Belem is one of the world's most fascinating tropical cities and gateway to Amazonia. Here, since 1616, on a branch of the world's greatest river, Belem has grown and prospered while remaining Brazil's most Portuguese city. Highlights include daily riverboat excursions on the Para River estuary to Marajo, the world’s largest freshwater island and an ideal place to watch huge flocks of wading birds, caiman, piranha and other tropical wildlife, and visits to the traditional Ver-O-Peso market, one of South America’s most exotic and vibrant.

Recommended stay
Two nights

When to go
Belem’s unchanging, year ‘round weather is tropical, warm, and usually predictable with sunny mornings, hot mid-days, and pleasant evenings. If there’s any rain it will most likely come in the afternoon. Travelers should avoid February and March as heavy downpours occur often during these two months.

Highlights
• Visit Ver-O-Peso, Belem’s traditional, bustling waterfront market and wharf.
• Excursions to Marajo Island, the Amazon version of Brazil’s Pantanal.