Things To Do
in Belterra

Sunrise and sunset over the river create dramatic light for silhouettes of boats, fishermen and riverside communities; wide-angle shots of river expanses and island sandbars are rewarding.

Candid street and market photography capturing daily life: fish drying, fruit displays, local vendors and colorful produce.

Close-up and wildlife photography opportunities for birds, insects and the lush understory; early morning is best for activity and softer light.

Architectural shots of the town layout, old administrative buildings and abandoned rubber-processing structures that tell Belterra’s history.

Fresh-caught river fish (tambaqui, pirarucu, manjuba) seasoned and grilled over charcoal — commonly available at riverside kiosks and small restaurants.

Must-Try!

A traditional Amazonian soup made with tucupi (fermented manioc broth), jambu (a numbing herb), shrimp and goma (tapioca starch) — best tried from local vendors who prepare it fresh.

Thick açaí pulp served in a bowl, often accompanied by tapioca, banana or granola; in Pará it can be less sweet and served with fish or shrimp during savory meals.

Roasted manioc flour (farofa) and manioc-based breads and cakes are staples; try homemade manioc cakes and beiju from local markets.

Small market stalls sell fresh fruit (cupuaçu, bacuri), fish, cassava products and snacks like tacacá and fried fish; great places to taste authentic, inexpensive food and talk to producers.

Basic wooden kiosks on the riverbank offering grilled fish, cold drinks and snacks — ideal for lunch with a view and meeting fishers.

Polite greetings are important: say 'Bom dia' in the morning, 'Boa tarde' in the afternoon and 'Boa noite' at night. A handshake or light kiss on the cheek among acquaintances is common.

Show respect when photographing people or entering community areas — always ask permission first and avoid disruptive behavior near homes and fisheries.

Casual clothing is acceptable, but avoid revealing outfits in town and when visiting communities; swimwear is fine at beaches but cover up when returning to town.

If invited to someone's home, accept at least a small portion; compliments to the host are appreciated and refusing repeatedly can be seen as rude.

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; in restaurants 5-10% is common if service charge isn't included. For guides and boat crews a small tip (cash) is customary when service is good.

Cash (Brazilian real) is the most reliable payment method in Belterra; many small businesses do not accept cards or have poor connectivity, so carry sufficient cash for meals, transport and tips. ATMs are limited — withdraw cash in Santarém if possible.

The closest major airport serving the region, with flights to Belém and other regional hubs; from Santarém you can reach Belterra by road or river transfers (boat or car) depending on river levels and connections.

Larger international airport in the state capital Belém; useful for international connections and flights from major Brazilian cities, but considerably farther (several hours by air or long overland/river travel).

Vegetarian options are limited but possible: manioc preparations, rice, beans and salads. Ask for dishes without fish or shrimp and carry snacks if you have strict requirements, as restaurants may assume fish-based meals.

Vegan choices are scarce in small Amazon towns; focus on fruit, manioc, rice and beans, and communicate clearly in Portuguese or with translation apps to avoid dairy or fish stock.

Many local staples are naturally gluten-free (manioc flour, açaí, fish), but check for cross-contamination and the use of wheat in breads and desserts.

Inform hosts and vendors about allergies (peanuts, shellfish) in Portuguese if possible; emergency healthcare is limited outside larger towns so carry medication and action plans.