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Belem
Located in the Amazon delta at a distance of 160 km from the equator. Colours, odours and flavours mix in a rich and original landscape. Its surrounding area is almost fully located in the Amazonian Forest, except for the Marajo archipelago, which is a ecological sanctuary. |
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| The City |
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Belém - The city of Belém is situated in the Amazon delta at a distance of 160 km from the equator to the south and on the banks of the Guajara Bay, in the estuary of the Tocantins and Para rivers. Two of its most important attractions are the Municipal Market (meat) and the Iron Market (fish), located on the banks of the Guajara Bay. Near these markets, in the same complex, the Ver-o-Peso port-fair is located, close to the site where the city was born. At the Ver-o-Peso, which has become the postcard of Belém, colours, odours and flavours mix in a rich and original landscape. This port harbours typical fishing boats and canoes bringing various products, such as clay handicraft and herbs from Amazonia for different purposes. There are herbs to cure diseases, perfumed herbs, aromatic roots, alligator teeth, which according to local beliefs protect people from evil, rabbit paws to attract happiness, necklaces made of bids from the forest, etc. Close to the market, one can also see the Solar da Beira mansion, once the headquarters of the Municipal Inspectorate and now a place where local handicraft is sold. Its surrounding area is almost fully located in the Amazonian Forest, except for some parts where the vegetation is less dense - in the low Trombetas region and in the Marajo archipelago.
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| History |
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Historical Background
The region where the state of Pará is presently located was invaded several times since the beginning of the 16th century by the Dutch and the British in search of urucum, guarana and pepper seeds. The Portuguese occupation was consolidated in 1616, when the Presepio Fort, which was later called the Forte Castle, was built in the Guajara bay, originating the city of Belém. In 1621, the territory was included in the province of Maranhão and Grão-Para, an integration created with the aim of improving the defense of the coastline and interaction with the metropolis, as the relations with the capital of the colony, Salvador, located on the Atlantic coast, were hampered by sea currents. In the 17th century, the region prospered remarkably, as coffee, rice, sugarcane, cocoa, and tobacco plantations proliferated, as well as livestock farms. The integration of Maranhão and Grão-Para came to an end in 1774, a period that coincided with a certain stagnation of the local economy. Late in the 19th century, however, the economic growth was resumed, as rubber exploitation brought a marked development to the north region of the country. During the 19th century, there were some insurgency movements against Portugal in Pará, among which the Cabanagem popular movement, which occurred in 1835 and was repressed shortly thereafter, after declaring its independence of the province and setting up a new government in Belém.
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| General Inf |
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TELEPHONE AREA CODE
091/
CLIMATE
The climate in the state of Para is typically equatorial, with average temperatures ranging from 24 to 26°C and a high rainfall, that can reach 2,000 mm in areas surrounding the Amazonas river. Belem is one of the rainiest cities in the world. However, this is not as bad as it sounds as the regular rain showers are often a welcome relief from the heat.
CLOTHING
Lightweight casual clothing is appropriate all year round. Always carry an umbrella with you, short showers are common in this region.
ELECTRICITY
110V
AIRPORT
The airport for both national and international flights is situated 12 km outside the city.
HOTELS
BUSINESS HOURS
Most businesses work from 9:00-19:00. Shopping centres usually open from 10:00-22:00. Banks function from 10:00 -16:30, but money exchange is only until 13:00.
TAXIS
Taxis are plentiful around the city. Fares double on Sundays.
MEDICAL
Contact the hotel reception for the nearest clinic or hospital if needed. The British Consul (222 5074) has a list of English-speaking doctors.
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| How To Get There |
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How to get there
There are flights most days connecting Belem with the major Brazilian cities and there are international connections to French Guiana, Suriname and Miami.
The Val-de-Cans international airport (257 0522) is located about 10kms from the city center.
We recommend a regular transfer with Driver / Guide, since you will be able to find out many useful details about Belem and the area during the ride.
Specially trained guides will receive clients on the other side of the customs with a name board and, on the way to the hotel, they will give all the necessary information about arrangements for the clients wishing to stay in the region.
For those who opt not to make use of this important service, other means of transportation are available:
If you are prepared to walk 200 meters with your luggage and run the risk of getting caught in a tropical shower, you could catch one of the small air-conditioned buses to the city center. Alternatively take an airport taxi for about USD 15, which you pay at a desk in the airport hall. You can also take a local taxi and negotiate a price with the driver - aim for about USD 10.
TRANSFER TO MARAJO ISLAND
For those visiting Marajo Island, transport from the airport or from the hotel is included.
Transfer procedures are described under each individual lodge. See Hotels.
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| Restaurants |
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Culinary art - The cuisine of Pará is appreciated in all regions of Brazil. Most dishes are of indigenous origin and include fruits, herbs and vegetables grown in the region. Fish is the staple food in the state, which relies very much on its rivers for its subsistence. One of the most well known dishes of the state of Pará is the "tucupi duck," whose origin can be traced back to when the Indians cooked wild ducks in tucupi (sort of a sauce extracted from the manioc). The way the manioc is treated to produce the tucupi is an indigenous recipe, as well as the maniçoba and the tacaca (other typical food preparations). Fruit beverages are also well known in the region. Açai, bacuri, murici, buriti, cupuaçu, mangaba and graviola are some of the fruits that can be found there. One of the most popular ones is the açai, also known as the "Invention of the Forest." Rich in iron, it is used to prepare a beverage or wine, as it is called in the region.
Eating Out in Belem:
Lá em Casa / O Outro
Le Massilia
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| Night Life |
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Next to the Praça da Republica you can find Bar do Parque which is a good place to go to in the evenings to mingle with the locals. Casanostra Café also has a nice pub atmosphere and offers internet service. It has a bar and a restaurant with live music at night.
The busiest place to go to in the evenings is the upgraded Docas area along Avenida Visconde de Souza Franco. Here you can find some good bars, such as Colarinho Branco, where you can sit outside and listen to live music at the weekends. There are also many night clubs that offer various types of music, dance and shows.
The region also has some great traditional music and dance such as carimbó, lundú and siriá. It is not always easy to find but be sure not to miss it - ask at the hotel or find out from the locals.
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Island of Marajó
Surrounded by fresh and salt water - from the Amazon and Tocantins rivers and from the Atlantic Ocean, Marajo is the largest river-sea island in...
Experience the aromas and flavors of the Amazon
Paras cuisine is considered to be the most typically Brazilian out of all the country's varied regional cooking. And, as far as Paras population is concerned, undoubtedly the most delicious....
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