MUSEU PARAENSE EMÍLIO GOELDI (MPEG)

Along with the Ver-o-Peso market, the Paraense Emilio Goeldi museum is another of Belèm's must-see attractions. Environmental enthusiasts can't visit this Amazonian town without making a stop here. Emilio Goeldi founded this museum over 130 years ago to preserve all scientific research relating to the Amazon. It houses a 52,000 m² botanical garden with an enchanting zoo, a unique permanent exhibition dedicated to the Amazon, its flora and fauna, its indigenous people and their way of life.

A prestigious institution recognized as such by the international scientific community, the Emilio Goeldi Museum of Pará is a center for botanical, archaeological and anthropological research. The museum includes a zoological and botanical park, where you can observe over 2,000 species of plants native to the Amazon; some 600 animals from the region's fauna (monkeys, felines, tapirs, cabiai, agouti, sloths, reptiles, amphibians and numerous birds); an aquarium, home to some of the rarest ichthyological species to be found in Amazonian rivers; and an archaeological and anthropological exhibition pavilion, featuring authentic pieces of Marajoara and Tapajonic art, as well as indigenous utensils and artefacts.

There's also an extensive library. The best museum in town, and the perfect place for a relaxing stroll in the cool shade of the tall trees.