ITB 2015

Berlin Germany

March 2015

FOLHA DO TURISMO BRASIL Special Edition ITB

Special Edition ITB Berlin March 2015 Free Distribution

OLYMPICSThe country is preparing to host the 2016 event

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTSRio de Janeiro and

Santa Catarina: vocation for Ecotourism

CharmingDiverse attractions and hospitality seduce tourists worldwide

by natureby nature

Trekking in Galheta Municipal

Park, Santa Catarina

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Itatiaia National ParkLocated in the Itatiaia Massif at Serra da Mantiqueira, between the states of Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais, the Itatiaia National Park is the oldest in Brazil and was created on June 4, 1937. With a tupi origin, its name means “Spiked cliff or pointed stone”. Inside the park is one of the highest peaks in the country, standing 2800 metres high. Hiking, climbing and even scuba diving are some of the activities available for the adventurous. The site has eight waterfalls and 15 trails that are visited by more than 80,000 people a year. In the lower part of the park, the Blue Lake is a good choice for diving, but it takes a little courage, because the average water temperature is only 12 degrees.

Serra da BocainaNational ParkBetween the states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, the Serra da Bocaina National Park comprises of an approximate area of 134,000 hectares and is of signifi cant biodiversity. It is estimated that 60% of the vegetation is from the Atlantic Forest, and the remainder is regenerated forest. Among the species of fl ora you can fi nd many

Guanabara BayGuanabara Bay is the backdrop to most pictures that represent Brazil abroad. Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf and the mountains that frame them are the best-known Brazilian images worldwide with hundreds of islands, cliffs, islands, coves and ridges form its landscape. Among the main ones are: Paquetá, Ilha do Governador, Niterói and Magé. Some islands are part of the city’s history, such as the Fiscal Island, that became famous for having housed the famous Baile da Ilha Fiscal, the last big party of the Empire before the proclamation of the Republic in November 1889. Others, such as Cobras Island, were strategic points of defence against foreign pirate invaders who arrived in Brazil in search of riches.

Sepetiba BayLocated one hour and 30 minutes from the city of Rio de Janeiro, the extensive Sepetiba Bay offers one of the most beautiful and fascinating maritime tours along the Green Coast. The diversity and mixture of

coastline and mountains is impressive with numerous beaches, such as Barra de Guaratiba, Restinga da Marambaia, Capela, Aterro (which is also known as Brisa), Cardo, Recôncavo and Sepetiba. The Bay is home to several islands, such as Bom Jardim, Jaguanum, Guaíba and the most famous, Itacuruçá. The estuarine dolphin, a species of dolphin, can be seen throughout the year in the region of Itacuruçá Beach and Cardoso Island.

Angra dos ReisThe largest island in the Angra dos Reis Bay is a paradise for adventurers and those who just want to enjoy beautiful beaches. Ilha Grande (Big Island) has many beauties and stories to enrich everyone´s trip. One third of its territory was transformed into a State Park in 1971 to preserve the Atlantic Forest. Its 192km² are home to 106 beaches, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, mountains and peaks. On the side facing the open ocean are deserted beaches within a paradisiacal setting. On this side is the Biological Reserve of South Beach, with fully preserved Atlantic Forest.

LagoonSLagoonSRodrigo de Freitas LagoonOne of the most famous views of Rio de Janeiro is Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. From the top of Corcovado Mountain, there are privileged views of this lagoon surrounded by urban buildings. It is possible to enjoy a walk or a cycle ride around the lagoon, which stretches for 7 kms. It is a great place to enjoy the sunny mornings where you will fi nd relaxed leisure activities. There are many tennis, football, basketball and even baseball courts and there are paddleboats available for hire, which share the water harmoniously with rowers, sailors and water-skiers. Around the 204 thousand square metre lagoon, is the largest outdoor gastronomic centre in Latin America and another one of the recreational areas of the city.

Feia Lagoon Feia (Ugly) Lagoon is among the largest freshwater lagoons in Brazil and is on the border of the cities of Campos dos Goytacazes and Quissamã in the northern region of the state. Feia Lagoon is approximately 170 km² and is quite popular for artisanal fi shing. In the last hundred years, its surface has reduced to one third of its original size. Contrary

to what its name signifi es, it is a very beautiful and majestic lake. The origin of the misnomer is due to it being discovered on a stormy day.

Jurubatiba Located in the Jurubatiba National Park, in the midst of northern Rio de Janeiro, is Jurubatiba. Here there are several species of fl ora and fauna, especially orchids and bromeliads. The lagoon has important diversity, as there are remains of the northeastern hinterlands and the Amazon rainforest, also trees typical of the most arid of regions. Alligators, capybaras, armadillos, otters, anteaters, also a considerable number of birds and fi sh that live in the park next to the lake still remain unstudied.

Araruama

Located in the region known as Sun Coast, Araruama Lagoon stands out mainly for the water sports and beauty of its shimmering surface. Depending on the winds, the lake is considered ideal for kitesurfi ng, windsurfi ng, hobie cats, jet skiing and sailing. There, are many sailing competitions that take place here too.

kinds of trees and plants, but the most common and easy to spot are pines, cedars, trumpet trees, palm trees and bromeliads. Bird watchers in the park will have a fi eld day as the wild animals aren´t shy. A good tip is to venture onto the Gold Trail, a 3-day walk that passes through historic places, linking São José do Barreiro to Paraty.

Tijuca National ParkA fragment of the Atlantic Forest biome and an integral part of the Biosphere Reserve in Rio de Janeiro, the Tijuca National Park is currently the most visited national park in Brazil, receiving over two million visitors per year. Divided into four sectors (Tijuca Forest, Serra da Carioca, Pedra Bonita/Pedra da Gávea and Pretos Forros/Covanca), the Park represents about 3.5% of the area of the city of Rio de Janeiro. It stands out in the landscape as it´s a great “green” mass in the centre of the metropolis that has about six million inhabitants. Currently, the Tijuca Park is an important recreational area, providing sports sites and the opportunity to contemplate over the nature. There are some of the city’s major landmarks, such as the Christ the Redeemer Statue, Sugar Loaf Mountain, Vista Chinesa (Chinese Belvedere), Mayrink Chapel, Mesa do Imperador (Emperor’s Table) and Lage Park here, which have helped turn the park into an international tourist attraction.

Araruama:Araruama: Araruama Lagoon, Sun Coast

Rio de Janeiro:Rio de Janeiro: Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, State Capital

Rio de Janeiro:Rio de Janeiro: Guanabara Bay, State Capital

BaYsBaYs Rio de Janeiro:Rio de Janeiro: Pedra Branca State Park, State Capital

The State of Rio de Janeiro is toasted by a unique set of factors, which combines everything a tourist could want in a destination. The exuberant nature appears in two

distinct regions: the highlands and the lowlands. Moving away from the coast on parallel tracks, they extend into the countryside and have created two very different delightful destinations. Add to this a the unique culture, the big events such as the Carnival and New Year’s Eve Party, and the local people who are renowned for their friendliness and charisma, and are always ready to welcome you. The capital amalgamates characteristics from many places as people from all over the country and the world have chosen to live privileged setting, which now has 16 million inhabitants. If a person was born in the City of Rio de Janeiro they are known as ‘cariocas’, and if the person was born in the State of Rio de Janeiro, then they are known as “fl uminense”. As a gateway to Brazil, Rio is blessed by the statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, which, from the top of Corcovado Mountain, opens his arms over the beautiful Guanabara Bay. This magnifi cent sight continues to inspire singers, poets and painters.

RioJaneirode

Photos: Hugo Denizart

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Jurubatiba Lagoon

Ilha Grande Bay

Guanabara Bay

Feia Lagoon

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Shipyard

Manguinhos UPA

Angra Nuclear Plant

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ANGRADOS REIS

Complexo do Alemão

Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon

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Órgãos RangeNational Park

Três Picos State Park

Desengano State Park

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Beaches Bays and Lagoons Parks

Infrastructure Social ConstructionsInfrast ture Social

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STATE OF RIO DE JANEIRO GOVERNMENTTourist information: State of Rio de Janeiro Department of Tourism (www.rj.gov.br/turismo);

State of Rio de Janeiro Tourism Company - TurisRio (www.turisrio.rj.gov.br)

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Serra dos Órgãos National ParkCovering the cities of Guapimirim, Magé, Teresópolis and Petrópolis, the Serra dos Órgãos National Park covers an area of over 20,000 hectares. Its curious name – Organ Mountains – derives from the similarity of the mountain peaks to organ pipes in churches. The park is a popular place for Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism and from May to September, the mountaineering season is open. There are common sports like climbing, hiking, rappelling and others. The most famous trail is the crossing between Petrópolis and Teresópolis, a route that takes three days and is considered the most beautiful walk in the country. In total there is 30 km of hard walking through the mountains passing by such highlights, as the Açu Castle and Pedra do Sino (Bell Stone).

Serra da Tiririca State ParkAnyone who has been to Niterói, Itaipuaçu and Itacoatiara, surely must have seen the famous Elephant Rock, which takes its name precisely because its head and body look like a huge elephant, and it is the highest point in Niterói. Perhaps you have heard about climbing Costão de Itacoatiara to see the sun as it slowly descends upon the waters of the sea? Both are tourist attractions in the Serra do Tiririca State Park. A natural boundary between the cities of Niterói and Maricá, Serra da Tiririca starts between the beaches of Itacoatiara and Itaipuaçu and extends to the highway Amaral Peixoto (BR -106) on the border of São Gonçalo. The total area is of 2,400 hectares, including the coastline. Besides various trails of varying diffi culty through the undergrowth, the park also has a viewing platform, ideal for people of all ages.

Pedra Branca State ParkSituated in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, the Pedra Branca (White Stone) State Park is one of the largest urban forests in the world, at 12,500 hectares. Its highest point of 1025 metres is Pedra Branca Peak, which is located between the neighbourhoods of Jacarepaguá and Vargem Grande, and can be seen from anywhere in the neighbouring areas. The name of the peak was given because it is composed of limestone and is white in colour. Concealed by typical Atlantic Forest vegetation (cedar, jacaranda, jequitiba (cariniana) and ipê (tabebuia)), it is a shelter for the fauna that is home to ocelots, three-toed sloths, anteaters, lowland pacas, armadillos, lizards, Brazilian porcupines, toucans, guans and agoutis.

Teresópolis:Teresópolis: Órgãos Range National Park, Mountain Region

Niterói:Niterói: Tiririca Range State Park, Metropolitan Region

Ipanema BeachKnown worldwide thanks to the song The Girl from Ipanema, by Vinícius de Moraes, Ipanema Beach is one of the most famous in Rio de Janeiro. From its wide strip of sand it is possible to see the Arpoador Rock, Leblon Beach, the Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers) Mountain, Corcovado and Cagarras Islands. The most popular points along Ipanema Beach are: Posto 9, where, every day, there is a traditional applause as the sunsets below the ocean; Posto 10, a meeting place for young people in the South Zone of Rio; Coqueirão, located in front of the largest area of coconut trees, which attracts a predominantly young audience; and the strip of sand in front of Farme de Amoedo Street, which is known for being the gay point along the seashore.

Arpoador BeachThe sunset seen from Arpoador Rock is the major attraction on the Beach here, with a view, not only of the immensity of the sea but as well, to the Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers) Mountains. With a 500-metre stretch of sand and big waves, the beach is popular with surfers, one of the most sought after locations in Rio de Janeiro for the sport. On a walk along the beach, you can enjoy gym equipment, sand courts and the Girl from Ipanema Park, which has sports court, a skating rink and a bike path that goes towards Copacabana Fort.

Rio de Janeiro:Rio de Janeiro: Ipanema Beach, State Capital

Búzios:Búzios: Praia Brava Beach, Sun Coast

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Brava Beach Surrounded by low vegetation and rocky cliffs, Brava Beach is used mostly by fi shermen; and surfers who are in search of big waves. Because of its rough sea, the beach doesn´t attract many swimmers but it’s an ideal place for those seeking a location of calmness and beautiful scenery. By not having large numbers, the beach is favourable for sports, such as racquetball and football. It has rustic beach bars along its 660 metre stretch, where fi sh and drinks are served.

Lopes Mendes BeachWith approximately three kilometres of white sand, Lopes Mendes is the most famous beach on Ilha Grande and it is recognised as one of the most beautiful in the world. It always has strong currents and transparent waters, which are an attraction for surfers and swimmers. A deserted place, with no bars, restaurants or hotels, Lopes Mendes is only accessible by boat or along trails, starting from the main town, Vila do Abraão. The beach has plenty of sun, shade and breezes, thus attracting many tourists. The nearest accommodation is on the beaches of Pouso, Mangues and Grande das Palmas.

Itacoatiara BeachA 30-minute drive from Rio de Janeiro is Itacoatiara Beach, which is located in Niterói and is a popular meeting point for surfers. It stretches for 700 metres and is one of the most frequented places of young people in the region, as there is beautiful scenery all around you. If big waves are not your thing, then another beach is Prainha, which has calmer and clearer waters, and salt marsh vegetation along the beach. Frequented mostly by locals, the beach attracts visitors looking for a more peaceful place because it is not as crowded as the famous beaches in Rio de Janeiro.

Martim de Sá BeachA deserted white sandy beach, with big waves and surrounded by mountains, Martim de Sá Beach, located in Paraty, is the ideal place if you are in search of a tranquil setting. The main attraction of the beach, besides surfi ng, is the campsite and it is also the starting point for long treks through the woods and surrounding area. Additionally, you can bath in the waterfall, fi sh and dive. As an area of environmental protection, Martim de Sá encourages the preservation of the environment with competitions for visitors to collect rubbish that has been left scattered on the ground.

Niterói:Niterói: Itacoatiara Beach, Metropolitan Region

Ilha Grande:Ilha Grande: Lopes Mendes Beach, Green Coast

CulTureCulTure

Known for the diversity of its attractions, which are divided between the mountains and the coast, the State of Rio de Janeiro also preserves a rich cultural

heritage (especially Carnival, the most popular party in the country), which stretches from the capital to the interior. The folkloric processions, popular artists, institutions and traditions of the 92 cities in the state have recently been mapped showing that Rio de Janeiro has a lot to offer when it comes to culture.

>> The capital of Rio de Janeiro is known for its Samba, a beat that is a characteristic of Brazil during Carnival and that will engross those who hear it; and for Bossa Nova, which gained worldwide notoriety after becoming more popular at party’s of Rio’s middle class in their homes in the South Zone, where people would gather and listen to the music. More recently funk music is the most popular. Recognized as a cultural movement by a state law from 2008, funk is no longer just music from the periphery. It has gained notoriety within the middle classes and among foreign tourists. Regardless of the rhythm, it is impossible to stand still when the music starts playing.

>> On the Green Coast, in cities like Araruama and São Pedro DÁldeia, during Corpus Christi, people make a long carpet from salt and sawdust and with these items they draw sacred images along the main streets of the city.

>> Quissamã, north of the state, still maintains the traditions of the sugar-cane zone farmers, which allowed slaves to sing and dance, with drums, in the slave quarters. But what they

did not know was that this festive and joyous event criticized and ridiculed the farm owners. Known as Jongo or Tambor, the tradition is offi cially celebrated on the night of May 13th. Its origin dates back to the arrival of slaves brought on behalf of the sugar economy of the State of Rio de Janeiro.

>> In Paraty , in the Green Coast Region, the traditional Festa do Divino, takes place every year in May at a party inherited from the Portugueses. It´s about the coronation of a new “Emperor”, who parades with his disciples. In the same city, in July, the FLIP festival takes place. It is the largest literary event in the country with workshops, lectures and exhibitions by leading publishers. In January, in the nearby town of Angra dos Reis, Folia de Reis, is another cultural event that takes folkloric groups to the streets.

>> Caxambu, dance and musical genre with African origin, remains alive in Miracema, North of the state, thanks to the Senzala Caxambu Association of Miracema. The caxambu is traditionally presented on the evening of May 13, at June parties and on holy days. The group sings melodies sung by former slaves, dancing in a circle that moves in a lunar direction, accompanied by drums.

>> In the Conservatória district of Valença, the highlight is the street serenades. Each year the Festival of Serenades occurs, which brings together the top serenaders in the country and at weekends there are always performances. The Coffee Valley holds an annual festival with shows by classical and contemporary musicians and dance and theatre performances.

São Pedro DÁldeia:São Pedro DÁldeia: Jesuits Church, Sun Coast Rio de Janeiro:Rio de Janeiro: Lapa, State Capital

SOMANDO FORÇAS

March 2015 Berlin ITB | FOLHA DO TURISMO BRASIL | 3

FOLHA DO TURISMO

President Adolfo MartinsExecutive Vice President Roy [email protected] - (55-21) 3233-6319Director of International Marketing Rosa [email protected] - (55-21) 3233-6316Director-General in São Paulo Mari [email protected] - (55-11) 3123-2247Director of Development Business Fernando [email protected] - (55-21) 3233-6207Chief Editor Natália [email protected] - (55-21) 3233-6263Executive Editor Luciano [email protected] - (55-11) 3123-2240Chief Reporter Luiz Marcos [email protected] - (55-21) 3233-6262Chief Reporter in São Paulo Anderson [email protected] - (55-11) 3123-2239Planning Director Andrea MartinsLegal Affairs Director José Manuel Duarte CorreiaIT Manager GRMPhotographer Eric RibeiroDesigner Daniel Costa

Press Offi ce Rio de Janeiro (55-21) 3233-6353Press Offi ce São Paulo (55-11) 3123-2239 / 2240

Lisia Minelli ([email protected])Nathália Marques ([email protected])Pedro Menezes ([email protected])Rafael Massadar ([email protected])

Samantha Chuva ([email protected])Thalita Cardoso ([email protected])

Commercial DepartmentRio de Janeiro (55-21) 3233-6319São Paulo (55-11) 3123-2222 Rio de Janeiro: Rua Riachuelo, 114 - CentroCEP 20230-014 - Phone and Fax (55-21 ) 3233-6201

São Paulo: Rua Barão de Itapetininga, 151 - Térreo - CentroCEP 01042-001 - Phone (55-11) 3123-2222 - Fax (55-11) 3129-9095

Commercial Representative in BrasiliaCPM Consultoria Planejamento Mídia Ltda. ([email protected])(55-61) 3034-7448 / SHN Quadra 2 - 15 Andar - Salas 1514/1515Executive Offi ce Tower - Brasília / DF - CEP 70702-905

Commercial Representative in the United StatesBrazil Travel Media - Claudio Dasilva(www.braziltm.com - [email protected])+1 (954) 647-6464 / 401 E Las Olas Blvd # 130 Fort Lauderdale - Florida - 33301 - USA

Translation Mathew Hunt ([email protected] / (55-21) 99678-3868)

The articles and opinions of third parties published in thisedition do not necessarily refl ect the opinions of the newspaper.

Mercado & Eventos is a publication of

Brazil, a great showThe memory lives on for German fans, who came to Brazil during the FIFA World Cup last year. The party, after the German national team won the FIFA World Cup expanded as Brazilians joined in and celebrated with German fans, a spectacle of joy and happiness. It is precisely this hospitality (typical of our people) and the joy that captivates foreigners who come here. It is no coincidence that Germany tops a ranking among countries that export the most tourists to Brazil from Europe. Nearly 250,000 Germans annually come to Brazil, either for leisure or business and next year this number is expected to grow, with the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, another major event that should mobilize thousands of tourists and put Brazil under the spotlight once again on the world stage.

Many foreign people, especially Germans and the English, choose to travel to Brazil because of ecotourism and adventure tourism, the main reason for their trip. No wonder, as from the North to the South, Brazil has diversity in its natural biome, starting with the immensity of the Amazon region, the impressive Park of Lençóis Maranhenses and the rich fl ora and fauna of the Pantanal. Further south, the spectacle of the Foz do Iguaçu Falls, is another must do. Then there is whale watching in Santa Catarina and coupled with its canyons, forms a setting of rare beauty. All these attractions are part of a harmonious set, with different characteristics, where nature reveals all its exuberance. More than this, there are structured destinations that offer visitors all the infrastructure required when receiving culturally different tourists.

There is a growing number of resorts, lodgings, tour operators and travel agencies specializing in nature tours. Concerned with the safety and quality of services provided, the government has just adopted an international standard of rules for companies specializing in adventure tourism. Similarly, the Ministry of Tourism has been discussing standards and legislation for the use of the National Parks by the tourism industry. These are healthy measures that demonstrate a concern for the professionalization of specialized companies who work directly in the provision of services in areas related to ecotourism and adventure tourism.

In this edition of FOLHA DO TURISMO BRASIL you have the opportunity to get to know some of the natural attractions and destinations able to seduce and attract the attention of tourists who are considering a trip to Brazil. Choose your route here, which is even more attractive with new fl ights announced by Lufthansa connecting Germany to cities like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Here is the invitation: come to Brazil and enjoy this true spectacle of nature.

INDEX4 Information about Brazil

INTERVIEWS6 Ministry of Tourism 8 Brazilian Tourist Board

DESTINATIONS

SUN AND BEACH10 Pernambuco (PE) 12 Alagoas (AL) 14 Paraíba (PB) 16 Bahia (BA) 20 Rio de Janeiro (RJ)

CULTURAL TOURISM22 Distrito Federal (DF) 24 Pará (PA) 26 São Paulo (SP)

ADVENTURE TOURISM28 Santa Catarina (SC) 30 Ceará (CE)

WINE TOURISM34 Rio Grande do Sul

ECOTOURISM36 Mato Grosso do Sul38 Amazonas 40 Paraná

SPORTS42 2016 Olympics

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT Rio de Janeiro

45 Santa Catarina

4 | FOLHA DO TURISMO BRASIL | ITB Berlin March 2015

A modern and renovated hotel complex. This is the defi nition of the current situation of hotels in Brazil. Many new projects were built and others renovated, helping the country to offer fi rst-rate accommodation to its visitors. According to data from the Forum of Hotel Operators of Brazil (FOHB), investment between 2009 and 2016 will exceed US$12 billion, representing a 21% growth in capacity in eight years. During the 2014 World Cup, held in the country, the host city hotels had an average occupancy of

61%, with more than 980,000 nights sold. If only the evening and day of the games is considered, the occupancy was 77% in the cities where matches took place. Although it did not register as the highest occupancy rate out of the host cities, São Paulo was that the city with the most sold nights during this period. It sold 353,350, against 181,596 in Rio de Janeiro. The Rio hotel industry, however, was better used, with an average occupancy of 87%, followed by Fortaleza, with 72%, Brasilia, with 68%, and Recife, with 68%.

Major events help renovate Brazilian hotels

Brazilian cuisine is the result of a great mixture of indigenous, African and European ingredients. Each region has its own style, adapted to the regions climate and geography. Trying Brazilian cuisine was one of the most popular activities by international tourists

who visited Brazil for the FIFA World Cup. According to a study conducted by the Ministry of Tourism in partnership with the Foundation Institute of Economic Research (FIFE), 93.1% of foreigners positively evaluated the cuisine in the country.

Brazilian cuisine is well evaluated by foreigners

INFORMATION Brazil

Official name: Federative Republic of Brazil Capital: Brasília Location: Eastern South America Language: Portuguese

Main religion: Christianity President: Dilma Vana Rousseff Currency: Real (R$) Minister of Tourism: Vinícius Lages

General information about Brazil

Northern Region

Midwestern Region

Southern Region

Northeastern Region

Southeastern Region


Arriving in BrazilTAMwww.tamairlines.comThe Brazilian company has a direct fl ight between Frankfurt and São Paulo. The fl ight is operated by Boeing 777-300 aircraft in two classes: Economy and Premium Business. From São Paulo you can connect with many other destinations with Tam.

TAPwww.flytap.comThe Portuguese airline offers flights with departures from Frankfurt, Berlin, Munich and Dusseldorf to Lisbon and from there it is possible to connect to 12 Brazilian destinations. The company has direct fl ights from the Portuguese capital to Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Campinas, Fortaleza, Natal, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, São Paulo, Manaus and Belém.

LUFTHANSAwww.lufthansa.comThe German airline fl ies from Frankfurt to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo and from Munich to São Paulo. Flights to São Paulo are operated with Boeing 747-800’s and to Rio with Boeing 747-400’s.

CONDORwww.condor.comWith flights to some of the main destinations of the Brazilian Northeast, Condor represents a different option. The German company operates fl ights to Fortaleza, in Ceará; Recife, in Pernambuco; and Salvador, in Bahia from Frankfurt. The company uses Boeing 767-300s on fl ights to Brazil.

Business Tourism grows in Brazil Business and Event tourists spend on average US$ 304 per day in Brazil, according to the “Survey of Economic Impact of International Events Held in Brazil”, by FGV (Fundação Getúlio Vargas) for Embratur (Brazilian Tourist Board). This amount is four times greater than the expenditure of international tourists visiting the country for Leisure, which have a daily spend of US$ 73.77.

The study shows that the most visited cities by foreign tourists on Business are: Rio de Janeiro (33.2%), São Paulo (16.7%), Foz do Iguaçu (6%), Manaus (6%), Belém (4.5%) and Salvador (4.4%). Out of the respondents, 67.6% were in Brazil for the fi rst time and 60% of those who have visited the country before were here for Business and Events. The most visited cities in the previous trip were Rio de Janeiro (27%), São Paulo (22.1%), Florianópolis (4.9%), Salvador (4.6%) and Foz do Iguaçu (3.6%).

When asked about the host city of the event, 74% of respondents said that the image was positive. Among those who plan to stay in the city of the event, the average stay is three days. Regarding the receptiveness of locals and the service industry, 92% rated it as good or regular.



INTERVIEW MTur - Vinicius Lages

Europe: international tourism priority market attraction program

>> Brazil, in 2016, will hold another mega

event, the Olympics, which takes place in

Rio de Janeiro in August next year. Keeping

an eye on what is classifi ed as a “window

of opportunity”, the Ministry of Tourism

wants to give an extra dimension to the

event, positioning 2016 as the “Olympic

Year of Brazil”. According to the Minister of

Tourism, Vinícius Lages, the international

promotional strategy to increase tourist

fl ow, starts at fairs such as ITB, combined

with a set of initiatives aimed at attracting

a greater number of visitors.

“Th e European market is extremely strategic

for the promotion of Brazilian tourism abroad.

In 2013, we had 1.6 million visitors coming

from European countries, only second behind

South America. The trend is predicted to

grow steadily. Europe sends high-income

tourists, who are among the most travelled in

the world. Th erefore, the Brazilian Tourism

Institute (EMBRATUR) and the Ministry

of Tourism work hard to sell Brazil to this

market. The important thing, from now

on, is to use the exposure from the FIFA

World Cup as an opportunity to leverage our

national destinations”, said Vinícius Lages.

According to estimates by the Ministry

of Tourism, a fi gure between 350 thousand

and 500 thousand tourists should head to

Rio for the Olympics: “Our idea is to create

mechanisms to facilitate the arrival of tourists

in Brazil, such as the creation of an Olympic

passport, and off er promotional packages,

reactivating the Brazil Pass Program, which

provides special prices on airline tickets”. He

said the idea is to promote Brazil as not only a

Sun & Sand destination. “We have a diversity

of products and services. Th is is the case of

our rich gastronomy and we want to show

that wealth to those who visit us”, Lages said.

For Vinícius Lages, it is necessary to

promote a wide link with other sectors of the

economy to create platforms to disseminate

typically Brazilian products, such as fashion,

culture and gastronomy. “You have to show

that there is more to Brazil than just a country

of undeniable natural beauty and has much

more to off er”, he said. Th e executive also

highlights the importance of giving more

information to tourists who are interested

in Brazil: “To have more tourists we need

to expand the facilities by issuing visas to

visitors from countries like United States etc.”

According to Vinicius, there are barriers

to overcome such as manpower training

programs. “We all know the importance

of the country’s development and it shows

the convergence that exists within the

government. Late last year we launched

the guidelines for the new National Plan for

Tourism Qualifi cation, which will be launched

in 2015. Th e aim is to support the qualifi cation

of workers, managers, business owners

and entrepreneurs who work in services

related to tourism activities”, explains Lages.

Vinícius Lages also emphasizes hospitality:

“We must not only welcome, but also generate

business and the events we hold better, such

as Formula 1 and Carnival. We must seek to

create an integrated network to take advantage

of the interest from the tourist market. We are

also reviewing the strategy of our international

promotions that includes the reformulation

of EMBRATUR and a review of resources

for campaigns that should be reviewed

and extended. Our presence has been very

insignifi cant in major international markets and

we have to change that. Links with the private

sector to set goals in priority markets and the

defi nition of a new mix of commercialization

and promotional tools are also on the agenda”.

Vinícius Lages confirms that this new

stage of his administration will focus on

international promotion with the countries

that export most tourists to Brazil. “In the

fi rst stage of my management we tried to

defi ne a tourist agenda with a new strategy

of domestic promotion and standardization

in the Ministry’s operating rules. Now we

have to think of a joint partnership with the

private sector for domestic and international

promotion, in order to diversify the tourism

products we off er”, he concludes.

Countries that

export the most tourists to

Brazil

2012 2013

Numberof Tourists

Breakdownby country

%

Position Numberof Tourists

Breakdownby country

%

Position

Argentina 1.671.604 29,45 1º 1.711.491 29,44 1º

USA 586.463 10,33 2º 592.827 10,20 2º

Paraguay 246.401 4,34 6º 268.932 4,63 3º

Chile 250.586 4,41 5º 268.203 4,61 4º

Uruguay 253.864 4,47 4º 262.512 4,52 5º

Germany 258.437 4,55 3º 236.505 4,07 6º

Italy 230.114 4,05 7º 233.243 4,01 7º

France 218.626 3,85 8º 224.078 3,85 8º

Spain 180.406 3,18 9º 169.751 2,92 9º

England 155.548 2,74 11º 169.732 2,92 10º



>> Germany is one of the main markets for

promoting Brazilian tourism. According to

the 2014 Tourism Statistical Data Yearbook

– related to 2013 data – by the Ministry of

Tourism, the country is the sixth biggest

source of tourists that visit Brazil and the

first among European countries, totaling

236,505 visitors in 2013. Based on this

data, the Brazilian Tourism Institute

(EMBRATUR), the body responsible for Brazil’s

international tourism promotional strategy,

has sought to direct much of their attention

to Europe and this important destination

“Germany currently has regular direct

connections with four Brazilian cities.

Flights depart from Frankfurt and Munich

to São Paulo, Recife, Salvador and Rio de

Janeiro, which puts Germany in second

place in Europe in regards to the number of

connections, second only to Portugal”, said

Vicente Neto, president of EMBRATUR.

He also notes that Brazil is considered

a strategic destination for the major tour

operators of the German market. “Th e proof

is that they have constantly sought support

for the marketing of destinations offered

in their catalogues every year, especially in

relation to the training of its travel agents

in order to encourage increased sales of

Brazilian tours”, he explains.

Vicente Neto recalls that, with mega

events, Brazil has gained a new visibility

in the international arena and cites as an

example the record of income referring to

the expenses by foreign tourists last year.

“The amount of almost US$ 7 billion last

year spent in the country by international

visitors generated more revenue than the

export of chicken (US$ 6.892 billion), raw

coffee beans (US$ 6.041 billion) and cars

(US$ 3.195 billion). Th ese numbers prove

the importance of tourism to the Brazilian

economy, generating jobs and income for the

population”, said the president of EMBRATUR.

He also highlights the progress of these

numbers. “In the ten years, since 2005, the

influx of foreign income through tourism

recorded an increase of 79%, according to

data from the Central Bank. Over 1 million

international visitors came to Brazil during the

Germany - a strategic market for Brazil’s European promotional campaign

World Cup and the 2014 results confi rm that the

production chain of national and international

tourism has great potential to continue to

grow and become an increasingly important

segment for the country’s development. We

are on track and we know that, going forward,

we will reach even greater numbers for the

Olympic Games in 2016”, concludes Neto.

Th e president of EMBRATUR announced

the international fairs calendar for this year

and a new international strategy to promote

Brazil focusing on the 2016 Olympics, which

will be held in Rio de Janeiro. Th e promotional

activities planned for this year include Rock

in Rio - Las Vegas (United States), to be held

in May, and the International Tourism Fair

(FITUR), which has already taken place in

Madrid. “Th e idea is to align our operations

both in domestic and international markets

and discuss consistent ways to show our

tourism products and our potential, especially

now that we are 18 months away from the 2016

Olympics, besides being given an opportunity

to focus on important points around

Brazilian tourism development”, he added.

Brazil will also attend Expo Milan 2015,

an event in Italy lasting six months (May 1

to October 31), which involves 150. “We

are working hard and focused on priority

promotional initiatives to promote Brazilian

gastronomy, cultural and natural diversity.

Among the planned initiatives are digital

initiatives, business meetings, press trips,

among others”, he added.

INTERVIEW Embratur - Vicente Neto

Monthly variation of income and outgoings from Brazil 2013/2014

Month 2013 2014 Variation %

Income2013/2014

Variation %

Outgoings2013/2014

Income (US$

million)

Outgoings (US$ million)

Income (US$

million)

Outgoings (US$ million)

JAN 696 2.299 643 2.120 -7,61 -7,79

FEB 624 1.862 592 1.915 -5,16 2,86

MAR 599 1882 535 1838 -10,67 -2,39

APR 585 2.116 547 2.344 -6,48 10,81

MAY 522 2.241 531 2.266 1,81 1,14

JUN 453 1.928 797 2.001 76,02 3,81

JUL 540 2.214 789 2.415 46,11 9,08

AUG 517 2.227 499 2.354 -3,59 5,68

SEP 505 2.168 493 2.387 -2,38 10,08

OCT 533 2.314 488 2.124 -8,59 -8,18

NOV 566 1.874 475 1.720 -14,54 -8,23

DEC

Total 6.131 23.125 6.390 23.484 4,22 1,55



NORTHEASTERN REGION ( SUN AND BEACH )

>> Pernambuco is a popular destination for tourists

who wish to experience what the seaside has to

off er. Th e state has more than 187 km of coastline

and boasts extremely rare beauty. Travelers looking

for beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and

islands with almost untouched nature will not be

disappointed with Pernambuco’s destinations. Th e

region has high overall temperatures, which makes

the climate favorable to enjoy the beaches that are

among the most beautiful in the world.

The reefs are everywhere and, besides being

refuges for various types of fi sh, calm the sea making

it great to relax in. Furthermore, gastronomy here is

also unique. You can enjoy specialties like grilled curd

cheese, shark pie that is really made from shark meat,

and swiss roll stuff ed with guava jelly - one of the

gastronomic symbols of the state. Despite the beauty

being throughout Pernambuco, each region has its

own characteristic that makes it unique. In the capital

Recife, for example, the sun rises early, an invitation

to enjoy beaches, rivers, green areas and historical

buildings. Along with these characteristics there is

an average temperature of 25° C, which in summer

can reach 35°. Th e most popular beaches for tourists

in the area are Boa Viagem and Pina, which have

many palm trees and a sea of warm and green waters.

The land of sun, beaches and reefs

Capital: Recife

Tourism Company of Pernambuco (EMPETUR)(55-81) 3182-8300 / www.empetur.com.br

CONTACT

PernambucoPernambuco

Aerial view of Porto de Galinhas; and the colonial houses in Recife

Werner Zotz

Vinícius Lubam

bo


( SUN AND BEACH ) NORTHEASTERN REGION

Noronha, a must see!However, if you are looking for a real

heavenly place, Fernando de Noronha is

it. Th e archipelago was recognized in 2002

by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, It is

composed of 21 islands and has more than

7000 kilometers of coastline - the region

provides a dream trip. You can enjoy the

many natural pools, see the habitat of spinner

dolphins and large sea turtles.

Fernando de Noronha is one of the most

pristine regions in Brazil and its beauty is

undeniable. Among the many beaches that

make the region a unique place is Leão

(Lion) Beach - it takes its name from the

huge stone that resembles a sea lion. Th is

region is not easily accessible, however it is

worth the eff ort to experience the landscape

of white sandy beaches, rocky pools and a

turtle breeding ground.

Another dreamlike place to meet is the

Bay of Sancho, which is considered by many

lists and rankings as the most beautiful

beach in Brazil. Its landscape is impressive

with its clear blue sky that contrast with

green sea and white sand.

Porto de Galinhas and its poolsFollowing the unforgettable places of

Pernambuco, Porto de Galinhas is located

in Ipojuca, 70 kilometres from Recife. In

this village, life seems to run smoothly in a

beach setting with natural pools with warm

and clear waters where you can see colorful

fi sh. At low tide there are raft s that will take

you to the pools. At high tide water sports

take over. It is a place full of surprises and

also has diverse leisure facilities like buggy

and horse rides.

Cabo de Santo AgostinhoAnother area that is worth a visit in

Pernambuco is the Cabo de Santo

Agostinho. The peninsula has nine

distinct settings and beaches for all tastes.

Among the crowded beaches are Gaibu

and Corais. Th e quieter are Itapuama and

Pedra do Xaréu . Th ose who want complete

privacy should visit Paiva, which is almost

deserted. Th e most beautiful in the region is

certainly Calhetas, hidden and protected by

vegetation and rocks, and is only accessible

by dirt road.

Besides the beaches, the state also has

options for adventure seekers. In Bonito,

for example, there are eight waterfalls

that provide trails, tree climbing, trekking

and rappelling. If you are looking for

ecotourism, then there are trails at Two

Brothers Zoo, in Recife, and Engenho São

João, in Itamaracá Island.

Pernambuco is a destination with diff erent

options. It is true that the beauty is what

attracts tourists to visit, however, the region

is much more than beautiful scenery and

hosts an important part of Brazil’s history,

a rich culture and a cuisine that charms

tourists. Th e most important aspect of the

state is it is home to extremely hospitable

and cheerful people who are always

smiling, ready to welcome people from

anywhere in the world, especially Germans.

Two views of archipelago of Fernando de Noronha


Mouth-wateringIn late afternoon hunger bites! There is no need to leave the beach as many restaurants and kiosks cater for your needs as you stay under a parasol. The pleasure of being in Alagoas is not just the delicious swimming, but also a dive into the colours and fl avours of the local cuisine, which stands out for its diverse gastronomy. Seafood tops the menu in Alagoas and as there are 230 km of coastline, lakes and rivers it couldn’t be any other way. The local waters produce the very best fresh seafood. Fish, crustaceans, clams, mussels, fried mackerel, lobster, shrimp, fried crab and traditional fi sh stew with fi sh broth and cassava fl our porridge, drizzled over with a hot sauce must be sampled to be believed. The delicacies of indigenous and African origins are often served at breakfast and in the evening. Try a piece of everything; the most popular is meat of the sun, a delicacy that takes pride of place in the buffet restaurants in the state capital. Forget soft drinks and enjoy the North-eastern fruit juices while you are in the area. Jackfruit, mango, mangaba, pineapple, cherry, sapodilla, pine, soursop, acerola and hog plums are worth a special mention and you will find them everywhere - in ice creams cocktails and deserts.

The Caribbean - without a passport>> Alagoas is the official representative of

the Caribbean waters in Brazil with 235 km of

turquoise coastline, particularly the stretch from

Paripueira to Maragogi. The coral reef on state

coast attracts tourists to the area, mainly to the

State capital Maceió. In March 2013, the coastal

stretch received the first CAT (Tourist Service

Centre) and standardized it’s kiosks, promenades

and cycle paths. Th is modernization comes with the

boom in the number of tourists who visit the city

annually. Speaking of standardization, unlike large

megacities, in the state capital you will only fi nd

buildings up to 9 fl oors, allowing people to enjoy

the sun until the last minute. Not just in Alagoas,

but in the entire Northeast: it is worth remembering

to make the most of your day, as the sun has set

and dinner is already being served at 18 o’clock!

Th e four most popular urban beaches in Maceió

are Cruz das Almas, Jatiúca, Ponta Verde and

Pajuçara. Th e majority of the available 20,000

beds available in the area are found in these

four beaches. Although the main source of

economy is still Sugar Cane, it is indisputable

the strength that the tourism sector has in

the state. Only in 2013, Alagoas welcomed

about 2.2 million tourists and reaped the rewards by

being given the “Beaches of the World Cup” award.

A well deserved title which is divided between

the North Coast, where you will fi nd big clubs and

resorts, and the South Coast, which has classical

cities and popular beaches, such as Francês and Barra

de São Miguel. But it is on the north coast where

Paripueira is located and here there are natural pools,

that you can only reach by boat. Th ey are 4 km from

the coast and coupled with it’s warm waters, make

it very diffi cult to go home. Try striking a deal with

the travel guide to take you to the best places and

if he agrees to take you to Maragogi, be sure to go.


Capital: Maceió

Alagoas Department of Tourism(55-82) 3315-5700 / www.turismo.al.gov.br

Maceió Department of Tourism(55-82) 3235-5189 / www.turismo.maceio.al.gov.br

CONTACT

AlagoasAlagoas

Ponta Verde Beach, seafood based gastronomy and Pajuçara Beach

Setur-AL

Setu

r-A

L

Setur-AL


>> Th e region is a major tourist destination

in Brazil and is situated about 125 km from

Maceió, on the Coral Coast. The small

village of Maragogi off ers true natural jewels

such as the galleys (largest pools in the

country), mangroves, and the vegetation,

which sets the scene with its numerous

coconut trees. Th e colour of the water is

impressive, a crystalline green.

Boats and catamarans take 20-minutes

to reach some of the pools, and once you

arrive, you are advised to not touch the

coral, or buy it on the beaches as coral is

considered a very sensitive living being

that should be preserved. Tourism is heavy

and increases the chance of environmental

degradation and poaching is large. The

beaches are formed by soft sand and clear,

warm water, staying waist high in some

places for up to 100 meters. In all, there are

nine beaches, with Ponta do Mangue, Barra

Grande and Burgalhau, the highlights as

they are quiet and full of coral. Th e coolest

and most urban is the Vila de Maragogi,

with bars, restaurants and handicraft shops.

In addition, you can go hiking through

the Atlantic Forest and visit waterfalls;

navigate the Maragogi River and explore

the mangroves by kayak; go to the village

of St. Benedict; view Boqueirão barriers

in Jarapatinga; go on ecological bike rides;

and visit the Museum of Una, a reference

of environmental culture.


Mar

agog

i, a s

epar

ate c

hapt

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anci

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Ara

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Gunda Beach and natural pools in Paripueira

Setur-AL



ParaíbaParaíbaHoliday pace in the big city

>> People who love a quiet and peaceful

life, but don’t want to lose their connection

with the pace of a big city, might consider

Paraíba a paradise. João Pessoa and its 733,000

inhabitants are used to the buggies and raft s

on the seashore that is always full of tourists.

Tourism actually is a major source of income

to the population.

João Pessoa is a privileged city, mostly

because of its geographical position in the

Brazilian territory. Th e capital of Paraíba is

just 120km from Recife, 180 km from Natal

and 380 km from Maceió, which provides an

intense fl ow of tourists between cities. Th e

coconut trees line the road and lead you to

the beaches. Th ere are so many beaches long

this stretch of sand that the next beach you

fi nd is more beautiful than the last one. Th is

makes the area popular for photos with the

hashtag, #nofi lter on instagram.

Leaving the likes and comments aside, the

important thing is to feel the positive energy

of the blue sea and explore the intense nature

that the Northeast provides. In the boardwalks

of João Pessoa, for example, tourists and locals

share the setting when on walks at sunset or

bike rides. Just as in Maceió, João Pessoa has

the coast preserved by state law that limits the

height of buildings, allowing beach goers to

top up their tan until the last minute of the

sunset. The friendly people, the beautiful

beaches, tree-lined streets, gastronomy and

the well-maintained historical centre complete

the north-eastern capital.

In most cases, tourists are concentrated in

the urban beaches of Tambaú, Manaíra and

Cabo Branco, with stalls, bars and restaurants.

Th e more rustic and beautiful landscapes,

however, are on the southern coast, closer to

Pernambuco. But the North coast is popular

with surfers. Th e waters are not as clear as the

South coast, but have excellent waves. Guests

Red Sand Island in Cabedelo; and

Cabo Branco Beach in João Pessoa

Cacio Murilo/Setur-PB

Setur-PB



Capital: João Pessoa

Government of the State of Paraíba(55-83) 3218-4545 / www.destinoparaiba.pb.gov.br

João Pessoa City Hall(55-83) 3218-9000 / www.joaopessoa.pb.gov.br

CONTACT

traveling with children should include a dip in the

natural pools of Picãozinho on their route.

On Cabo Branco beach, cliff s that stretch all along

the coast enhance the landscape. Tambaba was the

fi rst naturist beach in the Northeast; in Coqueirinho,

the sea meets fresh water rivers; and Ponta do Seixas

is the most eastern part of Brazil that it the closest

point to the African continent. It is in Gramame

Bar that we can experience the meeting of a river

and the sea, and soak in hot water, compared with

the average temperature on the Brazilian coast. Th e

28ºC are an invitation to relax and play at the seaside.

If any day in João Pessoa is cloudy or you just fancy

a trip to the beach, then it is still defi nitely worth

it. Make sure you have time to visit to some of the

important Baroque buildings that exist in the old

city centre: the Cathedral of Our lady of the Snows,

built in 1602, the Church of Mercy, 1586, and the

San Francisco Cultural Center are some examples.

Other must-see attractions, beyond Sun &

Sand, should also be included in your schedule.

This applies to the visit to the Cultural Centre

José Lins do Rego, a cultural mix of Convention

Centre, museums, theatres, concert halls, public

library and planetarium. There is always some

interesting exhibition waiting. Make a note to

stop at the Palace of Redemption, the state capital,

surrounded by luxury and history. A survey by the

National Retail Federation found that nine out of

10 tourists visiting João Pessoa recommend the city

as a tourist destination for friends and relatives.

To stay, major hotels are concentrated on the

urban fringe of Cabo Branco, Tambaú and Manaíra

– near these beaches you will also fi nd the majority

of attractions. Th e city’s rates are below the average

charged on the northeastern coast. In the capital,

you can book comfortable accommodation in a

good location for less than 80 Euros per couple.

To eat, it is almost impossible to ask for a

recommendation in the city and to not hear “Mangai”

as the answer. It would take a few days to taste all that is

on off er at this famous and extensive buff et restaurant .

Th e Manaíra neighborhood also concentrates other good

options such as Nau, of fi shfood, and the French Degustar.

João Pessoa Historic Centre and Coqueirinho Beach

Cacio Murilo/Setur-PB



>> What does Bahia have to charm so many tourists?

Th is is a complex question to answer because the

state has many attractions. In a simplistic way we can

say that Bahia has a lot of culture, tradition, history,

traditional food, quiet and very friendly people,

capoeira dance and music. On top of this, it has

beaches that attract people from all over the world.

The state has the longest coastline in Brazil,

BahiaBahiaA tourist destination of lush scenery

Capital: Salvador

Bahia Department of Tourism(55-71) 3116 4131 / www.setur.ba.gov.br

CONTACT

1,200 kilometres and almost 300 beaches. Th ere

are possibilities for all tastes. Th e most interesting is

that almost all the beaches are far away from urban

centres and the small villages where they are located

give a charming touch to the destinations.

Bahia also has Salvador, which is the state capital

and welcomes approximately 3 million tourists a year;

it is no surprise, since Salvador has excellent beaches.

Pelourinho and Farol da Barra,

in Salvador

Photos: Setur BA



One of these is the Buracão Beach. Hidden away, it is the perfect place to spend

a quiet day reading a book, sun bathing or even sheltering under a parasol

drinking coconut water. All this can be enjoyed in seclusion, since the place is

almost deserted. Although the area is calm, the sea is not, as it is very rough.

In Salvador, you can also fi nd small beaches and some very beautiful ones,

like Porto da Barra. Close to city centre, the beach has calm and clear water

with natural pools, and this is due to reefs that surround the site. Liked by

tourists, Porto da Barra has an incredible view of All Saints Bay, which is one

of the most beautiful national settings. Next to Salvador, about 50 km away,

for example, is a destination that cannot be missed: the village of Praia do

Forte. A former fi shing village, the region has beautiful beaches, palm trees,

lakes and pools. Th e site has many options to sample its gastronomy. Th e

local cuisine, that continues to delight tourists through its taste and smell,

off ers opportunities to experience fi sh stews and a dish called abara, made

with shrimps. Being in a region boasting good infrastructure, Praia do Forte

is well liked by tourists who prefer calm seas and a lot of natural beauty.

Speaking of beautiful national settings, the Espelho Beach in Porto Seguro

is considered one of the most beautiful in Brazil.

Visiting this coastal region is omissible if you want

to experience the natural spectacle. Th e area consists

of a beautiful meeting of land and water. Giving

the name Espelho (Mirror) was no accident as in

calm sea you can see the refl ection of the blue sky.

In Ponta Grande Beach, also in Porto Seguro,

beauty leaves everyone in awe. When the tide

goes out and pools form among the coral reefs.

Th e sea is warm with lovely calm water, ideal for

swimming and diving. Th ere is also a wide range

of speedboat trips, banana-boats and kayak rentals.

Caraíva, a beach village in the south of the state,

is a curious place. It is a meeting place of diff erent

cultures, living in a diff erent way to major cities.

Cars cannot go to the centre, there is strict control

of waste and electrical energy is used only when

needed. Th e beach of Caraíva is about two kilometres

long, with crystal clear waters with coconut trees

everywhere. In the region you can see the sunset,

which is one of the main attractions.

Mangue Seco is also a place of interest. Th e fi shing

village is located in the municipality of Jandaraí. As its

bwuty is widely recognised, the region was the setting

for a very successful Brazilian fi lm ‘Tieta do Agreste” by

Carlos Diegues in 1996. In addition, the region is within

an area of environmental protection, which makes it

a heavenly place, with dunes of fine sand, coconut

trees and mangroves. Th is is home to diff erent types

of fi sh, birds and the crop-yellow alligator. Another

animal that lives in this region is the sloth, which is

currently endangered. Aft er all this, you should have

a partial idea of what Bahia has to off er. If it is sun and

sand tourism that you are looking for, then Bahia is the

exact place to enjoy all that the coastline has to off er.

Beach in Trancoso and the famous

“baianas” (locals), state culture icon

Photos: Setur BA




SOUTHEASTERN REGION ( SUN AND BEACH )

Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro>> White foams of the blue-green sea break on to the

white and fl uff y sands of the beaches of Rio while the

bright sun bronzes the skin of people relaxing on the

beaches, just like lizards, in lazy summer days. Th ere

is no better way to defi ne the hottest season of the

year in Rio de Janeiro, when the city is cheerful and

bright, even the locals fi nd a way to go to the beach

to watch the sunset, or to ride a bike along Ipanema

Beach. They are rewarded with the view of the

Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers)

mountain in the background.

In relation to Sun & Sand

Tourism, the city is the most

popular, not only for foreign

tourists but also for Brazilians.

This is because the beaches

in Rio are among the most

beautiful in the world, topping

the most prestigious lists

regarding beaches. According

to the 2014 Trip Advisor Ranking, of the 25 most

beautiful beaches in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro stood out

with eight beaches. Prainha and Grumari, in the

West Zone of the capital, were voted in 16th and 24th

positions respectively in the ranking. Th e Guardian,

a traditional English newspaper, awarded Arpoador,

in Ipanema with second place among the 10 most

beautiful in the country. According to the publication,

the “sunset in Arpoador is one of the tours that can

not be missed by anyone visiting the Marvellous City”.

But it is in the rest of the state where the true

Brazilian paradise beaches are found. Isolated from

civilization and in touch with nature, the sites seem

to have come out of the screen of a movie and are the

dream of adventurers, surfers and small groups, who

want to hide away from the world, hear the sounds of

nature and forget their problems. Th ey are destinations

that rejuvenate the soul, that

heal, renewing the energies

for another day of hard work.

One of them is Ilha Grande

(Big Island), in Angra dos

Reis. The site is known to

contain one of the most

beautiful coastal regions on

the globe. An example is

the beach of Lopes Mendes,

which appears countless times

on various lists about the most beautiful in the world.

Its success with tourists happens to be surrounded

by a wild vegetation of almond and apricot trees

and its waters are crystal clear and transparent.

The environment is completely deserted. There

are no buildings, piers for mooring boats or sellers

screaming on the beach. Here, nature reigns supreme.

Another beach that deserves a mention is Aventureiro.

A paradise with blue-green

sea and white sand

Capital: Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro State Tourism Department(55-21) 2333-1061 / www.rj.gov.br/web/setur/principal

Tourism Company of Rio de Janeiro City(55-21) 2271-7000 / 2541-7522 / www.rio.rj.gov.br/web/riotur

Tourism Company of Rio de Janeiro State(55-21) 2215-0011 / www.turisrio.rj.gov.br

CONTACT

Ipanema Beach

Riotur

Turisrio Turisrio

Aerial view of Cabo Frio coast Atalaia Beach, in Arraial do Cabo


( SUN AND BEACH ) SOUTHEASTERN REGION

Th e beach is attractive because it has a huge

coconut tree that has grown at an angle

of 90 degrees, one of the islands famous

scenes. If you enjoy hiking, up a mountain

in Aventureiro, there is a break in the trees,

less than 30-minute walk away, where you

can have a view of the beaches and of the

forest that colours the island, with its green

palm trees. Th e small fi shing village makes

up a harmonious setting, where warm people

are ready to receive tourists with open arms.

For those traveling with families, small

children or prefer the warmth of a friendly inn,

the village of Abraão is the largest community

on the island, with 1,900 inhabitants, and

the main tourism gateway. The jagged

cove consists of 14 beaches and 5 islets.

Another destination that attracts tourists

due to its infrastructure is Búzios. Th e small

town is full of trendy shops, funky bars, fi ne

dining and international clubs. Th e site

has one of the busiest nights in the state

of Rio de Janeiro. During the day, visitors

enjoy the intense sun whilst relaxing next

to the sea. By nightfall the Rua das Pedras,

main street of the town, comes alive with

ambience of a night out.

Th e most popular beaches are Geribá,

Ferradurinha, Armação, Ossos, Olhos de

Boi e Caravelas. For surfers, a great place

to visit is the small and well-preserved José

Gonçalves, where the waves are bigger.

For those who want to escape the crowds

fl ooding Buzios in high season, the beaches

of Azeda (Sour) and Azedinha (Little Sour)

are more secluded. Th e name comes from

the colour of its waters, which are green

like limes. You can reach Azeda Beach

from Ossos Beach, just follow the small

path on right side that leads to Azedinha.

Arraial do Cabo is 38 km from Buzios and

it also has its pieces of paradise. Unlike other

beaches, the sea in Arraial stands out for being

an intense shade of blue. Th e temperature of

the water is very diff erent, with temperatures

between 6°C and 18°C, Arraial do Cabo

and Cabo Frio (close by) have the coolest

sea water in the southeast of Brazil, quite

different from the average in the region,

where the temperature remains around 20°C.

Among the most beautiful beaches in

the area is the Ilha do Farol (Island of

Lighthouse), which also was considered

the “most perfect beach in Brazil” by the

National Institute for Space Research

(INPE). Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia

are other two worth visiting. With really

white sand, they are separated by rocks and

form a cove when the tide is high.

On the opposite side of the state, in

Paraty - located 258 km from the capital

- the beaches are more wild and isolated.

Usually access is found by trail or boat. And

it is these same characteristics that give

the impression of a sacred place. Antigo

e Antiguinhos beaches are surrounded

by green mountains, have soft sand and

crystal clear waters. In the right corner of

Antiguinhos there are freshwater streams

where you can swim to remove the sea

water from your body, defi nitely a special

destination to be dazzled by natural beauty.

São Conrado Beach, in the state capital Geribá Beach, in Búzios

Turisrio

RioTur

Arpoador, where locals and tourists gather to watch the sunset


MIDWESTERN REGION ( CULTURAL TOURISM )

Brazilian Capital is Synonymous with Civic TourismFederal DistrictFederal District

>> Brasília, the capital of Brazil, was built

in only a thousand days and was included

in the List of UNESCO’s (United Nations

Educational, Scientific and Cultural

Organization) Cultural Heritage Sites

on December 7, 1987, being the first

contemporary city to get the Cultural

Heritage of Humanity distinction. The

city has the largest listed area in the

world - 112.25 km². All this makes the

city a perfect place for Civic Tourism.

Planned by former President Juscelino

Kubitschek and designed by architect

Oscar Niemeyer, the city has architecture

that reduces the high local temperatures,

providing a more fresh and pleasant

environment. Designed in the shape of an

aeroplane, it is at the Planalto Palace (where

the cabin would be) that the president

spends her working days. At the other

end is the bus station and in the centre,

the airport. In the “aeroplane wings” the

residential areas are, all connected by large

and wide avenues. The location, in the

Midwest Region of Brazil - the centre of

the country - was chosen strategically to

make the city the federal capital.

Brasilia was built on a fl at area and there

are no mountains on the horizon. Th e view of

the city goes as far as your eyes can see. Th e

architecture, which is unique in the world,

makes it the largest open air collection of

modern architecture in the world.

You should start your tour at the bus station,

which overlooks the Ministerial Esplanade

and the Juscelino Kubitschek Monument.

In the North, there is a part of the urban

area called North Wing (Asa Norte) and a

truncated pyramid, similar to the pyramid of

Cheops (Egypt) with a facade composed of

cubes and rectangles by Athos Bulcão. Th is

monument is the National Th eatre.

If you have more than two days in the city, it

is possible to visit the JK Memorial, JK Bridge,

Memorial of Indigenous People and the army

HQ. If you have more time to spare, then

among the other options are the TV Tower

Craft Fair, with jewellery made from stones,

embroidery, straw craft s, clay, wood, colourful

fabric and furniture to order. You can fi nd it

among the 522 stalls in operation. On the

other hand, the City Park, better known as

Sarah Kubitschek Park, the largest urban

park in Latin America, offers a kart track,

amusement parks, playground, capoeira and

bicycle rentals. Finally, Pontão do Lago, is a

gastronomic, shopping, leisure and amusement

centre that is busy from six in the evening.

You cannot miss the works of art by the

architect Niemeyer who made Brasilia

so famous for its aesthetics. They are:

Metropolitan Cathedral, Itamaraty Palace -

Ministry of Foreign Aff airs, National Congress,

the Th ree Powers Square and monuments,

Pantheon of the Country, the Planalto Palace,

Alvorada Palace and Avenue of Nations.

Federal District Department of Tourism (55-61) 3214-2744 / www.setur.df.gov.br

Vem Viver Brasília (Come Living Brasília)www.vemviverbrasilia.com.br

CONTACTPlanalto Palace

DF G

overnment


The Homeland Pantheon

National CongressThe National Congress boasts the two highest buildings in Brasília at 28

fl oors each, the buildings in Annex I of the House and Senate are united

by a walkway and form the letter H, which would be a subtle reference to

the concerns of representatives of the people, man (homem in Portuguese),

honour and honesty. Th e convex roof belongs to the House; the concave,

to the Senate. Linking the two main buildings, corridors culminate in their

plenaries. Both have an amazing collection of art work, as well as libraries

and gardens designed by Burle Marx. Th e Institutional Visitation Program of

the National Congress is open Monday to Sunday from 9h30 to 17h, 365 days

of the year. Every 30 minutes, a monitor guides visitors through the diff erent

areas of the House of Representatives and the Senate, as the Plenary Ulysses

Guimarães, the Plenary of the Senate, the exhibition Túnel do Tempo and

Black, Green and Blue rooms. It is not necessary to schedule a time for groups

of up to 15 people. Over this number and for visits in English, Spanish and

Brazilian Portuguese Sign Language (libras), an appointment can be made

at the entrance to the House.

Pantheon of the Country and Planalto PalaceTh e Pantheon of the Country was built in honour of the former president

Tancredo Neves and the heroes of the nation. Th e stained glass windows of

the building, by Marianne Peretti, form the map of Brazil. Th e Planalto Palace,

seat of the executive branch, is made of marble and toughened glass. Th e two

soldiers of the Battalion of the Presidential Guard (BGP) that are in the Hall

of Mirrors, which gives access to the parlour and the ramp, are dressed in

the same uniform of the imperial guard of Dom Pedro I, the Independence

Dragons. Th e offi ce of the president is on the third fl oor. Planalto Palace

brings together works of art such as Os orixás, Colhendo Bananas and Praia

do Nordeste, by Djanira; a panel of Burle Marx; As Mulatas, by Di Cavalcanti,

and sculptures as O fl autista, by Bruno Giorgio. You can join a guided tour

of 25 people at weekends and by registering in the Visitors Book, take home

postcards and pamphlets of information about the Palace.

Alvorada PalaceAt Alvorada Palace, the columns supporting the brickwork are the attraction,

which hardly touch the ground, giving an incredible lightness to the monument.

In the Square of the Th ree Powers, the controlling powers of country - Legislative,

Executive and Judiciary reside. Besides the Congress, the Supreme Court and

the Planalto Palace, other architectural constructions form part of the square.

The Metropolitan CathedralIt took twelve years to build it due to the complexity of the project. Because of

its acoustic walls, the priest doesn’t need to use microphones during the Mass,

as he can be heard perfectly from any point, without having to change the tone

and pitch of his voice. It takes two seconds for the sound to travel reach the

other side. Th e circular nave of the monument is below ground level. To get

there, visitors walk through a fl oor tunnel with black walls, which leads to a

penumbra site, called the meditation area. Th en, the visitor enters the nave, lit by

natural light and captured by stained glass by Marianne Peretti. On the stained

glass the egg represents life and the blue, the uterus. Th e angels, arranged in

diagonal form as if in fl ight, are the Annunciation. Th e ceiling of the baptistery

was designed in the form of bread and the base is the cup of wine. Inside there

is the only offi cial replica of the Pieta (famous sculpture of Michelangelo).

( CULTURAL TOURISM ) MIDWESTERN REGION

National Congress

Metropolitan Cathedral

Photos: DF Government


NORTHERN REGION ( CULTURAL TOURISM )

ParáA trip through the

heart of the Amazon >> Diverse ecosystems all in one place - sea

and fresh water beaches, untouched forests,

mountains, lakes and Amazonian rivers make

up a mosaic of Pará attractions. It is in this

region that the giant Amazon River flows

into the sea of the Atlantic. To explore this

region stuff ed with natural beauty, the best

access is through its capital, Belém. Santa

Maria de Belém do Grão-Pará, the full name

of the city, was founded on 12 January 1616.

Since then the Empire benefited from its

strategic geographical position and many of

its regional goods came from the region. It is

also an important corridor for those wishing

to reach the Th e Guyanas and the Caribbean.

But what really matters is what the State of

Pará has to off er its visitors. Strong indigenous

heritage, mixed with European, African and

Asian migrants, Pará culture is marked by an

exotic cuisine and unique folklore.

It is here that a beautiful spectacle of nature

occurs: the meeting of the waters of the two

rivers Tapajós and Amazon. In the city of

Santarém, you can admire this phenomenon

from boats or from fresh water beaches, formed

on the sand banks of the rivers. They run

together for miles without mixing. On the

Tapajós River and on the numerous waterfalls

and wild rock formations, tourists are invited to

have a go at adventure sports like rappelling and

climbing. From Santarém, boats leave towards

the waterfall of Aruã. Located in the upper

reaches of the river Arapiuns, the waterfall is

divided into two, separated only by an island

covered with vegetation. Besides swimming

in the river, you can canoe on the rapids.

Another beauty of nature is Alter do Chão.

The Amazonian Caribbean is a must do for

ecotourism lovers. In speedboats, the tour includes

the Green Lake or Muiraquitãs Lake. In the shape

of a V and facing the Tapajós River, the lake is

surrounded by beautiful white sandy beaches

during the dry season - from August to September.

In the summer, the lake is transformed and is

completely separated from the Tapajós River by a

huge sand bank; a true 1 km long island is created.

And there is more. This state is full of

activities for those seeking a more than

ecological tourism. Marajó Island is its greatest

representative. Located at the mouth of the

Amazon River, the archipelago is in the right

place for bird watching and being up close

and personal with animal life. Also, do not

miss the unique chance to ride on a buff alo.

All this natural simplicity contrasts with good

urban infrastructure. Belém is home to one

of the largest universities in Brazil and brings

together museums, cultural and gastronomic

spaces for its residents and visitors. Th e city

also has a heritage protected by the federal

government. Th e neighborhoods of Old Town

and Campina headquarter plazas, gazebos,

palaces and monuments that represented the

height of the Belle Époque, a time when the

international trade of latex, raw rubber, turned

Belém one of the main cities of the country.

Culture and nature in Belém: Ver-o-Peso Market and trails through woods

Para

tur


( CULTURAL TOURISM ) NORTHERN REGION

Capital: Belém

Pará State Government(55-91) 3212-0669 / www.pa.gov.br

Tourism Company Pará (Paratur)(55-91) 3110-6330 / www.paratur.pa.gov.br

CONTACT

>> Belém has six environmental parks. Th e biggest

is the Mangal das Garças. It occupies an area of

42,000 square metres at Guamá River bank, around

the historic center. Th ere, dozens of water birds,

including scarlet ibis, live. Th ey can be seen from afar

and give a colorful tone to the green forest landscape.

Among them, you can fi nd some really white species,

which probably don’t eat special food. Th e Scarlet

ibis earn this coloring by feeding solely on crabs.

During the walk, go to the butterfl y house where

there are dozens fl ying or simply resting on a tree

trunk. You will fi nd a very diff erent kind here, one

with wings that look like two giant eyes! To have

an overview of Mangal and the city itself, go to the

lookout. It is accessible by lift and from the top you

can take photos of this unique setting with Amazonian

rivers in the background. If you visit around one or

two o’clock in the aft ernoon, then be sure to enjoy

lunch at Mangar das Garças. It’s food fi t for a king.

Jammed in the city center, in Rodrigues Alves Wood,

tourists can venture on a canoe ride or simply go

trekking. It’s a part of the Amazon jungle in the middle of

a metropolis. If you choose Emilio Goeldi Museum, your

trip will be fi lled by loose agoutis, sloths high up in the

trees, ornamental fi sh and rare birds like macaws. Here

you will fi nd as well an indigenous objects exhibition. In

the late aft ernoon, a good tip is to go to Batista Campos

Square. Hundreds of people walk among huge trees and

cross small bridges and gazebos watching the birds.

The green capitalLuiz Braga / Paratur

Luiz Braga - Arquivo Paratur

Alter do Chão Beach, in Santarém, and canoe ride in St. Jerome Farm, in Marajó

Jean Barbosa


>> A true melting pot. Th at’s how São Paulo, one

of the main cities in Brazil, can be defi ned. Besides

being one of the most important economic centers

in the country, the city can also boast the most

foreign tourists. Last year, when it was a host city

of the FIFA World Cup, there were about 15 million

visitors. Most of them were on business, but ended

up exploring all kinds of attractions.

While it is known worldwide as a business capital,

the city is very rich culturally. The options are

numerous and cater for all tastes and budgets. To

give you an idea, in 2014 São Paulo knocked Rio

de Janeiro off the top spot as the best destination

in the country as chosen by TripAdvisor travelers.

The quantity and quality of the attractions were

responsible for the number of votes.

With regards to culture, the highlights are

the museums, some of which are internationally

recognized. One is the Museum of Art of São Paulo,

MASP, which can be found on postcards of the city.

Located on Paulista Avenue, it is one of the most

important in the city and brings together works by

Brazilian artists, in addition to the international ones of

Picasso, Botticceli, Van Gogh and Monet, among others.

In the self proclaimed country of football, a museum

dedicated to the theme cannot be missed. Opened

in 2008 and located in the Pacaembu Stadium, it has

a great collection of displays and memorabilia that

tells a little of the history of the most popular sport

in Brazil. If the language spoken in the country is

of interest then São Paulo offers the Museum of

the Portuguese Language, an interactive museum

SOUTHEASTERN REGION ( CULTURAL TOURISM )

São PauloSão PauloThe Brazilian capital of culture

Capital: São Paulo

State of São Paulo Department of Tourismwww.turismo.sp.gov.br / (55-11) 3709-0022

São Paulo Tourismwww.spturis.com / (55-11) 2226-0432

CONTACTdedicated to language and literature. Th ere is also the

Ipiranga Museum or Paulista Museum, which has in

its collection, items related to the emperor Dom Pedro

I, the independence of Brazil and the royal family.

Th e cuisine is also part of São Paulo’s culture. Th e

city has some of the best restaurants in Brazil and

claims impressive numbers like 12,500 restaurants

off ering 52 types of cuisine. Among the highlights

are DOM, by chef Alex Atala and voted the fourth

best restaurant in the world; and Terraço Itália,

located on the 49th fl oor of a building in the city

center, off ering the best panoramic view of São Paulo.

However, if the idea is to try something really

traditional, the place to be is Mercado Municipal

(Market Hall). Besides learning a little more about the

ingredients used in Brazilian cuisine, the market has a

few restaurants that serve delicacies that enthuse local

people. Among the classics are the bologna sandwich

and the codfi sh pasty. Another symbol of the city

is pizza. Th ere are numerous pizzerias throughout

the city, which boast being the best in the country.

Ibirapuera Park, Luz Station and Paulista Museum

Photos: Caio Pimenta


>> To learn more of the history and culture

of the people of São Paulo, there are themed

tours. One of them explores the city’s

architecture, especially the Old Town. Th ere

are buildings, churches and monuments

in the region which, together with the

historic context, reveal the greatness and

the political and economic strength of

the city. Among the places visited are the

Monastery of St. Benedict, the Church of St.

Francis and the Church of the Th ird Order

of Carmel. Another must-do in São Paulo

is a walking tour through the center, with

buildings that have been preserved over the

years and help tell the city’s development.

In the most famous square in the city is the

Sé Cathedral. Built in a Gothic style, it is

located in front of the ground zero of the city.

( CULTURAL TOURISM ) SOUTHEASTERN REGION

Concerts and shoppingSão Paulo is also the scene of major concerts and is a mandatory stop for the main stars of pop music’s world tours. At least two major festivals are already confirmed for 2015: Loolapalooza, at the end of March, which will feature concerts by Robert Plant, Smashing Pumpkins, among others, and the Monsters of Rock, in April, with the presence of Ozzy Osbourn and Kiss. If you would like a little more excitement, then the state capital is also bohemian. A few drinks and the famous “pub cuisine”, São Paulo has a multitude of places to go. A good tip is the neighborhood of Vila Madalena, which has many bars and is also close to Vila Olímpia, which houses some of the top nightclubs in the city. Shopping is also a part of the São Paulo culture; after all there are 240,000 shops in different regions. Options range from the sophistication of Oscar Freire Street and malls such as Iguatemi, to alternatives like unique antique fairs such as the one at Bendito Calixto Square. Another icon of the city is the March 25th Street, the largest open-air shopping centre in Latin America, known for its multitude of popular items.

Architecture and tourism, a perfect combination!

College Square and the diversity of colours and fl avours of the Municipal Market

Phot

os: J

effe

rson

Pan

cier

i


SOUTHERN REGION ( ADVENTURE TOURISM )

>> Santa Catarina is considered as one of the most

complete states in Brazil as it off ers several tourism

options, covering all tastes, from the north to the south.

Beautiful beaches, parties, wine tourism, ecotourism,

cultural tourism, business and adventure tourism.

Florianópolis, the state capital and also known as

Magic Island for its beautiful beaches, is the gateway to

this paradise of diversity. Beaches, islands, mountains,

forests, rivers, lagoons and waterfalls. Th e whimsical

nature of Santa Catarina

provides wide ranging

environments for outdoor

activities all year round.

This combination is an

invitation to experience

unforgettable expeditions for sports and adventure

lovers, there are relaxing activities, from bird watching

or hiking along easy tracks, to those that require

physical effort and special equipment, such as

abseiling, canyoning and gliding.

Surfi ng and its variations, windsurfi ng and kite

surfi ng, are also very popular in Santa Catarina.

They attract legions of fans who have different

lifestyles and value their proximity to nature. Th ere

is 560km of coastline and about 130 beaches suitable

for surfi ng, and at least two major special lagoons

for windsurfi ng and kite surfi ng. It is diffi cult to

single out the best beaches for surfi ng due to the

large amount of possibilities. Th e best known are

Joaquina, Mole, Moçambique and Morro das Pedras.

Ibiraquera Beach, in Imbituba, is considered the best

beach for windsurfi ng in Brazil. If sand boarding

takes your fancy, then a good place to try this is

on the dune of Joaquina Beach, in Florianópolis,

and also those located in Garopaba and Jaguaruna.

Th e Marine Biological Reserve Arvoredo, near

Florianópolis and Bombinhas, is considered the

best place to go scuba diving in southern Brazil. A

natural shelter of many marine species, the reserve

controls tourism by environmental organizations,

governing the dive site and regulating the amount

of visitors. Only accredited operators are allowed to

off er tours to the site. For snorkeling, the coves of

Bombinhas, Campeche Island (Florianópolis) and

the Porto Belo Island are the most recommended.

Diversity and adrenaline

Santa CatarinaSanta Catarina

Div

ulga

ção

Diving in Bombinhas, sandboarding in Florianópolis and rafting on the Itajaí River

Pata

da

Cobr

a


>> Th ose seeking even more adrenaline can fi nd both

on the coast and in the countryside. Santa Catarina

has excellent trails for trekking and mountain biking.

Th ey step into the Atlantic Forest and traverse cliff s

and hills by the sea, or slope through the valley

and mountain ranges that divide the state in two.

Waterfalls are everywhere and make rappelling a true

adventure sport. Th e mountains of Santa Catarina

also have fantastic places for canyoning, which are

for experienced climbers only. Th ere are also areas

for abseiling and zip lining. Other activities include

rides in off -road vehicles and cycling. Up high, there

is also an abundance of possibilities to get your

adrenaline pumping through your veins with free

fl ight, parachuting and glider fl ights.

Santa Catarina has some of the best places

in the country for rafting like Itajaí-Açu River

and its tributaries in the Itajaí Valley. Accredited

operators off er tours with diff erent levels of diffi culty.

Excitement is guaranteed in the beautiful waters

of the Santo Amaro da Imperatriz River, near

Florianópolis. Canoeing is another good alternative

in coves, rivers, lakes and parks in the state.

Th e state’s coast is a popular haunt for professional

and amateur fi shermen who can choose from wide

variety of areas and catch numerous species. Ocean

fi shing is possible along the coast, and Itajaí is one

of the main professional places in Brazil. Two fi sh

deserve a special mention: the bass from Babitonga

Bay channels and anchovies. Whether in the

capital or in the countryside, in Santa Catarina the

adrenaline is guaranteed in every corner of the state.

And that’s why more and more it is standing out on

the sports and adventure scene, attracting tourists

and athletes from around the country and world.

( ADVENTURE TOURISM ) SOUTHERN REGION

In the air, on land or in water

Capital: Florianópolis

Santa Catarina Department of Tourism, Culture and Sports(55-48) 3212-6300 / www.sol.sc.gov.br Santa Catarina Tourism (Santur)(55-48) 3212-6300 / www.santur.sc.gov.br

CONTACT

Whale WatchingAnother highly popular activity is whale watching. This spectacular phenomenon occurs between June and November, which is when the right whales leave the waters of Patagonia and come to give birth and nurse their young on Santa Catarina’s coast. The region ranging from Içara to Florianópolis, was transformed into a large area of environmental protection for these mammals, which can measure up to 17 meters in length and weigh up to fi ve tons. Whales are often seen more often in Imbituba and Garopaba. You can see them easily from the beach, but there are boat tours offered by accredited operators that take you to within a few meters of these large mammals for an unforgettable experience.

Mole Beach, Florianópolis, and

aerial view of Balneario Camboriú

Makito

Div

ulga

ção


>> Ceará stands out for many things: beaches,

cuisine, culture, infrastructure, ecotourism, but what

separates it from the rest is the permanent sun. Th e

capital, Fortaleza, was voted as the sunniest beach

in Brazil, with an average of 239 days of sun a year.

Th e beautiful beaches with their crystal clear waters,

unique cuisine, cultural attractions and the coastline

form the perfect setting for a holiday, any time of year.

With so many beaches, water sports have become

increasingly popular grabing the attention of

adventurers from all over Brazil and the world.

For surfi ng, diving, windsurfi ng, kitesurfi ng and

sailing lovers, Fortaleza is paradise. The winds

NORTHEASTERN REGION ( ADVENTURE TOURISM )

Capital: Fortaleza

Ceará Department of Tourism(55-85) 3101- 4669 / www.setur.ce.gov.br

Fortaleza Department of Tourism(55-85) 3255-8300 / www.fortaleza.ce.gov.br/turismo

CONTACT

that hit the shore make the state one of the best

places in the world for these sports. Especially

diving. The Risca do Meio Stone, 16 km from

Mucuripe, exudes schools of fish and stingrays

to a depth of 28 metres. Dives are offered with

professional supervision and equipment rental.

Th e ecosystem that promotes these sports is not

exclusive to Fortaleza. Th anks to the constant wind,

the West Coast’s beaches are also an excellent option

for the surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. In

addition, the region stages rounds of the professional

and amateur surfi ng championships. Th e beaches

of Taíba, Paracuru, Flecheiras, Icaraí de Amontada,

Synonymous for beaches, sun and adventureCeará

Ceará is perfect for sport lovers



NORTHEASTERN REGION ( ADVENTURE TOURISM )

Preá and Jericoacoara have earnt the

right to host these events with the

varying colours of the sails and boards.

Sandboarding is another craze that has

been gaining ground in the dunes of

Jeri and Paracuru.

In Canoa Quebrada, good wind and

the water temperature ensures perfect

conditions for windsurfi ng, surfi ng and

kite surfi ng, which hosts national and

international championships. You will

find schools for enthusiasts of these

sports in Aquiraz and Beberibe. Th e

dunes, with their advantageous views,

off er opportunities for sandboarding.

For the adventurous who seek even more

excitement, large off -road competitions

also take place here.

The region of dunes and lagoons,

the beach of Cumbuco has beautiful

and rare scenery and is one of the most

sought aft er in Ceará. A full 35 km from

Fortaleza, strong winds make this the

ideal place for kite surfi ng. Th ose who

have never tried this sport and want

to have a go, then it is possible to rent

the equipment and have lessons with

qualifi ed instructors in a small school

that assembles on the site during the

busy days. But the best way to get an

impression of the region is on one of

the buggy rides or tricycles, that pass

through the main attractions lapping

up an atmosphere of adventure and

excitement. On the river Cauípe,

tourists can go on a zip line falling

in to a lagoon formed in the dunes.

In the Parnamirim Lake, the lure is

sandboarding.

Located in the Central Hinterland,

Quixadá is the capital of adventure

sports in Ceará. Th e proximity to the

Monumental Valley off ers visitors a range

of attractions, such as mountaineering,

trekking, horseback riding, mountain

biking and hang gliding. Moreover, the

hills and mountain ranges guarantee

Quixadá a prominent place in the

national championships of free fl ight.

The Monumental Valley, considered

the most important semi-arid North-

eastern ecosystem, has nature trails

oft en used by tourists, such as Boqueirao

and Cabeça do Gigante. Most of them

leave from Quixadá. Th e big attraction

is the exuberant fl ora and fauna of the

savanna. Th ere have been more than 400

animal species identifi ed among birds,

reptiles and mammals here.

The Aratanha and Baturité Mountains A mild climate region - where the

temperature varies between 17º C

and 22º C has rich vegetation, which

contributes to the exuberance of the

fauna and fl ora, allowing the observation

of rare birds and animals in their natural

habitat. Cascades, waterfalls, rivers and

water features form the ideal scenery

for hiking, biking, horseback riding,

fishing and extreme sports. Those

seeking even more adrenaline have

guaranteed excitement in activitiess

such as abseiling, canoeing and gliding.

Paraíso Lagoon, in Jericoacoara



>> Rio Grande do Sul can boast that it

is one of the most well qualified states

in Brazil. The focus of its promotional

activity is diverse and preserves culture

and its traditions, as well as the exuberant

nature combined with services and high

quality professionals. Th e most important

wine region of Brazil is in the south of the

country, accounting for about 85% of the

national wine production.

Serra Gaúcha – the mountains of

Rio Grande do Sul – has certified wine

production areas like the Valley of the

Vineyards, located between the cities of

Bento Gonçalves, Garibaldi and Monte Belo

do Sul, about 130 km from Porto Alegre, the

state capital. Located nearby are the cities

and important grape producers of Flores

da Cunha, Caxias do Sul and Farroupilha.

Th e beautiful landscape, reminiscent of

Italy and that diff uses the architecture and

accents of Italian and German descents,

receive thousands of tourists every season

to taste its wine, sparkling wine, grape juice

and regional products such as cheese and

salami. Th ere, the vineyards open their doors

and each one has different things to do.

Salton (www.salton.com.br/turismo), Miolo

(www.miolo.com.br/enoturismo/) and Casa

Valduga (www.casavalduga.com.br) are just

some of the possibilities for tourists who want

to make the most of the summer in the south.

With a trip to the vineyards, you can taste

the fl avours of the diff erent red grapes, like

Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot; or

the white grapes of Chardonnay, Malvasia

and Riesling. A guided tour will reveal their

sparkling manufacturing methods, such as

the Charmat (refermentation tank) and

the champenoise (bottle refermentation).

On a course or in a longer chat with

winemakers, visitors can discover that the

bouquet is the sensory sensation that a

more complex wine exudes such as pepper

or cloves. It takes just a weekend around

the oak barrels for you to understand the

diff erent ways of holding the wine glass and

how what to look for when smelling the cork.

SOUTHERN REGION ( WINE TOURISM )

Rio Grande do SulRio Grande do SulValley of the Vineyards: a part of Europe in Brazil

Fabiano Mazzotti - Prefeitura Municipal


>> Th e state capital, Porto Alegre, is known for

its multi-culture and nature. Founded in 1772 by

couples from Portuguese Azores Islands. Over

the subsequent centuries, the city welcomed

immigrants from around the world: Germans,

Italians, Spanish, Africans, Polish and Lebanese, and

of diff ering religions: Catholics, Jews, Protestants

and Muslims. It is the tourist gateway in the state

and is only 120 kilometers from the pleasant Serra

Gaúcha, Porto Alegre is a busy hub of services and

infrastructure of recognized quality, a large national

and international base for companies and a major

destination for international events in Brazil.

The culture is very present in local cities. They

preserve its history that has been passed down from

generation to generation, whether through language,

dance or costumes - especially the Germans and

Italians who have settled here. Th e traditions tell the

story of the locals and with a beautiful landscape give

tourists the opportunity to have unique experiences in

the region. Th e local festivities are an example of these

traditions that attract more and more tourists to the city.

Lovers of nature and outdoor activities fi nd in the

state many possibilities and diverse tours, from extreme

sports to bird watching. Little known tours in the cities

of Três Coroas, Canela and Caxias do Sul provide

closeness to nature. Raft ing, zip lines, tree climbing

and hiking are some of the attractions here too.

( WINE TOURISM ) SOUTHERN REGION

Capital: Porto Alegre

Rio Grande do Sul Department of Tourism(55-51) 3288-5400 / www.turismo.rs.gov.br

CONTACT

In th

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Historic Centre of Porto Alegre, trip aboard the

Maria Fumaça train and Caracol Waterfall, in Canela

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MIDWESTERN REGION ( ECOTOURISM )

>> A few kilometres from the capital, the city of Bonito

is the perfect destination for Ecotourism lovers. It is

no coincidence that it is known as the Brazilian capital

of the Ecotourism segment. Th ere are 33 attractions

that form part of the offi cial tour of the city and are

able to please visitors with the most varied of tastes.

Th e most popular attractions are snorkelling and

caves, but who like to watch nature, hike or scuba

dive will also fi nd some fun here as well.

Th e snorkelling tours are among the busiest in

Bonito. Th e two main options are the Sucuri River

and the Prata River. Th e divers among us can observe

the fauna and fl ora on which ever trip they choose,

as the two off er unique experiences with their own

characteristics. All tours are accompanied by guides

and do not require previous experience.

For those who haven’t dived before, then the Sucuri

River, located on the São Geraldo Farm, about 20 km

from the centre of Bonito is the best bet. Th is river is

considered as the most transparent in Brazil and visibility

is said reach up to 15 metres. Th e depth varies from 70

cm to 3 metres and the tour covers 1.5 kilometres in

around two hours. Th e Prata River is located in a city

called Jardim (Garden), about 50 km from Bonito. In

Sucuri River, you can really see the vegetation because

of its very clear waters, in the Prata River, you will be

impressed with the amount of fi sh. Traditional Pacus

and Piraputangas, Pintado (surubim), Dourados (Golden

fi sh) and a multitude of small Lambaris can be seen.

Visitors can come across small ten centimetre fi sh to

a meter long fi sh. Th e tour actually starts on the Olho

Capital: Campo Grande

Mato Grosso do Sul Department of Tourism(55-67) 3318-5018 / www.seprotur.ms.gov.br

Campo Grande City Council(55-67) 3314-3588 / www.pmcg.ms.gov.br

Bonito City Council(55-67) 3255-1351 / www.bonito.ms.gov.br

CONTACT

Mato Grosso do SulPerfect combination of sport, nature and adventureD’água River, where the water temperature reaches 24

degrees. Th ere are approximately 800 metres that are

full of fish and native vegetation. When the current

meets the Prata River the temperature is a little cooler,

around 20 degrees, but nothing to make you turn back.

If you like to be closer to nature, besides the

snorkelling, a good tip is the Buraco das Araras.

Th is is a 100 metre deep and 500 metre wide hole.

Th e area is home to hundreds of scarlet macaws and

other native birds from the region. Th e spectacle of

the high fl ying birds is really beautiful, especially

between the months of June and September, when

it is easier to catch sight of them.

Th e caves, which are the symbols of the city, are

also excellent places to visit. Th e Blue Lagoon Cave,

one of the main attractions of the city shows a breath-

taking scene. After descending 290 steps and 60

metres, you arrive at the main hall of the cave, which

houses a beautiful lake with fully crystalline waters

and appears blue in colour, but the colour is in fact

the effect of the sun’s rays that penetrate through

the opening. Th e geological formations, which took

thousands of years to form, are also an attraction in

themselves and a tour here takes about two hours. Th e

other is the famous cave of São Miguel. To get there

you have to get a trail of approximately 200 metres

on a suspension bridge. Th is marvellous attraction

allows you to observe the formations of stalactites

and stalagmites, which are thousands of years old.

For the more adventurous, a good tip is rappelling in

the Anhumas Abyss. Th is is a huge cave, located about

20 km from the city centre. Th ere you can rappel down

a 72 metre cleft in the rock that leads in to the cave,

which houses a crystalline lake that is the equivalent

size of a football fi eld. Th e descent is a fascinating

experience and below you can see the numerous and

impressive geological formations. It is also possible

to dive and fl oat in the lake that is 80 metres deep.

To be able to dive, you must have a basic diving

certifi cation and you can only go down to 18 metres.

Snorkelling in the Prata River and Anhúmas Abyss, in Bonito

Valdemir Cunha

March 2015 Berlin ITB | FOLHA DO TURISMO BRASIL | 37March 2015 Berlin ITB | FOLHA DO TURISMO BRASIL | 37


>> Th e State of Amazonas has long found its potential

for ecotourism. Nowhere else in Brazil do we fi nd

so many activities and attractions focused on the

environment and adventure. Here, man and nature live

in harmony. Ecotourism is used as a means of living

for the people, keeping the natural areas preserved

NORTHERN REGION ( ECOTOURISM )

Where man and nature live in harmony

Amazonasand protected. Hiking in the jungle (with overnight

stops), down rivers in infl atable boats (riding the

beautiful rapids), tree walking and pot holing in

stunning caves. In the Amazon, all this is possible.

Ecotourism can be experienced in Amazonas all

year, during both the wet season when the rivers

burst their banks and the dry season when they

retreat. Th ese two beautiful but diff erent seasons

promote diff erent activities.

Ecotourism in the Amazonas I spopular in the

Mamirauá Development Reserve, in Tefé; in the

Village of Lagos, in the municipality of Silves; in

the Community of Ubim and Piranha in the city

of Manacapuru; and communities of Janauary,

Paricatuba and Acajatuba in the municipality of

Iranduba. If you are looking for great adventures,

thrills, unforgettable experiences and memorable

ones, then your destination will be Amazonas.

Ethno Wild TrackEthno Wild Track was implemented to take

advantage of the ways used by the natives of the

Beija-Flor indigenous community for hunting and

Capital: Manaus

Amazonastur – Amazonas State Company of Tourism (55-92) 2123-3800 /www.visitamazonas.am.gov.br

CONTACT

Meeting of the waters of rivers Negro and Solimões; and a view of the city of Manaus

JPLIMA


( ECOTOURISM ) NORTHERN REGION

fi shing. While walking, tourists experience

incredible sensations that are heightened by

their senses; the smell of the forest aromas;

the touch of wet tree trunks and the diff erent

textures of leaves; the sounds made by the

animals; the sight of diff erent shades of green

that protrude through the trees; the taste of

Indigenous fi sh cuisine, cassava fl our and ants

– they even eat ants – are the main ingredients

of the local cuisine.

Th e Ethno Wild Track is 1,100 meters in

length and you must be accompanied by a

local guide, delighting tourists in ways that

lead you to experiencing ancient Indian

rituals, which make you realize the importance

of preservation. Th e walk does not require

physical fi tness or sporting skills; it can be done

by people of all ages, dressed in appropriate

clothing and it lasts about thirty minutes.

Where the Nightingale SingsThanks to its biodiversity, the Amazon

guarantees itself to be in outstanding position

among the most popular destinations for

bird watchers. Of the nearly ten thousand

species of birds already catalogued in the

world, more than 1,600 species are in Brazil

and about 750 in the state of Amazonas. For

the birdwatchers among us, arriving at the

designated bird watch area is possible by

hiking in the primary forest and depending

on the time of year, using a motorized canoe

over the lakes and flooded areas. Among

the most sighted birds are macaws, toucans,

parrots and parakeets. In addition to spotting

different species in their natural habitat,

tourists can still enjoy the songs, such as the

Nightingale of the Negro River.

Birds, fi sh and…Th e Amazonas has the best places for you to

go fi shing. Th ere are numerous rivers that

are home to the greatest diversity of fish

on the planet. Predator par excellence, the

Peacock Bass is a symbol of sport fi shing in

Brazil and its voracity is able to tackle hooks

without bait. In addition to the peacock bass,

sport fi shing also includes the large catfi sh.

Because they are mostly migratory fi sh, sport

fi shing can be practiced throughout the year.

In the region, you will find gilded catfish,

redtail catfish, catfish (barred Sorubim),

Sorubim tiger, fl atwhiskered catfi sh, goldfi sh

and goliath catfi sh.

ManausManaus is the state capital, the largest state in

Brazil and home to much of the Amazon. Th e

fact alone is a good reason to visit the city. But

there are many others tourist attractions in this

capital that unite this rich culture, modernity

and nature. Th e wealth provided by Amazonian

culture, which received considerable infl uence

from indigenous people, is present in the

everyday life of these people, whether during

regional music, the visual arts, crafts and

folkloric processions. For admirers of opera

and classical concerts, the Amazonas Th eatre

offers several spectacles. The theatre is a

symbol of the golden age of rubber in Brazil.

Maroaga Cave and Salto Belo, in the Amazon Hub


SOUTHERN REGION ( ECOTOURISM )

ParanáParaná

> > Nat u re a n d pre s e r v at i on a re

characteristics that stand out in Paraná.

With its fauna and fl ora that is still protected,

the region is ideal for adventure tourism

and ecotourism. In Paraná, the diversity of

routes and diff erent activities, combined

with the practice of safe adventure, provides

a mixture of adrenaline and fun. Starting

on the coast, ecotourism passes through

Campos Gerais, Terra dos Pinhais and will

continue until the Iguaçu Falls and Paths

Lakes of Itaipu. You can go cycling, hiking,

mountaineering, tree climbing, raft ing...

The coast of Paraná, despite its short

length, is full of alternatives and surprises

visitors with its natural beauty of villages,

rivers, beaches and islands. Ecotourism can

be experienced at diff erent points along

the coast, in a sustainable relationship

with nature, with conservation and

environmental education. Among these

points are Mel Island, in Paranaguá; the

Superagui National Park, which comprises

the Peças Island, Superagui Island and

Pinheiro Island; the Private Natural Heritage

Sebuí and the Private Natural Heritage

Reserve Salto do Morato in Guaraqueçaba;

the area of tourist interest of the Marumbi

State Park and the Caminho do Itupava in

Morretes. On the Coast is also the most

preserved portion of the Atlantic Forest

in Brazil. In its bays, you can see dolphins

and the peaceful life of local fi shermen.

Ecotourism, adrenaline and funTourists can get up close and personal with the Falls by boat


( ECOTOURISM ) SOUTHERN REGION

Capital: Curitiba

Parana Department of Sport and Tourism(55-41) 3352-6443 / www.turismo.pr.gov.br

CONTACT

Culture and nature blend togetherIn Campos Gerais, visitors will fi nd the rich

cultural background of the state traversing

the Tropeiros Route, the Immigrants Route

or the Industrial Route. Th e contrast between

the fi elds and the mountainous slopes is the

main feature of the region. Th is landscape

provides a rare view of natural beauty. Th e

ecotourism activities stand out in the region

especially in the Vila Velha State Park, in

Ponta Grossa, with its sandstones that have

different formats. It is also worth visiting

the State Park Guartelá in Tibagi, which has

beautiful scenery that can be admired through

the many options of trails, as well as having

the sixth largest canyon in the world.

Located in the center-south of Paraná, the

region of Terra dos Pinhais surprises with

its privileged position, with dense forests of

Araucaria, temperate climate, rivers and a rich

and diverse culture. It has unique landscapes

and rugged geography, forming giant waterfalls,

routes that allow hiking, canoeing, abseiling

CuritibaCuritiba has beauty that goes beyond the natural. The capital of Paraná is modern, sophisticated and cosmopolitan and brings together everything a big city can offer its residents and visitors. Curitiba also has a diverse historical, cultural and gastronomic circuit. Paraná is a mosaic of ethnic groups and is in its capital that this is reflected with more emphasis. Tradition and modernity go together. In many monuments and tourist areas, the destination honors the various ethnic groups that have settled there. The gastronomy and architecture have as main reference Europeans, with the remarkable heritage of Portuguese immigrants, Italians, Germans, Poles, Ukrainians and other people.

and rappelling down waterfalls. This is the

ideal destination for ecotourism and adventure

tourism practices. It is famous for the quantity

and quality of its waterfalls, one of these

options is called the Route of the Waterfalls,

comprising the cities of Prudentópolis

and União da Vitória. For those who like

adrenaline in the highest, the Private Reserve

of Ninho do Corvo allows the practice of tree

climbing, rock climbing, abseiling and zip lines.

Water as a major attractionOn the border with Paraguay and Argentina,

the Iguaçu Falls and the Itaipu Hydroelectric

Power Plant have amazing scenery, showing

a wonderful marriage of nature and man’s

achievements. In this region, water is the

main protagonist, through the Paraná and

Iguaçu rivers, the Itaipu Lake or the Botucatu

aquifer. The lush landscape of the Iguaçu

National Park, the beauty and magnitude of

the Falls, attracts thousands of Brazilian and

foreign tourists. Th ere, various activities to try

out. One of the most sought aft er attractions

of Iguaçu National Park are the boat rides,

as the Macuco Safari, whose climax is to

bring visitors to the falls at Iguaçu. Another

must-see place to walk in Foz do Iguaçu is

the Bela Vista Biological Sanctuary, created by

Itaipu. Th ere you can follow trails amidst the

woods to see animals up close that are native

to the reservoir area and forest species like

the guaimbê vine that grows embracing 300

year-old Angico Gurucaia trees that grow up

to 26 meters in height and 3.5 meters wide.

Mel Island, on the coast of Paraná, and the Iguaçu Falls

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Countdown to the OlympicsRio’s attention turns to the Games and its tourists

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HotelsAccording to Alfredo Lopes, president of ABIH-RJ, the Rio hotel industry will experience a jump because of the Olympics. “From 2009 until the Olympics, about 18,000 new rooms will be put into operation, an increase of almost 50%. In Barra da Tijuca alone, there will be more than 11,000 new rooms for the Games”, he said. For Lopes, one of the problems is that the neighbourhood is not known as a destination in Brazil and abroad. Thus, for the growth of the hotel industry to happen in a sustainable way, a great deal of promotion and a publicity campaign is needed. The president of the institution also surmised that the occupation of the city is estimated to be at least 90% during the Games, especially in 3-5 stars hotels. Regarding nightly rates, Lopes said that rates should be between US$180 and US$600. “All the rooms for the Olympics have been marketed and prices agreed by the IOC”, noted the president. Lopes states that the number of rooms is suffi cient to accommodate tourists during the mega event and now the concern turns to professional certifi cation. “The hotel industry is expanding very fast. Today the workforce is focused on building, when hotels get ready, these professionals will migrate to the hotel service and very little is being done to prepare them”, he said.

Test EventsThe fi rst test event for the 2016 Games was held at Marina da Glória on 9th August, when 320 sailors from 34 countries took part. That same week there was also a National Press Briefi ng, a World Press Briefi ng and workshops about the structure that Rio is preparing for press coverage during the event. More than 300 journalists from 10 Brazilian states and 26 countries attended.

>> Aft er the success of the FIFA World Cup, the eyes

of the world turn once again to Brazil, especially to

Rio de Janeiro, who will host the 2016 Olympics.

With about 55% of its sports facilities ready, Rio 2016

is now entering the fi nal stretch of preparations for

this mega event. “Within two years of the Games,

we ended the exclusive planning phase and are

now in operational readiness as structures for the

competitions begin to take shape and get closer to

completion”, said Carlos Arthur Nuzman, president

of the Organizing Committee of Olympic and

Paralympic Games, Rio 2016. According to Carlos,

the legacy for Rio and Brazil will be huge. “No other

host city will have had the benefit of this size of

transformation such as Rio”, added Nuzman.

Although most of the sports facilities are now

complete or advancing well, the construction of 27

other infrastructure projects (underground, bus lanes

and environment) has been slower, and does not

exceed 24%. Th is legacy will cost R$ 24.1 billion, not

counting the cost of arenas (R$ 6.5 billion) and the

investment of Rio-2016 for the event (R$ 7 billion).

According to the update of the Responsibility

Matrix of the Olympics, released by the Olympic

Delivery Authority (ODA) in the last week of July,

the total value of the Olympic Games should be

around R$ 37.6 billion, 46.8% more than the FIFA

World Cup, which cost approximately R$ 25.6 billion.

Divulgação Rio 2016 / A

lex Ferro

SPORTS 2016 Olympics



Divulgação Rio 2016 / A

lex Ferro

>> Vinicius Lages, the Minister of Tourism,

surmises that although the Olympics are

focused in Rio de Janeiro (the football games

will also be played in Belo Horizonte, Brasilia,

Salvador and São Paulo), the event is an

opportunity for the whole country, which

should be craft ed to benefi t Brazil. “We have

great expectations for the Olympic Games,

especially if we now take the opportunity to

make 2016 the Olympic Year for Brazilian

tourism. This means enjoying 365 days of

“Olympic spirit”. Th e whole country benefi ts

when we plan themed events, trade shows and

attractions geared to health, sport, wellness and

technology related to sport”, explained Lages.

According to the minister, the goal of

Olympic Year, created in partnership with

state departments and the private sector, is

to encourage a series of events to increase the

tourist fl ow within the country. Th e idea is for

Ministry of Tourism wants to turn the whole of 2016 into Olympic Year

tourists to visit Rio de Janeiro, the host city

of the Olympics, but also other cities during

the Games and at other times throughout

the year. The initiative will enhance the

opportunity of the Olympics, especially

from a tourism point of view. “Th e event

has duration and limited scope, but the

expansion of the concept of Olympic Year

will turn 2016 into a schedule full of activities

across the country”, said the minister.

Vinicius Lages also points out that,

based on the World Cup experience, the

perspective is that the Olympics will be a

success, revealing the quality of the Brazilian

tourism diversity to the world. However,

some challenges still need to be overcome.

“Th is is an event that brings more strength

to our industry. There is a combination

of effort in every way, and this is healthy

because it gives us new experiences. The

main challenges are to extend the capacity to

receive tourists, with more skilled labour and

a better-equipped infrastructure; and also

the ability to charm that visitor, with more

information available in diff erent languages

and the improvement of something we

already have in our DNA - our hospitality. All

this increases the visibility of the country in a

positive way, both domestically and globally,

contributing to the attraction of more

tourists to Brazil in the long term”, he said.

>> Rio 2016 will bring together 42 Olympic and

23 Paralympic sports. A total of 16,000 athletes

will participate in the mega event, as well as

delegations from 204 countries, 4,500 technical

offi cials, 70,000 volunteers and over 25,000

media professionals. Th ere are four new events

for Rio 2016: Rugby, Golf, Para-canoe and

Para-triathlon, which were defi ned by the IOC

and the International Paralympic Committee.

Just for the Olympics, which take place

between 5th and 21st August 2016, 10,050

athletes from 204 countries will compete for

the 206 medals, including 136 women’s events,

161 male competitions and 9 mixed. The

competitions will be held in 33 locations spread

over four regions of the city of Rio de Janeiro:

Barra, Copacabana, Deodoro and Maracanã. In

the case of football, the games will also be held

in four other Brazilian cities: Belo Horizonte,

Brasilia, Salvador and Sao Paulo. So far, 28

editions of the Olympics have been held: six

times in North America, three in Asia, two in

Oceania and 17 in Europe. Th is will be the fi rst

time the event will take place in South America.

Rugby, Golf, Para-canoe and Para-triathlon are new Olympic events

Phot

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Cheaper tickets will cost R$40

>> The Rio 2016 Committee

announced, on 16th September, the

prices of about 7.5 million tickets that

will be on sale for the Olympics. Th e

price list includes 717 sessions of 28

sports in addition to the Opening and

Closing ceremonies. Th e cheapest entry

will cost R$40. Th e ticket prices of all

sports and ceremonies will be available

on the site of the 2016 Games (www.

rio2016.com). With a commitment to

be accessible to the public, more than

half of the tickets - about 3.8 million,

will cost R$70. On the fl ip side, the

most expensive tickets are the opening

and closing ceremonies, costing

R$4,600 and R $3,000, respectively.

>> Th e 2016 Olympic Games brand is the

result of a collective creation process. Th e

concept was born from a simple idea: what

makes Rio a unique city and the Olympic

Games a grand event, the answer - the people.

So it is essentially a human brand, framed

by lush nature of a city that invites you to

live with passion and lightness, a love of

living and sharing, spreading kindness and

warmth with joy and contagious energy.

Inspired by the nature of Rio and Brazil -

full of hairpin bends, mountains, rivers and

lakes - the most beloved icons of the city,

such as the Sugar Loaf and Corcovado, are

represented in the brand design. Since Belo

Horizonte, Sao Paulo, Brasilia and Salvador

will also host football matches, the Rio 2016

Committee also created icons for each city.

Th e logo is represented by the union of

three human fi gures joined by hands and feet

in green, yellow and blue. Th e symbol for

the fi rst time in history is three-dimensional,

besides being the fi rst, since Torino 2006,

featuring a symbol of the host city. It

represents the act of hugging, a feature of

Brazilian culture, symbolizing the welcoming

and receptive Brazilian culture.

“Th e fi rst step of our creative process was

to open our eyes and see what was around us.

Nature inspires the Olympics Brand

People, places, images, monuments, colours,

smells, sensations ... All this wealth was the

focus of a photographic immersion in which we

recognized the visual references of the city. In just

over a little more than a year, we recreated the

traces of the Marvellous City”, said the Committee.

The selection process for choosing the

agency that created the offi cial logo of the

Olympic Games lasted fi ve months and was

praised by the participants themselves. Th ere

were 139 agencies from various regions of

the country, all with important operations

in Brazil. Th e selected agency was the Tátil

Design de Ideias, from Rio, which has over

20 years of experience in building brands,

more than 100 national and international

awards and a customer portfolio of large

companies from diff erent segments.


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With 560 km of coastline, the state has beautiful beaches and all of them are different from each other. Some are located in busy resorts; others are almost deserted and are only accessible by trails through the Atlantic Forest or by boat. Surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing, stand up paddle and sailing are all in abundance and you will fi nd good waves and perfect wind along the coast, in places like Ibiraquera Lagoon in Imbituba. For the more adventurous among us, the state has some of the best places in Brazil for rafting. A good example of this is the Itajaí-Açu River and its tributaries, in the Itajaí valley, where thrills are guaranteed. Canoeing is also a good on one of the many rivers, lakes and parks in the countryside of the state. If you prefer staying on dry land, then cycling is a good option to relax and discover a new kind of tourism - on two wheels. If you are looking for some natural beauty mixed with a bit of tradition, the diversity of the state will not disappoint. Santa Catarina’s canyons impress with their grandeur. In this case, rural tourism is especially good for horse riding and tours can last up to a week.

Santa Surfboards, bicycles and horses Choose and explore the state

Catarina

Abseiling in the Ingleses Mountains

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Paths of the CanyonsSculptures ofMother Nature

>> Th e Paths of the Canyons attract mainly

lovers of ecotourism. Th e expeditions explore

the high mountains that were abruptly cut

by Mother Nature. Th e impressive canyons

are located in the National Park of Aparados

da Serra and Serra Geral in the south of the

state. But the Paths of the Canyons also have

attractions on the coast and in the inner cities.

In total, seven cities make up the region:

Sombrio, Praia Grande, Jacinto Machado,

Passo de Torres, Balneário Arroio da Silva,

Araranguá and Balneário Gaivota. These

destinations off er a variety of activities related

to ecotourism and adventures like trekking,

rappelling, tree walking, zip lining, fi shing, boat

rides, cascading, mountain biking, cycling and

horseback riding tours. It also has a multitude

of trails, waterfalls, lakes and other natural

places that allow greater contact with its nature

and animal/bird watching. The crafts and

local culture are also attractions in the region.

SombrioTh e natural attractions and shopping tourism

are the main highlights of Sombrio. The

Cultural Boardwalk and the Mother Church

St. Anthony of Padua are must sees in the city

centre, where you will notice traces of the

Azorean and Portuguese colonisation. Don’t

miss as well, a boat ride on the Sombrio Lagoon:

the largest freshwater lake in the state, spanning

54 square kilometres. It’s worth a visit as well

as Morro da Moça, a 200m high mountain,

with vertical walls that resemble the shape

of ‘Sugar Loaf Mountain’, in Rio de Janeiro.

Praia Grande Settled in by descendants from the Azores,

Portugal and Italy, Praia Grande is an

ecotourism destination par excellence. Here

Aparados da Serra National Park can be found.

Th e stunning landscape is characterised by

vertical rock faces stretching upwards to 700m

in height and then abruptly tail off into the

gentle slopes of a plateau. Waterfalls make the

scenery even more charming. Th e protected

area is situated on the border between Rio

Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, and has

three trails open to the public.

Jacinto Machado Th is is one of the best destinations in Santa

Catarina for ecotourism. Th e city is the main

access point to the Fortaleza Canyon, the

Hiking in Espraiado Canyon in Urubici; and Moça

Mountains, in Sombrio

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Juan Rivas Beasley


Free to fl y Santa Catarina offers many options for those who like throwing themselves in the air. You can go paragliding, parachuting or trips in a glider. In Balneário Camboriú, at Morro do Careca (Bald Hill), at only 80m high, so you can try it out to see if you like it. Paragliding fl ights last for about 15 minutes and are available with an experienced pilot (even for children 5 years an up) can be made here. Atalaia Beach has designated spots for free fl ight in an area owned by the Atalaia Club of Free Flight. Tangará, São Lourenço do Oeste, Gravatal, Garopaba, Santo Amaro da Imperatriz, Florianópolis, Itajaí, Camboriú and Penha are other destinations that also offer ramps for free fl ights and gliders.

region’s largest and also one of the largest in

Brazil, at 7.5km in length and up to 1,157 m

in height. Century old trails used by drovers,

waterfalls, rock pools, rocky rivers and lush

vegetation make the ride up the canyon a

real adventure, which must be done with

accredited guides. Abseiling, canyoning,

raft ing and trekking are some of the most

popular activities here.

Passo de Torres Located on the border with the state of Rio

Grande do Sul, Passo de Torres is a very popular

resort for surfers. Th e beaches of Molhes, Rosa

do Mar and Bella Torres are the most famous.

Other attractions are boat trips to the Lobos

Island, an environmental conservation unit

created to protect wolves and sea lions, and

the Macacos Morro, park for the protection

of monkeys, located 8 km from the centre.

Balneário Arroio da Silva Th e 22 km of beaches is the main attraction

of Balneário Arroio da Silva. The City

organizes most of the sports and recreational

activities - especially in the summer – that

all take place here. Th e highlight is the Truck

Drag Race (Arrancada de Caminhões), one

of the largest events of its kind in the world,

attracting up to 100,000 people every year.

Th e Entremares Fishing Platform, another

point of interest for tourists is 5 km from

centre, in Meta Beach.

Balneário Gaivota With interconnected beaches, dunes, lagoons,

salt marshes and remnants of the Atlantic

Forest, Balneário Gaivota is a quiet destination

most of the year. In the summer however,

tourists come from all over and change the

dynamic of the city. Surfi ng, fi shing and power

boating take place along the 23km long coast.

Th e busy Balneário Gaivota, in the centre,

and the quiet Cortada Lagoon, are a must

do for walking, swimming and sport fi shing.

Araranguá Ecotourism and shopping are the two main

attractions of Araranguá, a city colonized by

descendants of the Azores, Italy, Germany

and some African-Brazilians. Th e central

region of the city has wide avenues and

many shops, bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

Going to the coast, the highlights are the

beaches, lagoons, dunes, caves and the mouth

of the Araranguá River. In several places,

nature provides perfect places to go hang

gliding, sand boarding and various off -road

activities. You can also book horse rides to the

Aparados da Serra Park. Th e main attractions

of the town are the dunes of the Morro

dos Conventos. Th ey form a slope 30m in

height, allowing for descents of up to 35kph.

Trail of Furnas, Macacos Mountains, in Passos de Torres, and Paragliding in Mole Beach, in Florianópolis

Makito




>> Surfi ng and its variants - windsurfi ng and

kite surfi ng - are popular in Santa Catarina,

attracting legions of fans that have a diff erent

lifestyle. In total, the state has 560 km of

coastline and around 130 beaches suitable

for the sport. It’s hard to single out which is

the best beach for surfi ng due to the amount

of options. Among the best known and most

popular are Joaquina, Mole, Moçambique,

Morro das Pedras and Campeche in

Florianópolis; Guarda do Embaú in Palhoça;

Vila (the only Latin American beach that

will host the World Championship Tour

- WCT) and Rosa, in Imbituba; Silveira

and Ferrugem, in Garopaba; Prainha, in

São Francisco do Sul; Atalaia and Brava, in

Itajaí; Estaleiro, in Balneário Camboriú; and

Mariscal and Quatro Ilhas, in Bombinhas.

As for other sports, such as windsurfi ng

and kite surfi ng, the most popular beach

is Ibiraquera, especially the Ibiraquera

Lagoon in Imbituba. With a backdrop of

dunes, rivers, islands and lagoons, Ibiraquera

houses a quiet fi shing village. Th e area is very

popular for its boutique B&Bs and for its good

restaurants, with pink shrimp dishes that are

traditionally fi shed, in the Ibiraquera Lagoon.

Th e waves of the region are considered one

of the best for kite surfi ng and windsurfi ng

in Brazil. Each year in October, the global

elite of both sports gathers on the sands of

Ibiraquera for the most awaited competition On th

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Trekking, rappelling and a Zip line: adventure sport for all One of the main destinations for trekking and rappelling, Urubici has a wide variety of places, mountains and hills to explore. Thrills await you at Serra do Corvo Branco, which is located 30km from Urubici city centre. It has stunning scenery that begins in the crevice that cuts two massive rock faces. The road that descends towards Grão Pará is dizzying, dazzling and reveals wild and varied landscapes. The destination delights tourists, providing activities like trekking, rappelling and other extreme sports. In Balneário Camboriú, the highlight is the Unipraias Park. It is possible to go tree climbing with canopies up to 130 meters and zip line called the ZipRider, a breakneck descent of 750 metres amidst the Atlantic Forest, where you are suspended by just a cable, sitting in a modern seat that reaches an average speed of 60 km/h and has the pleasure of enjoying the scenery and the feeling of freedom. It also has suspended walkways for ecological walks through the Atlantic forest. Finally, at 998m, the Castle of the Bugres, in Joinville, has good facilities for climbing. There are two trails that lead to the top, passing through caves, rocky corridors and lookouts, like Pedra do Sofá. At the top, you can see the entire northern part of Santa Catarina and part of Paraná state.

in Latin America, the Ibiraquera Wave

Contest. Competitors amaze with their

manoeuvres cresting the waves of Ibiraquera.

You may even bump into the WIND 2005

world champion Kauli Seadi, who lives here.

The Ibiraquera Lagoon has excellent

facilities for Slaloming (zigzaging), besides

being great for stand-up paddle (a sport

performed on top of a surfb oard with long

oars). Th ere you will fi nd equipment to rent

to create your own adventure.

Rafting Going down rapids in infl atable rubber boats

emotes much adrenaline and also puts you

amongst nature. Rafting, a sport sought

by adrenaline junkies, increasingly aff ects

Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism in the

region. Santa Catarina off ers a variety of tours,

with various levels of diffi culty available by

accredited companies, including all basic

training and all safety equipment needed.

Th e ducking (infl atable kayak for two people)

and canoeing on rivers and lakes are also a

good option for those who want to immerse

themselves in the nature of Santa Catarina.

Rafting on the river Itajaí-Açu and its

tributaries in the Upper Valley of Itajaí, in the

touristic region of European Valley, is considered

one of the best in Brazil. It’s a 7.5 km stretch with

interspersing rapids, calm passages, waterfalls

and spectacular scenery. Th ere are easy routes for

beginners and others for the more experienced,

which should only be made by veterans of the

sport. At the top of the 350m high starting

point, you have diff erent routes to choose from.

From the top, the view of the Canyon provides

a beautiful sight of the Santa Luzia waterfall,

which is 100m high and has several levels,

which make it favourable for rappelling and

cascading. At the bottom, there are natural

pools that were formed by the waterfall.

Waterfall in Itoupava, rafting in Ingleses Beach, trekking

and canoeing at the beautiful landscapes of Santa Catarina

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>> Many natural wonders and thrills await

tourists on Santa Catarina’s mountain bike

trails. Th e coast and the countryside of the

state have hundreds of places to be explored

on a bike, true paradises at the seaside or on

the slopes of mountains, canyons, valleys and

fi elds. In most cities, there are tour operators

who organize tours and expeditions and rent

out bicycles and accessories. Santa Catarina

is also a pioneer in Brazilian cycle tourism,

consisting of short trips, usually accompanied

by guides from specialised companies. Th e

routes connect various cities, passing through

trails and secondary roads that are quieter.

Th e best-known circuit is European Valley,

which passes through Timbó (about 30

km from Blumenau), Pomerode, Indaial,

Rio dos Cedros, Benedito Novo, Doutor

Pedrinho, Rodeio, Apiúna and Ascurra.

Th e Costa Verde & Mar Circuit gives the

chance of exploring one of the most beautiful

coastlines in the country, passing by quiet

country towns, with preserved forests, rivers

and waterfalls. It is the first cycle tourism

route in Brazil to cover a coastline. And,

when merging stretches of coastline with the

interior, it off ers great cultural diversity and

landscapes. Th e route goes past prominent

and local sights coupled with incomparable

scenic beauty. Popular beaches alternate with

other deserted ones and are surrounded by

green rainforest. Between the beaches, there

are challenging hills that also off er gorgeous

views. With mostly Azorean Colonization, the

coast safeguards strong Portuguese cultural

traits, expressed mainly in the festivities and

cuisine. In the countryside, the views are

littered with rice fi elds and wooden houses set

the tone of the trip. Other cultural infl uences,

notably German and Italian, can be seen here.

Th e cycle tour ‘cicloturista’ passes through 11

cities, eight on the coast: Balneário Camboriú,

Balneário Piçarras, Bombinhas, Itapema, Itajaí,

Navegantes, Penha and Porto Belo and three

more in the countryside: Camboriú, Ilhota

e Luís Alves. Totalling 270 km, the route

uses dirt tracks and urban roads, to avoid

busier paved roads. The tour was designed

to take six days, to give enough time to enjoy

the many attractions that the region has to

offer. In each section there are numerous

opportunities to enjoy other activities

such as hiking, diving, kayaking, surfing,

windsurfi ng, micro light fl ights, among others.

Th ere are also cultural and ecological riches

to be explored, such as archaeological sites,

historic buildings and trails for bird watching.

Cycling! Discover a new and beautiful Santa Catarina

Explore the state by pedal power. Different routes are available for Cycle Tourism


>> For the adventurous ones, in the Schroeder

region, Vale do Rio Braço do Sul is a place

full of springs and streams between the

Morro Agudo and Serra Feia. It is here that

we fi nd one of the most beautiful waterfalls

in the city, the Wasserhoff , as well as the best

downhill (a form of radical cycling consisting

of riding down a hill as fast as possible along

a specifi ed route) course in Latin America.

Th ere is also a cross-country course of 8.3 km

that takes you through the woods and there

is also a sports complex for championships.

In Rio Negrinho, on the tourist route of

Príncipe Paths, there are natural hidden

places and farms in the region that have

nature trails for trekking, mountain biking,

off -roading in a Jeep or ATV. Motocross and

kart-cross tracks can be found in Estância

Colonial for those seeking other challenges.

In Imbituba, a special route takes cyclists from

the Itapirubá Beach to Sonho Beach in Palhoça

to watch right whales, which mate in the region

between June and November. Th e route passes

by cliff s, dunes and several other beaches in

Imbituba and Garopaba. The tour can also

start at the Santa Marta Lighthouse, located

Recognized by UNESCO as one of the most beautiful bays in the world, Rosa Beach still looks like an old fi shing village, with canoes, carts, artisanal fi shing of mullet and rustic lodges, which add charm to the area. Located 22 km from Imbituba city centre and 18 km from Garopaba, Rosa borders the Vermelha Beach, in the north, and Portinho Beach, in the south. The destination was discovered by surfers in the 70’s and today is one of the main points for the sport, especially south of Rosa, in Vila Beach. From August to November you can see the Right whales, which migrate to Rosa Beach to feed their young in their fi rst months of life. The area becomes a kind of natural nursery and attracts many curious people, increasing tourism in the region.

Whale watching

Explore and venture

in Laguna, and lasts two to four days, with

English, Spanish and German speaking guides.

On the other hand, the city of Itajaí off ers

a mixed destination, where tourists cycle

through urban and rural areas, covering

eight districts and nine out of the 17 rural

communities that are in the area. Winding

roads and new friendships complement the

landscapes that are enjoyed by those who

appreciate the calmness of a bike ride.

Finally, Porto Belo is a great option for off -

road mountain bike tours. Th e site also off ers

4x4 tours in cars, passing along rugged beaches,

lookouts, trails and other nature conservation

sites and there is also the possibility of rides

on nights with a full moon. Stops along the

route to cool off with a dip and hiking over

the nearby hills can also be done. Another

option is to explore this scenery riding

in groups accompanied by expert guides.


>> In Santa Catarina there are lots of

opportunities for horse riding, both on

the coast and in the countryside. It was in

Serra Catarinense that, in the 80s, the fi rst

Brazilian farm hotels emerged, paving the

way for the development of rural tourism

in the entire country. Some of the best rides

start at these hotels and some even last up

to seven days winding through totally wild

fi elds. Others have shorter itineraries and are

highlighted by visits to Coxilha Rural in Lages.

Two long horse rides are famous in the

state. The first is the Aparados da Serra

Horse Ride, in Araranguá, leaving Bom

Jardim da Serra and heading towards Rio

Grande do Sul. It happens in July and brings

together hundreds of people. Th e route of

almost 300km, includes old paths, passing

through cities like São José dos Ausentes,

Cambará do Sul, and some of the most

beautiful landscapes of Rio Grande do

Sul and the Santa Catarina mountains.

Th e event lasts for a week and takes place

annually in the winter. During the other

months of the year, Aparados da Serra off ers

walks or adventure tours up to three days

in duration. Th e tourists sleep on the farms

of the Campos de Cima da Serra.

The second is the Tropeira Horse Ride,

that goes from Lages to Tubarão and travels

along the historic path of the drovers through

Picadão da Serra. Th e arrival of the riders is

just one of the many festivities, celebrating the

anniversary of the city, which takes place in May.

In Lages, it is very common for regional

farm hotels to off er rural tourism that includes

horse riding and fi shing in lakes and rivers.

Th e region of Coxilha Rica, where Lages is

located, includes the historic path of Serras

Catarinenses, which takes you up and down

grassy hills, through forests, river crossings

and waterfalls of crystal clear water. Th ere

are stops along the route for refreshments,

to adjust the saddle, and to reach the next

farm for a meal, picnic or to rest. At night,

a guitar around a bonfi re, the traditional

mate drink, fresh milk and delicious typical

food, made with fresh local produce,

await for you on the last night of the tour.

In European Valley, rural inns off er lake and

river fi shing, horse riding and trekking in the

surrounding areas. Don’t miss the tour that leaves

from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Azambuja,

in Brusque, and goes up to the Sanctuary of

Saint Paulina, in Nova Trento (35 km). Th e

horse ride attracts about eight thousand riders

and takes place in the last weekend of August.

silence and tradition of LagesHorse riding in the

Norberto CidadeMakito

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Berlin Germany

March 2015

FOLHA DO TURISMO BRASIL Special Edition ITB

Special Edition ITB Berlin March 2015 Free Distribution

OLYMPICSThe country is preparing to host the 2016 event

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTSRio de Janeiro and

Santa Catarina: vocation for Ecotourism

CharmingDiverse attractions and hospitality seduce tourists worldwide

by natureby nature

Trekking in Galheta Municipal

Park, Santa Catarina

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fiscal island

state park

bocaina national park

cardoso island

cobras island

ilha grande big island

galheta municipal park

extensive sepetiba bay