Belém is a great source for Amazonian artifacts ranging from beautiful indigenous art to more practical items such as energy-boosting guaraná powder and woven hammocks (essential for any boat trip or back yard porch). You’ll find a wide sampling of the best the Amazon has to offer at the Mercado Ver-o-Peso. The best hours for both browsing and buying are the between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. when wares are at their most abundant and the sun isn’t too strong.

In Cidade Velha, charming Rua Gaspar Viana is home to lots of interesting little stores where you can find hammocks for that boat trip up the Amazon. Artíndia (Av. Presidente Vargas 762, tel. 91/3223-6248) has a fine selection of authentic Indian art and objects (they have a smaller boutique at the Estação das Docas as well).

For local crafts, books, and CDs, stop by the Armazém do Tempo (Passagem Carneiro da Rocha, Cidade Velha, tel. 91/3242-5052, www.mangal.com.br, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Tues.–Sun.), located in the Parque Mangal das Garças.

For beautiful jewelry crafted from precious and semiprecious Amazonian rocks by local artisans, head to the Museu das Gemas located inside the Centro Cultural São José Liberto (Praça Amazonas, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Tues.–Sat., 3–8 p.m. Sun., tel. 91/3344-3500).

For more contemporary items, try the city’s most fashionable mall, Shopping Iguatemi (Travessa Padre Eutíquio 1078, Batista Campos, tel. 91/3250-5353, www.iguatemibelem.com.br, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Mon.–Sat., 3–9 p.m. Sun.). Aside from national boutiques, you’ll also find fast food joints, cinemas, and cyber cafés.