Americans Can Now Fly Nonstop To One Of The Most Vibrant & Cheapest Cities In Latin America

Brazil tops the bucket listing for a lot of Americans touring to Latin America. From the electrifying power of Carnival in February to the golden-sand seashores washed by crystal-clear seas, it’s actually a slice of paradise.

Interestingly sufficient, regardless of Brazil’s immense vacationer provide, most travelers visit Rio and nothing else.

If you are hoping to expertise a unique facet of Brazil, nonetheless, one that the majority foreigners are solely oblivious to, you must contemplate visiting Belém as an alternative.

A cultural hotspot in Northern Brazil, well-known for its vigorous road markets, Amazonian meals, wealthy indigenous tradition, it is now a single direct flight away from Miami—and for these of you who hate long-hauls, this can be a a lot shorter flight than Rio!

Fly Nonstop To Northern Brazil From Miami

Since June 15, Americans have been capable of fly nonstop from Miami, the gateway to Latin America, to one of many area’s lesser-known but most enjoyable locations.

The airline working on this route is Brazil-based GOL Linhas Aéreas, with flights departing from Miami (MIA) each Monday and Friday at 9:45 a.m. and arriving in Belém (BEL) at 4:35 p.m. native time on the identical calendar date, with a complete period of 6 hours and 10 minutes.

For comparability, the shortest Miami–Rio flight takes a considerably longer 8 hours and 35 minutes.

On the opposite hand, return flights can be found solely as soon as per week on Tuesdays, leaving the Northern Brazilian metropolis at 9:10 a.m. and touching down in Miami at 5:20 p.m. Round-trip fares fluctuate relying on season and seat availability, however the everyday vary is $360–400.

This is enormous information for Northern Brazil-bound vacationers, as beforehand, they must fly both to Rio or São Paulo, that are each a lot additional south, solely to alter flights and journey north once more.

Why Visit Belém?

Located within the decrease Amazon, within the scenic Guajará Bay, Belém is the capital of Pará, a state famend for its indigenous heritage, lush nature, and hearty delicacies.

If we’re speaking must-sees, you higher begin with Cidade Velha, or Old Town: the oldest a part of the town, it’s characterised by a string of tile-clad homes, Portuguese-style, lining a picturesque riverfront, and its Seventeenth-century Forte do Presépio.

This was constructed by Portuguese settlers in the course of the Transatlantic commerce to each fence off advances from resisting indigenous tribes, in addition to firmly set up their presence on the mouth of the Amazon River.

Not removed from the fort, you may discover the Sé Cathedral, a Portuguese Baroque edifice raised in 1748, that includes richly embellished interiors.

Where To Eat In Belém

Ver-o-Peso, one of many largest open-air markets in Latin America, is yet one more widespread vacation spot for promoting freshly caught Amazonian fish, native fruits which might be troublesome to seek out elsewhere, such because the stringent-flavored cupuaçu and buriti, açaí bowls, and handicrafts.

Shaded by a colonial-era iron construction, it is certain to enchantment to each tradition buffs and foodies alike.

Speaking of açaí, had been you conscious that the Amazon area is the place the crushed fruit originates? Before you are taking a spoonful of the plum-colored puree, nonetheless, you must know that the unique açaí, as served in Belém, tastes a bit totally different from the commercialized bowls you may discover elsewhere.

It’s the precise pulp of the fruit, strained by both hand of small mills, and the flavour is earthier and a tad gritty, not precisely candy.

Down by Estação das Docas, a riverfront warehouse dwelling to family-owned eating places and quirky bars, you’ll be able to pattern the native Amazon craft beer, and a myriad of regional dishes, from tacacá, a stew made out of tapioca gum and dried shrimp, to pato no tucupi, boiled duck served in a thick manioc sauce.

Gorgeous Amazonian Nature

Now, not like Rio, Belém has no seashores inside brief driving distance of the town middle—it is on the mouth of the Amazon River, bear in mind?

Nevertheless, over in Mangal das Garças, an ecological park within the midst of the city sprawl, you may get a style of the unspoiled nature of the Amazon:

It’s criss-crossed with tourist-friendly walkways that result in lush gardens and iguana sanctuaries, and the lighthouse is ideal for birdwatching.

Finally, do not miss out on Ilha do Combu, an island a fast boat journey throughout the river, the place locals nonetheless reside in stilt homes and reside off of handicrafts and cacao plantations—naturally, you’ll be able to’t go away with out attempting do-it-yourself chocolate from a neighborhood chocolate maker.

How Expensive Is Belém?

Fascinating tradition apart, Belém is one among Latin America’s most affordable destinations:

A bowl of commercialized, dessert-style açaí prices, on common R$24–26, or $4–5, whereas sit-down meals in eating places frequented by locals vary from $4 to $6. As for resorts, you will discover them for as low cost as $25–40:

Category	Average costs (USD)
Budget meal (native eatery)	$4–6 per individual
Mid-range meal (3-course)	$18–25 per individual
Fine-dining	$35–50+ per individual
2-star resort	$25–40 per night time
4-star resort	$60–100 per night time
Resort-style keep	$120–200+
Public transport (bus fare)	$0.80–1 per journey

As of this 12 months, Americans are no longer eligible to journey to Brazil visa-free.

As a U.S. passport holder, you should first apply for an eVisa. Check out the newest entry necessities for Brazil here (and verify the security recommendation here).