Universidade Do Estado Do Pará

Universidade do Estado do Pará (UEPA) Visiting Guide – Belém, Brazil

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Discover UEPA – An Academic and Cultural Beacon in the Amazon

The Universidade do Estado do Pará (UEPA) stands as a testament to the transformative power of public higher education in Brazil’s Amazon region. Founded in 1993, UEPA has become a pillar for academic excellence, cultural engagement, and societal development. With a multicampus structure—featuring five campuses in Belém and many across the state—UEPA is accessible to a wide spectrum of students, researchers, and visitors. The university is dedicated to inclusivity, offering robust quota systems for underrepresented groups and promoting social responsibility. Visitors can expect to explore a dynamic campus filled with academic resources, cultural events, botanical gardens, and the renowned Planetário do Pará (UEPA Official Website, Mundo Educação, G1 Pará, Centro de Ciências e Planetário do Pará).

This guide details everything you need to know for your visit, including practical information, campus highlights, accessibility, and nearby attractions.

Overview and Historical Background
Academic Offerings and Social Impact
Visiting UEPA: Hours, Policies, and Guided Tours
Campus Facilities and Points of Interest
Community Role and Cultural Events
Accessibility and Transportation
Nearby Attractions and Accommodation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visiting the Planetário do Pará
Practical Visitor Tips
Summary & Recommendations
Sources

1. Overview and Historical Background

UEPA was established in 1993 by Law No. 5.747, consolidating various state colleges to meet the growing demand for quality higher education in Pará. Its creation marked a significant step in expanding public educational opportunities within the Amazon, especially for underserved communities. The university’s legal and structural foundation was solidified by subsequent presidential decrees, allowing it to broaden its academic reach and social mission (Mundo Educação).

Initially focused on teacher training and health sciences, UEPA quickly diversified its offerings in response to regional needs. Its multicampus model—now spanning more than 18 municipalities—has been pivotal in democratizing access to higher education throughout Pará.

UEPA is recognized as one of northern Brazil’s most significant universities, offering 95 undergraduate programs and a variety of graduate degrees in areas such as education, health sciences, engineering, arts, and social sciences. Annually, 3,752 spots are available through the Prosel selective process (G1 Pará). The university is renowned for its commitment to equity: 50% of admissions are reserved for public school graduates, with additional quotas for indigenous, quilombola, and disabled students.

Distance education has expanded UEPA’s academic reach, with online programs in mathematics and physical education available to students in remote areas (Mundo Educação).

3. Visiting UEPA: Hours, Policies, and Guided Tours

Visiting Hours & Entry

Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (UEPA Official Info)
Admission: Free for all visitors; no tickets needed for general campus access.

Guided Tours

Offered upon request (booking in advance is recommended through visitor services).
Tours often include visits to cultural and academic spaces, such as the Music and Letters faculties, the main library, and communal gardens.

Photography

Permitted in public areas; please respect privacy and ongoing classes.

4. Campus Facilities and Points of Interest

Academic and Cultural Spaces

Central Library: Specialized in Amazonian studies, education, and health sciences; open to the public.
Planetário do Pará: Offers immersive astronomy shows and interactive science exhibits (Centro de Ciências e Planetário do Pará).
Herbarium: Features native Amazonian flora; guided visits available.
Auditoriums & Art Spaces: Host lectures, exhibitions, and cultural events.

Outdoor Areas

Native gardens and green courtyards highlight Amazonian biodiversity and sustainability initiatives.

5. Community Role and Cultural Events

UEPA is deeply engaged with Pará’s communities through extension projects, research, and health outreach. The university’s cultural calendar includes:

Academic Conferences & Lectures: Open to the public.
Concerts & Art Exhibitions: Especially through Music and Letters departments.
Participation in Regional Festivals: Notably Círio de Nazaré, with university-organized events and exhibitions.

Events provide a window into local culture and academic life; schedules are available on the university website.

6. Accessibility and Transportation

Accessibility

Ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms are available across most buildings.
Visitors with specific needs are encouraged to contact visitor services in advance.

Transportation

Location: R. do Úna, 156 - Telégrafo, Belém - PA, 66050-540.
Public transport: Multiple bus lines serve the campus. Taxis and ride-share services (Uber, 99) are widely available.
From the airport: Approximately 10 km; 20–30 minute taxi or ride-share ride (Belém travel guide).

7. Nearby Attractions and Accommodation

Ver-o-Peso Market: A lively center of Amazonian goods, crafts, and cuisine (Travel-News market guide).
Theatro da Paz: A historic opera house with guided tours and performances.
Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi: Natural history museum focusing on Amazonian biodiversity (Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi).
Bristol Umarizal Belém Hotel: Popular accommodation option near UEPA (Bristol Umarizal Belém Hotel).

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are UEPA’s visiting hours?
A: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: No, campus access is free.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, by appointment via visitor services.

Q: Is the campus accessible?
A: Yes, most buildings feature ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Q: How do I get to UEPA from the airport?
A: By taxi, ride-share, or city bus—approximately 20–30 minutes.

Q: Does UEPA host public events?
A: Yes, check the official website for event schedules.

9. Visiting the Planetário do Pará

Planetário do Pará—the first planetarium in northern Brazil—is a highlight for visitors interested in science and astronomy.

Hours & Tickets

Tuesday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Closed Sundays and Mondays
Tickets: R$10 (full), R$5 (students, seniors); some free admission categories (Centro de Ciências e Planetário do Pará, Official Planetário do Pará page)

Accessibility

Fully wheelchair accessible; guided tours and educational workshops available.

Features

Immersive dome shows, interactive exhibits, lectures, and special events.
Proximity to Mangueirão Stadium and other cultural sites.

10. Practical Visitor Tips

Language: Portuguese is predominant; English is limited. Translation apps or basic phrases are useful (TravelPander language tips).
Dress: Lightweight, modest clothing; bring an umbrella during rainy season (Belém weather guide).
Safety: Exercise standard urban precautions; campus security is present (Belém safety tips).
Health: Carry water, use insect repellent, consider travel insurance.
Cash: Some vendors only accept cash.
Etiquette: Respect academic spaces and local customs.

11. Summary & Recommendations

Visiting UEPA offers a multifaceted experience: academic exploration, cultural immersion, and a gateway to Belém’s historical and natural wonders. The university’s welcoming environment, free access, and robust event calendar make it ideal for students, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts alike. Plan ahead by checking the UEPA official website for current hours and events. Combine your campus visit with stops at the Planetário do Pará, Ver-o-Peso Market, and Theatro da Paz for a complete Belém experience.