Parauapebas, Mining municipality in Pará, Brazil.
Parauapebas is a municipality in Pará state in northern Brazil, located in a forested area between two large national parks. The urban core spreads along wide streets with residential and commercial districts, industrial facilities on the outskirts, and extensive woodland covering much of the municipal territory.
The founding of Parauapebas took place in 1988 after the discovery of large iron ore deposits in the 1960s, which drew workers from other regions of Brazil. The municipality separated from neighboring Marabá and rapidly developed into one of the main centers for mining in Pará state.
Parauapebas brings together people from different parts of Brazil who came looking for work in the mining industry and brought their regional customs and cuisines. The city shows a mix of northeastern and southern influences in its restaurants, festivals, and weekly markets, where fresh produce sits alongside traditional dishes from several states.
A visit can be combined well with time spent in the surrounding national parks, as both are in the same area and accessible from the city. The local airport offers regular flights to São Luís and other Brazilian cities, while a rail connection also runs to São Luís.
The Parauapebas and Itacaiúnas rivers flow through the municipal area and offer residents and visitors access to water landscapes within the forests. Several waterfalls and natural swimming spots lie near the city and are visited by locals on weekends.
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