Brazil

1. Brazil

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

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

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

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

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

9. 4) Weather Patterns • Brazil – has 3 climates • The Amazon Basin (Belem and Manaus) year round temperature 80-90 degrees (30°c) – high humidity and rain most of the year. • Plateau area (where Iguazu Falls) – hotter, less rain and humidity, nights can be cool. • Coast region (Rio) – little cooler, sea breeze offsets humidity, showers can occur and time. • Seasons opposite North America.

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

14. 5.1) Rio de Janeiro • Attractions: • Sugar Loaf – strangely shaped mountain, cities landmark, beautiful views, reached by cable cars, best to go week days – less crowded. • Tijuca National Park – worlds largest urban forested national park. • World renowned beaches – most notably Copacabana (biggest), Ipanema and Leblon. • Botanical Gardens – rich collection of plants and trees brought by Portuguese navigators.

16. 5.1) Rio de Janeiro • Corcovado Mountains – here you can find the Christ the Redeemer statue – famous landmark, offers astounding views. • Carnival – 4 day festival, city shuts down, no one sleeps or does anything else. • Day trips from Rio: • Sao Paulo – business and industrial center, world class international restaurants, shopping, museums and nightlife. • Problems – traffic , pollution and crime. • Sacred Art Museum – largest collection of religious art outside the Vatican. • MASP museum – impressionist paintings.

18. 5.1) Rio de Janeiro • Guarija – sophisticated beach town, day trip from Sao Paulo. • Petropolis – once a summer retreat emperor of Portugal, Imperial Palace, drive from Rio to Petropolis – very scenic. • Costa Verde – beautiful costal town between Rio and Santos, beaches are quieter than Rio. • Iguazu Falls – breathtaking attraction, Brazils border, 2 night stay, short flight from Rio.

22. 5.2) The Amazon • Trip up the Amazon – legendry tourist adventure. • Amazon River – 4000 miles long, 8 miles wide. • Jungles and lush rain forests – home to wildlife seen nowhere else on earth. • Fishing villages and small islands found near the river. • Few major cities along the way- Manaus, Belem and Santarem ( PAGE 218)

25. 5.3) Salvador • Capital of the Bahia district • Strong African heritage • Coastal city – fine climate, excellent beaches, old neighborhoods, fine museums, 365 churches. • City is connected by the Lacerda Elevator • Views are gorgeous, locals are friendly, unique African European cuisine, holds a festive Carnival just like Rio.

26. 5.3) Salvador • Interesting sites: • Many churches – Basilica Cathedral, St. Francis Church, Church of our lord of the good ending. • Mercado Modelo – buy silver, rosewood and fabric souvenirs. • Superb Beaches – beat are Itapoa and Piata. • Day trips from Salvador: • Excursions – numerous islands off the coast, Itaparica – best known, quiet, lovely, undeveloped.

29. 5.3) Salvador • Recife – can be compared to Venice – because of its canals, bridges, however still normal vehicle traffic. Classical churches, old forts, prison which has been turned into a shopping center, great beaches. • Olinda – artist colony • Fortaleza – beach area that has grown with popularity.

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

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

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

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