Brazil tops the bucket list for many Americans traveling to Latin America. From the electrifying energy of Carnival in February to the golden-sand beaches washed by crystal-clear seas, it’s truly a slice of paradise.
Interestingly enough, despite Brazil’s immense tourist offer, most travelers visit Rio and nothing else.
If you’re hoping to experience a different side of Brazil, however, one that most foreigners are entirely oblivious to, you should consider visiting Belém instead.
A cultural hotspot in Northern Brazil, famous for its lively street markets, Amazonian food, rich indigenous culture, it’s now a single direct flight away from Miami—and for those of you who hate long-hauls, this is a much shorter flight than Rio!
Fly Nonstop To Northern Brazil From Miami
Since June 15, Americans have been able to fly nonstop from Miami, the gateway to Latin America, to one of the region’s lesser-known yet most exciting destinations.
The airline operating on this route is Brazil-based GOL Linhas Aéreas, with flights departing from Miami (MIA) every Monday and Friday at 9:45 a.m. and arriving in Belém (BEL) at 4:35 p.m. local time on the same calendar date, with a total duration of 6 hours and 10 minutes.
For comparison, the shortest Miami–Rio flight takes a significantly longer 8 hours and 35 minutes.
On the other hand, return flights are available only once a week on Tuesdays, leaving the Northern Brazilian city at 9:10 a.m. and touching down in Miami at 5:20 p.m. Round-trip fares vary depending on season and seat availability, but the typical range is $360–400.
This is huge news for Northern Brazil-bound tourists, as previously, they would have to fly either to Rio or São Paulo, which are both much further south, only to change flights and travel north again.
Why Visit Belém?
Located in the lower Amazon, in the scenic Guajará Bay, Belém is the capital of Pará, a state renowned for its indigenous heritage, lush nature, and hearty cuisine.
If we’re talking must-sees, you better start with Cidade Velha, or Old Town: the oldest part of the city, it is characterized by a string of tile-clad houses, Portuguese-style, lining a picturesque riverfront, and its 17th-century Forte do Presépio.
This was built by Portuguese settlers during the Transatlantic trade to both fence off advances from resisting indigenous tribes, as well as firmly establish their presence at the mouth of the Amazon River.
Not far from the fort, you’ll find the Sé Cathedral, a Portuguese Baroque edifice raised in 1748, featuring richly decorated interiors.
Where To Eat In Belém
Ver-o-Peso, one of the largest open-air markets in Latin America, is yet another popular destination for selling freshly caught Amazonian fish, native fruits that are difficult to find elsewhere, such as the stringent-flavored cupuaçu and buriti, açaí bowls, and handicrafts.
Shaded by a colonial-era iron structure, it’s sure to appeal to both culture buffs and foodies alike.
Speaking of açaí, were you aware that the Amazon region is where the crushed fruit originates? Before you take a spoonful of the plum-colored puree, however, you should know that the original açaí, as served in Belém, tastes a little different from the commercialized bowls you’ll find elsewhere.
It’s the actual pulp of the fruit, strained by either hand of small mills, and the flavor is earthier and a tad gritty, not exactly sweet.
Down by Estação das Docas, a riverfront warehouse home to family-owned restaurants and quirky bars, you can sample the local Amazon craft beer, and a myriad of regional dishes, from tacacá, a stew made from tapioca gum and dried shrimp, to pato no tucupi, boiled duck served in a thick manioc sauce.
Gorgeous Amazonian Nature
Now, unlike Rio, Belém has no beaches within short driving distance of the city center—it’s at the mouth of the Amazon River, remember?
Nevertheless, over in Mangal das Garças, an ecological park in the midst of the urban sprawl, you can get a taste of the unspoiled nature of the Amazon:
It’s criss-crossed with tourist-friendly walkways that lead to lush gardens and iguana sanctuaries, and the lighthouse is perfect for birdwatching.
Finally, don’t miss out on Ilha do Combu, an island a quick boat trip across the river, where locals still live in stilt houses and live off of handicrafts and cacao plantations—naturally, you can’t leave without trying homemade chocolate from a local chocolate maker.
How Expensive Is Belém?
Fascinating culture aside, Belém is one of Latin America’s most affordable destinations:
A bowl of commercialized, dessert-style açaí costs, on average R$24–26, or $4–5, while sit-down meals in restaurants frequented by locals range from $4 to $6. As for hotels, you can find them for as cheap as $25–40:
| Category | Average prices (USD) |
| Budget meal (local eatery) | $4–6 per person |
| Mid-range meal (3-course) | $18–25 per person |
| Fine-dining | $35–50+ per person |
| 2-star hotel | $25–40 per night |
| 4-star hotel | $60–100 per night |
| Resort-style stay | $120–200+ |
| Public transport (bus fare) | $0.80–1 per ride |
As of this year, Americans are no longer eligible to travel to Brazil visa-free.
As a U.S. passport holder, you must first apply for an eVisa. Check out the latest entry requirements for Brazil here (and check the safety advice here).
Vinicius Costa
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
The Travel Off Path Advantage: Your Travel Toolkit
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.