Brazil

1) Introduction What comes to mind when you think about Brazil????? Brazil – lush rain forests, worlds greatest beaches, warm cosmopolitan cities. North – largely Amazon jungle landscape and Amazon river – largest river in the world. South East – cultural, commercial and industrial. Here you can find Sao Paulo – one of the largest cities of the world.

1) Introduction South – agricultural, coffee growing is found. Central and western regions- lush wilderness – Capital city – Brasilia – modern, unusual city, that attracts few tourists. Refer to your GSA for more info – Page 318.

2) Airports Galeao International (GIG) Airport in Rio de Janeiro – main gateway National Airline – Varig (RG) Rio – domestic airport – Dumont Airport (SDU) Sao Paulo – Gaurulhos International Airport (GRU) and Viracopos International Airport (VCP) Brazil – has major air service throughout the country with airports at most major destinations.

3) Other modes of transport Another way to visit Brazil is via a Long cruise – from Miami, San Juan or New York Intercity buses – less expensive, but not up to standard and crowded. Driving can be hectic – cities are crowded, streets are confusing, heavy rains can wash out roads. Train are very limited.

3) Other modes of transport Brazil has extensive waterways – ships and boats offer alternative means of transport. Famous water journey – up the Amazon to Manaus. Many cruise liners include this adventurous trip as apart of their itineraries. Private cars – safer, more reliable but more expensive than taxies. Tour packages – include multiple forms if transportation.

4) Weather Patterns Brazil – has 3 climates The Amazon Basin (Belem and Manaus) year round temperature degrees (30°c) – high humidity and rain most of the year. Plateau area (where Iguazu Falls) – hotter, less rain and humidity, nights can be cool. Coast region (Rio) – little cooler, sea breeze offsets humidity, showers can occur and time. Seasons opposite North America.

5) Important Places 5.1) Rio de Janeiro One of the worlds greatest cities Stunning location, oddly shaped mountains, picturesque lagoon, lush vegetation, superb beaches and glistening Atlantic Ocean. Cosmopolitan city, rich culture, warm people, wonderful cuisine, frenetic night life, elegant charm. However it is not picture perfect – very crowded, slums, plenty of crime and unpredictable economy.

5.1) Rio de Janeiro Attractions: – Sugar Loaf – strangely shaped mountain, cities landmark, beautiful views, reached by cable cars, best to go week days – less crowded. – Tijuca National Park – worlds largest urban forested national park. – World renowned beaches – most notably Copacabana (biggest), Ipanema and Leblon. – Botanical Gardens – rich collection of plants and trees brought by Portuguese navigators.

5.1) Rio de Janeiro Corcovado Mountains – here you can find the Christ the Redeemer statue – famous landmark, offers astounding views. Carnival – 4 day festival, city shuts down, no one sleeps or does anything else. Day trips from Rio: Sao Paulo – business and industrial center, world class international restaurants, shopping, museums and nightlife. Problems – traffic, pollution and crime. Sacred Art Museum – largest collection of religious art outside the Vatican. MASP museum – impressionist paintings.

5.1) Rio de Janeiro Guarija – sophisticated beach town, day trip from Sao Paulo. Petropolis – once a summer retreat emperor of Portugal, Imperial Palace, drive from Rio to Petropolis – very scenic. Costa Verde – beautiful costal town between Rio and Santos, beaches are quieter than Rio. Iguazu Falls – breathtaking attraction, Brazils border, 2 night stay, short flight from Rio.

5.2) The Amazon Trip up the Amazon – legendry tourist adventure. Amazon River – 4000 miles long, 8 miles wide. Jungles and lush rain forests – home to wildlife seen nowhere else on earth. Fishing villages and small islands found near the river. Few major cities along the way- Manaus, Belem and Santarem ( PAGE 218)

5.3) Salvador Capital of the Bahia district Strong African heritage Coastal city – fine climate, excellent beaches, old neighborhoods, fine museums, 365 churches. City is connected by the Lacerda Elevator Views are gorgeous, locals are friendly, unique African European cuisine, holds a festive Carnival just like Rio.

5.3) Salvador Interesting sites: Many churches – Basilica Cathedral, St. Francis Church, Church of our lord of the good ending. Mercado Modelo – buy silver, rosewood and fabric souvenirs. Superb Beaches – beat are Itapoa and Piata. Day trips from Salvador: Excursions – numerous islands off the coast, Itaparica – best known, quiet, lovely, undeveloped.

5.3) Salvador Recife – can be compared to Venice – because of its canals, bridges, however still normal vehicle traffic. Classical churches, old forts, prison which has been turned into a shopping center, great beaches. Olinda – artist colony Fortaleza – beach area that has grown with popularity.

6) Lodging Hotels in Brazil – range from deluxe, budget and lower down the ladder. During Carnival – everything is expensive. Major luxury chains – Othon, Luxor – popular first class chain. Largest hotel grouping – along Copacabana Beach. Others could be found – Ipanema Beach, Leblon Beach and Gavea Beach.

6) Lodging Most Sao Paulo hotels – western part of the city. Salvador – can save money by staying away from the beach. Iguazu Falls – most hotels are near the falls, some offer direct views of the falls, hotels located in nearby towns. Alternative lodging in Rio – furnished apartments called apartotels, complete hotel service. There are also ranches and lodges in may areas of the country.

7) Factors that motivate visitors Refer to Page 221 of textbook.

8) Possible Misgivings There`s malaria, cholera and other diseases in the Amazon. They only speak Portuguese. I`m afraid to drink the water I wont like Brazilian food. There is a lot of street crime.