Brazil "Come Celebrate Life!"

in association with TAP Portugal

Brazil

Come celebrate life!

Brazil

Brazil: Contents Published by: TravelPlus Media Limited on behalf of TAP Portugal Publisher: Simon Avenel-Ward Sub Editor: Christine Jenner Graphic Designer: David Jenner Printed by: Esquire Print Ltd Special Thanks: The Brazilian Tourist Board Tourist Boards/Departments of the Regions

Brazil

Come celebrate life!

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Come celebrate life!

Brazil

4 Salvador

BrasĂ­lia

18

14

Brazil

Recife

20 World Cup

24

8 Fortaleza

12

SĂŁo Paulo

Rio de Janeiro

10

Natal

17

Belo Horizonte

Porto Alegre

22

23 Olympic Games

25

Insight

26

Brazil

W

ITH AN AREA OF 8.5 million sq kilometres (3.3 million sq miles) and a coastline of almost 7,500 km (4,500 miles), Brazil is the world’s fifth largest nation in terms of area. It is larger than all of Europe combined or the continental USA, and 35 times larger in area than the United Kingdom. Brazil currently has a population of over 190 million, making it the world’s fifth most populous nation.

There are 18 metropolitan areas in Brazil with a population of over one million, of which São Paulo is the largest with 20.5 million residents and Rio de Janeiro second with 11.3 million. In short, Brazil is simply too big to ignore. Due to its size and population it should come as no surprise that Brazil has more than one international gateway; what may surprise you is that it is the national carrier of Portugal, TAP Portugal, that flies internationally to more cities in

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Brazil than any other international carrier. Currently TAP Portugal serves São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Salvador, Recife, Porto Alegre, Natal and Fortaleza from Portugal. Brazil has a very efficient and sophisticated domestic airline system that services these gateway airports so you can get anywhere in Brazil quickly and comfortably by air.

Brazil is a fantastic and diverse destination for both business and pleasure. For business it is one

Brazil

in Latin America; Embraer S.A. is the world’s third largest commercial airline manufacturer; Brazilians are the largest consumers of luxury products in Latin America; the country is the seventh largest producer of vehicles in the world and 45% of all of the world’s largest economies and markets, both of which are only likely to grow and develop in the future. Brazil is home to

the world’s third largest stock exchange; it is one of the world’s top eight agricultural producers; it has the largest healthcare market

energy consumed in Brazil comes from renewable sources. This country is not just about business and commerce however...

Brazil is one of the world’s great playgrounds and there are options to suit just about every taste and budget. It offers modern cosmopolitan cities, many of which have their own beach life, as well as tiny out-of-the-way villages that have rarely seen a foreign visitor.

The natural wonders of Brazil are unrivalled. It is home to over 60% of the Amazon Rainforest, which is responsible for generating over 6

half the planet’s oxygen while the Amazon River, over 6,760 kilometres (4,200 miles) in length, pours enough fresh water into the Atlantic on a daily basis to supply the entire water needs of the UK for over two years.

The Amazon is responsible for a tenth of the world’s 10 million living species and 30 per cent of all known plant and animal species but the planet’s greatest diversity of bird and wildlife

Brazil

is contained in the Pantanal Conservation Area, while the crystal clear waters of the rivers around Bonito are home to an astounding 263 species of fish.

The main attraction of the south, and one of the world’s great natural wonders, are the waterfalls at Foz do Iguaçu on the Argentine border.

Five times larger than Niagara the 275 individual falls stretch nearly 3 kilometres (1.8 miles) across the Iguaçu River. The main fall, the Devil’s Throat, is the largest waterfall in the world in terms of volume of water per second.

Also in the south there are the great cities of Porto Alegre, Florianópolis, and Curitiba,

the exceptional beaches of Santa Catarina and the majestic highlands of Rio Grande do Sul. The country currently boasts 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well as the iconic Rio attractions of the statue of Christ the Redeemer and Ipanema and Copacabana

Carnival, samba, the Brazilian football team, and perhaps, most importantly, the Brazilian people themselves who always offer a genuinely warm welcome to any visitor. Brazil has many, many highlights just waiting to be discovered. So what’s

beaches. To these you can add

stopping you?

Rio: Rio de Janeiro

A

FFECTIONATELY KNOWN as Cidade Maravilhosa “Marvellous City” Rio de Janeiro does not disappoint.

Whatever your expectations Rio is more beautiful, breath-taking and vibrant than any words or photos can describe. As a major city Rio de Janeiro has all you might expect and more. Excellent

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restaurants, sophisticated night clubs, charming bars, musical extravaganzas, theatres, movie houses, museums, art galleries, fashionable stores and world class sport. As a tropical resort, Rio offers mile after mile of golden beaches, near perfect weather the year round, hotels to appeal to just about every taste and budget,

folklore, a vibrant music scene and delicious local cuisine.

In addition, there are the natural attractions of the city that have made Rio famous and celebrated throughout the world. The mountains and sea that surround it that have given this, the world’s largest tropical city, its unique beauty and it

is these same topographical features that have dictated how the city has spread along the coast and inland since first being discovered by Europeans in the early 16th century.

From the summit the of Corcovado mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park the statue of Christ the Redeemer looks over the city, Sugar Loaf mountain and Guanabara bay.

This area of water is so large that the first explorers assumed it had to be the mouth of a great river and called it River of January or... Rio de Janeiro. Copacabana and Ipanema may be the best known of the city’s beaches but

(as the Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho is better known), which was opened for the 1950 FIFA World Cup and could then handle crowds in excess of 200,000.

Nearly 60 years on the stadium is still one of the largest in the world hosting concerts and other

Rio can boast fifty miles of beach shoreline. São Conrado beach is great for surfing and hiking on the nearby trails while Barra da Tijuca beach is the longest in the city and is less crowded; and you can enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of Abrico beach in the nude if you wish.

Rio is famous for football (soccer) and the big matches are still played at the Maracanã Stadium

sporting events and is expected to host matches during the 2014 FIFA World Cup including the Final, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Rio is one of the most musical cities in the world. It is the birthplace of both samba and bossa nova and and its musicians remain at the forefront of Brazilian musical trends.

The city’s carnival is also the world’s biggest and most famous, while the celebrations on Copacabana Beach to see in the New Year are some of the most spectacular, and not to be missed. Don’t take our word for it, go and see for yourself.

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São Paulo: São Paulo

T

HE CITY AND STATE OF São Paulo go to prove that at times size really does matter. São Paulo is the largest city in South America and the fourth largest urban area in the world. With a population of 11 million the city is the largest in the

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southern hemisphere, while the metropolitan area’s population of close to 20 million puts it on a par with New York and not far behind the entire population of Australia.

In terms of layout São Paulo has more in common with Los Angeles than New York, in that rather than

having one dominating centre such as Manhattan, it is a sprawling metropolis with many different centres of activity. In total, it covers an area five times that of Paris.

São Paulo is notorious for its traffic congestion so visitors arriving on business should check the venues

of their meetings in advance and book a hotel accordingly to avoid frustrating hours stuck in traffic.

Happily São Paulo offers the best and most diverse selection of hotels in South America with all the major brands represented and spread across the metropolis.

If São Paulo is not the actual capital of Brazil, it is certainly the business heart of the country and of South America housing the headquarters of many major corporations. The economy of the state of São Paulo alone is larger than the economy of any South American country, so when the business leaders of São Paulo talk, the region listens and it is no wonder that the city is considered an Alpha World City.

The paulistanos (sometimes known as paulistas) as the residents of the city are called, are known for working hard, but also for playing hard. They know their city does not have the beauty and charm of neighbouring Rio, but that is

not going to stop them using their leisure hours to the full, especially at night. São Paulo’s nightlife caters for every taste and budget, as well as every age group and sexual persuasion.

Bars and clubs abound and the

found in and around Rua Oscar Freire, the city’s Rodeo Drive.

São Paulo is a truly world class, cosmopolitan city and prides itself on its gastronomic excellence, offering not only the best of Brazilian cuisine, especially the churrascarias (or steak houses)

dishes from the four corners of the globe. The city also boasts world-class museums, art galleries, monuments and parks. Its sporting credentials include the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit at Interlagos, the São Silvestre Road Race and, of course, football. The

and barbecues, but also a truly eclectic mix of restaurants serving

city will host football matches during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

city is a haven for clubbers, yet also offers world-class opera and ballet. On almost any given night it will be possible to catch leading international acts and major Brazilian artistes performing in the city.

The nightlife of São Paulo is unrivalled in Latin America and the same can be said for the shopping. Shoppers can choose between traditional shops, modern shopping centres such as Iguatemi, Morumbi and Cidade Jardim, or exclusive boutiques, the most famous of which are 11

Salvador: Bahia

T

HE FIRST EUROPEAN ships landed in Brazil in April 1500 at Porto Seguro in the south of Bahia and commander Pedro Àlvares Cabral claimed the land for Portugal.

In 1549 the city of Salvador was founded on the triangular peninsula that separates the Baia

12

de Todos os Santos (Bay of All Saints) from the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the oldest cities in Brazil and the New World and was the first colonial capital of Brazil, a position it held until succeeded

by Rio de Janeiro 1763. For many years Salvador was the most important seaport in the southern

hemisphere and a major centre for the sugar industry and the slave trade. It was through the slave trade that the links between Africa developed as almost five million West African slaves arrived and Salvador is now the centre of Afro-Brazilian culture in Brazil.

Estimates suggest that over

80% of the current population of Salvador has some trace of Black African ancestry. It is no surprise, therefore, that African influences can be found in the region’s cuisine, music, dance, dress, arts and crafts, and even religion. From Olodum to capoeira, Candomblé to the typical dress of the Baianas, the African cultural legacy is there to be discovered, explored and appreciated.

The historical centre of Salvador still contains a wealth of Baroque colonial architecture dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries.

At its heart is the Pelourinho where colonial mansions and churches have been restored to their former glory. The entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The week long Carnival in Salvador rivals the one in Rio for sheer exuberance and numbers of participants.

Salvador, like Rio, is a major tourist attraction in its own right, as well

lined by swaying palm trees.

Accommodation is in picturesque pousadas and inns, or modern international resort properties.

Popular destinations along the coast to the south of Salvador include Porto Seguro, Arraial d’Ajuda, Trancoso, Itacaré,

as being an important centre of trade. It is the fifth largest metropolitan area in Brazil, with a population of 3.6 million, and the ninth most populous city in Latin America.

The state of Bahia, which is the size of France, is a popular holiday destination for all Brazilians and a growing number of international visitors. Bahia’s coastline stretches over 1,100 kilometres (685 miles), most of which are magnificent, untouched beaches

Itaparica and Morro de São Paulo.

To the north is Praia do Forte and Costa do Sauípe.

No less spectacular are the national parks of the interior of the state, most notably the Chapada Diamantina. Created in 1985 it offers innumerable trails through spectacular unspoilt scenery. The Cachoeira da Fumeça at 380m is the highest waterfall in Brazil: so high that the water vapourizes and therefore never hits the ground. The village of Lençóis, 400 kilometres (250 miles) inland from Salvador, is considered the best base for visitors interested in exploring the natural beauty of the Chapada Diamantina.

13

Fortaleza: Ceara

F

ORTALEZA, IN THE NORTH east, is the seventh most populous metropolitan area in Brazil with nearly 3.4 million inhabitants, making it slightly larger than metropolitan Curitiba, and just smaller than Recife.

With an extensive coastline of over 570 kilometres (350 miles) of mostly-unspoilt sandy beaches and near perfect weather all year round (it is less than 4º south of

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the equator), the state of Ceará, and especially the coastal region close to Fortaleza, has been a popular holiday destination for Brazilians for a number of years.

Fortaleza is the closest of the major Brazilian cities to Europe, and flight time between Lisbon and Fortaleza is around seven hours: only slightly longer than the journey between Fortaleza and Porto Alegre in the south of

the country; this illustrates of the sheer size of Brazil.

Fortaleza has the nightlife and infrastructure you might come to expect from a major holiday destination, the Monday night party at Bar do Pirata (on Iracema beach), being famous or infamous in its own right for over two decades. Bars reataurants and accommodation are plentiful at the main beaches. Iracema

is lively with a slightly boho vibe, Meireles beach is popular with locals and tourists alike; at Mucuripe you can see jangadas (traditional fishing boats) and Futuro beach is regarded as the best for swimming and surfing.

Further down the coast is Porto das Dunas, a spectacular beach and home to what is considered to be Brazil’s best water park and the largest aquatic park in South America. Fortaleza will be a host city for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Other popular destinations in Ceará are Canoa Quebrada and Jericoacoara. Canoa Quebrada is located 182 kilometres (113 miles) east of Fortaleza and was once a sleepy fishing village, but is now better known for its bohemian lifestyle and laidback bar and restaurant scene. Buggy tours are a popular option and take visitors along the relatively deserted beaches to giant dunes backed by red sandstone cliffs.

A trip to Jericoacoara is an adventure in its own right as the isolated village is not accessible by normal vehicles, at least not the final 23 kilometres which is across the dunes. It is located over 300 kilometres (186 miles) west of Fortaleza and is basically five streets lined by simple houses.

Many visitors are charmed by the idyllic setting and stay much longer than intended. There

is accommodation to suit all budgets from simple pousadas to boutique hotels. Sitting on the northern tip of the Cearรก coast, visitors to Jericoacoara can see both the sun rise and set across the sea. Untouched beaches, sand dunes, and freshwater lagoons surround Jericoacoara. It can also be one of the windiest spots on the entire Brazilian coast making it a mecca for wind and kite surfers.

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THERE’S ONLY ONE WAY TO DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF BRAZIL Fly with TAP Portugal from Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester via Lisbon with convenient connections to Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Brasilia, Natal, Porto Alegre, Recife, Salvador, Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza and in conjunction with our partner Airlines, onward flights to all other major Brazilian domestic airports.

With TAP Portugal you can explore the pristine beaches of the north-eastern coastline, uncover the natural wonders of the Iguaçu Falls, feel the vibrant pulse of Brazil’s iconic cities and discover extraordinary wildlife in the rainforest of the Amazon and the wetlands of the Pantanal.

Natal: Rio Grande do Norte

N

ATAL IS KNOWN AS THE City of the Sun and is a major tourist destination on the northeastern tip of Brazil but is relatively unknown to most Europeans. Unlike Salvador and Recife, Natal was never a major business or trading centre, and the sandy soil kept it from being a producer of sugarcane.

There is no historic centre to speak of, although one city landmark is the well-preserved Forte dos Reis

backed by sea cliffs. Another popular spot is Praia da Pipa, well known for surfing and its restaurants and nightlife, while Baia Formosa is best known for its dolphins. No visit to Natal would be complete without a visit to the magnificent sand dunes

a hurry. You can ask the driver to take you on a ride “com” or “sem emoção”. That means “with” or “without emotion”. This will dictate the height of the sand dunes the driver will negotiate in the buggy as well as the speed.

Accidents are few and far

located a short distance to the north at Genipabu.

Hire a buggy and driver and set off on a drive and an experience that you are unlikely to forget in

between, and the drivers are extremely skilful. During the trip through the dunes you can stop and take a ride on a camel or learn to sand-board down the dunes.

Magos, a five-pointed fort that dates back to 1598 and the birth of the city.

Tourists head for Natal for its sun, sea and sand. The centre of Natal’s tourist trade is Ponta Negra beach, where the majority of the best hotels are located. Visitors looking for something less built up will head south to the small fishing village of Tibaú do Sul which offers high-end accommodation and wild beaches, many of them 17

Recife: Pernambuco

R

ECIFE IS THE PORTUGUESE word for “reef” and it is the reefs that sit off the coast of Pernambuco that have helped make the beaches of the state so special and sought after: the reefs helping to break up the waves rolling in from the Southern Atlantic Ocean. This includes the beaches of Recife itself, including the popular Praia de Boa Viagem.

Recife, the state capital, is not

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only a tourist destination but also an important port and industrial zone. It is also Brazil’s second most important centre of medical excellence with over 400 state-ofthe-art hospitals and clinics.

Recife and neghbouring Olinda boast a fine collection of colonial buildings and churches dating from the 16th and 17th century.

Olinda, one of Brazil’s bestpreserved colonial centres, is

recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and its carnival celebrations, along with those of Recife, are amongst Brazil’s most popular and are driven by the region’s signature frevo beat.

Like Salvador, Recife grew and was influenced by its mix of Portuguese settlers, Amerindians and the black African slaves. The city also reflects the influence of

the Dutch settlers who invaded and controlled Recife and Olinda from 1630 to 1654. It housed Brazil’s first Jewish community and the first synagogue in the Americas was founded in the city close to the main docks. It is still open to visitors. When the Portuguese and Amerindians fought back and retook the city, many of the Dutch Jewish settlers fled north to set up New Amsterdam, a city that is better known today as New York.

The beaches in and around Porto de Galinhas, a resort south of Recife, are outstanding with the added attraction of being able to visit the reef in front of the village and swim

in natural tidal pools teeming with exotic tropical fish. The beach has been voted ‘Best Brazilian Beach’ by a Brazilian tourism magazine no less than eight times. The village itself has terrific character and charm that is reflected in its bars and restaurants.

Accommodation ranges from international lowrise five star resorts to delightful pousadas and inns.

Other popular areas along the coast of Pernambuco include Tamandaré, Itamaracá and, for surfers, Maracaípe. Inland, the

city of Caruaru is famous for its traditional handicrafts and Nova Jerusalém hosts the famous Paxião de Cristo (Passion Play) each Easter.

One of Pernambuco’s most popular destinations is located 354 kilometres (220 miles) off the

coast in the Atlantic Ocean. It is a 21-island unspoilt archipelago known as Fernando de Noronha. The main island is only 10 kilometres long and 3.5 wide (6 miles by 2) and has a population of around 3,000. As well as its outstanding beaches and laidback

lifestyle, Fernando de Noronha offers the best diving in Brazil.

The diversity of marine life, high density of dolphins and concerns for the protection of endangered species led UNESCO to declare the islands a World Heritage Site in 2001.

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Brasília: Federal District

B

RASÍLIA IS A PURPOSE built capital city constructed in the heart of Brazil for a country of the future. Today the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for its daring, original modernist architecture and innovative urban planning.

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It was Brazil’s 21st president Juscelino Kubitschek that gave the go ahead to start construction as soon as he took office in 1956 and on 22 April 1960 he was able to inaugurate the city as Brazil’s new capital. The diplomatic and political communities had

to transfer from Rio de Janeiro to Brasília and that gave the opportunity for many countries to build state-of-the-art embassies that reflected the spirit of their countries. If you view Brasília’s unique layout as an aeroplane, the principal government and

public buildings are to be found in the ‘fuselage’, while the ‘wings’ contain the residential areas along with a great many of the city’s bars, restaurants and hotels.

Running through the ‘fuselage’ is the ‘Monumental Axis’ (Eixo Monumental), which is lined by the most important government buildings including the huge Palácio do Itamaraty that houses Brazil’s foreign ministry.

The nose of the fuselage is home to the Houses of Parliament (Congresso Nacional) and the office of the president (Palácio do Planalto).

Outstanding architectural features include the Congresso Nacional (one of architect Oscar Niemeyer’s most famous creations) that consists of two 28-story-high towers flanked by the futuristic dome of the Senate and the ‘saucer’ of the Chamber of Deputies. Another Niemeyer masterpiece is the Metropolitan Cathedral designed

to resemble a crown of thorns.

You can arrange guided tours of the Congresso Nacional, the Palácio do Planalto and Palácio do Itamaraty through good travel operators and it’s also possible to watch parliamentary debates from the public gallery.

The city’s distinctive pyramidshaped National Theatre (Teatro Nacional) is also a very striking building. Its auditoriums are used for a wide range of cultural events, including concerts by Brasília’s own symphony orchestra. Due to Brasília’s strategic location, it is relatively easy for people touring Brazil to visit, if only for a 24-hour stop over. Located in the heart of Brazil, Brasília has excellent flight connections to Rio and São Paulo as well as the key cities in the Northeast.

Flights between Rio, São Paulo and Manaus (the gateway to the Amazon) often stop in Brasília.

There are also frequent flights to Cuiaba, one of the gateways to the Pantanal, while close by is the spectacular Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park.

Brasília is also an important economic centre because of its administrative function but other important industries include

construction and food processing as well as publishing, printing, and computer software.

Due to the working nature of Brasília, visitors will often find that hotel rates are considerably cheaper at weekends.

Brasília is a major centre of spiritualism with many mystical communities located on the outskirts of the city and in the neighbouring state of Goiás.

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Belo Horizonte: Minas Gerais the 1940s for its development was the city’s then mayor, Juscelino Kubitschek, who became the country’s president in 1956 and made the building of the new capital a priority.

Many of the architects and landscapers that Kubitschek used

M

INAS GERAIS IS ONE of Brazil’s best-kept international secrets, but possibly not for long. Perhaps being a landlocked state and the fact that it sits in the shadow of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro has led to it being overlooked.

The state capital, Belo Horizonte, is a vibrant and modern city with a lively night scene of bars and restaurants, especially in the

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Savassi and Funcionários districts.

Rua da Bahia, in the city centre, is also a good place to party with the locals. Belo, as it is often referred to, is the third largest city in Brazil.

It is a planned city, laid out in a grid system, making the centre easy to get around on foot or by public transport. The area of the city known as Pampulha is often regarded as the early blueprint for Brasília and the driving force in

in Pampulha, would go on to work on Brasília, most notably Oscar Niemeyer and Roberto Burle Marx. Pampulha, and Belo in general, have many outstanding examples of Niemeyer’s architectural genius. Pampulha is also home to the Mineirão, one of Brazil’s largest football stadiums, which will be totally refurbished, if not rebuilt, to host games during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Belo Horizonte is just the gateway to the real treasures of Minas Gerais. The state has many historic and colonial towns that sprung up in the 17th century after the discovery of gold and precious stones. Many of the towns have

changed

little

architecturally

since being first built, so it is no surprise that a number of them such as Ouro Preto, Congonhas and Diamantina are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites while São João del Rei, Tiradentes and Mariana are also of historic interest. Visitors to these charming historical towns can stay in a variety of picturesque pousadas, inns and lodges in this area.

Porto Alegre: Rio Grande do Sul of the Ducks). The many islands on the lake form an archipelago where a unique ecosystem gives shelter to abundant wildlife.

The city has many parks including Parque Farroupilha, which, at 37 hectares (91 acres) is the largest green space within the city and

T

HIS SOPHISTICATED AND prosperous city is at the centre of the fourth largest metropolitan area in Brazil and one of the top cultural, political and economic centres of the country.

Porto Alegre is the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Sul and lies where the delta of five rivers form the Guaíba Lake at the northern end of a large freshwater lagoon known as Lago dos Patos (Lagoon

is a favourite with locals and visitors but there is also an extensive Botanical Gardens housing important scientific and conservation facilities as well as a museum and zoo. There are a number of wellpreserved neoclassical buildings to discover including the Cathedral Metropolitana.

There is a vibrant arts and music scene in Porto Alegre and nightlife to suit everyone. Small, informal bars with live music are numerous but there is also a fashionable and upscale club scene in the wealthy Moinhos de Vento area. The Usina do Gasômetro, a converted 1920s power station on the banks of the

river has an arts centre as well as a cafe and a good bookshop.

Within the state of Rio Grande do Sul in the Serra Gaúcha you will find the largest wine-producing centre in Brazil founded by Italian immigrants in the 1870s. Why not follow the Rota da Uva e o Vinho tourist trail and taste the wines for yourself?

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FIFA World Cup: 2014

T

HE 20th FIFA WORLD CUP will be held in Brazil between 12 June and 13 July 2014. This is the second time Brazil has hosted the tournament, the first being in 1950. It is the first time two consecutive World Cups have been held outside

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Europe. Brazil has won the tournament a record five times (in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002) and the country has produced some of the best football players in the history of the beautiful game. Of course there will be fanatical home support but the

Brazil team occupies a special place in the hearts of millions of football fans worldwide and they are often named as supporters’ second favourites after their own national team! There will be 12 host cities: Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Manaus, Belo Horizonte, Natal, Fortaleza, Curitiba, Salvador, Brasilia, Cuiabà, Recife and Porto Alegre. Each host city is the capital of its state and all the main regions of Brazil are represented to ensure that as many Brazilians as possible get the opportunity to attend and to spread the financial and economic benefits. The opening ceremony and first match involving the Brazilian team will be held at the newly constructed Arena de São Paulo (or Corinthians Stadium) in São Paulo and the final match will be at the world famous Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

The Brazilian government and other partners are investing not

only in the construction of new stadia and the renovation of others, but in developing the transport and tourism infrastructure. Around 600,000 visitors are expected with the hope that when they see all Brazil has to offer they will want to return. The tourist board is launching new advertising initiatives to show the world all Brazil’s splendours both natural and man-made and to encourage visitors to all regions of the country.

Olympic Games: 2016

T

HE IOC ANNOUNCED in October 2009 that the Games of the XXXI Olympiad would be held in Rio de Janeiro from 5 to 21 August 2016 with the XV Paralympic Games following from 7 to 18 September. During the Games representatives of 205 nations will compete in 28 sports in over 30 competition venues in the

city. The Paralympic Games will involve more than 4,200 athletes competing in 22 sports. It is the first time the Olympics have been held in South America and Rio’s intention is that the organisation and infrastructure will be in place for the Games through the upgrading and extending of existing stadia as well as the provision of new facilities.

Rio, as the most visited city in the southern hemisphere, already has an extensive road, rail and metro network that will be enhanced by the extension of Metro Line 1 and provision of new stations and improved traffic flow through the creation of new transport corridors. More than 100,000 people will be involved in the organisation of the Games, of which 70,000 will be volunteers.

The breath-taking natural surroundings of Rio complement its cultural and recreational facilities and all are enhanced by the joie de vivre that inspires the cariocas (those born in Rio) and those lucky enough to visit the city.

On 12 August 2012, at the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony, Mayor Eduardo Paes received the Olympic Flag, via Jacques Rogge, President of the IOC from London’s Mayor Boris Johnson and Rio officially became the Olympic City.

The motto of Rio 2016 is ‘Viva sua paixão’ or ‘Live your Passion’ and this extraordinary city invites you to the biggest party on the planet.

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Brazil: Insight ACCOMMODATION

may only have two or three rooms and be either

AIRPORTS

low 40s (around 100°F) during the summer. In

of

very simple and rustic or super sophisticated.

Most international flights land at the main

the southern Brazilian cities of Porto Alegre

accommodation to suit every taste and

International brands operating in Brazil

airports of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro

and Curitiba, the climate is similar to parts

pocket. Large cities have a wide range

include Golden Tulip, Grand Hyatt, Hilton,

where there are connecting flights to most

of Europe, with frosts occurring in the winter

of hotels that include everything from

Iberostar, Ibis, Inter-Continental, Marriott,

other major Brazilian cities. Rio and São

months (July – August). Summers are hot. In

the budget brands, deluxe international

Mercure, Novotel, Orient-Express, Pestana,

Paulo have their main international airports,

Brazil the seasons are the reverse of those in

properties, to privately owned boutique

Sofitel, Sol Meliá, Starwood and Superclubs,

as well as smaller airports closer to the city

properties and even youth hostels. Tourist

while Brazilian hoteliers include Atlântica,

centre which are used for the air-shuttle

areas offer the option of large, sophisticated,

Blue Tree, Fasano, Othon, Transamérica,

between the two cities and a number of other

all-inclusive

belonging

Tropical and Windsor. Price in Brazil is the

short regional services. Rio’s airports are

to internationally known brands, Brazilian

best indication to the degree of comfort you

Galeão (GIG) for international and domestic,

chain hotels, as well as small, privately

can expect, the facilities that go with it, and

and Santos Dumont (SDU) for the shuttle;

owned establishments, the pousadas, that

the location.

while São Paulo’s are Guarulhos (GRU) for

CUSTOMS & IMMIGRATION

international

Congonhas

At immigration non-Brazilians will have their

(CGH) for the shuttle. TAP Portugal is unusual

passport, visa (if required) and any other

in that it offers direct flights from Lisbon not

immigration formalities checked. Like most

only to São Paulo and Rio but also to Belo

airports, the airports in Brazil have separate

Horizonte, Brasília, Fortaleza, Natal, Recife

lines for national passport holders and

and Salvador.

foreign visitors. Foreign passport holders

Brazil

offers

an

resort

excellent

selection

properties

and

domestic,

CLIMATE 90% of Brazil is within the tropics, but more than 60% of the population live in areas where altitude, sea winds, or polar fronts moderate the temperature. Plateau cities such as São Paulo, Brasília and Belo Horizonte have milder climates averaging 19°C (66°F). Rio, Recife, Natal and Salvador

26

Europe and the US: Spring: 22 September to 21 December Summer: 22 December to 21 March Autumn: 22 March to 21 June Winter: 22 June to 21 September.

should make sure they get their passports stamped. Visitors who miss getting the stamp will have to get clearance from the Federal Police to leave the country.

DRESS Brazilians, even in the major cities, dress casually outside the office. None of the top restaurants

on the coast have a warmer climate that

insist on collar and tie, although the occasional

is balanced by the Trade Winds. Rio, for

club does. Collar and tie still predominate in

example, has an average temperature of

formal office and business surroundings in São

around 26°C (80°F) that climbs into the

Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasília.

MONEY, BANKS & CREDIT CARDS

RESTAURANTS

behind Greenwich Mean Time. This is true

Eating out is one of the many joys of visiting

of Rio, São Paulo, Brasília, Bahia, Minas

The Brazilian monetary unit is the real,

Brazil. Brazilians enjoy their food and eating

Gerais. Brazilian “summer time” runs from

(plural, reais). There are 100 centavos (C)

out is often the main focus of the evening.

October until mid-February. During this

to the real (R$). The official exchange rate

Brazil offers a huge diversity of culinary

period, clocks in Brazil go forward one hour

is published daily in the newspapers. The

delights and influences including a wide

in most of the southeast. If in doubt check:

US dollar and increasingly the Euro are the

variety of regional culinary styles, most

most widely accepted foreign currencies.

notably those of Bahia and Minas Gerais.

In the main cities there is little problem in

There is a clear influence in the cuisine of

changing other currencies, such as pounds.

Brazil of its early discoverers, the Portuguese.

There is also an extensive network of ATMs

Other visitors have also left their mark,

at which visitors can use their cash or

including the French, Spanish and Dutch.

credit cards to withdraw reais. Most major

The West African slaves also had an impact,

more to the total of the bill, but must make it

international credit cards are accepted

especially on the cuisine of the northeast.

clear that they have done so as they are not

in Brazil. The most widely accepted are

More recent immigrants have also had a say

meant to. Brazilians don’t normally tip taxi

MasterCard and Visa. The majority of the

on how Brazil eats, especially those from Italy,

drivers, although they may round the total up.

DRINK

major banks are Brazilian, but many foreign

Germany and Japan.

The legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages

banks have an agreement with one or more

in Brazil is 18. Brazil produces or imports most

of the major players.

www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/

TIPPING Most hotels add a service charge to the bill, usually 10%. Most restaurants also add 10% or

SAFETY & SECURITY

of the major international brands. Brazilian

Brazil, including the main cities of Rio,

beer is a light lager that is served in draught

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Salvador and São Paulo, is no more

form (chopp) or bottled. The national drink

As well as the national public holidays listed,

dangerous than anywhere in Europe or

is cachaça, made from crushed sugar cane,

individual states and cities also have their

North America and violent crimes against

which is the basis of the popular caipirinha.

own separate holidays. National Holidays:

tourists are rare, hence the headlines if they

Soft drinks are equally popular including

1 January (New Year’s Day); February/March

do happen. Brazil is politically stable with no

Brazil’s own Guaraná. Brazil is, of course, the

(Carnival); Good Friday; 21 April (Tiradentes);

natural enemies and no terrorist activities.

world’s largest coffee producer.

1

Being sensible and streetwise is the key to a

May

(Labour

Day);

Corpus

Christi;

(Independence

Day);

trouble-free and enjoyable stay.

7

September

LANGUAGE

12

October

The language of Brazil is Portuguese. Spanish

2 November (All Souls Day); 15 November

TIME

and English are the most widely understood

(Proclamation of the Republic); 25 December

The time in the areas of Brazil most popular

foreign languages.

(Christmas Day).

with foreign visitors is generally three hours

(Our

Lady

of

Aparecida);

27