Getting Here and Around

There are several daily flights to Belém from Rio and São Paulo. Azul-Trip flies to Belém from Campinas. All airlines arrive at the Aeroporto Internacional Val-de-Cans, 11 km (7 miles) northwest of the city. Varig and TAM sometimes offer direct flights from Miami. TAM and GOL fly regularly from Rio, São Paulo, Brasília, and Manaus.

During the Brazilian summer flights to Belém can be cheap since this is the rainy season and most flock to the beaches instead. If time is not an issue, there are daily buses from Rio and São Paulo on Transbrasilia (45 hours).

Most long-distance ships arrive and depart from the Terminal Hidroviário (Avenida Marechal Hermes). MACAMAZON and Bom Jesus (based in Macapá) have ships and standard riverboats to Macapá, Santarém, Manaus, and other places. The Belém-to-Santarém boat on MACAMAZON takes three days and costs R$160 for a hammock, and R$500 for a two-person cabin. The Belém-to-Manaus boat on MACAMAZON takes five days and costs R$250 for a hammock and R$1,000 for a two-person cabin. A trip to Ilha de Marajo from Belém takes two hours and costs R$21.72. From Belém to Macapá the boat takes 24 hours and the hammock costs R$130, and R$400 for a two-person cabin.

Belém's local bus service is safe (though you should keep an eye on your belongings) and comprehensive, but a little confusing. Ask a resident for guidance. The bus costs R$2.20.