park · Marituba, PA
Refúgio de Vida Silvestre Metrópole da Amazônia
Created in 2010 on the grounds of the former Pirelli estate, it protects about 6,300 hectares of forest in four municipalities of Greater Belém. It has trails, and visits require prior authorization from Ideflor-Bio.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Refúgio de Vida Silvestre Metrópole da Amazônia
The Refúgio de Vida Silvestre Metrópole da Amazônia is a strictly protected state wildlife refuge, created in 2010 and managed by Ideflor-Bio. It protects more than 6,000 hectares of forest in the municipalities of Ananindeua, Benevides, Marituba and Santa Isabel do Pará, just over 20 km from downtown Belém.
The area has a long history of use. In the 19th century there were tide-powered sugar mills there. In the mid-20th century, Pirelli tapped rubber trees on the old Fazenda Guamá. Then came abandonment and pasture, until the forest was protected again. From that era remain ruins of the factory, a church and a school, as well as the old Vila do Dique.
Most of the refuge is floodplain forest, crossed by igarapés (creeks), with stretches of upland forest. Monkeys, capybaras, deer, armadillos and caimans have been recorded, along with trees such as Brazil nut, mahogany and acapu. Attractions include the Lago da Onça and the Igarapé do Dique.
Visits are made on trails, always accompanied. The shortest are a few hundred meters long; others exceed 2 km, and the Circuito da Pirelli is much longer, good for fit hikers. Part of the route has walkways over flooded areas. It is a nature outing, without the facilities of an urban park.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
From two hours, on the short trails, to a full day, on the longest circuit.
Best time
In the less rainy season (the Amazon summer), when the trails are drier and there is less risk of falling trees; early in the morning it is less hot.
How to get there
It is in Marituba, in Greater Belém. Take the BR-316 out of Belém to km 14, in Marituba, and turn onto the Estrada da Pirelli; the area is about 4 km farther. You need to go by car or arranged transportation.
Tip
Visits require prior authorization from Ideflor-Bio, requested at least ten days in advance. Bring insect repellent, water and shoes that can get wet.
A look at the place
Refúgio de Vida Silvestre Metrópole da Amazônia in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Refúgio de Vida Silvestre Metrópole da Amazônia
Do I need to book to visit the Refúgio Metrópole da Amazônia?
Yes. Visits require prior authorization from Ideflor-Bio, which manages the refuge, requested at least ten days in advance. Activities are accompanied.
Is there an entrance fee?
Visits are free, but prior authorization is required.
What trails are there?
There are short trails of a few hundred meters, others of about 2 km and the much longer Circuito da Pirelli, for fit hikers.
Where is it and how do I get there?
The entrance is in Marituba, in Greater Belém. Take the BR-316 to km 14 and turn onto the Estrada da Pirelli for about 4 km. The easiest way is by car.
What is the best time to go?
The less rainy season, when the trails are drier and there is less risk of falling trees.