Belém (PA) – Host City for COPIVANAL 2027

Belém (PA)

General Information

Population: approximately 1.3 million.
Land area: 1,059,466 km².
Residents: Belenenses.
Founded: January 12, 1616.

Belém, the capital of the state of Pará, is one of the major cities in northern Brazil and an important economic, cultural, and tourist hub of the Amazon region. Located on the shores of Guajará Bay, the city plays a strategic role as a gateway to the Amazon region and stands out for its combination of historical heritage, cultural diversity, and natural riches.

Throughout its history, Belém has established itself as a national leader in areas such as tourism, gastronomy, and the preservation of Amazonian culture. The city has also gained international recognition for hosting major conferences and events focused on sustainable development and environmental issues.

Overview

With more than four centuries of history, Belém preserves important vestiges of Portuguese settlement in the Amazon. The city’s original nucleus emerged with the construction of Fort Presépio in 1616, in the region now known as Cidade Velha. Since then, the municipality has grown to become one of the largest metropolitan areas in the Brazilian Amazon.

Belém’s historical heritage is evident in its museums, churches, squares, markets, and buildings, all of which help tell the region’s story. In addition to the mainland, the municipality comprises dozens of islands that make up the Belém Archipelago, contributing to its environmental and scenic richness.

The city is also reinventing itself thanks to its distinctive culinary identity. Typical Amazonian ingredients, such as açaí, tucupi, jambu, cupuaçu, and bacuri, are part of the local cuisine and attract visitors from across the country. This wealth of flavors has earned Belém international recognition as a culinary destination.

Among the most iconic sites in the capital of Pará is the Ver-o-Peso Market, one of the city’s two most representative landmarks and one of the largest open-air markets in Latin America. The market features regional products, vegetables, fruits, fish, and handicrafts, offering an authentic experience of Amazonian culture.

Religion also plays a major role in the lives of the locals. The Círio de Nazaré, celebrated annually in honor of Our Lady of Nazaré, draws thousands of people and is considered one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.

The predominant climate is humid equatorial, characterized by high temperatures year-round and high rainfall. The presence of two rivers and the Amazon rainforest contributes to the region’s unique landscape and the population’s strong connection to nature.

Top Tourist Attractions

Ver-o-Peso Market

Estação das Docas

Mangal das Garças

Fort of Presépio

Basilica and Shrine of Our Lady of Nazareth

Emílio Goeldi Museum of Pará

Goeldi Museum Zoobotanical Park

Teatro de la Paz

Feliz Lusitânia Complex

Cotijuba Island

24 Hours in Belém

In the Morning

An excellent way to start the day is to visit the Feliz Lusitânia Complex, an important historic site that brings together two of the city’s most significant landmarks from its founding. Among the highlights are the Presépio Fort, the Cathedral, the Museum of Sacred Art, and the House of the Eleven Windows.

Lunch

Pará’s cuisine is an attraction in itself. The Ver-o-Peso Market offers an authentic immersion in the flavors of the Amazon, featuring local fruits, regional specialties, and traditional dishes made with ingredients that are part of Pará’s cultural identity.

Afternoon

For a refreshing break, another option is to try the famous ice creams made with Amazonian fruits. Flavors such as açaí, cupuaçu, bacuri, and taperebá are very popular among residents and visitors alike.

Sunset and Evening

Estação Docas is one of the city’s two most popular spots for a night out. Located on the banks of the Guamá River, it features restaurants, cafés, shops, and entertainment areas, offering beautiful views and the chance to experience the local culture.

How to Get There

Belém International Airport is the main gateway to the capital of Pará, serving flights from various regions of Brazil as well as international connections. Its location makes it easy for visitors traveling to the city for events, tourism, or business to get around.

Belém and COPIVANAL 2027

Hosting COPIVANAL 2027 reinforces Belém’s importance as a hub for regional and national integration. In addition to providing the necessary infrastructure for major events, the city offers participants the opportunity to experience firsthand the culture, cuisine, and natural riches of the Amazon, making the experience even more special.