With a population of around 1.4 million, Belém is the economic centre of the North and the capital of the Brazilian state of Pará. The port of Belém is the largest in the entire Amazon region, and is located around 125 km from the Atlantic Ocean. This beautiful town, which is almost 400 years old, has magnificent churches, a zoo, botanic gardens, the fascinating "Ver-O-Peso" market, the "Nossa Senhora de Nazaré" basilica and many lovely parks. Belém is also home to the famous Goeldi Museum with the world's largest collection of exotic plants. The museum is totally committed to the conservation of the natural environment.

Tips for excursions

Belem with "Ver-o-Peso" market

A visit to some of the noteworthy sights of the town of Belém and a drive through the town centre. Particularly impressive is the colourful Ver-o-Peso market, whose name means "watch your weight". Further tourist sights in Belém: the Nossa Senhora de Nazareth basilica, the botanic Garden and the zoological - botanic virgin forest park.

Boat trip on the Para Delta

A coach transfer from the harbour to the landing stage of the excursion boats. This is where the boat trip down the narrow rivers and channels of the Amazon Delta begins. The destination is Santa Maria do Acara on the island of Combu, where the participants will get to know the tropical flora and fauna of the Amazon region during a one-hour hike through the virgin forest. There follows the return journey by boat to Belem.