Sitting on the banks of the formidable Amazon, Belém is a vibrant and colorful city. Its long riverine coastline makes it a sought-after destination for beach-lovers and adrenaline junkies alike.
The city hosts a dazzling intermingling of European and Latin American culture: a heady mix of art, architecture, music, and cuisine. Take a trip to Belém to enjoy one of the liveliest vacations of your lifetime.
With adventure comes risk, and the best way to manage that risk is to insure yourself against the unexpected. For this reason, we highly recommend you purchase travel medical insurance.
Belém Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
Traveling to a foreign country without a safety net is like deliberately putting yourself into harm’s way without protection.
Travel health insurance is your best friend on your trip to Belém. If you unexpectedly get sick or injured during your trip, your insurance can help shoulder the cost of treatment, giving you additional peace of mind.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Belém?
Though tourists are no longer required to have travel medical insurance travel to Brazil, it is strongly recommended. Accidents and illnesses can happen anywhere, and they can be even more likely while on a vacation. Don’t take the chance of getting caught without coverage. Doing so could be financially disastrous.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Belém?
For all its adventure and adrenaline rush, the Amazon wilderness can be a dangerous and confusing environment. Amateurs and professionals alike are prone to accidents, injuries, infections, and diseases.
Paying for emergency care without a health insurance plan could end up putting a hefty dent in your vacation budget.
Fortunately, if you buy the right travel medical insurance, you can secure your finances from the unpredictability and stress of covering medical costs. You can access affordable and high-quality care when you need it most.
Things To Do for Travelers in Belém
Chill out at Estação das Docas
Estação das Docas is the ultimate hip hangout spot in Belém. There are countless cozy cafes, restaurants, shops, and bars throughout that host live music and theatre regularly. It is the perfect area to unwind with friends and family after a long day of sightseeing.
Visit the Basilica de Nossa Senhora de Nazaré
One of Belém's characteristic monuments is the Basilica de Nossa Senhora de Nazaré. Its intricate mosaics, detailed metalwork, and tall spire are built in a classic Roman style. Take a walk through its massive atria to appreciate its religious and historical significance.
Take a splash at Mosqueiro
Not many travelers can claim to have visited a riverine beach. However, you will find plenty of riverine islands in the mighty Amazon, forming dozens of splendid beaches. Mosqueiro is such a riverine beach, and is the perfect spot to enjoy a warm spring day in the sun.
Take a stroll through Cidade Velha
The central quarter of Belém, the Cidade Velha, is one of its most beautiful areas. The streets are lined with shady canopies, and architectural marvels, palaces, and museums are all around. This is truly a place to enjoy the opulence of the city.
Visit Mangal das Garças in nature’s lap
Mangal das Garças, which means “Mangrove of the Egrets,” is a one-of-a-kind nature retreat in the heart of the city. The humongous park has an aviary, a navigation museum, multiple small lakes, and even a live butterfly museum. To top it off, there is also a lovely cafe where you can sit back and enjoy the natural beauty all around you.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Belém
What to remember while planning for your Brazilian holiday?
Best time to visit
Like the rest of the Amazon basin, Belém experiences tropical weather throughout the year. Temperatures are fairly warm (around 30°C/86°F), and the humidity is high. June to December is relatively dry, since the rest of the year sees constant rain or drizzle.
Pack water-resistant clothing and equipment regardless of the time of the year you visit.
Contaminated water risks
Remember that the tap water in the city is not ideal for direct consumption. Unless you are only using it to wash fruits and vegetables, or boiling it before drinking, it could be a health hazard. Play it safe and stock up on bottled water throughout your trip.
Insect bites and related diseases
While the Amazon is a fascinating and extraordinary experience, it is also full of unfamiliar flora and fauna. You will come across insects that could potentially carry harmful diseases like malaria, dengue, or milder annoyances like skin infections.
Getting around the city
There are plenty of bus connections branching out from the city center into most parts of Belém. You will also find numerous taxis plying inside the city. However, we recommend renting a car to travel to the beaches and outdoor destinations located on the outskirts.
Petty crime
As a general safety measure, avoid venturing out to the beaches or other isolated locations after dark. You should also beware of ATM scammers and thieves who could try to trick you into giving them cash. Be vigilant and keep your wits about you at all times.
Before You Travel to Belém - Do This
- Prepare a first-aid kit - You cannot simply walk into the Amazon unprepared. Read up on the health risks associated with various insects and animals in the region and pack a basic first-aid kit on your vacation.
- Secure your documents - Upload digital copies of your important documents like your passport, visa, health insurance card, etc., onto a secure cloud location. This could be very handy in an emergency.
- Get insurance – Purchase travel medical insurance.