Travel and Tourism Information

Travel - International

AIR

Brazil’s national airlines are TAM (KK) (website: www.tam.com.br) and Varig (RG) (website: www.varig.com.br).

International Airports Brasilia International (BSB) is 11km (7 miles) south of the city. To/from the airport: Buses run regularly to the city centre (travel time – 30 minutes). Taxis are also available (travel time – 15 minutes). Facilities: Left luggage, first aid, snack bar, post office, banks/bureaux de change, bar, restaurant, shops and car hire (Disbrave, Hertz, Interlocadora, Localiza, Locarauto and Unidas).

Rio de Janeiro (GIG) (Galeão) is 20km (13 miles) north of the city. To/from the airport: Public buses operate 0530-2330 to the city (travel time – 40 minutes). There is an airport shuttle bus which stops at all major resorts and hotels, running every hour. Taxis are also available.

Facilities: Left luggage and lockers, bank, bureau de change, duty-free shops, a pharmacy and a small 24-hour hospital, restaurant, snack bar, car parking, tourist information, post office and car hire companies (Avis, Hertz, Interlocadora, Localiza, Mega-Rent-Car and Unidas).

Sao Paulo (GRU) (Guarulhos) is 25km (16 miles) northeast of the city. To/from the airport: An airport bus runs every 30 minutes (travel time – 30 minutes). Taxis are also available. Facilities: Left luggage and lockers, duty-free shops, banks, bureau de change, pharmacies, restaurants, snack bar, post office and car hire (Budget, Localiza and Unidas). Information on Brazilian airports can be found on the following website (www.infraero.gov.br).

Air Passes

The Mercosur Airpass is valid within Argentina, Brazil, Chile (except Easter Island), Paraguay and Uruguay. Participating airlines include TAM Mercosur (PZ), Pluna (PU), TAM Linhas Aéreas (JJ) and VARIG (RG). The pass can only be purchased by passengers who live outside South America, who have a return ticket. Only eight flight coupons are allowed with a maximum of four coupons for each country and it is valid for seven to a maximum of 30 days. At least two countries must be visited and the flight route cannot be changed. A maximum of two stopovers is allowed per country

The Visit South America pass is valid within Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile (except Easter Island), Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. Participating airlines include Aer Lingus (EI), American Airlines (AA), British Airways (BA), Cathay Pacific (CX), Finnair (AY), Iberia (IB), LAN (LA) and Qantas (QF). The pass must be bought outside South America in country of residence. It allows unlimited travel to 34 cities. A minimum of three flights must be booked, with no maximum; the maximum stay is 60 days, with no minimum, and prices depend on the amount of flight zones. For further details, contact one of the participating airlines.

SEA

The main port is Rio de Janeiro, which is used by many international cruise ships. Other popular ports include Manaus, Fortaleza, Recife, Salvador and Vitória. Passenger services are limited although Grimaldi Freighter do offer sailings from Europe. Most major international cruiselines sail to Brazilian ports.

RAIL

Limited rail services link Brazil with Argentina, Bolivia and Chile, although travelling by train is not a popular option. The main international routes include Rio de Janeiro–Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro–Santiago, Rio de Janeiro–São Paulo–Montevideo, São Paulo–Bauru– Corumba–Santa Cruz–La Paz, São Paulo–Antofagasta.

ROAD It is possible to drive or take a bus to Brazil from the USA, but it is wise to check any changes in political status or requirements in Central America before travelling. It is also possible to travel from Rio de Janeiro to other Latin American countries. The journeys tend to be long; for example, from Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires (Argentina) is 44 hours. For further information, contact Embratur (see Passport/Visa Information section).

Travel - Internal

AIR

There is a shuttle service between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, a regular service from São Paulo to Brasília, and a shuttle service from Brasília to Belo Horizonte. There are air services between all Brazilian cities, Brazil having one of the largest internal air networks in the world. At weekends it is advisable to book seats as the services are much used. The monthly magazine Panrotas (website: www.panrotas.com.br) gives all timetables and fares for internal air travel. No-frills airlines include GOL Linhas (website: www.voegol.com.br) and OceanAir (website: www.oceanair.com.br). Air taxis are available between all major centres

Inter-urban transport is very much road-based (accounting for 97 per cent of travel), compared with air (2.2 per cent) and rail (less than 1 per cent). High-quality coaches have been increasingly introduced on the main routes, which are well served. Services connect all inhabited parts of the country. Standards and timetables vary, and the visitor must be prepared for overnight stops and long waits between connecting stages.

Domestic Airports

Sao Paulo (VCP) (Viracopos), 96km (60 miles) southwest of the city. Facilities: Banking, a duty free shop and a restaurant.

Sao Paulo (CGH) (Congonhas), 14km (8 miles) from the city. Manaus (Internacional Eduardo Gomes) (MAO), 14km (9 miles) from the city. To/from the airport: There are coach services into the city and to other destinations.

Salvador (SSA) (Dois de Julho), 36km (22 miles) from the city. To/from the airport: 24-hour taxi facilities are available. Facilities: Banking, a duty free shop and a restaurant.

The Brazilian Airpass

The Brazil Airpass is available through VARIG and can be purchased only outside of Brazil. Any IATA international carrier may be used. The pass costs US$560 for one to five coupons. Extra coupons cost US$100 each, up to a maximum of nine coupons; validity is for 21 days from first day of travel. The same route cannot be travelled twice. The similar Star Alliance VARIG Brazil Airpass must be used in conjunction with a Star Alliance or Pluna international carrier ticket. The pass costs US$399 for one to four coupons; extra coupons cost US$100. The Star Alliance Northeast Airpass is valid in the northeastern region of Brazil only and costs US$299 for one to four coupons. It is also possible to by an airpass with TAM, using any international carrier.

SEA/RIVER Ferries serve all coastal ports. River transport is the most efficient method of travel in the Amazon Delta. The government-owned Empresa de Navegação de Amazônia (ENASA) has now virtually suspended its passenger-boat services, but private companies have stepped in and provide constantly improving services on rivers throughout the country. Boat trips from the mainland to the popular and beautiful islands of Ilha Grande, Ilhabela and Ilha de Santa Catarina are also possible.

RAIL

Limited rail connections exist to most major cities and towns, but there has been a substantial decline in the provision of long-distance services from the 18 major regional networks. Most (95 per cent) of Brazil’s 22,000km (13,640 miles) of rail lines are located within 480km (300 miles) of its Atlantic coastline. Because of the great distances and the climate, some of these journeys can be uncomfortable. Daytime and overnight trains with restaurant and sleeping-cars link São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Brazil’s most scenic rail routes are from Curitiba to Paranagua (originating in São Paulo) and from São Paulo to Santos. Other major rail routes include Belo Horizonte– Itabira–Vitoria (with buffet car), Campo Grande–Ponte Pora (with restaurant car), Porto Santana–Serra do Navio (second-class only), Santos Ana Costa–Juquia (second-class only), São Luis A Guarda–Parauapebas (with buffet car), Curitiba–Foz do Iguacu, São Paulo–Panorama (second-class only), São Paulo–Presidente Prudente (first-class, air conditioned, buffet and sleeping cars available), Araguari– Campinas (restaurant or buffet car) and Santa Maria–Porto Alegre (with restaurant car). Children under three travel free. Children from three to nine pay half fare.

ROAD

General: Brazil has 1,940,400km (1,202,800 miles) of roads. Traffic drives on the right.

Regulations: The minimum driving age is 18. The speed limit is 110 kph (70 mph) on most national highways and 80 kph (mph) in cities. Passing on the right is forbidden. Road conditions vary.

Documentation: International Driving Permit required.

Car hire: Available in all major centres but rates are expensive and the whole procedure very bureaucratic. Parking in cities is very difficult and it is best to avoid driving through the often congested urban areas if at all possible.

URBAN

There are extensive bus services in all the main centres, often with air-conditioned express executive coaches running at premium fares. Rio and São Paulo both have two-line metros and local rail lines, and there are trolleybuses in São Paulo and a number of other cities. Trolleybuses are increasingly being introduced as an energy-saving measure. Fares are generally regulated with interchange possible between some bus and metro/rail lines; for instance, on the feeder bus linking the Rio metro with Copacabana

Taxi: In most cities these are identified by red number plates and are fitted with meters. Fares are inexpensive, costing a little more with the ‘special’ taxis with air conditioning and better comfort. Willingness to accept a taxi driver’s advice on where to go or where to stay should be tempered by the knowledge that places to which he takes a visitor are more than likely to give him a commission – and the highest commissions will usually come from the most expensive places. Taxis are metered and passengers should insist that the meter is turned on. Tipping taxi drivers is not normal practice.

Resorts & Excursions

The International Gateways to Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO: Known as the cidade maravilhosa (the marvellous city), Rio has one of the most beautiful settings in the world. The city's spectacular harbour is dominated by the famous rocky outcrop, Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf), and, further up, the Corcovado (Hunchback) peak, rising 709m (2326ft) above the Baía de Guanabara and providing the focal point for the classic Rio skyline. The Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue stands on top of Corcovado. Pão de Açúcar can be reached by two cable cars ascending 396m (1300ft) above Rio and the Baía de Guanabara (one leaves approximately every 30 minutes). Flocks of tourists arriving by tour buses can sometimes spoil the view, so visitors should avoid the busiest times (between 1000-1100 and 1400-1500). The Corcovado peak is located within the Parque Nacional da Tijuca, and is accessible by cog train (leaving from the Rua Cosme Velho). From the top there are magnificent views of Rio. Taxis also take visitors up to the peak and driving there will take up to an hour. Rio's other landmarks are its numerous beaches, most notably the infamous Copacabana and Ipanema. Beach life is a ritual in Brazil and different beach sections reflect different ways of life and fashions. The Girl from Ipanema beach is particularly popular with young people and is located at Posto Nine in Ipanema. Owing to strong waves and undertows, swimming off Ipanema can be dangerous. Rio's other main beaches include Flamengo, Botafogo, Leme, Arpoador, Leblon, Vidigal, Pepinoand Barra da Tijuca.

Rio has many interesting museums, including the Museu Histórico Nacional, located in the São Tiago Fortress. The Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro contains Brazil's most important collection of modern art. The Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Niterói, designed by famous architect Oscar Niemeyer and overlooking Boa Viagem beach, showcases contemporary Brazilian art. The Museu do Folclore Edison Carneiro displays folk art and art naif. The Museu do Índio contains some 14,000 objects made by Brazilian Indians and is one of the nation's most important Indian heritage museums. The Museu da República is set in the well restored Palácio do Catete and reveals a fascinating insight into Brazilian history

SÃO PAULO: The view from the top of São Paulo's tallest building, the Edificio Italiano reveals South America's largest city (over nine million inhabitants) and Brazil's financial, commercial and industrial heartland. Famed throughout the continent for its abundant nightlife and shopping, São Paulo's rapidly growing population resides in a sprawling urban maze characterised by perpetual traffic jams and a chronic lack of space. While São Paulo's concrete jungle is a far cry from the colour and charm of other Brazilian cities, there are some cultural attractions on offer, notably the MASP - Museu de Arte de São Paulo with an internationally renowned collection of impressionist paintings (with works by Van Gogh and Degas amongst many others

The Brazilian Northeast

The Northeast of Brazil is famed for its beautiful beaches and distinct history and folklore. Known as the 'Golden Coast', this region contains the states of Bahia, Sergipe, Alagoas, Pernambuco, Paraíba, Rio Grande do Norte, Ceará, Piauí and Maranhão.

SALVADOR DA BAHIA: The state capital is split into upper and lower sections. Cidade Alta, the heart of the old city, is perched at the top of a 50m-high cliff, linked to Cidade Baixa by steep streets, a funicular railway and the marvellous Art-Deco Elevador Lacerdo. The majority of Salvador's museums, palaces and churches are all concentrated within Cidade Alta and thus the city is ideal for exploring on foot. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a staggering number of churches, including the impressive Church of São Francisco and the fascinating Church of Bonfim, where middle-class matrons rub shoulders with the peasantry as they gather to worship. However, religion in Bahia is not limited to the established church. The state's African legacy extends to candomble, a fusion of African and Catholic religions. Candomble followers dress in white and honour hundreds of native deities in terreiros (or cult houses) all over the city, it is possible to witness ceremonies as some terreiros accept visitors as long as they dress accordingly and are respectful.

Salvador has some of the best museums in Brazil and next to the opulent Catedral Basilica is the Museu Afro-Brasileiro, a fascinating insight into afro-Brazilian culture, with sections on candomble, capoeira and Carnaval. Other interesting museums include the Casa de Jorge Amado, Bahia's best known novelist, the Museu da Cidade and the Museu de Arte Sacra, the latter housed in a 17th-century convent.

Avid shoppers should head for the Mercado Modelo for a wide variety of goods including many examples of local handicrafts. The local cuisine (comida bahiana) is among the best in Brazil, focusing on rich African flavours. Salvador is also renowned for being the hub of Brazilian music and Salvador's central district of Pelourinho is home to numerous bars and clubs showcasing live music and afoxé (Salvador's carnival bands).

ELSEWHERE: Also in Bahia state, the Diamantina National Park is also well worth a visit; it contains several underground lakes (such as Lago Azul) and spectacular waterfalls (such as Veu da Noiva). The towns of Ilhéus and Aracaju with their ornate churches and colonial architecture are also worth a visit.

Piauí State contains the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Serra da Capivara National Park, that contains ancient cave paintings estimated to be over 25,000 years old.

Alagoas state capital, Maceiô, is deservedly proud of its fantastic beaches, reputedly the finest in all of Brazil.

Pernambuco state capital, Recife, has been the beneficiary of sizeable investment to promote tourism. However despite being one of the most visited cities in the Brazilian Northeast, it still suffers from a poor infrastructure and the influx of rich, foreign tourists has made begging and street crime a real problem in the city. A world away is the nearby historical town of Olinda, infamous for its Carnaval celebrations and one of Brazil's eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Rio Grande do Norte's state capital, Natal, is divided between the commercial section of the city and its beach suburbs - clean, safe and good for surfing. Natal has several large markets and is famous for its cotton and leather handicrafts.

Ceara's capital, Fortaleza, sprawls lazily along a spectacular coastline. Blessed with excellent restaurants and an abundance of attractions for the visitor, the city is also a great place to organise a trip to Jericocoara. Just four hours by car, this heavenly village is nestled between a dazzling white sand-dune desert and a balmy turquoise sea.

The Interior

Few tourists venture far from Brazil's spectacular beaches but a trip into the interior reveals a different Brazil, one with a great deal to offer the visitor.

MINAS GERAIS: As its name suggests, this was so called after the abundant gold and diamond mines that transformed the state into a treasure trove of gold and also of baroque art. During the 18th century, the stream of riches from this region was so relentless that the Portuguese lacked sufficient ships to transport it to Europe. Almost all the gold that gilded altars in cathedrals and churches from as far north as Olinda came from Minas. In towns such as Ouro Preto, Tiradentes, Sabará and Mariana, this tidal wave of wealth resulted in the construction of hundreds of churches and civic buildings in lavish baroque style. All of the cidades históricas are immaculately preserved examples of Brazil's colonial heritage and are accessible by road from the state capital Belo Horizonte. This region's highlight for art-lovers is Aleijadinho's interpretation of 'The Passion' at the Basilica de Bom Jesus de Matosinhos. Set in gardens that gently slope towards Matosinhos town, the work is positioned in six small domed chapels filled with life-size statues that dramatise the scenes. All of the figures, including the 12 magnificent soapstone statues of prophets from the Old Testament, are all the more poignant as they were sculpted by an artist almost completely disabled by the advanced stages of leprosy and who, therefore, knew it to be his final w

ELSEWHERE: Brasília, the country's capital, was built on land originally covered by cerrado (sub-tropical forest) and is renowned for its futuristic architecture, most notable in the Praça dos Três Poderes, Palácio do Planalto and the National Congress. Attracting far fewer visitors than the huge cities of Rio and São Paulo or the tropical paradise of the Northeast, Brasília has little to offer the visitor interested in Brazilian history and culture. However, it is Brazil's future and it is up to the individual to decide whether it is as attractive as Brazil's colourful pa

Mato Grosso is the gateway to the Pantanal, a vast area of wetlands approximately half the size of France and Brazil's largest ecological reserve. Flooded by the Rio Paraguai during the wet season (October to March), this region is the best place in Brazil to see wildlife. However, the region is sparsely populated, with few towns or villages and only one major road (the 'Transpantaneira'). Therefore, in order to get the most out of the area, wildlife enthusiasts should choose an organised tour with experienced guide

The South

PORTO ALEGRE: In the rich southern state of Rio Grande do Sul this city caters for thousands of tourists each year, the majority of whom come from nearby Argentina. The capital has excellent museums, art galleries and restaurants to entertain the visitor, as well as delightful surrounding countryside. To the west, travellers can visit the ruins of the 300-year-old Jesuit missions, abandoned when the Jesuits were expelled from Spain. One of the most fascinating is Saõ Miguel das Missões, yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, located 58km (36 miles) from the town of Santo Angelo (a good starting point for visiting the missions). The most popular beaches in this area are the Tramandai and Torres, respectively 126km (78 miles) and 209km (130 miles) from Pôrto Alegre. In addition, the region's Gramado and Canela Mountains provide ample opportunities for walking and trekking

ELSEWHERE: The state of Santa Catarina, with its island capital of Florianópolis, has superb beaches at Laguna, Itapena and Camburiu. The island is famous for its excellent surfing and watersports facilities are particularly good in the area. Further inland Blumenau and Joinville are both living testaments to the last century's massive influx of German immigration with both towns constructed in predominantly German architecture. Germanic culture is still vibrant in small towns like Pomerode (near Blumenau) where German remains the lingua franca with Portuguese only used in government offices. Blumenau's annual three-week Oktoberfest is not to be missed.

Paraná is a prime coffee-producing state with a bright modern capital, Curitiba, whose public transport system could be the envy of European capitals like London or Paris. Efficient trams run throughout the city and travellers are encased in glass tunnels that protect them from the elements as they wait for the next tram. However, Curitiba is relatively compact and (weather permitting) easy to explore on foot with most areas of interest found in the historic centre. Curitiba is famous for its parks, two of which are worth seeking out, visitors will be fascinated by the riot of vivid plumage in the aviaries of the Passeio Público, where several species of local birds are kept. A fascinating insight into frontier life and the endeavours of countless European immigrants, who moved here during the last 150 years, is the Museu de Imigração Polenesa, in the centre of Bosque João Paulo. The museum's best exhibits are the log cabins, built by Polish immigrants in the 1880s and relocated here over 100 years later.

The train journey between Curitiba and Paranaguá is a spectacular journey through dense jungle, its route strewn with memorials for the many workers who perished from tropical diseases as they constructed the tracks. Accessible by road or air from Curitiba are the world-famous Iguazu Falls, a spectacular set of 70m waterfalls, including the impressive Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat). Standing near the waterfalls is a humbling experience. The deafening roar of 5000 cubic metres of water cascading down each second accompanies a perpetual (and in summer temperatures, welcoming) mist that envelopes visitors. The area encompasses two national parks, each boasting hundreds of species of plant and animal life, and spans the borders of two countries, Argentina and Brazil, divided by the River Paraná. For a good view of the entire set of falls, visit the Brazilian side of the Park in Foz de Iguazu and photograph the spectacle. However, to get close enough to stare into the watery abyss, experience the Argentine side. Unfortunately, there is no access to Brazil from the Argentine Park or vice versa, so visitors wishing to see both parks must travel overland to the border crossing, about 10km south. Due to Foz de Iguazu's proximity to both the Argentine and Paraguayan borders, it is possible to visit both countries in a day trip from Foz

The Northern Interior and Amazon: Almost entirely covered with dense rainforest, Brazil's northern interior is split into the vast regions of Amazonas, Pará, Acre and Rondônia. These massive federal states easily outstrip the land resources of many European countries and, combined, cover over 3,400,000 square km (1,300,000 square m) of endless jungle filled with countless species of life.

RONDÔNIA AND ACRE: Created in 1991 Rondônia has suffered extensive deforestation. There are still natural wonders hidden away such as the stunning Teotonio and Santo Antônio Falls, accessible from capital Porto Velho. Other attractions include river trips to the Forte Principe de Beira or to Bolivia, where air taxis operate to La Paz from Guayaramerin.

Territorially annexed from Bolivia in the early 20th century, Acre is a state of contrasts with a funky capital in Rio Branco, a thriving market and university town on the river. Because of its student population, Rio Branco has good nightlife and its geographical position as a trading post has made the town an important handicrafts centre.

AMAZONAS: The state capital, Manaus, was transformed by the 19th-century rubber boom and nowhere is this more evident than in the Teatro Amazonas, built in 1896 in the elaborate style of the Italian Renaissance. In front of the theatre, a marble square is designed to reflect the four continents represented by four great ships. Along Avenida Sete de Setembro are numerous museums worth a visit; the Museo de Indio, Museo de Amazonas and the marvellous colonial mansion that houses the Centro Cultural de Palacio Rio Negro, an extensive archive of naturalist Alexandre Ferreira. The city is easy to navigate and offers the visitor both fine restaurants and tax-free bargains in the free trade zone. As a major port for river-traffic with arrivals and departures to Colombia, Peru and Venezuela, Manaus is an excellent starting point for river trips and guided tours into the rainforest. 25 million years ago, the volcanic activity that created the Andes blocked the Amazon's path to the Pacific, sending it on the 6400km journey to the Atlantic and thus creating the vast Amazon basin. Upriver from Manaus, the rivers Amazon and Negro meet but their waters (yellow and black respectively) run parallel for many miles in different-coloured channels

PARA AND AMAPA: The Eastern Amazon region is split between the states of Para and Amapa. Para's state capital Belem was founded in 1616. Situated at the Atlantic end of the Amazon estuary at the mouth of the Rio Tocantins, Belem is a thriving port city with an exquisite historical centre, dotted with splendid churches and elegant parks. The Goeldi Museum boasts the largest collection of tropical plants in the world. The docks are the location of the early-morning Ver O Peso (See the Weight) market, which was originally a slave market but still exists these days although the stalls now mostly sell fruit and produce