Para
Pará, located in the northern region of Brazil, is one of the largest states in the country and home to a significant portion of the Amazon Rainforest. With rich biodiversity and significant environmental importance, the state also excels in mining, agriculture, and culture, with Belém as its historical and cultural capital.
Despite its great natural and economic wealth, Pará faces challenges such as deforestation and social inequality. This combination of potential and challenges makes the state a key focus in discussions on sustainable development and environmental preservation.
Cultural Traditions that Keep the Soul of Pará Alive
Pará is a state marked by a strong cultural identity, blending Indigenous, African, and Portuguese influences. This diversity manifests itself in unique festivals, rituals, cuisine, and artistic expressions. The greatest example is the Círio de Nazaré, held in Belém, which attracts millions of devotees in one of the largest religious manifestations in Brazil. The festival goes beyond faith, involving processions, music, dances, and typical foods, such as the traditional duck in tucupi.
Other cultural expressions also stand out, such as carimbó, declared a Brazilian intangible cultural heritage, with its circular dances and captivating beats. Amazonian folklore comes to life in festivals, legends, and rituals that are still maintained in riverside and quilombola communities. This cultural richness strengthens the sense of belonging of the people of Pará and keeps alive the traditions that shape their history and identity.
News about Para
Check more posts >Population: About 8.9 million inhabitants (2024 estimate)
Time zone: GMT –3 (Brasília time)
Climate: Humid equatorial – hot and rainy, with average temperatures between 24°C and 34°C
Delegate code (DDD): 91 (Belém), 93 (Santarém), 94 (Marabá and region)
Voltage: 127V and 220V (varies according to the city)
Sockets: Standard type N (three round pins)
Main destinations in the state of Pará
Belém – Culture and tradition by the bay
The state capital, Belém, blends history, faith, and distinctive flavors. Highlights include the Círio de Nazaré, the Ver-o-Peso Market, the colonial buildings of the historic center, and the traditional cuisine, considered one of the richest in Brazil.
Alter do Chão – The “Amazonian Caribbean”
Located in Santarém, Alter do Chão is famous for its freshwater beaches, which emerge during dry rivers. With white sand and idyllic landscapes, it’s perfect for those seeking contact with nature and tranquility on the banks of the Tapajós River.
Marajó Island – Nature and riverside culture
The world’s largest river-sea island, Marajó enchants with its buffalo farms, pristine beaches, and rich ceramic craftsmanship. It’s a destination that combines adventure, local culture, and authentic experiences surrounded by nature.
Salinópolis – Sun, sea and leisure on the coast of Pará
Known as Salinas, this coastal city is Pará’s top beach destination. Its extensive beaches, such as Atalaia and Maçarico, attract tourists seeking sun, sea, and fun, especially during holidays and the Amazon summer.
What to do in Pará
- Take boat trips along the Amazon rivers and explore nature in destinations like Alter do Chão and Marajó Island.
- Discover the historic center of Belém, including the Presépio Fort, the Sé Cathedral, and the Ver-o-Peso Market.
- Visit museums and cultural spaces, such as the Emílio Goeldi Museum of Pará and the Docks Station.
- Participate in traditional festivals, such as the Círio de Nazaré, one of the largest religious celebrations in the country.
- Relax on river or coastal beaches, such as Salinópolis, Mosqueiro, and Algodoal.
Gastronomy in Pará
- Try typical dishes such as duck in tucupi sauce, maniçoba, tacacá, and caruru, with strong indigenous influences.
- Savor Amazonian fish such as filhote, pirarucu, and tambaqui, prepared with regional seasonings.
- Visit the Ver-o-Peso Market and sample local delicacies, as well as exotic fruits such as bacuri, cupuaçu, taperebá, and muruci.
- Try typical desserts made with native ingredients, such as Amazonian fruit ice cream and chestnut sweets.
- Savor traditional drinks such as açaí from Pará, served plain and with flour, in the typical regional style.
Relax in Pará's urban and natural parks
Pará, with its ecological and cultural diversity, offers a unique blend of nature and urban life. In addition to the rich Amazon Rainforest and great rivers, the state boasts urban parks in cities like Belém and Santarém, serving as green havens amidst urban life. In natural areas, the experience is one of complete immersion in the Amazon landscape, with trails, rivers, freshwater beaches, and impressive biodiversity. Whether you seek tranquility, outdoor recreation, or deep connection with nature, Pará has options for every taste.
Urban Parks of Pará
- Utinga State Park (Belém): One of the state’s main urban parks, with trails, lakes, wildlife observation areas, and bike rides.
- Rodrigues Alves Forest (Belém): A sort of “mini Amazon” in the center of the capital, with shaded trails, animal aviaries, and native vegetation.
- Alter do Chão Waterfront (Santarém): A pleasant space for sunset walks, with views of the river beaches and easy access to tours in the region.
- Santarém Environmental Park: An urban area focused on leisure, environmental education, and contact with nature in the heart of the city.
Natural and Tourist Parks of Pará
- Tapajós National Forest (near Santarém): Ideal for hiking, community-based tourism, and observing the forest from dry land.
- Marajó Island: In addition to the unique landscapes of flooded fields and beaches, the island is home to nature reserves and environmental protection areas with trails and horseback riding.
- Tapajós-Arapiuns Extractive Reserve: A preserved region with riverside communities that promote ecotourism and sustainable activities related to the forest.
- Algodoal-Maiandeua Environmental Protection Area: A protected area on the coast of Pará with pristine beaches, trails, and traditional villages that maintain a rustic and sustainable lifestyle.
Main parties, festivals and events in Pará
Pará is a vibrant state of culture, tradition, and art. Its annual calendar is marked by religious festivals of great devotion, musical events showcasing regional rhythms, and literary and artistic festivals celebrating the cultural diversity of the Amazon. Experiencing Pará also means immersing yourself in its popular manifestations and creative output, which fill theaters, squares, and communities throughout the state.
Cultural and artistic events
- Theatro da Paz (Belém): One of the oldest and most elegant in Brazil, it hosts concerts, theater performances, and the traditional Theatro da Paz Opera Festival.
- Cultural Spaces in Belém: Centers such as the State Museum, Casa das Onze Janelas, and Estação das Docas host art exhibitions, photography shows, and cultural events.
- Dance and Theater: The cultural scene in Pará is active, with festivals and local companies that celebrate contemporary expressions and popular traditions.
Main natural and tourist parks in the state of Pará
- Tapajós National Forest: One of the state’s main ecotourism destinations, with trails, traditional communities, and direct contact with the forest.
- Marajó Island: With nature reserves, wild beaches, and activities focused on ecological and cultural tourism.
- Algodoal-Maiandeua Environmental Protection Area: A protected area with rustic villages, mangroves, trails, and preserved beaches.
- Utinga State Park: Within Belém, it offers nature trails, bike tours, and environmental education.
Music festivals and events
- Pará Music Festival: An event that brings together local and national artists, showcasing rhythms such as carimbó, tecnobrega, and guitarrada.
- Se Rasgum Festival (Belém): One of the main alternative music festivals in the North region, featuring independent artists from Brazil and around the world.
- Lambateria Festival: Celebrates Pará music with carimbó, brega, cumbia, and contemporary fusion shows.
- Carimbó Dragoons: Cultural gatherings in cities and communities, with dance, music, and a celebration of Amazonian roots.
Literary festivals and events
- Pan-Amazonian Book and Multivoices Fair (Belém): One of the largest literary fairs in the North region, with a varied program and the presence of national and international authors.
- Flipa (Literary Festival of Pará): An event focused on Amazonian literature, with debates, book launches, and discussion groups.
- Literary Meetings and Workshops: Held in schools, libraries, and cultural centers, they promote reading and the appreciation of Pará writers.
- Indigenous and Quilombola Literature: Increasingly featured in events, with authors highlighting ancestral narratives and territories of cultural resistance.
How to get to Pará
The main gateway to Pará is Belém, the state capital, accessible primarily by air. Belém–Val-de-Cans International Airport receives direct flights from several Brazilian capitals, such as São Paulo, Brasília, Recife, and Fortaleza, as well as some international connections. From São Paulo, for example, the flight takes about 3.5 hours. The state can also be reached by land, particularly via highways BR-010 (Belém-Brasília) and BR-316.
How to get to Pará
- July to December: This is the dry season for most of the state, ideal for enjoying river beaches, such as Alter do Chão and Salinas, as well as for hiking and exploring natural areas.
- January to June: During the river flood season, the forest is partially flooded, creating stunning landscapes and excellent conditions for river-based tourism, with boat trips to areas such as Marajó Island, the Tapajós region, and riverside communities.
How to get around in Pará
- Taxis and ride-hailing apps: In the main cities of Pará, such as Belém and Santarém, it’s easy to find taxis and use apps like Uber and 99. This is a good alternative for those seeking comfort and convenience in urban travel.
- Public transportation: Pará’s cities have bus networks that serve a large portion of the population. In Belém, for example, there are integrated bus lanes and terminals, although service can be affected by heavy traffic during peak hours.
- Boats and regional vessels: In Pará, the rivers are veritable “water highways.” Boats, speedboats, and motorboats are essential means of transportation, especially for those traveling between riverside towns or exploring regions like Marajó or Alter do Chão. Rental Cars: For those planning to visit areas outside the urban centers or take longer trips, renting a car can be a good option. The main roads are paved, but it’s important to be aware of conditions in more remote areas. Walking and Local Tourism: In tourist locations like the historic center of Belém, the Santarém waterfront, or the villages in Alter do Chão, walking is a pleasant and efficient way to explore the surroundings, especially for those who want to experience the local culture and daily life more closely.
Emergency Services and Tourist Support
Belém, the capital of Pará, offers a solid support structure for tourists, with emergency services, public and private hospitals, specialized police stations, and information centers. To ensure peace of mind during your trip, it’s important to have key emergency and visitor assistance contacts at hand. Furthermore, the city has agencies specifically dedicated to serving tourists, operating in busy areas such as the historic center, Estação das Docas, and Belém International Airport.
General Emergencies
- Military Police (emergency) – 190
- SAMU (Mobile Emergency Care Service) – 192
- Fire Department – 193
- Civil Defense (environmental emergencies) – 199
- Public Safety Hotline – 181
Tourist Safety and Support
- Tourist Services Department (DEATUR) – (91) 4006-8667
- Civil Police (Information and incidents) – 147 or (91) 3212-6300
- Federal Police (Passports and immigration) – (91) 3213-7800
- Federal Highway Police (PRF) – 191
Health and Medical Care
- Metropolitan Emergency Hospital – (91) 4009-4300
- Mário Pinotti Municipal Emergency Room (March 14th Emergency Room) – (91) 3230-3777
- João de Barros Barreto University Hospital (infectious diseases and emergencies) – (91) 3201-7230
- SAMU – Medical Emergency – 192
Tourist Information and General Support
- Tourist Service Center – Belém International Airport (Val-de-Cans) – (91) 3210-9366
- Tourist Service Center – Estação das Docas – (91) 3222-8600
- Infraero – Flight and airport information – (91) 3210-9300
- Airport Taxi Service – (91) 3210-9339
- Procon-PA (Consumer Protection) – 151 or (91) 3073-2829
Tips on tourist websites and portals for those planning to visit Pará
- Pará Tourism (Paratur): Official tourism website for the state of Pará, with information on destinations, events, cultural itineraries, nature, and gastronomy. paratur.pa.gov.br
- Belém do Pará Tourism: Portal focused on the capital of Pará, bringing together tips on tours, accommodations, culture, and typical cuisine. belemparaturismo.com
- Gastronomy of Pará – Flavors of Pará: Website dedicated to the rich cuisine of Pará, ideal for those who want to explore the flavors of the Amazon. saborsdopara.pa.gov.br
- TripAdvisor – Pará: Platform with tourist reviews of attractions, restaurants, accommodations, and tours in Belém, Santarém, Alter do Chão, and other regions of the state. tripadvisor.com
- “Viaje Pará” Blog: Travel blog with personalized itineraries, experiences in riverside communities, cultural tips, and ecotourism suggestions. viajepara.com
- Green Destination Pará: Initiative that promotes sustainable tourism in the state, with information on protected areas, reserves, and community-based experiences. greendestinationpara.com
- Santarém and Alter do Chão – Official Tourism: Website focused on the western region of Pará, providing information on river beaches, trails, local events, and indigenous culture. turismosantaremalter.com
- Portal Cultura – Governo do Pará: Official channel with the state’s cultural agenda, covering exhibitions, traditional festivals, music, and art festivals. portalcultura.pa.gov.br
How do I get to Pará?
The main gateway to Pará is by air, through Belém International Airport (Val-de-Cans), which receives direct flights from several Brazilian capitals. It is also possible to arrive by highway, such as BR-010, or by river, taking boat trips between cities in the region.
