Overview
Belém sits where the Amazon basin meets the Atlantic, the capital of Pará state and Brazil's gateway to the eastern Amazon. It is a humid, atmospheric river city of mango-lined avenues, faded colonial churches and one of South America's great riverside markets. No airline flies direct from the UK, but well-timed connections make Belém very reachable, and starting your search early is the key to a sensible fare – have a look at the price charts on this page before you book.
Best time to fly to Belem
Belém is hot (around 28–32°C) and humid all year. Locals talk of two seasons: the wetter months, roughly December to May and heaviest from February to April, with dependable afternoon downpours; and the drier season from June to November, with brighter mornings and the more comfortable conditions for sightseeing. October brings Círio de Nazaré, one of the world's largest religious processions, when flights and hotels fill months ahead. Use the "When to book" chart above to compare fares across the year.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Belém. The most natural routing is via Lisbon with TAP Air Portugal, which connects from London and other UK airports and operates onward services to Belém. Alternatively, fly into São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro with British Airways, LATAM or TAP, then take a domestic flight with LATAM, GOL or Azul. Expect a total journey of around 15–19 hours including the connection; the Lisbon–Belém leg alone is about eight hours.
Things to do in Belem
Belém rewards slow wandering, ideally with a cold açaí in hand. A few highlights:
- Ver-o-Peso Market: sprawling riverside market for Amazon fruit, herbs, fish and handicrafts.
- Estação das Docas: restored dockside warehouses now home to restaurants, craft beer and sunset river views.
- Basílica Santuário de Nazaré: ornate basilica at the heart of the Círio pilgrimage.
- Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi: historic park with Amazon wildlife, botanical gardens and research collections.
- Ilha do Combu: a short boat trip to a forest island for açaí, artisan chocolate and riverside lunches.
At Belém/Val-de-Cans International Airport (BEL)
Val-de-Cans (BEL) lies about 8 km north of the centre, normally 20–30 minutes by road. Official cooperative taxis have a fixed-price desk in the arrivals hall, ride-hailing apps such as Uber and 99 operate here, and local buses run to the centre for a few reais. Allow extra time in rush hour.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Belem
- Book roughly two to five months ahead for the best choice on both the UK–Europe and connecting legs.
- Fly midweek, typically Tuesday or Wednesday, and avoid UK school holidays and the October Círio period.
- Keep your dates flexible and use the price charts on this page to spot cheaper departures.
- Compare a Lisbon connection against a São Paulo or Rio routing – the cheapest option shifts by season and airline.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in Brazil; your passport should be valid for the length of your trip. The currency is the Brazilian real (R$) – pounds are not accepted, so use ATMs or exchange money on arrival, though cards are widely taken. A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for Pará state; check NHS Fit for Travel or a travel clinic at least a month before you fly, and pack insect repellent against dengue.
