Get ready for a magical escape to the Amazon! A trip to Ilha do Combu is an absolute must-do when you’re in Belém. This enchanting island offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, incredible food, and a chance to experience the authentic lifestyle of the local “ribeirinhos” (river dwellers). Getting to the island is half the fun! Just a quick 10 to 15-minute boat ride from the city, the journey offers a stunning contrast. As you leave the urban skyline of Belém behind, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of the river and the dense, vibrant green of the Amazon forest drawing closer. It’s a powerful and immediate sense of being transported to another world. Boats typically depart from the Praça Princesa Isabel, a convenient and well-known departure point.
The island’s main draws are its rustic riverside restaurants and its famous cacao production. Culinary Delights: The riverbanks are dotted with charming, stilted restaurants where you can savor authentic Amazonian cuisine. You’ll find a variety of fresh fish, regional specialties, and refreshing açaí. The atmosphere is incredibly relaxing, with a constant, gentle river breeze and the sounds of the rainforest all around you. The Chocolate Factory: A visit to Dona Nena’s chocolate factory is a highlight for many visitors.
You can take a guided tour to learn about the entire process of making artisan chocolate, from harvesting the cacao to the final product. The best part? You get to enjoy delicious samples! Nature Immersion: While you can’t freely wander the island on foot (there are no public walking paths), you can take boat tours through the “furos” (natural channels) and “igarapés” (streams). This is the best way to get up close with the diverse flora and fauna of the floodplain forest. Some tours even offer a chance to swim in the river or go canoeing
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