Belem, Brazil

Belém (also called Para), is a city and port in northern Brazil, on the Baía do Guajará (Guajara Bay). It is part of the vast Amazon Delta, near the mouth of the Rio Guamá, about 80 miles (130 km) up the Rio Pará from the Atlantic.

Belém has a modern appearance with tree-lined streets, several plazas and public gardens, and many noteworthy buildings. The colonial portion retains the charm of tree-filled squares, churches and traditional blue tiles.

Attractions in Belem include the Cidade Velha (Old City), Forte do Castelo, the Ver-o-pêso market and the Estação das Docas Complex at the docks.

Things to see and do

* Amazon Biopark Zoo
* Estação das Docas Complex
* Complexo Feliz Lusitânia (Complex Happy Lusitania)
* Rodrigues Alves Wood-Botanic Garden
* Mercado Ver-o-Peso (Market)

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - Real (R$) (BRL)
Language - Portuguese
Land Area - 1,070 km²
Population - 1,408,900 approx
Electricity - 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style
Time - GMT minus three hours
International Country Telephone Code - + 55

Port Location - The boat passenger terminal at Belem is located at the north end of the docks.

Transport Links - There is a huge bus terminal located a few kilometers east of the center. Many local buses pass here. 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 (Example 27 hours to Fortaleza) - especially from the south.

There are regular international flights linking Belém to Cayenne, Georgetown, Paramaribo and Miami, and many direct domestic flights linking Belém to Brasilia, Fortaleza, Manaus, Rio de Janeiro and Macapá. Bus Pratinhas to/from Presidente Vargas, and Marex to/from Prça da República.

There are many daily boats to nearby islands, including twice to Ilha do Marajó. Also to Macapá, Santarém and Manaus, with connections further north and west.