The capital of Para state, Belem is the gateway to the Amazon from the Atlantic. It is one of Brazil's busiest ports - and is about 60 miles upriver from the Atlantic ocean! The river is the Pará, part of the greater Amazon river system, separated from the larger part of the Amazon delta by Ilha de Marajó or Island of Marajó. Belém is built on a number of small islands intersected by channels and other rivers.

