosystem, which are to be preserved and utilized to enhance the island's immense tourist potential. Alongside its ten beaches and numerous guesthouses, Cotijuba Island is home to a wealth of historical buildings and ruins.
To reach Cotijuba Island, visitors must take a boat from the Icoaraci Terminal, located approximately 20 kilometers from downtown Belém. The crossing typically lasts about 40 minutes, with a fare of R$ 8. Boats depart continuously as they fill up.
For a map with the venue, hotels and tourist attractions please see here.
TOURISM AGENCIES
Amazon Pará Turismo
Telephone: (91) 98242-0325
E-mail: receptivo@amazonparaturismo.com.br
Website: https://www.amazonparaturismo.com/
Valeverde Turismo
Telephone: (91) 3218-7333 / (91) 98414-6122
E-mail: atendimento@valeverdeturismo.com.br
Website: https://www.valeverdeturismo.com.br/belem-para-amazonia
Amazon Star Turismo
Telephone: +55 (91) 3212-6244 / +55 (91) 99202-3335 / +55 (91) 99982-7911
E-mail: amazonstar@amazonstar.com.br
Website: http://www.amazonstar.com.br/
Rumo Norte Expedições
Telephone: (91) 99309-5915
E-mail: falecom@rumonorte.com
Website: https://rumonorte.com/