Gateway to the world's greatest rainforest, Belém blends Amazonian energy with Portuguese colonial grandeur — from the sprawling Ver-o-Peso waterfront market to stilt-house river islands just minutes away.
Belém has two possible berths — the historic city-centre pier and the newer Terminal de Outeiro to the north.
💡 Pro move: The city centre, Ver-o-Peso, and the main colonial sights cluster within 1 km of the city-centre pier — very walkable if your ship docks there.
Belém uses two berths depending on ship size — the central city pier and the new Terminal de Outeiro north of town.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Smaller/expedition ships | City-centre pier, near Estação das Docas & Ver-o-Peso📍 | Docked |
| Large cruise ships | Terminal de Outeiro (Caratateua Island), ~27 km / ~40 min north of centre📍 | Docked |
From jungle river tours to colonial forts, Belém packs genuine Amazon adventure into a single shore day.
Cruise the furos (natural channels) and igarapés around Belém, visiting Combu Island where locals harvest açaí from stilt houses beneath towering palms.
Find Amazon river tours →The largest open-air market in Latin America (commerce on this site dates to 1625; the iron market hall was built in 1901) — Amazonian fruits, live fish, medicinal herbs, regional pottery, and the best açaí bowls in Brazil.
Find Belém market tours →Founded in 1616, this Portuguese fort launched the colonisation of the Amazon. The Museum of Encounters inside tells that complex story, with panoramic views over Guajará Bay.
Find Belém historic tours →This rubber-boom masterpiece (begun 1909) is modelled on the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls in Rome — Carrara marble, gold leaf, and fine Amazonian hardwoods. Centre of Brazil's largest religious festival each October.
Find Belém city tours →Beautifully landscaped riverside park with walk-through aviaries, a butterfly house, and a lookout tower over the Guamá River — a gentle intro to Amazonian wildlife without venturing into the jungle.
Find Belém nature tours →A longer ferry or speedboat ride to the world's largest river island — buffalo herds, ceramic artisans, riverside beaches, and a true sense of Amazonian island life.
Find Marajó Island tours →The historic waterfront district is compact and very walkable — Ver-o-Peso to Forte do Presépio to Estação das Docas is a natural stroll.
Start at Ver-o-Peso market at the water's edge, walk south along the bay to Forte do Presépio for views and the Museum of Encounters, then loop back through the Complexo Feliz Lusitânia to Estação das Docas for a riverside coffee.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Walk from Estação das Docas south along the Guamá riverbank to Mangal das Garças ecological park — ideal if you want shade, birds, and a quieter escape from the market bustle.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Belém, Pará, Brazil (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 85°F / 29°C | 75°F / 24°C | 28 | 6:17 AM | 6:29 PM |
| Feb | 84°F / 29°C | 75°F / 24°C | 27 | 6:23 AM | 6:32 PM |
| Mar | 84°F / 29°C | 75°F / 24°C | 30 | 6:19 AM | 6:26 PM |
| Apr | 84°F / 29°C | 75°F / 24°C | 30 | 6:11 AM | 6:16 PM |
| May | 86°F / 30°C | 76°F / 24°C | 28 | 6:09 AM | 6:11 PM |
| Jun | 86°F / 30°C | 75°F / 24°C | 22 | 6:13 AM | 6:15 PM |
| Jul | 87°F / 31°C | 75°F / 24°C | 18 | 6:18 AM | 6:21 PM |
| Aug | 89°F / 32°C | 75°F / 24°C | 11 | 6:16 AM | 6:20 PM |
| Sep | 90°F / 32°C | 75°F / 24°C | 11 | 6:06 AM | 6:11 PM |
| Oct | 90°F / 32°C | 76°F / 24°C | 13 | 5:55 AM | 6:03 PM |
| Nov | 89°F / 32°C | 76°F / 24°C | 14 | 5:53 AM | 6:03 PM |
| Dec | 88°F / 31°C | 76°F / 24°C | 23 | 6:03 AM | 6:15 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Larger ships anchor and tender passengers to Icoaraci village. Free shuttle buses run from Icoaraci to the city marketplace — about a 35-minute ride.
Metered taxis available outside the port. Base fare R$5 + R$3.25/km. A 5–8 km ride to the center runs roughly R$30–45.
Uber is confirmed active in Belém and often cheaper than street taxis. Works well in the city center and near the port.
Ships docking at the city-center pier are within walking distance of Ver-o-Peso Market, Forte do Castelo, and the Mangal das Garças park.
Boat tours on the Guamá and Acará rivers are a popular excursion, including trips to Ilha do Combu. Book via cruise line or local operators at the pier.
Upcoming cruises that call at Belém, Pará, Brazil. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.