Brazil Hotel Industry Investment Guide

Transcription

Brazil Hotel Industry
Investment Guide
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Investment Guide
CONTENTS
Page
1
Introduction to the Brazil Hotel Industry
4
2
Brazil Tourism / Hotel Industry S.W.O.T Analysis
6
3
Brazil State Tourism / Hotel Industry Briefs
13
Rio de Janeiro State Tourism / Hotel Industry
13
Espírito Santo State Tourism / Hotel Industry
16
Minas Gerais State Tourism / Hotel Industry
17
São Paulo State Tourism / Hotel Industry
18
Paraná State Tourism / Hotel Industry
21
Santa Catarina State Tourism / Hotel Industry
21
Rio Grande do Sul State Tourism / Hotel Industry
22
Distrito Federal State Tourism / Hotel Industry
23
Goiás State Tourism / Hotel Industry
23
Matto Grosso State Tourism / Hotel Industry
25
Matto Grosso do Sul State Tourism / Hotel Industry
25
Pernambuco State Tourism / Hotel Industry
29
Ceará State Tourism / Hotel Industry
31
2
Investment Guide
CONTENTS
Page
Sergipe State Tourism / Hotel Industry
32
Alagoas State Tourism / Hotel Industry
33
Paraíba State Tourism / Hotel Industry
34
Rio Grande do Norte State Tourism / Hotel Industry
35
Piauí State Tourism / Hotel Industry
37
Maranhão State Tourism / Hotel Industry
38
Amazonas State Tourism / Hotel Industry
39
Pará State Tourism / Hotel Industry
41
Tocantins State Tourism / Hotel Industry
42
Amapá State Tourism / Hotel Industry
43
Roraima State Tourism / Hotel Industry
43
Rondônia State Tourism / Hotel Industry
44
Acre State Tourism / Hotel Industry
45
3
1. Introduction to the Brazil Hotel Industry
As currently the 35th most popular global tourist
destination, Brazil possesses long stretches of coastline,
rainforests, wetlands, diverse biodiversities, adventure,
lively cities, carnivals, warm climate and rich cultural
traditions (including many of the worlds UNESCO
heritage sites) – complemented by an ever-increasing
amount of business travellers visiting the country.
According to the World Trade Organisation (WTO),
Brazil is fourth most visited country in the Americas
(after the United States, Mexico and Canada) and the
highest in South America. According to the Instituto
Brasileiro de Turismo (Embratur), the revenue generated
by tourism in 2008 was over 17% higher than in 2007 (which was previously the best year ever recorded)
– although this decreased slightly in 2009.
The hotel industry has subsequently grown in line with the domestic and international tourist sector and,
relatively speaking, was able to ride out the effects of the global economic downturn. For the future,
the overall expectation remains positive particularly with the arrival high profile events such as the World
Cup 2014 and the Olympics 2016. As of today, some $US 310 has already been invested in the World
Cup hosting cities: Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Cuiabá, Fortaleza, Manaus, Natal, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de
Janeiro, Salvador and São Paulo (with further significant infrastructural programmes in place). It was also
recently announced that some R$ 1 billion has also been earmarked to be offered as low interest loans
to the hotel industry in the build up to 2014 (see below). According to Marcelo Pedroso of Embratur:
“the World Cup host cities will not only gain visibility with the tournament, but will also enable us to take
advantage of the event to diversify the destination options in the country.” Another encouraging fact,
directly related to the hotel industry, is that between 2002 and 2009 the number of international guests
boarding cruise liners has increased by 623 percent with major companies including Royal Caribbean,
P&O, and Princess Cruises all formulating expansion plans in the country.
The ever-apparent economic success of Brazil has resulted in an increasing amount of business tourists
visiting the country; exports, for example, are accounting for 25-30% of Brazil’s national income, up from
15-20% in the 1990s. The current cities in receipt of the most commercially based visits are (in order):
São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre, Curitiba, Belo Horizonte, Campinas (in São Paulo state), Brasília,
Foz de Iguaçu, Salvador and Florianópolis (according to Embratur 2009 Anúario Estatístico, Volume 36).
In addition, the development and expansion of convention centres throughout the country is
exemplifying the increased interest of the hotel industry to expand its operations in nearby cities.
According to the International Congress and Convention Associations (ICCA), in 2009 Brazil was seventh
place in the world for the most amount of commercially-related events held in the globe (after the USA,
Germany, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom and France). Examples of some of the larger centres include
the Anhembi (São Paulo, 400,000m²); the Pernambuco Convention Centre (75,000m²); the Rio Centre
Convention Centre (Rio de Janeiro, 17,466m²) and the WTC Nações Unidas (São Paulo, 10,000 m² spread
over four floors).
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Examples of some significant strides that the hospitality sector has made include the announcement by
French group Accor (with brands including Sofitel, Novotel, Mercure, Ibis and Formule 1) of the
addition over 5,000 rooms to their existing portfolio throughout the country (representing an expansion
of 25 units with an investment of $US 270 million). The group also says that there are another 34 units
in advanced negotiation with its institutional investors for future construction plans. The Blue Tree Group
have announced their expansion into the north and mid-west of the country with the CEO, Chieko Aoki,
stating “very positive performance” throughout 2009 and into 2010. The InterContinental Hotels Group
have announced expansion plans with the current development of six Holiday Inn complexes in Manaus,
São Luis, Belem, Maceio and Cuiaba (with a further 31 in the pipeline); the Atlantica group has 27 hotels
under construction and scheduled to open over prior to 2012 and there are several major refurbishments
and re-openings such as the the Hotel Cataratas in Iguaçu. Please click here to see our interview
with three of the major hotel chains of Brazil.
The 2009 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) – which analyses a country’s competitive
advantage and business development potential – saw Brazil remain in 49th place for the second year in
a row. Whilst it remained in a strong position with regards to its natural resources (3rd in the globe) and
its cultural and human development indices (6th in the globe), the TTCI analyses points to its main
lagging factors as being poor ICT (information and communications) infrastructure and transport links as
well as expressing concerns as to the country’s security and safety issues.
Mention is also worth being made of the growth of eco-tourism and responsible vacationing – an industry
prompted by a growing concern of travellers wanting to visit Brazil’s areas of outstanding natural beauty
whilst still respecting its wide and varied ecosystems and biodiversity. There are now many hotels and
pousadas (Brazilian guest houses) which have active instilled conservation measures in their operation
whilst still remaining profitable and self sustaining. Some of the country’s award winning examples for
investors to refer to include the Do Lado De La Eco Lodge (Aiuruoca, Minas Gerais); the Fazendo Barranco Alto Eco-Lodge (the Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul); the Amazonat Jungle Lodge (the Amazon); the
Itacaré (Bahia), the Juma Lodge (Manaus); the Tiwa Amazonas Eco Resort (the Amazon); the Salinas do
Maragogi Resort (Alagoas). In areas such as the Pantanal, the Mata Atlantic and the Amazon, many
regions are federally protected and any development that occurs within them is subject to strict
regulations and legal restrictions. In Brazil’s cities, as a result of the increasing important of
environmental protection, economic and sustainable construction (such as more effective waste disposal
mechanisms), more hotels are adhering to Green Standards.
Another major factor of influence in the market place is the presence of an increasing amount of
competitivity in the domestic airline industry (over 52 million internal flights were taken in 2009). Once
dominated by a handful of companies, Brazilian air travel is no longer a luxury which, in turn, is boosting
the ability of residents and visitors to the country to explore the huge region. The main companies in
current operation are highlighted below:
Gol Transportes Aéreos – whilst witnessing a slight drop in passenger numbers in recent years;
essentially caused by the increased presence of low-cost air travel competition; the company remains one
of the largest in control of the Brazil skies with 40.18 percent market share as at May 2010 (the company
is traded on the New York and São Paulo stock exchanges);
TAM Airlines – established in 1961, the company has grown to become the joint largest airline in Brazil
but has the competitive advantage due to offering a range of international flights (the company is traded
on the Bovespa stock exchange). As at May 2010, it claimed a 40.18 percent share of the Brazilian
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market place.
WebJet Linhas Aéreas – a low cost budget airline company, established in 2005, with an estimated
market share of 6.24 percent as at May 2010 (a statistic that looks set to increase);
Azul Brazilian Airlines – established in December 2008, the company’s growth strategy has been to
offer well priced travel, a result of which has seen it controlling a 5.93 percent market share in May 2010.
Back to Contents
2. Brazil Tourism / Hotel Industry S.W.O.T
Analysis
Strengths
A Booming Economy: Brazil’s prospects from an economic standpoint are looking very promising –
examples of which include a stable currency that has, for a long time, been unpegged to the US dollar;
having one of the highest international reserves in the world today; increased trade and competitiveness
(gaining ground against the global world leaders); an abundance of natural resources; leading bio
energy, wind and hydro-electric industries; huge petroleum discoveries which – although likey to be a
slow process – will excel the country into an oil superpower; higher ratings in the eye of the international
credit agencies (including Moody’s, Fitch and Standards & Poor); a well-regulated banking system that
was able to withstand the effects of the global economic dowturns; lowly leveraged debt markets;
social and housing programmes which are lifting millions out of poverty; an ever rising middle class
fuelled by decreasing unemployment, increasing disposible incomes and a greater puchasing power;
sound macro-economic management and several other factors that will undoubtedly have a positive
effect on the growth of the hotel industry.
Ample Options for the Leisure Tourist: As one of the largest countries in the world, Brazil offers a wide
range of options for the traveller. The country has the sixth largest number of world heritage sites of
the 130 countries evaluated by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as well as
7,490 miles of coastline, a largely warm climate, vast reserves of freshwater and bio-diverse rainforests.
The country has, for a long time, been the first destination of visitors to South America (second in Latin
America after Mexico) and tourism is an ever-growing contributor to the country’s GDP (some 53 million
travelled through the country in 2009 and direct revenues from tourists were estimated by Embratur at
US$ 22.1 billion whilst employing approximately 1.9 million people). International arrivals rose from 4.7
million in 2001 to 7.2 million in 2008 and are forecasted to increase to 9.2 million+ by 2014.
Infastructural Investment: the infrastructural programmes that have been initiated in response to the
World Cup 2014 and the Olympics 2016 will certainly make a difference to Brazils growing presence as a
modern country. Many of Brazil’s larger cities are due for bus lane improvements and improved access for
heavy goods vehicles. Road construction plans are also intended – particularly in the highly congested
cities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo (where car sales have been increasing without the implementation
of adequate support structures thus far). As can be seen from the graph on the next page, the number
of domestic and international tourists using Brazilian airports continues to rise.
6
Since 2004, a number of significant airport building and expansion plans have been underway. To
outline: in the northeast, Maceió (in the state of Alagoas), Natal (Rio Grande do Norte) and João
Pessoa (Paraíba) airports are under construction; in the north, new airports in Manaus (Amazonas),
Macapá (Amapá) and Porto Velho (Rondônia) are in the process of being constructed; in the Center West
region, Brasília (Federal District) has witnessed significant developments in recent years and now has
over seven million passengers per year; in the southeast region, a new terminal at Vitória Airport (Espírito
Santo) is under construction; the Guarulhos International (São Paulo) also looks set for expansion and
extensive improvements; the Rio de Janeiro Galeão will be extended to have a capacity of 25 million
international passengers annually and all of the other airports that will host World Cup 2014 soccer
games will be in receipt of investment for further structural growth. In July 2010, work was commenced
on a high speed rail line between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo (estimated to be at a cost of R$ 36.4
billion) which will complemented further extensions of the relatively modern subway lines in both cities
(with a completion date aimed for 2016). The World Cup 2014’s effect is expected to be large with an
expectation of 600,000 foreigners to the country and an increase of annual GDP to R$ 47.9 billion reais.
Mention should also be made of the government sponsored Programa de Aceleração do Crescimento
(Growth Acceleration Programme). Initiated in January 2007, the first stage of the programme (whilst
slow in its implementation) was laid out on five premises: infrastructural measures largely focused around
energy, transportation, housing and sanitation; measures to encourage credit and financing; improved
environmental regulatory frameworks to further develop sustainable industry; tax relief, particularly aimed
at the lower-income sector and long term fiscal reforms. Despite incompletion of the part 1 (PAC-1),
the second stage was launched in March 2010, with an initial budget of R$ 958.8 billion for use between
2011 and 2014. Funded via a mix of private, state, federal and municipal investment, PAC-2’s allocation is
earmarked for further investment in improving Brazilian cities, community citizenship, the Minha Casa,
Minha Vida (‘My House, My Life’) housing programme, improved water and light access for poorer
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communities and further developing the country’s energy matrix. Whilst criticised by opposition party
members as being created for political gain, its the overall future effects of the programme on the
economic growth of the country cannot be underestimated.
Political Stability: whilst issues such as corruption (see below) have rocked domestic politics in the last
decade (see below), Brazil’s role on the global stage has has made significant steps forward – in the last
5 years over 300 additional diplomats have been bought into the government (with the same amount to
be expected over the next 4 years). The country is a member of a number of world organisations
including Mercosul, the G8+5, the G20, SACN and the Cairns Group (and is likely to gain seats at the
OECD, OPEC and the UN Security Council in the near future) and it has continued to reinforce its ties with
its fellow BRIC nations (Russia, India and China) in the form various favourable trade agreements and
regular meetings to discuss collective growth strategies. Whilst some international commentators have
accused the government of overly ‘pushing its weight’ – particularly with regards to its controversial
relationships with Iran and Venezuela as well as reconstruction donations to Iraq – such landmark events
are particularly important to note with regards to the future of the nation.
Weaknesses
Geography: Brazil lies distant from many developed economies making visiting the country an unfeasible
option for those with limited budgets. Below are some examples of current average flight times between
some major cities of the globe and those of Brazil:
London
New York Los Angeles
Buenos Aires
Hong Kong
Mumbai
Moscow
Dubai
Sydney Rio de Janeiro
São Paulo
Recife
Rio de Janeiro
São Paulo
Rio de Janeiro
São Paulo
Recife
São Paulo
11 hours and 30 minutes
Global Economic Downturn: with global market instability, rising flying costs and a stronger currency,
travelling to Brazil has become less within the means of many people as a result of economising and
cutting back on luxuries. Indeed, the after effects of the global downturn will certainly take some time to
settle and will effect tourism across the world, not just Brazil.
Legal Hurdles / Bureaucracy: the country is well recognised by business leaders as having complicated
processes and procedures which remain fundamental barriers to engaging in economic activity: Brazil
ranked 129th out of 183 countries in the World Bank’s 2010 ‘Doing Business’ report. The 2010 Index of
Economic Freedom; whilst pointing to increased freedom in the ability to start, operate and close a
business; stated that Brazil’s strict regulatory environment is impeding further growth (it takes, on
average 218 days to create a company in Brazil compared to the world average of 35). Property rights,
financial and monetary freedom were reportedly above the global average but the country received lower
ratings for its fiscal and labor freedom analyses as well as its ability to move away from corruption.
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Infrastructural Problems: conversely to what was stated above, concerns remain as to the country’s
practical ability on the ground level to keep up with its surging growth. One of example is the country’s
transport infrastructure: the highway system remains of poor quality and traffic congestion remains a
problem in many of the bigger cities. The railway network is also very small in relation to the size of the
country and residents also continually criticise the slow pace of transport infrastructural improvements
that are announced. The Copa 2014 site reported in May 2010 that work on nine of the 13 airports due
for renovation had been temporarily postponed by Infraero, the government-run airports authority, due to
budgeting delays.
Opportunities
Market Growth: the Brazilian hotel market has presented some interesting growth patterns in recent
years well worth noting. As can be seen in the first graph below, the average occupancy rate for hotels
and resorts in Brazil began with a path of growth only to slightly decrease with the effects of the global
economic climate on the marketplace. Interestingly, as the second graph demonstrates, the average
room cost began to decrease in 2003 and, whilst witnessing slight growth, has not reached such high
levels since: industry experts reason that this was due to a heavy increased in supply in that period as
well as the effects of the global downturn further on.
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According to Diogo Canteras, the managing director for HVS in Brazil and professor of hotel development
at the Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV), many of Brazil’s cities still continue to have an issue of an oversupply of condo-hotels which is causing new construction feasibility issues. However, the predictive graph
for the São Paulo region below produced by the FGV sees demand and supply correlating in the next few
years:
According to Canteras, since 2006 excellent returns have been via the purchase of existing hotel
properties in need of refurbishment and the construction of new hotels looks likely to become viable
within the next few years as the average room rate reaches a level in line to the oversupply. He points
out that this should be a change that will be witnessed in the majority of Brazilian cities but due care
attention will need be made with regards to market due diligence combined with short, medium and long
term business planning. Canteras also stresses the importance of focusing on the Brazilian market as
well as remembering that; whilst international tourism is an important factor on the growth of the industry and events such as the World Cup 2014 and Olympics 2016 will help increase tourism statistics;
hoteliers need to ensure that the sustainability of their businesses is maintained. He also states the
growing importance of neighbouring South American countries – mainly Argentina and Paraguay – and
the need to maintain client focus for travellers from these important regions. He concludes by outlining
two potential hotel industry investment options:
the aquisition of hospitality assets in cities that have been affected by over-supply (hotels, condo-hotels
and hotel companies); they will be probably be need of refurbishment and modernisation in order for
them to be repositioned in the market place (support in the form of low interest loans by national banks
is being offered which hoteliers may be interested in exploring, see below);
experienced hoteliers should only consider construction after extensive due dilgence and competitive
analysis has been undertaken (as at 2010, out of every 10 projects analysed by HGV, 7 are being considered as unviable in the current market place).
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Government Sponsored Initiatives: In February 2010, the Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Economico
e Social (BNDES) and the Ministry if Tourism launched the ProCopa Turismo: a programme aimed at
assisting and financing the reform and construction of new hotels in time for the World Cup of 2014. The
assigned budget was set at R$ 1 billion and, in the words of the Vice President of the BNDES, Armando
Mariante, its aim is to “encourage the sector to boost the volume and the quality of services offered
whilst also improving the environmental efficiency and sustainability of Brazil’s hotel industry.” For
Brazilian hoteliers, the terms of these loans are clearly advantageous with interest rates ranging between
6.9 to 8.8 percent depending on the size of the organisation. Repayment deadlines of up to 12 years are
offered for modernisation / refurbishment hotel development plans and 18 years for new construction.
Furthermore, if energy efficiency documentation is presented, terms can be further extended for up to 10
years for modernisation and 15 years for new hotels. The maximum term of loan for uncertified projects
is 8 years for reforms, modernization and expansion, and 10 years for new construction. Whilst
considered a welcomed incentive by hoteliers across the country, potential applicants should be warned
that the process is far from simple and detailed due diligence will be undertake on any proposed project.
More information can be found by clicking here (it is in Portuguese – for any assitance with translation or in general with regards to this programme please feel free to contact us at
[email protected]).
Threats
Natural disasters: despite its larger size in relation to other south American countries, Brazil is in a
fortunate position to not be close to any tectonic plates and not majorly susceptible to earth tremors
(although the last recorded tremor was reported in 1986 just outside of Natal) nor major hurricane zones.
However, being a country of varied terrain and environmental climates, the country has been susceptible
to some devastating events – recent examples include the mudslides and floods during the wet seasons
in Rio de Janeiro, Pernambuco and Alagoas states in 2010; similar floods that effected the Santa Catarina
region in 2009; forest fires that effected the Amazon area in 1998 as well as droughts and severe water
shortages in the north of the country (although the effects of these have been mitigated due to the
construction of dams and the close location of many of the north eastern major cities to the Atlantic
ocean). It is an unfortunate fact that the majority of people affected by such events tend to be the
poorer sections of society.
Poverty: a commonly perceived problem of Brazilian society, particularly from outsiders. However, whilst
it is still clear that poverty remains a problem throughout the country, a number of steps have been taken
to alleviate its effects with visible results – namely rises in the minimum wage (which has risen from R$
100 in 1995 to R$ 465 in 2010); rising middle classes (the amount of people with an income between
R$ 1,115 and 4,807 increased by 31 percent between 2003 and 2008); the Zero Fome initiative (‘Zero
Hunger’, the amount of Brazilians living on under a dollar a day decreased by 17 percent between 2005
and 2009 and looks set to continue to do so); the Minha Casa, Minha Vida (My House, My Life) housing
programme; the Bolsa Família (‘Family Grant’); improving education (World Bank data demonstrated that
illiteracy ranges from 2.7 percent for the population aged 15-19 to 30 percent for those between 65-69
pointing to dynamics looking set to change over time). A July 2010 collaborative study between the
Pesquisa Econômica Aplicada (an applied economics governmental department); the Pesquisa Nacional
por Amostra de Domicílios (a national household sampling survey) and the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (a governmental statistical agency) demonstrated that there are clear signs that poverty
will effect just 4 percent of the entire population by 2016 (the statistic was at 10.5 percent in 2008).
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Crime, Violence and the Drug Trade: another issue that remains a concern for both investors and
business owners. One particular example of this was seen shortly after the announcement of the Olympic
Games in 2009, when a major gun fire battle started between rival gangs in the north of Rio de Janeiro –
fuelling debate as to whether Brazil was truly capable to offer an adequate amount of security to host
the event. Nevertheless, official statistics have pointed to declining numbers: in 2008, Rio de Janeiro
registered its lowest homicide statistic in 18 years – a statistic that has since continued to decrease as a
result of pacification programmes being undertaken in the city’s favelas (slum communities) as well as an
increasing amount of cooperation amongst gang leaders. In March 2010, an unprecedented event occurred with a collective meeting of three of the heads of the major favelas of Rio met to discuss violence
control strategies, particularly when innocent civilians are involved in the cross-fire (it is a well known fact
that the drug trade in many of Brazil’s cities is more of a question of control as opposed to economic
viability). The government have also been seen taking definitive steps to reduce corruption amongst
police officials and military interveners (a problem that has served to encourage crime and violence).
In São Paulo, by 2009 the number of homicides had decreased to 10 per 100,000 – down from 35.7 in
1999. On a national level, state heads throughout the country are reporting lower crime levels due to
the fact that the issue is inextricably linked to poverty – an issue, as mentioned above, that continues to
decrease.
Construction Costs: as the graph demonstrating the average construction cost per metre square below
shows, the cost of building materials and labour has increased along with the growth real estate and land
market. Hoteliers will therefore need to note the importance of factoring in these rising costs and other
inflationary pressure into their projections.
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Corruption: a 2010 study by German NGO ‘Transparency International’
pointed to Brazil leading ahead of its BRIC counterparts in terms of
the amount of unethical government practices occurring. The most
recent example was that of Federal District governor, José Roberto
Arruda (pictured to the right), who was caught handing bags of money
to his legislator allies. What made this case particularly notable was
the fact that that upon exposure of Arruda’s behaviour, the news
was widely broadcasted throughout the country and the politician was
publically arrested and placed in custody: an unprecedented event in
Brazil’s history. Several Brazilian commentators and industry leaders
also debate that modern day principles of decency, avoidance of greed
and abuse of power are emerging. According to Jorge Gerdau,
chairman of Grupo Gerdau, one of Brazil’s largest steelmakers: “There
is a historical, cultural problem of a certain backwardness which is
very hard to overcome but there is also increasing public demand for
transparency and respect for the electorate.” In late 2009, President
Lula signed a bill encouraging members of the public to report acts of
corruption whilst, at the same time, offering support and protection for
those that do. In business and commerce, there are more companies
wishing to decrease the level of corruption - one particularly successful organisation is the Pacto
Empresarial pela Integridade e Contra a Corrupção (the Business Pact for Integrity and Anti-Corruption)
which has most of Brazil´s major companies as members.
Back to Contents
3. Brazil State Tourism / Hotel Industry Briefs
Rio de Janeiro State
Rio de Janeiro City: as the Brazilian city with the largest amount of year round tourists, the hotel and
tour industry is considered as one of the most advanced in the country and Latin America. Rio its often
the first point of call for people visiting Brazil and, as well as being the second largest recipient, has long
been viewed as a ‘must-see’ destination of the world. Its main attractions are its wide beaches –
including the famous Copacabana and Ipanema as well as Leblon (home of the highest valued land and
real estate in Latin America), Flamengo, Botofogo and Barra de Tijuca – several well known landmarks,
such as the Christ Redeemer (Cristo Redentor), the Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), its large
Botanical Gardens and the Tijuca Forest (the largest urban forest in the world) to name a few. The
city has been allocated a significant amount of infrastuctural development as a result of hosting several
games of the World Cup 2014 (including the final at the Maracanã stadium) as well as the Olympics 2016
(see above). Understandably, most of the major 5 star hotel chains have a hotel in the city (including the
Sheraton, the Marriott, the Othon, the Sofitel and the InterContinental), which are largely located towards
the beach areas of the south zone (Zona Sul). These are complemented by a range of mid-range options
as well as youth hostels spread across the city. The city centre has a number of choices (which largely
cater to business visitors) and there are a growing amount of 3/4 star hotels, boutique-sytle pousadas
and youth hostels located in the traditional and culturally rich area of Lapa.
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Angra dos Reis: whilst also known as home of two of the largest nuclear plants in Brazil (and a third
being built), the area is a well known starting point for tourists visiting its 365 islands with chartered
boats running on a regular basis, particularly during the summer months (the most famous island being
the Ilha Grande). Accommodation options range from the 4 star Hotel Blue Tree Park, Angra Inn and do
Frade (which has an attached golf course) as well as the Melia Angra Marina & Convention Resort (AquaFun Turismo Náutico), a number of of pousada options and youth hostels.
Paraty: another popular visting area due to its
proximity to the city of Rio de Janeiro; its colonial town centre; pristine beaches and hidden waterfalls. Large scale hotel development has been restricted due to the want to preserve the unique nature of the area – with a number of well run small-scale hostels and pousadas including the Pousada Arte Urquijo (a small hotel and art gallery housed in a 17th century
manor); the Pousada Pardieiro (with a large garden visited by monkeys) and the Santa Clara (located just outside Paraty and offers both the benefit of being surrounded by the Atlantic Forest and having a
spectular view of the ocean).
Resende: the areas’ main known tourist destination is the Itatiaia National Park (Parque Nacional do
Itatiaia), which lies to the north of the municipality and is the oldest national park in Brazil. Visitors come
to trek the Matiqueria mountain range, visit the waterfalls and view the 250 species of birds. The park
is circled by an ecological protection area and development of any sort is highly restricted. Resende also
has two quaint villages – Visconde de Mauá and Penedo – which have several restaurants, pousadas and
cottages (often a place for tourists to unwind after visiting the national park). Hotel options in Resende
itself include include the mid-range the River Park, the Castel Plaza, the Scala and the Cegil as well as
number of well run pousadas. Visconde de Mauá has a number of excellent pousadas such as the Jardim
das Águas, the Araucárias and the Framboesas. Similarly, two good examples of well run pousada
operations in Penedo are the Sitio Serana and the Vale de Avalon.
Petrópolis: located 65km from Rio de Janeiro city, the area is a popular weekend getaway and summer
holiday destination known for its pleasant climate; forested hills of the Serra dos Órgãos and the imperial
history museum (housed in the Palace of the second Brazilian emperor). Hotel options are largely in the
mid to lower-mid range including the Casablanca, the Riverside Park and the Bragança Palace as well as a
range of pousadas.
Teresópolis: located in the mountainous region of the Serrana, it is very popular for trekkers, rock
climbers and extreme sports people attracted to its high peaks (including the Dedo de Deus, Pedra do
Açu, Pedra do Sino, Agula do Diablo and the Nariz do Frade). In the centre are a number of mid-range
hotels and pousadas including the Canton, the Center and the Philipp. Towards the outskirts and
heading towards the Serrana are a number of well run country pousadas as well the Fazenda Rosa dos
Ventos farmstay which has excellent reviews.
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Saquarema: one of the well known surfing areas of the state, several competitions are held
throughout the year and the city is also home of the national volleyball training centre. Points of
interest are the cliffs offering excellent views of the coastline, the city’s lake and the Nossa Senhora de
Nazareth church. There are a handful of mid range and pleasant hotels including the Maasai Beachfront,
the Itaúna and the J Palace as well as a range of pousada options.
Cabo Frio: increasingly becoming known as a hidden gem by international tourists, the area has long
been visited by people from throughout the country and has recently entered the route of some of the
world’s cruise liners (including the Royal Caribbean and the Latin American subsidiary of P&O). Its main
attraction are the crystal clear watered beaches, namely: Praia do Forte, Praia do Peró, Praia São Bento,
Praia do Siqueira, Praia do Sudoeste, Praia das Dunas, Praia do Foguete, Praia das Palmeiras and Praia de
Unamar. Other points of interest are the Feliciano Sodré bridge, the Nossa Senhora da Guia chapel, the
church of São Benedito, the Municipal Theatre as well as several bars and restaurants. Considering its
exquisite natural beauty, the accommodation industry in the area is said to be notably underdeveloped
and it is widely predicted that the area will to grow as a popular tourist destination. Currently, there are
mainly mid range hotels in operation – including the Atlântico, Praia Forte and the Malibu Palace as well
as a range of well-run pousadas located close to the beaches.
Armação dos Búzios: a former quiet fishing village that has now become one of the most popular
visiting areas of Rio de Janeiro state after the city itself and is regularly frequented by Rio’s high society.
The region became popularised by film star Brigitte Bardot in the 1960s – whose statue remains in the
central street Rua das Pedras (Street of Stones); it is this area where there are many elegant shops, cafés
and rustic restaurants. The main attraction are its beaches including the Praia dos Manguinhos; the Praia
dos Amores; the Praia das Virgens; the Praia do Canto; the Praia da Armação; the Praia dos Ossos the
Praia da Geribá and the Praia do João Fernandes (the latter two are the busiest in the region). A range
of accommodation options are available including boutique hotels and high-end pousadas (generally located closer to the Rua das Pedras) as well as a variety of more mid-range options and a handful of youth
hostels.
Rio das Ostras: as well as witnessing huge population
growth due to the employment opportunities offered in
nearby Macaé and Campos dos Goyataces (location of
the majority of Brazil’s new found oil discoveries), the
region is also a rising popular tourist destination due to
its attractive beaches, relaxed pace of life, ecological
parks and mountain climbing opportunities. The city
also hosts the second biggest carnival in the state after
Rio de Janeiro. Another area that is said to be
underdeveloped considering its tourism opportunities
with mainly seasonal pousadas serving visitors to the
area (largely located along the main beaches of the
Tartarugas and the Costa Azul).
Macaé: a region that has been labelled as the new capital of Brazil’s petroleum industry, resulting in an
increasing amount of national and international business travellers. The region also has several
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tourist attractions such as the Itaúna archipelago, the Macaé river and the Jurubatiba lake, which along
side its neighbour, Rio das Ostras, are witnessing an increasing amount of tourists. As a result of these
rises, a number of hotel chain operations have been keen to grow in the area, particularly close to the
city centre: namely the Sheraton (5 star), the Mercure (4 star) the Comfort (4 star), the Ibis (4 star) and
the Blue Trees (4 star). There are also several mid-range options and small-scale pousadas in the city.
Campos de Goytacazes: as having the third highest level of annual GDP in Rio de Janeiro state, its main
industries are sugar (it has six of the seven factories in the state of Rio de Janeiro); ceramics and
petroleum (another one of Brazil’s main hubs). The municipality also has several beaches (with the most
picturesque being the Farol de São Tomé); lakes (including the Cima and the Lagoa Limpa) as well
several historic monuments. Unlike Macaé, the increasingly growing petroleum industry has yet to attract
the major hotel chains to the region – with options ranging from largely mid-range independent
operations (such as the Antares, the Amazonas, the Canaan and the Terrazzo) to small-scale pousadas.
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Espírito Santo State
Vitória: as voted the fourth best capital in Brazil to live in by the United Nations in 1998, the city is
located amongst an archipelago and connected by
several rivers and bridges. As well as its beaches,
tourists continue to be attracted to its variety of
landscapes including hills, mangroves, islands, caves
and coves. Other tourism points of interest include
the Praça dos Namorados (Valentine’s Square), the
Carolos Gomes Theatre, the historical downtown area as well as several cathedrals, churches and
monasteries. Temperatures rarely go under 19
degrees and reach highs of between 30-33 degrees in
summer (November to March). The region is also looking set for huge economic growth due to it
proximity to the country’s major oil findings. Accommodation options range from the 4 star Comfort and
Mercure hotels to more mid-range options as well as a number of beach side and centrally located
pousadas.
Vila Velha: one of the oldest municipalities in Espírito Santo and is now the largest in terms of population.
The main attraction for tourists here are the wide beaches and nightlife. Close to the area is the 5 star
Vilha Velha Hotel (which is considered the best in the state) and there are also a number of mid-range
options as well as traditional pousadas.
Guarapari: located 47 kilometres from Espírito Santo, the city has an influx of tourists during the summer
months. Whilst its main coastal region has been criticised for being over developed, the Setiba nature
reserve offers pristine and unspoiled beaches. Hotel options in this area are largely mid-range, examples
of which include the Fragata, the Gaeta, the Hotur, the Lorena and the Meaípe as well as a number of
pousadas.
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Domingos Martins: located 60 kilometres west of Vitória, the area is referred to as a ‘green city’ due to it
being the only municipality in Espírito Santo that is surrounded by subtropical rainforest. Its main
attraction is the Pedra Azul national park (with mountains reaching up to 2,000 metres) as well as
several private nature reserves. The hotel industry in the region is very ecologically orientated and
ranges in quality from the mid range Aroso Paço and Iperador to eco-resorts and pousadas including the
Chez Domaine, the Eco da Floresta and the Pinhos Resort.
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Minas Gerais State
Belo Horizonte: as having the third largest metropolitan region in Brazil, the city is is regularly visited for
both leisure and business. The main landmarks include the downtown municipal park (Américo Reneé
Giannetti); the Praça de Liberdade (Liberty Square); the Pampulha district where there are several
examples of contemporary Brazilian architecture; the Mineirão soccer stadium and the Lourdes
neighbourhood (close to downtown). The city is also known for its world class cuisine, excellent
nightlife and as having a lively arts scene (theatre, dance, museums and several music venues). As
with all the larger cities in Brazil, hotel options are wide and varied from the Othon Palace (5 star), the
Ouro Minas (5 star), the Clarion Lourdes (4 star) and the Ibis (4 star) to a number of mid-range options,
pousadas and youth hostels.
Ouro Preto: voted as an UNESCO World Heritage site, this former
mining city holds several examples of Baroque architecture as well as
spectacular panoramic views and hence attracts both national and
international tourists. Over development is restricted in the area and
so there exists a number of small but very well run and traditional
hotels and pousadas – examples of which include the Hotel Ouro
Preto, the Boroni Palace and the Fazenda Boa Vista (an eco-tourism
resort).
Congonhas do Campo: another UNESCO world heritage site with
several examples of Baroque sculpture and architecture. As with
Ouro Preto, excessive hotel development has been justifiably
prevented and therefore what exists is a handful of small and well
run hotels and pousadas including the Max Mazza, the Colina, the
Profetas, the Colonial Cova do Daniel and the Freitas.
Mariana: the oldest city in the state of Minas Gerais that retains its
traditional roots dating back to the 17th century including churches,
buildings and museums. As expected for such a small and traditional
city, accommodation options are in the form of cosy hotels (such as the Galeria) as well as some
excellent pousadas, namely: the Chacará, the Solar dos Correa and the Polyanna (a farmstay /
eco-tourism resort).
São João del Rei: a growing town which has retained many of its 18th century features – its main
attractions are its traditional architecture, antique railway line network, museums and quiet pace of life.
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Accommodation options are mid-range and small including the Solara, the Ponte Real and the Vereda as
well as a range of well run and traditional pousadas.
Diamantina: another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the picturesque town is home to several examples
of Baroque architecture and mountainous terrain: popular amongst trekkers and rock climbers. The
Jequitinhonha river also runs to the east of the municipality. Hotels are largely mid-range including the
Tijuco, the Diamante Palace and the Hotel Montanha de Minas as well as a range of excellently run and
ecologically friendly pousadas.
Caxambu: a small town which is most popularly known as having twelve sources of natural mineral water
running all day, every day. Hotels are mid-range but very well run with plenty of space, examples of
which include the Bragança and the Chalés de Minas.
São Lourenço: investors should be aware that; whilst this region is well known for its natural beauty and
excellent quality of water; several floods have occurred in a relatively short space of time (with the last
one being in 2000). Nevertheless, the region seems to bounce back and is nowadays a well known
national event destination (including the national vintage car show, the Cachaça festival, the orchid
festival and the annual Brazilian hot air balloon gathering). Hotel options are largely upper-mid to lower
range including the Fazenda Ramon, the Beira Parque, the Sul América and the Platino as well as a
handful of pousadas.
São Thomé das Letras: a small town located in the south of the state, this municipality is popular for ecotourists attracted to its waterfalls, large cave system and the Mata Atlântica jungle. The accommodation
options are very ecologically friendly and include the Bosque dos Beija-Flores Ecological Sanctuary as well
as a range of good quality pousadas including the Arco-Íris, the Anjos and the Estrelas.
Caparaó National Park: bordering the states of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo, this region is home to
one of the highest peaks in Brazil: the Pico da Bandeira. Accommodation options range from a number
of pousadas (many of whom offer tours of the park) as well as a number of campsites grounds.
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São Paulo State
São Paulo City: the hotel industry in Brazil’s main economic hub is the largest in South America and looks
set for further growth to support the needs of the increasing amount of domestic and international
visitors. Leisure tourists are also increasingly being attracted to the excellent nightlife, museums,
theatres, world-class cuisine (some of which rarely exists in other parts of the country), parks and overall
multi-cultural feel of the city. The 5 star hotels are generally located in the city centre (in the vicinity of
the Avenida Paulista and the Faria Lima), including the Grand Hyatt, the Radisson, the Renaissance and
the Tryp Higienópolis (Brazil’s only Hilton Hotel in the Morumbi business district and the Panamby near
the Guarulhos International Airport is considered the only 5 star in the area). 3 and 4 star hotels are
located throughout the city as are several youth hostels and apart-hotel complexes (often popular for
business visitors and employees remaining for extended periods).
São Sebastião: located on the east coast of the Ilhabela municipality, the region is very popular amongst
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Paulistas looking to get away from the city. Its main attractions are its surrounding beaches – including
Enseada, Camburizinho, Portal da Olaria, Pontal da Cruz, Arrastão, Deserta, Grande, Pitangueiras, Toque
Toque Pequeno, Santiago, Maresias, Brava, Boiçucanga, Camburi and Cigarras. Accomodation options
range from the boutique Ilha de Toque Toque hotel to more mid-range options including the Juquehy
Praia, the Ciribaí Praia, the Baraquecaba Praia and the Pris as well as a handful of nicely run pousadas.
Boiçucanga: a calm beach popular with Paulistas located close to São Sebastião which is served by small
hotels (such as the Imbassaí, the Maré Alta and the Maresias) and a several pousadas (including the
Kyrios, the Katmandu and the Encanto das Pedras).
Ilhabela: a municipality located amongst a group
of islands situated 4 miles off the coast of São Paulo
state that is named after its largest island (with
the others being Vitória, Búzios and Pescadores
as well as the islets of Castelhanos, Figueira, Cabras,
Enchovas, Lagoa and Serraria). Populations
reach over 100,000 in the summer months attracted
to the area’s 41 beaches (including Guanxuma,
Jabaquara, Pequeá, Feiticeira and Saco do
Eustáquio); scuba diving opportunities; hiking trails and waterfalls. Accommodation options range from the 5 star Itapemar and Masion Joly hotels to the more
mid-range Porto Pacuiba and Mercedes as well as a range of pousadas, campsites, holiday lodges and a
youth hostel.
Guarujá: remains a popular weekend getaway for Paulistas due to being 3 hours away from the capital.
The region has become heavily urbanised but still attracts visitors to its beaches including Pernambuco,
Enseada, Pitangueiras, Iporanga and Tombo. The accommodation ranges from the 4 star Sofitel,
Delphin and Casa Grande hotels as well as wide spread of mid-range options and pousadas. Many
wealthy Paulistas own second homes in the area.
Santos: whilst more commonly known as one of the largest industrial municipalities of the state (the
area has the biggest seaport in Latin America), its tropical climate, wide green spaces and beaches attract tourists throughout the year as well as a regular flow of global visitors for business purposes
(particularly being only 49 miles from São Paulo city). As to be expected from a large municipality that
has important trade links, hotels range from the high end InterContinental, Atlantico and Renaissance
to a number of Brazilian independent mid-range options such as the Parque Balneário, Indaiá and the
Praiano (most are located along the 14 kilometre beach stretch).
Campos do Jordão: despite its relatively cold climate by Brazilian standards, the region attracts tourists
throughout the year due to its spectacular mountains. Several Paulistas have winter country houses in
the region and its main attractions include outdoor activities (hiking, mountain climbing / biking, horseback trekking). Accommodation options range from the luxury Orotour, Grande Sanac and the Frontenac
Boutique Hotel to the more economical Parque, Britânia and Astória as well as a range of well run
pousadas and holiday lodges available for short-term let.
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Campinas: often termed as Brazil’s Silicon Valley and home to one of the busiest airports in the country
(the Viracopos), the area is regularly visited by business travellers and has several 5 star hotels including
the Noumi Plaza, the Royal Palm and a Marriott. Whilst not the most attractive part of the city, there are
some areas that of appeal to tourists including the urban preserved wooded area of Bosque dos Jequitibás,
the Centro de Convivência theatre complex and the Lagoa do Taquaral park / urban lagoon, home to the
city’s planetarium and science museum amongst others.
Ribeirão Preto: often referred to as the ‘Paulista California’ due to its year long sunny weather, this area
attracts business tourists due to it being home to some of the country’s largest agribusiness firms (its soils
are some of the most fertile in the metropolitan region of São Paulo) as well as high technology companies
and several breweries. The area also has several gardens, parks and a zoo (including the Curupira and
Maurílio Biagi parks as well as the Luís Carlos botanical gardens). Accommodation ranges from the 4 star
Comfort and Ibis to a number of more mid-range options (such as the Arco, the Plaza Inn and the Stream
Palace) as well as a range of pousadas.
São José dos Campos: as well as being recognised as having one of the most important industrial and
research hubs in Latin America, the UN placed the municipality within the top 25 cities of Brazil in terms of
standard of living. There are several 4 and 5 star hotels that mainly serve both international and national
business tourists including the San Michel Palace, the Shelton Inn, a Blue Tree Towers, a Mercure, a
Novotel and the Caesar Business (which serves the 2 large pavilions where regular fairs and conventions
are held). The area also has four shopping centres, an historic downtown, sports centres, large green
spaces as well many restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Sorocaba: another important industrial location of Latin America, the region is often visited by business
travellers due to its leading role in the Brazilian mechanical engineering, metallurgy and steelmaking
industries – with several 4 and 5 star hotels including the Shelton, the Transamerica and the Nacional.
Araçatuba: another important industrial hub of the country, particularly with regards to its developing cattle
and other agricultural related interests. The hotels in operation include the Quality (one of the fast growing
chains in Brazil) as well as an Ibis (both 4 star).
Araraquara: an increasingly popular area for visitors to São Paulo to stay due to having one of the best
sunsets the state has to offer as well as being recognised as one of the most relaxing parts of the city. The
area has excellent bars, restaurants and nightlife and is home to several hotels including the Comfort
Atlantica (4 star), a Shelton Inn (4 star) and the Salto Grande (4 star).
Barretos: located in the north of the state, the area is located amongst farmlands and forested hills. The
region is more popularly known for Brazil’s largest rodeo – the Festa do Peão de Boiadeiro – which attracts
over 1,000,000 visitors annually.
Bragança Paulista: as well as being an emerging commuter region due to its proximity to São Paulo city
and Campinas, it is also a popular visiting spot for weekend getaway Paulistas and holidaymakers. Its main
attraction is the Taboão lake as well as the natural beauty of its countryside. Hotels in operation in the
area include the Novotel (4 star), the Plaza (4 star) and the Bourbon Atibaia (4 star spa resort) as well as
several pousadas and country cottage holiday homes.
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Itu: one of the oldest municipalities of São Paulo, the region has a wide range of infrastructure in place
to house international meetings, seminars and congress events. Some of the hotels in operation include
the Mercure (4 star), the Plaza (3 star) and the Gandini (3 star).
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Paraná State
Curitiba: voted as one of the greenest places to live in
Brazil, the city receives a solid flow of business and
leisure travellers. Its attractions, include its Botanical
gardens, German Woods, Italian Woods, Japan Square,
the Wire Opera House, the Tingüi park and its many
ecological city walks. Hotels in operation in the area
include the Crowne Plaza (5 star), the Pestana (5 star),
the Sheraton (5 star) and the Mercure (4 star).
Paranaguá: the region attracts tourists due to the fact
that it offers some of the best weather in the region
and business travellers due to its closeness to the largest
port in the state. As well as several pousadas and ecological resorts, hotels in the area include the
Palácio, the Mata Atlântica Park and the Camboa.
Superagüi National Park: one of the highlights of the state, with a total of 33,998 hectares, the park
consists of four islands covered with tropical rainforest. Several guesthouses, pousadas, hotels and tour
operators exist in the region and the amount of visitors to the region continues to increase.
Foz do Iguaçu (Iguazu Falls): the largest waterfall in Latin America continues to attract tourists
annually. The region also is a popular connecting point for people crossing the border into Argentina
and vice versa. There are several hotels (including the 5 star Sheraton, the 4 star Iguaçu Grand Hotel
and the 4 star Cataratas) as well as pousadas and youth hostels.
Santa Catarina State
Florianópolis: the city is most popularly known for its beaches (including Mole, Ingleses, Campeche,
Joaquina and Santinho) and lakes as well as its laid back pace of life and friendly atmosphere. There
are also an increasing amount of business travellers to the region (outside of tourism, its main industries
are information technology, commerce and the service sector) as well as southern Brazilians and
Argentineans who visit for short breaks. Several hotels are located on the island – including the Hotel
Sofitel (5 star), the Mercure (4 star), Hotel Ibis (4 star) and the Porto da Ilha (4 star) – as well as
boutique lodges, pousadas and holiday villas / apartments.
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Joinville: the largest city in Santa Catarina that is
continuing to attract more business travellers to its
growing economy; the city also hosts several events
and business conferences throughout the year. Its
main attractions are the Royal Palace (built in the mid
19th century), the botanical gardens, museums, a zoo
and several parks. The city also hosts the largest
Brazilian dance festival which sees over 50,000 people visit every July. The main hotels are the Mercure (4
star) and the Ibis (4 star) but there are also several
local operations and pousadas throughout the city.
Blumenau: the area is continuing to grow industry wise (with textiles, information technology, metallurgy,
software and electrical equipment all having prominence) hence the increasing amount of business
travellers visiting the area. The city is very influenced by Italian and German culture and has an historical
district, an arts centre as well as many bars, restaurants and nightlife options. Hotels in operation include
the Ibis (4 star), the Mercure (4 star) and the Plaza (4 star).
Itapema: the main attraction of the city are its beaches, with the most popular (and longest) being the
‘Meia’. The largest hotel is the Plaza Itapema Resort and Spa (4 star) but there are a variety of smaller
family run establishments and pousadas.
Balneário Camboriú: another popular visiting area of the state for tourists (which is the regions primary industry), the main attractions are its beaches, hill climbs and the Unipraias tourist complex. There are over
100 hotels in operation including the Mercure (4 star), the Royal Atlantic and the Rieger (4 star) as well as
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Rio Grande do Sul State
Porto Alegre: as having the fourth largest metropolitan area of Brazil and being an important economic
centre of the Mercosul region (Rio Grande do Sul borders Argentina and Uruguay), there is an increasing
amount of business travellers coming to the area as well as a steadily rising flow of tourists visiting to enjoy
the city. The main attractions are the Guaiba Lake, the Public Market (in the centre), the Matrix Square,
the Mario Quintana Culture House, the many parks, several palaeontology museums and several areas to
watch the very unique sunset. The are several high end hotels within the area including the Sheraton (5
star), the Novotel (5 star), the Quality (4 star) and the Everest (4 star).
Torres: a small city located on the coast that is popular for surfers (some of Brazil’s leading professionals
are from the area) as well as being labelled as the country’s ‘home’ of hot air ballooning. Tourism is the
main industry in the region with some of the main hotels including the Dunas Praia (4 star), the Guarita
Park (3 star) and the São Paulo as well as several pousadas and beach houses available to rent.
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Parque Nacional de Aparados da Serra (Aparados da
Serra National Park): a mountain range that is popular
with campers, hikers and mountain climbers/bikers
due to its location amongst lagoons, bays and coastal
forests. There are several hotels, tour operators,
pousadas and cottages serving the wide range of visitors
to the area.
Serra Gaúcha (the Gaucho Highlands): located in the
northeast of the state, the area is rich in German and
Italian culture with the main industry serving the area
being tourism. Attractions include the hot springs of Nova
Prata, the picturesque towns and the grape fields of Rota da Uva e o Vinho. There are several hotels (no
mainstream chains in operation), farmstays, pousadas, ecotourism resorts and holiday homes available to
rent throughout the region.
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Distrito Federal State
Brasília: the capital of the country has witnessed one of the fastest population growths in recent years and
whilst mainly visited by business travellers (the headquarters of several of Brazil’s largest and nationally
owned companies are located in the area), the region attracts tourists interested in seeing examples of
modern Brazilian architecture as well as the national park west of the city (which is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO). It is unlike any other city in Brazil in terms of the strict district planning that exists
in the area – so much so that there are designated areas for hotels: Hotel South Zone (home to the Mercure, Salão de Chá, Tryp Brasil 21‎ and the Meliá) and the Hotel North Zone (where another Mercure is located). There is also another hotel district with smaller establishments close to the shores of Lake Paranoá.
Taguatinga: recognised as the economic capital of the Distrito Federal and developed under an urban
planning program funded by the Banco InterAmericano de Desenvolvimento, the area does not offer many
attractions and is mainly visited for business purposes (its main industries are based around metallurgy,
car part production, food / soft drink distribution and textiles). Hotels in the area are mainly 3 to 4 stars
including the Comfort Hotel, the Europa, the Kingstown, the Nobile Plaza, the Atlântico and the Aastha.
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Goiás State
Goiânia: a city that has been growing economically over the last few decades, particularly with regards to
its agriculture industry. Goiânia has the largest green area per inhabitant in Brazil and is second to
Edmonton, Canada in the global rank. The city was, however, criticised by a UN-Habitat study which
pointed to extreme inequality in the area (due to local the government prioritising the interests of the rich).
The area is well known for its large parks, zoological gardens and abundance of sports fields and centres as
well as several museums, restaurants and lively a nightlife. Hotels in operation in the area include the Blue
Tree (4 star), Hotel Maione (3 star) and the Kananxuê (3 star).
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Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park: officially voted as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, the park consists of a 1.8 billion year old plateau and attracts
visitors to it waterfalls (of which there are over 45), its
infamous ‘moon valley’ as well as its rare species of
wildlife – including jaguars, maned wolves, king vultures
and giant armadillos. The area has several hotels,
inland lodges, pousadas and campsites catered to the
increasing amount of tourists exploring the area.
Pirenópolis: whilst having a growing economy based in
agriculture (which industries include corn, soybeans,
coffee and citrus); cattle and poultry farming; small scale manufacturing as well as furniture – many leisure
visitors come to the area for its colonial architecture and waterfalls. A range of accommodation options are
offered ranging from rustic pousadas and lodges to sophisticated hotels (such as the Cavaleiro dos
Pireneus).
Goiás Velho: as the former capital of the state, the area has kept much of its colonial heritage and was
officially classed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001. The area is also closely located to the Serra
Dourada mountains as well as waterfalls and white water rapids in its vicinity. Accommodation options
include small family-led hotel operations, pousadas, farmstays, campsites and ecotourism resorts.
Caldas Novas: due to having one of the largest hydrothermal springs in the world, this municipality is
officially the most popular visiting spot of the Goiás. Tourists level are reaching over 350,000 during the
summer season and there are over 80 hotels – including the Best Western (5 stars), the Bougainville (3
stars) and several spa hotels (ranging between 3-4 stars) – as well as pousadas, holiday homes, farmstays
and campsites. The entire region is catered for the ever increasing amount of tourists including bars,
restaurants, fun parks and nightclubs.
Emas National Park: also a meeting point of the Goiás and Mato Grosso do Sul states, the wide area is
classified as an UNESCO World Heritage Site and consists of treeless savannah and a range of wildlife
including the maned wolf, the giant anteater and armadillos. Accommodation ranges from farmstays,
lodges, small-scale hotel operations and pousadas.
Araguaia River: one of the main rivers of the country (with a length of 2,627 km) and runs through the
states of Goiás, Mato Grosso, Tocantins and Pará. At low tide season (between May and October) wide
sandy beaches appear, which have long been popular for tourists. There are many ecotourism resorts
spread along the river as well as hotels, pousadas, campsites and apartment blocks used for holiday letting.
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Matto Grosso State
Cuiabá: the capital city of the state, and one of the most
central points of the whole of South America that is
bringing an increased amount of business tourism (with
its largest industries being agriculture, food processing,
commerce and services) largely due to its proximity to
several parts of the country. Visitors are also attracted
to its rich local culture based on Portuguese, African and
Indian influences as well as its museums. The city will
also host some of the World Cup 2014 games and has
an airport (the Marechal Rondon) that serves most of
Brazil and some international destinations. A range of
accomodation options are offered, ranging from hotels –
including the Odara (5 star), the Inner City (4 star) and the Amazon Plaza (4 star) – to pousadas and youth
hostels.
Chapada dos Guimarães: an area of steep cliffs popular with trekkers and rock climbers. Accommodation
for visitors is largely in the form of pousadas, small hotels, farm stays, country lodges, spa resorts and
campsites.
Tangará da Serra: an area to the west of Mato Grosso populated with waterfalls including the Salto das
Nuvens, the Queimapé, the Paraíso and the Coquieral. The area is well known amongst extreme sports
enthusiasts (with activities including rafting, mountain biking and cliff jumping) but is also well catered
for families. Perhaps not to everyone’s taste, but there are several tourist operations offering trips to visit
indigenous tribes residing in the area (although this is not available at all times). There is a wide range of
hotels, pousadas, eco tourism resorts and campsites on offer.
Barra do Garças: a small city located 550 kilometres from the capital, popular as having the only other
‘Christ Redeemer’ statute overlooking the city in Brazil as well as hot springs, mountains and fresh water
beaches. The area also has one of the largest military bases in Brazil and a thriving agriculture industry.
Accommodation options range from hotels – including the Esplanada Palace (3 star), the Serra Azul (3 star)
and the Hotel São Paulo (3 star) – pousadas, holiday apartments, farm stays, spa and ecotourism resorts.
Cáceres: whilst not holding the greater part of the Pantanal (see below), it is known as a gateway to the
area as it contains wide entrances to the region. Meat production and fishing are the main economic
generators of the region and it is the home of Brazil’s fishing festival which attracts tourists and competitors
from throughout the country and Latin America. Hotel options range from the 3/4 star Ágora Cáceres, Don
Carlos and the Extremadura hotels as well as pousadas, eco tourism resorts, campsites and farmstays.
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Matto Grosso do Sul State
Campo Grande: an ethnically rich city which is increasingly growing in economic importance due to its
rising industries (including commerce, services, soy, rice, livestock, manioc, sugar cane to name a few) and
improved connections to several parts of Brazil (in the form of roads, railways and the expansion of the
international airport). Its main attractions are its countless parks as well as squares, city waterfalls and
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lakes. There are several hotels – including the Novotel (4 star), the Ibis (4 star), the Excelcer (4 star) and
the Brumado (3 star) as well as several well-run pousadas throughout the city.
The Pantanal: often referred to by Brazilians as being
more spectacular than the Amazon, the area is the
largest wetland in the world and lies mostly in the state
of Matto Grosso do Sul but extends into Matto Grosso as
well as parts of Paraguay and Bolivia. The floodplains
have a huge and diverse ecosystem including 1000 bird
species, 300 mammal species (including jaguars, eagles,
giant otters, anteaters), 480 reptiles (including
anacondas, crocodiles, alligators, red-footed turtles and
iguanas) and 9,000 various species of invertebrates.
Much concern has been raised as to the environmental
preservation of the area – particularly in the light of
global warming (deforestation), hunting, exotic animal smuggling, pollution. For these reasons, the
development of the region is being carefully observed by the private landowners and the local government.
Nevertheless, a wide range of accommodation continues and increases to serve the rising amount of
tourists wanting to view one of the most naturally beautiful parts of Brazil (including eco-lodges, boat hotels and pousadas).
Corumbá: as the largest state in the capital and another well known entry point to the Pantanal, the region
is one of the only cities in Brazil that has two international airports. As well as tourism, other industries
in prominence in the area include animal husbandry, various forms of large scale agriculture and mining.
There are a wide range of hotels spread across the city – including the Nacional Palace (5 stars), Hotel Lincoln (4 stars) and the Nossa Senhora (3 stars) – as well as eco tourism lodges / resorts, pousadas, farmstays and campsites.
Bonito: referred to as another very underrated and hidden
gem of Brazil, the area’s main feature are the crystal
clear waters of its rivers (due to the huge quantity of
limestone in the ground which serve to act as a natural
filter). The main attractions are the Aquário Natural
(Natural Aquarium), the Rio da Prata (Silver River),
the Circuito Arvonism (a treetop adventure trek) and
the Gruta do Lago Azul (the Blue Lake Cave). The
local government has spent a huge deal on
infrastructural development which has resulted in an
increasing amount of hotels and tour operators in the
area. Accommodation options range from 3/4/5 star hotels
– including the Bonito and the Zagaia Eco Resort – as well as pousadas, campsites, lodges and backpacker
hostels.
Ponta Porã: located 350 kilometres from Campo Grande, the city is well connected to São Paulo, Paraná,
Santa Catarina and Mato Grosso via the Federal Highway of Brazil. It is an increasingly important economic
26
city – with major industries including yerba mate (a herb used to make a Latin American green tea), wood
processing / furniture, cassava, cattle production, bricks and coal. The main tourism attractions are the
streams, waterfalls and green settings throughout the city. Hotels in the region are relatively low in
quality such the Barcelona (3 star), the Porto do Sol Palace (3 star) and the Guarujá (3 star) – there are
also several pousadas as well as ecotourism lodges and campsites located in the outskirts of the city.
Aquidauana: this region is located just 139 kilometres from the capital of the state and is also a popular
gateway to the Patanal. The economic activities in operation are mainly based around the rich and fertile
soils throughout the municipality (agricultural farming and livestock) but there are also prominent wood,
non metallic minerals, publishing, pharmaceutical and veterinary product industries in the area.
Aquidauana also attracts tourists to its many rivers and globally unique scenary (fishing, trekking,
photographic safaris and horseback riding are all popular activities). Hotel options include eco tourism
resorts, pousadas, campsites and youth hostels – examples include the Pousada Aguapé, Fazenda Baía das
Pedras, the Pousada Pequi, the Fazenda Santa Cruz, the Pousada Mangabal and the Recanto Barra Mansa.
Coxim: the main economic generator of the region is tourism (but there are also healthy agricultural,
livestock and fish farming industries in operation). Its main attractions are the regions abundance of rare
fish as well as other wildlife and beautiful scenery. The area is served by a small range of 3/4 star hotels,
ecotourism resorts, ranch / farm stays, pousadas and campsites.
Jardim: a city which is becoming increasingly popular for visitors to the Serra da Bodoquena national park,
the Rio de la Plata (a highly transparent river), the Araras (a deep granite crack), its caves and lagoons as
well as its historical and cultural landmarks (such as monuments marking the significance and impact of the
Paraguyan war). The main economic activity of the city are agricultural and livestock production of which
much is transported to the rest of Brazil and neighbouring South American countries. Accommodation
options include several 3/4 star hotels (such as the Novo Jardim and the Vitória), ecotourism resorts,
pousadas, campsites and a youth hostel.
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Bahia State
Salvador: as well as having the wealthiest metropolitan area of the north east, the city is recognised as the
central home of Brazilian culture and continues to attract visitors from throughout the world to its
architecture, music, art and cuisine. The historic town centre – Pelourinho – was classed as a UNESCO
world heritage site and there are several beaches, a natural harbour and diverse terrain ranging from flat
to mountains and rolling hills. Salvador is well connected to the rest of Brazil via road, rail and air (mainly
via the Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport). As the third most populated city after Rio
de Janeiro and Salvador (and one of the central economic hubs of the north east), the region has a healthy
business tourism industry complemented by a rising flow of leisure tourists, particularly during the summer
months (its annual carnival celebrations are the second biggest in Brazil). Accommodation options range
from hotels – including the Mercure (5 star), the Blue Tree (5 star) and the Ibis (4 star) – as well as a huge
range pousadas, eco tourism resorts (generally located on the outskirts) and youth hostels.
Cachoeira: whilst having a thriving economy mainly based around sugar, cotton and tobacco, the area has
been undergoing a tourism revival – largely due to its rich African influenced culture (there are several
museums and historical tours available describing the slavery history of the region). Accommodation
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ranges from 3 star hotels to pousadas.
Morro de São Paulo: located on the Tinharé island, approximately 60 kilometres by sea from Salvador city –
this very touristic region attracts national and international visitors enjoying its stunning beaches
complemented by restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Whilst it has been criticised of losing some of its original charm over the years, the area continues to witness an increasing amount of visitors – particularly by
young people. Accommodation options range from 3/4 star hotels to pousadas, backpacker hostels,
holiday apartments / houses and campsites.
Ilhéus: considered another major city in the Bahian state, the municipality’s economy thrives largely on
tourism (although agricultural farming also plays an important role). The main attractions are its beaches
– including the São Miguel da Barra, Dos Milionários, Do Norte, Do Cristo, Da Avenida and Da Concha – as
well as the museums, walks and monuments in the town centre. There are hotels (such as the 4 star
Opaba and the Aldeia da Praia), pousadas, eco tourism resorts and youth hostels throughout the city.
Porto Seguro: up until the 1800s, it was one of the
busiest ports in the whole of Brazil but now serves as
one of Bahia’s main tourist regions – particularly during
the summer months. Attractions include its many
beaches, its lively nightlife, the Monte Pascoal National
Park, its historical downtown as well as the Arraial
d’Ajuda district (home of many examples colonial
buildings complemented by picturesque beaches) and
Trancoso (an ethnically rich area with beaches and
main square, classified as a UNESCO heritage site). The
municipality also has active livestock rearing,
agricultural produce, services and light manufacturing
industries which are assisting to fuel its ever growing economy. Accommodation ranges from hotels –
including the Shalimar (4 star) and the Estalagem (3 star) – to resorts, pousadas and youth hostels.
Chapada Diamantina National Park: formerly a huge diamond and gold exploration region, the area brings
a large number of hikers, mountain climbers / bikers attracted to its wide plateau complemented by unique
fauna and flora characteristic of this part of the country. A number of pousadas and youth hostels are
located in the closest town (Lençóis), many of which offer tours and camping trips into the park.
Abrolhos Islands: whilst mainly recognised as the home of one of the largest marine biology research sites
in Latin America, an increasing amount of tour operators are offering boat trips to the archipelago of 5
islands (which feature a variety of healthy vegetation and a huge range of lizards and birds) as well as for
whale watching and scuba diving excursions. Whilst a handful of small hotels and pousadas operate from
the Bahian coast, it is more common for day trips to be arranged from Porto Seguro.
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Pernambuco
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Pernambuco State
Recife: as well as being the fourth largest metropolitan region of Brazil (after Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and
Salvador) and therefore attracting an increasing amount of business travellers, the city is located amongst
a large network rivers and islands and is often referred to as the ´venice´of Brazil. The city is well served
to the whole of the country and internationally by road, rail and domestic air flights (and is also
witnessing increasing several large infrastructural improvements, albeit at a slow pace). The international
airport (Gilberto Freyre / Guararapes) has regular flights to most Latin American countries as well as the
USA and Europe. A range of accommodation options are presented from high end hotels – including the
Mercure, the Best Western, the Park and the Monte – as well as a range of pousadas, low budget hotels
and youth hostels.
Olinda: recognised as one of the most well-preserved
colonial areas of the north east (the downtown area is
classed as a UNESCO World Heritage site), it is a
popular destination for many people visiting the north
east. Tourism plays the most important part of the
city´s economy although transportation, logistics and
furniture have long been prominent industries. The lack
of presence of major hotel chains in the area is
embraced by local residents and the main
accommodation choice of visitors are the high quality
pousadas that complement the traditional and ethnic
feel of the area.
Itamaracá: its location, approximately 38 km from Recife, means that this region continues to be a popular
visiting area (tourism is the main driver of the local economy, although fish farming and agricultural
produce have also become increasingly important). The main attractions are its many beaches including
the Rio Âmbar, the Baixa Verde, the Pilar, the Quatro Cantos, the São Paulo and the Enseada dos Golfinhos
– all complemented by a range of restaurants and other tourist-orientated services. In terms of
accommodation, there is a mix of hotels, pousadas, beach side lodges, an eco tourism resort and a backpacker hostel.
Igarassu: the area was one of the landing points of European settlers and is located close to Recife (32
kilometres north). The main attractions are its beaches including the Gavoa (popular for water sports
enthusiasts), the Mangue Seco and the Coroa do Avião. There are a range of small-scale hotels (such as
the Hotel Gavoa and the Igarassu) as well as pousadas and campsites.
Caruaru: a rising economic power in the state, the regions’ main drivers are textiles, handicrafts,
commerce, agricultural and livestock production (including corn, beans, manioc, milk, goats, chicken and
cows). Tourism also plays an increasingly important role to the municipalities with one of the main
attractions being the clay art statues on the Alto do Moura (classified as the largest centre for figurative
arts in the Americas by UNESCO) as well as being the home of the largest arts and handicrafts markets in
Brazil. Accommodation is based around hotels – including the BR Palace (3 star) and the Hotel Central (3
star) – as well as a number of well-run pousadas.
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Porto de Galinhas: once a central point of the slave
trade in Brazil, the area is one of the most picturesque
beaches in Pernambuco. Its beaches have previously
been voted the ‘best in Brazil’ by the ‘Eco Vilagem’ and
‘Viagem & Turismo’ magazines due to there natural
pools, white sand and crystal-clear waters. There are
also a number of eco-trails (popular excursions for
visitors) and the area is well served by restaurants,
beach bars and a luxury hotel infrastructure including
the Deluxe Resort (5 star), the Beach Class (5 star), the
Summerville Beach Resort (5 star), the Nannai Beach Resort (4 star), the Pontal de Ocapora (4 star) and the
Solar Porto de Galinhas (4 star) – there are also lower priced pousadas, campsites and a youth hostel.
Garanhuns: a popular winter tourism destination, it is often referred to as the Pernambucan Switzerland
with its main attractions being its mountains, several monuments, the Ruben Van Der Linden and Euclides
Dourado parks as well as a music festival (held every July). The municipality also has been growing
economically as a result of its growing flower, tomato, milk, cattle and poultry industries. Accommodation
options are mainly based around hotels – including the Snooze (3 star) and the Requinte (3 star) – and
several traditional pousadas.
Triunfo: as the highest point in Pernambuco, the area is a popular visiting spot for those looking to get
away from the high temperatures. There are a handful of small scale hotels (such as the Otellin) as well as
pousadas in operation.
Fernando de Noronha: a popular excursion of those visiting Recife, the area consists of an archipelago of
21 islands and islets, classified as an UNESCO World Heritage site of natural beauty. The highlights of the
area are its beaches, wildlife (including rare bird species, turtles, lizards and dolphins), caves, coral and sub
aquatic fauna (several scuba diving tours are in operation in the area). Excessive development is being
controlled to prevent the risk of environmental damage. Fernando de Noronha’s beauty does come at a
price and it is one of the most expensive tourist destinations of the north east. Accommodation wise it is
served by hotels, high end eco-tourism resorts as well as a very wide range of pousadas – examples
include the Beco de Noronha, the Agulhão, the Arquipélago, the Carmô and the Bela Vista.
Vale do Catimbau National Park: officially classified as a conservational zone by the Brazilian government,
the region contains an abundance of caves, canyons and 28 registered areas with pre-historical paintings.
The main accommodation options in the area are small scale hotels, country lodges, pousadas and
campsites.
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30
Ceará State
Fortaleza: one of the largest metropolitan regions in the north east, the city’s economy continues to grow
(largely fuelled by commerce, services, footwear, textiles, leather, mineral extraction amongst others) and
it is ever keen to remove itself from the negative connotations of crime, prostitution and abject poverty –
a transformation that is evidentially happening, albeit at a slow pace. The main attractions are its urban
beaches (including the Praia do Futuro), lively nightlife, fine cuisine and several famous landmarks
(including the José de Alencar theatre, the Cathedral, the Luz Palace and the Forte Nan de Praire statue).
Being such a large city, a wide range of accommodation options are available including hotels (such as the
4 star Blue Tree, Comfort and Quality), lower budget hotels / guest houses, pousadas and youth hostels
(the area is a popular stop off point for backpackers touring the coast of Brazil).
Aracati: a coastal municipality that is becoming increasingly popular for tourists due to its wide stretches
of Atlantic facing coastline. As an area that, overall, remains relatively undeveloped, growth is expected in
line with the improving economic conditions of the state. Perhaps the most important tourist destination
in the municipality is the Canoa Quebrada – a fishing village that has grown to attract an increasing amount
of visitors (with water sports activities, restaurants, shops and other tourist related services in place).
Accommodation options range from small-scale hotels, pousadas, eco tourism resorts, farm stays, holiday
apartments / villas and backpacker hostels.
Jericoacoara: voted by the Washington Post as having
one of the top 10 beaches in the world – an accolade
that has continued to attract hoteliers and tour
operators. The region was officially converted to
National Park status in 2002, and also known for its
spectacular sunset, starry night sky as well as its sand
and windsurfing opportunties. There are several hotels
in operation – including the 5 star Vila Bela Vista, the 4
star Rancho do Peixe and Mosquito Blue Jeri – as well
as high end resorts, pousadas, campsites and
backpacker hostels.
Tatajuba: another area widely predicted to witness tourism growth, access is currently limited via a dirt
road to what is one of the most spectacular beaches in Brazil. Accommodation is currently in the form of
small pousadas and camping grounds.
Sobral: as voted by the RMC São Paulo as one of best cities in Brazil in terms of quality of life – the region
is attracting an increasing amount of both leisure and business tourists. Its economy mainly relies on the
production of cassava, maize beans, banana, mango, sugarcane, cashew nuts, livestock, poultry and
cement (it is home to one of the national headquarters of the Votorantim group). Tourism is fuelled by the
many landmarks that populate the area, the rich culture (including museums, theatres, cinemas) as well as
festivals and fairs spread throughout the year. Accommodation is mainly based around small scale hotels
– including the Beira Rio (4 star), the Visconde (4 star), the Verde Rio (3 star) and the Atalaia (3 star) – as
well as a range of pousadas.
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Baturité: as well as having a growing economy (focused mainly in the trade of rice, corn, cotton, banana,
sugarcane and coffee), the area also has a rising tourism industry due the Atlantic forest that circles much
of the town – with semi-tropical rainforest, trails and hidden waterfalls – popular with hikers and adventure
sports enthusiasts. There are also several cultural points of interest including museums, museums and a
theatre located in the centre. The area is served by small scale hotels, pousadas and camping grounds.
Ibiapaba Mountains: home of the Ubajara National Park, one of the smallest conservation areas in Brazil
(covering an area of 5.63km² and located in the Ibiapaba mountains) at which the most infamous visiting
point is a grotto full with large stalagmites and stalactites which is accessible by a specially built stair lift.
Other major attractions of the mountains are the Morro do Céu at 820 metres high and the Pirangi
waterfall.
Juazeiro do Norte: an area that is growing economically (the region benefits from highly fertile lands as
well as having healthy secondary and tertiary sectors) that is also popularly known as a religious tourism
destination. The historically well known priest Cícero Romão Batista (1844-1934) was born here and attracts up to 100,000 visitors every year to his pilgrimage. Hotels are mainly in the form of small pousadas.
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Sergipe State
Aracaju: the capital city of the state is witnessing
growing rural to urban migration and higher annual
GDP figures – with an economy fuelled by the service, light manufacturing and tourism industries.
Temperatures rarely go under 17 degrees Celsius and
the coast has several urban beaches complemented by
volleyball courts, football playing areas, squares,
restaurants, nightclubs, supermarkets and banks. The international airport has daily connections to all parts of
Brazil and some neighbouring South American countries
(with expansion plans intended). Accommodation
options range from 4 star hotels (such as the Radisson,
Ibis and Mercure) to low budget establishments and pousadas.
Laranjeiras: a quaint town located 23 kilometres from Aracaju attracting tourists to its well maintained
colonial architecture (the area is also well known for its sugarcane production). Attractions include the
Nossa Senhora da Conceição Comandaroba and Nosso Senhor do Bonfim churches; the municipal markets
dating back to the early 19th century and the sacred art museum. As with many of the older towns in the
country, over-development has been restricted which is one of the main reasons the area has maintained
its charm. Accommodation options range from small scale hotels and pousadas.
São Cristóvão: as the fourth oldest city in Brazil, this area is steeped in history and therefore a popular
visiting area with churches, monuments and museums dating back to the 17th century (the area’s other
economic activity include sugar milling / distilling as well as being a shipping port). The city was declared a
national monument in 1967 and, therefore, large-scale development has been restricted. There are several
small scale hotels and pousadas which serve the ever-increasing amount of visitors.
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Estância: another picturesque town with several examples of colonial architecture complemented by a
range of restaurants, eateries and overall relaxed pace of life – often a weekend getaway for workers from
Aracaju. A number of hotels and pousadas – mainly located in the centre – serve the area.
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Alagoas State
Maceió: as well as being the capital and economic hub of the state (sugarcane and chemical production are
the most important income generators), the city has an excellent tourism infrastructure set-up attracting an
increasing amount of national and global travellers. Its main attractions include its beaches (the main one
being the Pajuçara), the tropical rainforest surrounding the city, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shopping,
cinemas, theatres, museums as well as a number of festivals held throughout the year. The international
airport (Zumbi dos Palmares) has connections to the majority of Brazil as well as Italy and Argentina
(further expansion plans are expected) and the BR-104 connects the city well. Hotel provisions range in
quality from the Ritz Lagoa da Anta Urban Resort (5 star) to the Ibis (4 star), the Pajuçara Praia, several
Maragogi: a small municipality located 125 kilometres
north of Maceió, very little other economic activity takes
place here apart from tourism. Nevertheless, the
amount of tourists coming to see its Coral Coast of
over 130 kilometres continues to increase and it is the
second most visited city in the state (after the capital).
The other main attractions include a group of tropical
pools formed during low tide, known as the Galés as well
as the coral reefs located further out from the coast. A
number of tour operators and scuba diving companies
are based in the region and accommodation options
range from mid ranged hotels (such as the Praia Azul and
the Dourada), resorts (such as the Miramar and the Salinas do Maragogi), pousadas, campsites and two
backpacker hostels.
Penedo: located in the south of the state, as well as having a growing economy based on rice, sugarcane,
fish farming and coconut processing, the municipality’s tourist industry has witnessed significant growth
– particularly since receiving a place in the top seven tourist destinations by the World Tourism Forum
in 2005. The city has several examples of neo-classical and baroque architecture including the Imperial
Palace as well as several churches (Nossa Senhora da Corrente, the São Gonçalo Garcia and the Batista de
Penedo being the main ones). Large scale development has been restricted to preserve the regions history
with accommodation options ranging from small and family led hotels (such as the São Fransisco) to wellrun pousadas (such as the 4 star Colonial).
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33
Paraíba State
João Pessoa: lying on the most eastern point of Latin America, the capital of the state of Paraíba was
officially classified by the United Nations as having the second highest amount of urban forested land in the
world (after Paris) – complemented by a tropical climate, several beaches, and a mix of modern and
colonial architecture. The city is also well located in relation to other of north eastern Brazil’s larger cities
(120 kilometres from Recife and 180 kilometres from Natal) and is well connected to other parts of Brazil
and Latin America via the Presidente Castros Pinto airport. As the economic hub of the Paraíba region,
other industries in operation include food, drink, glass, cement, metal, wood processing, furniture,
ceramics, chemicals, textiles and tourism. The city also has several notable attractions – including the
Estação Ciência, Cultura e Artes” (Science, Culture and Art Centre – designed by infamous Brazilian architect, Oscar Niemeyer) as well as theatres, museums, cinemas and convention centres. A range of accommodation is offered throughout the city ranging from hotels (such as the 5 star Atlântico Praia Othon and
the 4 star Quality João Pessoa) as well as lower budget options, pousadas and backpacker / youth hostels.
Campina Grande: the second largest populated city in the state with a solid economy based on agriculture, livestock, commerce and high tech industry.
Newsweek, rated the region as the second largest
technological hub in South America which, whilst be an accolade that many have questioned, as
nevertheless enabled the city to attract business
travellers and investors. Campina Grande is a
culturally rich city that continues to attract leisure
tourists and it has a prominent role in the Brazilian art trade industry. The city’s musicians are also well known throughout the country and attract visitors yearround to concerts and festivals. Whilst a range of hotel options are offered within the city (ranging from
the 3/4 star Garden Hotel and Serrano as well as several pousadas) there is a lack of high end and/or chain
hotels which is deemed surprising considering its rising economic presence.
Cabedelo: one of the most unique cities in the whole of Brazil, the area is spread on a peninsular very close
to João Pessoa being 18 kilometres in length and 3 kilometres in width. The main industry within the region
is tourism with the main attractions being the Forteleza de Santa Catarina (an area where visitors are
offered historical and cultural tours) as well as the Poço and the Intermares beaches (the latter is another
popular international surfing destination, with several competitions held throughout the year).
Accommodation options range from mid-range hotels (such as the Formosa) as well as pousadas and a
youth hostel.
Ingá Stone: often a day excursion from Campina Grande, the stone dates back to the early 18th century
and is formed out of basalt and covered with carved images of constellations, fruits, animals and human
figures. The small town of Ingá has a handful of small hotels and pousadas.
Baía da Traição: consists of large stretches of elevated coast line providing magnificent views of the Atlantic
ocean. As well as being an important economic source for the regions cassava, rice, banana, maize and
pumpkin industries, the Sinimbú river is also an increasingly important tourist spot. The Baía da Traição is
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considered one of the best hotels in the region and there are also several pousadas as well as campsites
and a youth hostel.
Sousa: an area with rich archaeological history due to having several preserved area with fossilised
footprints of over 80 species of dinosaur. The municipality is also becoming economically richer due to
being one of the only areas of the north east to be immediately adjacent to the regions oil findings). Sousa
also has well-established construction materials and cocoa industries and is informally known as having the
best coconut water in Brazil. Accommodation options range from the mid-range Ribeirão, Jardins Plaza and
Frouxão hotels to a number of well-run pousadas.
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Rio Grande do Norte State
Natal: fast becoming one of the most well known cities by both national and international visitors –
tourism coming into the area began in the 1980s and, due to its advantageous positioning of being the
closest Brazilian state capital to Europe and Africa, has continued to increase. It is now recognised as the
most popular hub of international real estate developers who have been attracted to its lower land prices
and idyllic location as well as cheaper labour and material sources – although some fear that certain parts
are becoming too developed as to destroy the originality of the city. Other economic drivers of the city and
its surrounding areas include fish farming as well as various tropical fruit and cashew trading). With several unique tourist attractions – including its white sandy beaches, several historic monuments and yearround carnivals – visitor levels have been increasing consistently even through the global economic
downturn. The new Dunas Arena will also host several of the World Cup 2014 football games which is
expected to further boost tourist levels. The city has a solid transport infrastructure and, despite much
controversy and debate, plans are in place to build what will be one of the largest airports in Latin America.
Accommodation varies from the 5 star Pestana Resort to more mid range choices such as the Ocean
Palace, the Porto Suites, the Natal Mar and the Quality as well as a range of pousadas and youth hostels.
Mossoró: the region lies at equal distances between
Natal and Forteleza and, whilst mainly known for its
large salt and land-based petroleum industries, it
attracts a large number of winter tourists during June
for its annual festival: the Mossoró City Junina Festival.
Mossoró does not have any beaches but has good
access to those of its neighbouring municipality of
Tibau, including the Pólo Costa Branca (see below).
Hotels are largely mid-range including the São Luiz
Plaza, the Caraúbas and the Sabino Palace and there
are also several pousadas.
Tibau do Sul: located 80 kilometres from Natal, with relatively small fishing and crafts industries, the main
economic driver is tourism which has developed in the area since the 1970s particularly around the Pipa
beach (during high season, a flow of over 1,000,000 people are visiting the region). The local
government has tried to control over-development of the region in the form of height restrictions and
construction prevention measures in certain areas – something that has been embraced by not only locals
but visitors. Nevertheless, tourism is thriving and hotel options range from 4 and 5 star resorts – including
35
the Marinas, the Toca da Coruja, the Aquarela do Brasil Village and the Sombra Água Fresca – as well as
several pousadas, campsites and a youth hostel.
Tibau: located in the most northerly point of Rio Grande do Norte, the region is composed of large dunes
and cliffs and series of small lakes. The region remains an increasingly popular tourism destination which
is its main economic driver (as well as some fish farming and agricultural trade). The local hotel industry is
not as developed as Tibau do Sul – largely due to a lesser amount of annual visitors – but there are some
mid-range choices and pousadas spread across the area.
Parnamirim: as the third most populous municipality in the state, it has prominent sugarcane, shrimp and
paper industries in addition to tourism. The region gets very busy during high season – particularly close
to the main beaches: Pirangi (home of the worlds largest cashew tree) and Cotovelo as well as being home
of one of Brazil’s only planetariums. Due to being home of the main airport currently serving Rio Grande
do Norte, there are a range of hotel options in the area as well as pousadas and resorts closer to the
beaches.
Touros: often referred to as ‘Brazil’s corner’ due to being located at an acute angle on Brazil’s north east
coast line. It has the second largest light house in the world which, along with its tranquil beaches, is its
main tourist attraction. The area also has some relies on agriculture and fish trade as a driver of its
economy. Accommodation options range from mid-range and family run hotels / resorts (such as the Siri
and the Punaú) to several pousada operations.
São Miguel do Gostoso: located 100 kilometres from Natal, this former small fishing village is becoming an
increasingly important tourist destination (which is its predominant economic driver). Its main attractions
are its peaceful beaches and strong winds – popular with wind and kite surfing enthusiasts. The region’s
idyllic feel has meant that the construction of larger hotels has been restricted – with the main options
serving tourists are small scale hotels and family run pousadas.
Galinhos: located 166 kilometres from the state capital, this small municipality is growing in popularity as a
visiting destination due to its deserted beaches and preserved landscape. The area is very under
developed with only pousadas serving its visitors.
Caicó: whilst the region is located in land of the Rio Grande do Norte state, it attracts a solid level of
tourists due to being a national Institute of National Historical and Artistic Heritage (Instituto do Patrimônio
Histórico e Artístico Nacional, an independent agency fully funded by the Ministry of Culture) due to its rich
religious history, fine cuisine and various carnivals spread throughout the year. It has one of the highest
standards of living in the north east (with other prominent industries including cotton, cattle farming and
agricultural production due to its rich soils). Hotels are well run in the region and include the 4 star
Guanabara, Mirante and Regente as well as the 3 star Porto Bello and a range of pousadas.
Macau: referred to as the ‘land of salt’, the region is the largest producer in Brazil (as well as having large
fish and oil production industries). Whilst tourism is increasing to the area, the region has long been a
sufferer from the effects of tropical rainfall – leading to many of its access points being restricted. The
local government have, however, stated that restructuring plans are in place to alleviate this situation. The
main accommodation options are mid range hotels – including the Maranata, the Gran Prix and the
Gamboa – as well as a handful of well-run pousadas.
36
Martins: a popular destination in the state due to being located at an altitude of 745 metres and therefore
having a unique semi-arid climate. For this reason, it is now recognised as one of the main ecotourism
destinations of the north east (the region also has prominent livestock, milk and other agricultural produce
industries in operation). Martins is also host to the largest food festival in Brazil held on an annual basis.
Accommodation is focused on small scale hotels as well as campsites and pousadas which are well integrated into the surrounding region.
Maxaranguape: a relatively small municipality that is expected to receive increasing tourist levels due to its
quite and picturesque beaches. The area is very undeveloped and has a handful of pousadas serving
visitors.
Cabo de São Roque: the region is commonly referred to
as one of the most spectacular visiting spots of the
north east and indeed Brazil due to having over 6
kilometres of unspoiled white sanded beaches
complemented huge cliffs and large rows of coconut and palm trees. It will also be the home of the David
Beckham football academy and, as a result, an
increasing amount of hotel and other real estate
development has begun in the region – including the luxury Cabo de São Roque and Hotel Vila Galé resorts
and a number of pousadas (with more in development).
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Piauí State
Teresina: located in between the Parnaíba and Poti rivers, it is recognised as being a very clean and safe
city – despite having year round high temperatures, the effects of high humidity are mitigated by cool
winds. The soils are highly fertile making the city and its surrounding region a competitive agricultural hub
in Brazil. Teresina is also developing as a north eastern Brazilian business and educational events
destination and is well served by exhibition centres, auditoriums and other suitable spaces. Visitor
attractions include the meeting point of the two rivers to the north of the city which heads out to the
Atlantic ocean; the zoological gardens as well as several parks and historical monuments. The Teresina
airport serves most parts of Brazil on a daily basis and has several expansion plans in place. Hotel options
range from the 4 star Teresina Central and Luxur to mid-range options and pousadas.
37
Sete Cidades National Park: steeped in ancient history,
the seven areas of the park are split into areas of wide
and varied rock formations, huge plains, rivers, streams,
natural pools, waterfalls as well as a huge range of
wildlife. Much of the region is ecologically protected
and nationally preserved (it was one of the first homes
of the Tupi indigenous people) and it is fast becoming a
must-see destination for tourists. As is expected, a
range of hotels, eco-tourism, youth hostels, campsite
and pousada options are available – catering for all
budgets. Most would be tied in with tour operators
offering excursions into the park lasting anything
between 1 day and three weeks for the more adventurous.
Parnaíba: as well as becoming an increasingly important economical hub of the Piauí state due to its
proximity to the Amarração port, tourism levels are also increasing due to its beaches (the main one being
the Pedra do Sal, popular for surfers); the lake Portinho; its lagoons and several historical monuments
dotted around the area. Midrange hotels, such as the Cívico, the Parnaíba Palace and the Alvorada, as well
as several well-run pousadas are the most common accommodation options available.
Serra da Capivara National Park: another nationally protected region of the country and a World Heritage
Site as classified by UNESCO; it was heavily populated in pre-historic times and much of this period is very
apparent today. The area remains of interest to archaeologists, palaeontologists and visitors touring the
many rock formations, deep canyons and cave paintings that populate the region. Due to its wide distance
from Teresina (530 kilometres), the regions tourism infrastructure is not fully developed – yet there are a
number of pousadas that offer a range of tours for visitors.
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Maranhão State
São Luis: with its growing population and solid
infrastructure, the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV)
voted it as one of the best cities to live in Brazil. The
economy was formerly one of the most wealthiest in
the country until the collapse of the cotton industry
amongst other factors which led to more of its
inhabitants moving towards the south of the country.
Nevertheless, the region continues to have prominent
metal production, food processing and service
industries. With several beaches – including the Ponta
d’Areia, the San Marcos (a popular surf beach) and the
Olho d’Agua – tourist numbers have also been steadily
increasing. The city is nationally recognised as being one of the main cultural hubs of Brazil – with several
events and festivals spread throughout the year; a historic centre (classified as an UNESCO World Heritage
Site) as well as several monuments, cathedrals dating back to the 17th century and museums. Hotel
options range from the 4 star Pestana resort hotels to other mid to high range options such as the Grand,
the Brisamar and the Calhau as well as range of pousadas.
38
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park: classified as a national park in 1981, the area is a unique part of the
country consisting of huge sand plains, dunes and lagoons (caused by heavy rainfall occurring between
July and September). Access to the park is difficult (mainly by 4x4 vehicle) and, therefore, tourism in the
parks immediate area is under-developed bar a handful of small-scale pousada operations.
Alcântara: another relatively undiscovered touristic region of the north east of Brazil, its main attraction are
its archaeological visiting points as well as its pleasant beaches. Tourism is undeveloped with north eastern
Brazilian visitors and backpackers being the main travellers to the area (which is served by small
pousadas).
Imperatriz: as an important commercial point for the north of the country (with industries in operation including steel, soybeans, rice, hydro-electricity and cellulose) the region is becoming increasingly popular for
business hoteliers as well as visitors to its wide open spaces, abundance of waterfalls and other features.
The city has been developing since the 1960s and has a modern infrastructure complemented by shopping
centres, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. There is one 5 star hotel in the city – the Plaza Caldas Resort
and Spa – with a range of mid-lower to budget options also available including the Posseidon, the Schalom,
the Presidente, the Advance Palace and the Panorama as well as several pousadas.
Carolina / Chapada das Mesas National Park: a small town that has long been a popular visiting spot due to
being the main access point of the Chapada das Mesas which offers lush landscapes, clear rivers,
mountains, hills, natural swimming pools and countless waterfalls (including the Cachoeira, the São Romão
and the Itapecuru). The most popular accommodation choices are the very well run ecological resorts and
pousadas including the Lajes, the Lírio, the Chchoeiras de Itapecuru, the Rilton and the Grande Família.
Back to Contents
Amazonas State
Manaus: the capital of the Amazonas state, the city is the main gateway to the worlds largest rainforest as
well as being the second largest metropolitan region in northern Brazil. Whilst tourism plays an
important part of the economy, the city has had the challenge of growing in a self-sufficient manner due
to having no direct road or rail connections other than those of its neighbours: Boa Vista, (Roraima), Porto
Velho (Rondônia) and to Venezuela (with air transport being the only method meaning importing supplies
from other parts of Brazil is costly). Some of the main industries in operation include rubber, timber, Brazil
nuts, soap, chemicals, natural oils, beer brewing, shipbuilding, electronic equipment manufacturing and,
more recently, petroleum mining. There are several parks including the Mindu, the Bosque de Ciência, the
Sumaúma and the Bilhares as well as the large urban forest, located within Federal University of
Amazonas. The city has become increasingly metropolitan over the last few decades, being served by
theatres, concert halls, a 700-seat opera house and several other forms of nightlife. The Eduardo Gomes
International Airport is the largest in the state and regularly serves most parts of Brazil. The port is located
in the downtown area on the banks of the Negro and serves all parts of the 900 mile stretch of the river
(also where a majority of the tourist boat trips visiting leave from. The Amazon itself possesses over 50
percent of the worlds rainforests with a wide range of wildlife – over 1/3 of all species live within it. Hotels
in the city range from 4 and 5 star options include the Novotel, the Mercure, the Maracuja City Resort as
well as a number of mid-range options, pousadas and youth hostels.
39
Parintins: as the second largest city in the Amazonas,
the area is largely composed of low forests and flat land,
complemented by many tributaries of the main rivers as
well as lakes and islets. The city has a strong cultural
identity drawing from residents descending from
Portugal, Spain and Japan. It remains relatively
underdeveloped (housing, for example, generally
consists of simply constructed buildings in the centre
and wooden property in the neighbourhoods) although,
as the economy continues to improve, this is expected
to change. The main industries in operation are
agriculture (including banana, cocoa, cashew, coffee,
coconut, black pepper, citrus fruits, avocado, sweet potato, sugarcane, beans, tomato, cassava, cantaloupe, watermelon and corn); livestock rearing / production and fish farming (from the rich pickings of the
Amazon); poultry; timber; chemicals and shipbuilding. Tourism has been increasing in the last few years,
largely as a result of a number of documentaries and travel shows focused on the area – its main
attraction is the raw Brazilian culture as well as its beautiful surroundings not found in any part of the
country. It also has several festivals spread throughout the year which are attracting an increasing amount
of national and international visitors. The main barrier to the expansion of tourism is the relative difficulty
of accessing the area – which, indeed, some perceive as a positive fact to maintain the authenticity and
uniqueness of the area. As to be expected, there are no major hotel developments in the area but, as a
result of the increased tourist interest, several river lodges and pousadas are in operation – although not all
year round and visitors are advised to prepare a trip prior (two popular choices are the Millennium Pousada
and the Amazon River Hotel).
Tefé: tucked in the middle of the Amazon state, this region is becoming popular for travellers and
backpackers travelling through the river by boat. The main accommodation options are relatively basic
pousadas which are best organised prior to visiting.
Mamirauá: an area of outstanding natural beauty which is protected by the Ramsar Convention of the
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and will be part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
(a research and development programme aimed achieving global ecosystem sustainability). Within the
area are over 400 species of birds (including eagles, toucans and Amazonian parrots) as well as a huge
variety of other land and sea wildlife including monkeys, sloths, anteaters, river dolphins, pirhana, tambaqui and pirarucu. Note that the majority of the area is flooded during the wet season. Due to the
difficulty of accessing the area, tourism levels have increased at a steady pace but, neverthess, are relatively low. There are a small handful of pousada options which are often tied to the scientific research
institutes that operate in the region.
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40
Pará State
Belém: as the entrance gate to the Amazon, this
growing city has a busy port and an airport serving most
areas of Brazil and neighbouring South American
countries (the Val de Cães) and much better road and
connections that compared to Manaus. The city and its
surroundings have a growing economy based on a range
of industries including aluminium, iron ore, chemicals,
cassava, nuts, jute, timber, textiles, livestock and it also
has one of the largest convention centres in the north of
the country (which was the location of the World
Social Forum of 2009). With its tropical climate; the ease of access to the Amazon rainforest and the unique
fresh water beached islets that are formed around the city, tourism has witnessed a solid increase both
nationally and internationally. Other attractions are the local ‘Amerindian’ cuisine, the Amazon Bio Park
Zoo, the Rodrigues Alves Wood Botanical Gardens, several museums of Amazonian history as well as the
colonial architecture that dates back to the 17th century. The city also has two other rivers that
pass through the area: the Maguari and the Guama (on the banks of which lies the Federal University of
Pará). Belém has a wide range of accommodation options including a number of 4/5 star hotels (such as
the Hilton, the Crowne Plaza and the Regente); mid-range options (such as the Hotel Grão Pará, the Novo
Avenida and the Vila Rica); well-run pousadas; campsites and youth hostels.
Ananindeua: this city has become worth of attention over the last few decades due to its rapid growth in
terms of population and industry (largely based on a variety of agricultural produce, livestock and fish farming). The area consists of nine river islands with dense tropical rainforest which, due to their bio diverse
nature, have become an increasingly popular attraction for tourists. Despite its large size there are no high
end hotels in operation in the region; the 3 star options include the Hilma and Master and there are several
pousadas across the city as well as on the islands.
Ilha de Marajó: the second largest fluvial island in the world (after the Ilha do Bananal in the Tocantins
region, see below), much of the area consists of dense rainforests, mangroves and flooded plains. As a
result, the island has a rich biodiversity with a range of vegetation and wildlife (huge populations of buffalo
can be found throughout). Tourism levels are ever increasing with a range accommodation options being
offered including the Hotel Ilha de Marajó, the Marajó Ecotourism resort as well as ecologically respectful
pousadas and campsites.
Salinópolis: considered the principle tourist hub of Pará, high season statistics have been reaching over
400,000 visitors. The main areas of attraction are the wide Atalaia beach (with its white sands and gray
green waters from the sediment carried from the Amazon) and also the ‘Lake of Coca Cola’ – known for its
fresh cold waters. The region is also highly populated with dunes, rivers, streams and wetlands. Due to
the high level of tourists, accommodation options are wide and varied including the mid-high range
Amazônia Atlântico Resort, the Mercadinho and the Clube Privê do Atalaia hotels as well as a number of
well-run pousadas.
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41
Santarém: located at the meeting point of the Tapajós and the Amazon, the area is another established
tourism area of the state. The region also has a thriving economy based on a variety of agricultural
produce, livestock, fish farming, soybeans, rubber, coffee and mining. The spectacular landscape and
picturesque nature of the city of the region, complemented by a tropical climate, means national and
international visitor statistics are always healthy. Hotel options are largely mid range and very
environmentally conscious including the Santarem, the Beirante, the Rural and the Alfageme as well as a
number of pousadas.
Back to Contents
Tocantins State
Palmas – as one of Brazil’s fastest growing cities (which
as witnessed a year on year increase of 8.7 percent
since 2000), the area is continuing to see a rising
number of business travellers attracted to its developing
industry base (ranging from a variety of services to
trade). The city – which, in terms of its look, is often
compared to Brasília – has a high human development
index complemented by modern and improving
infrastructure, good transport as well as a national
airport serving over 50,000 passengers a month (and
rising). Tourist attractions are largely based along the
Tocantins river and include the Graciosa and Prata
beaches as well as the Cesam Park and the Taquaruçu waterfalls. The city is graced with concert halls,
cinemas, shopping centres, several good quality restaurants and a lively nightlife. Accommodation options
range from the high-mid range Munart, Lago Da Palma, Vitória Plaza and the Araguaia to smaller
establishments and a range of pousadas. It is highly expected for a number of the bigger national and
international chain hotels to locate in the city as it develops.
Ilha do Bananal: with an area of over 19,000 km² (double the size of Jamaica), it is the largest fluvial
island in the world and a preserved national park (with several indigenous tribe villages). Considered
another ecological sanctuary of Brazil, the area has a wide range of unique vegetation and wildlife including jaguars, dolphins, blue herons and Amazonian turtles. Temperatures are largely warms with the rainy
season occurring between November and April. Hotel expansion continues to increase to meet the rising
interest in the area with several options ranging from the 4 star Canoeiros, Pirarara, and Três Barras to the
mid range Independência, Boa Vista, and Serrano as well as a range of well-run and ecologically respectful
pousadas.
Natividade: a small city that is increasingly becoming visited by tourists due to its rich religious history (several colourful festivals are held throughout the year); eighteenth century architecture; and excellent cuisine
as well as its many caves, hills, valleys and natural swimming pools. Accommodation options range from
mid range hotels (such as the Serra Geral and the Veredas) to a handful of well-run pousadas.
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42
Amapá State
Macapá: another fast growing Brazilian city that is the
fifth most populous in northern Brazil (behind Manaus,
Belem, Ananindeua and Porto Velho). Industry is based
upon agriculture, fish farming, rubber, livestock,
commerce and a variety of services – the region has
enacted a number of international free trade
agreements since the 1990s which has continued to
enable it to become investment attractive. Whilst GDP
statistics have consistently grown as have improvements
in the city’s overall infrastructure, one criticism has been
the lack of urban development planning which has
resulted in certain parts of the city becoming degraded.
Visiting the city, Macapá has several places of leisure visitor interest including the fortress of São José do
Macapá; the Marco Zero (an imaginary line that marks the division between the northern and southern
hemisphere); the Panela do Amapá (an area of several authentic restaurants offering the very best in
northern Brazilian cuisine) and the Sambódromo de Macapá (with a capacity of 18,000 people, the stadium
hosts year round concerts as well as the annual carnival celebrations). Accommodation options are largely
based around mid range hotels including the Milano, the JK, the Atalanta, the Açai Palace, the San Marino
and the Frota Palace as well as a range of pousadas.
Oiapoque: the most northern coastal city of Brazil, the area is separated from French Guiana by the
Oiapoque river (a bridge is currently being built connecting the two countries) and is becoming increasingly
important, particularly with regards to trade links between the two countries. The main tourist visiting spot
is the Taperebá coastline, spread along the north east of the city. The hotel industry is very
underdeveloped with just a handful pousadas serving visitors.
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Roraima State
Boa Vista: lying 136 miles from the Brazil-Venezuela
border, the region has a mixed climate of high
temperatures and above average rainfall to create a
unique environment with rich soils and a very diverse
range of vegetation. As a result, the city is growing
economically – with the main industries in operation
being a range of agricultural and meat production as well
as commerce and services towards the centre of the city. The plan of the city is often referred to as being
The has solid and modern infrastructural base and,
particularly in recent years, has become better linked
with Manaus, Lethem (in French Guiana) and Santa Elena
de Uairén (Venezuela), with further road and bridge
connections being planned. The Boa Vista-Atlas airport is currently undergoing refurbishment and serves
Belém, Brasília, Georgetown (Guyana), Manaus, Paramaribo (Suriname) and Rio de Janeiro. Whilst the
presence of favelas should be noted to any interested investor, the region was recently commended by the
Fundação Getúlio Vargas for its rapidly decreasing crime statistics. The city itself offers a range of
43
tourist visiting spots including the Orla Taumanan (a wide space with restaurants and free concerts at
weekends); the Ayrton Senna sports complex; the Praça das Águas (a large man made water fountain);
several monuments, cathedrals and the largest park in the north of Brazil: the Anauá. A range of accommodation options are available such as 3 and 4 star city based hotels such as the Itamaraty, the Uiramutã
Palace, the Euzebios and the Ideal to well run pousadas, campsites (on the outskirts) and a youth hostel.
Monte Roraima: located in the Canaiama national park, it is the highest of a series of tabletop
mountains first discovered by the British explorer Sir Walter Raleigh in 1956. The Roraima has a plateau of
31 km² and 400 metre cliff on all sides and includes the triple border point of Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana. Recognised as one of the oldest geological formations on earth, the mountain has a significant place
in the culture of the indigenous people of the region. For this reason, although tourism is rising – control
measures in place so that the area does not become over developed as with other major natural wonders
of the world. Visitors can stay in a number of well run eco-tourist resorts and pousadas (including the
Monte Roraima Hotel and the Coati).
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Rondônia State
Porto Velho: situated on the Madeira river, one of the
larger tributaries of the Amazon, the city has a growing
population and economy – largely fuelled by metals,
minerals, agriculture, fish farming and livestock – as
well as one of the highest standards of living in the
north of the country. Porto Velho also continues to
bring a rising number of tourists with its main
attractions being its rivers (including the Madeira, the
Abunã, the Mutum-Paraná and the Candeias do Jamari);
the Casa de Cultura Uvan Marrocos cultural centre;
several museums; theatres; cinemas and a number of
events and festivals throughout the year. The international
Governador Jorge Teixeira serves most of Brazil as well as a number of Latin American cities. Hotels range
from the 4 star Aquárius Selva, the Samaúma and the Regina to several other mid range options and
pousadas located across the city.
Guajará-Mirim: the second largest municipality in the state accredited as a ‘green city’ by the Instituto
Ambiental Biosfera in May 2009. The main economic driver of the region are the many tourist attractions
including several wide river beaches, forested landscapes, grottos, caves, waterfalls, rapids, parks,
museums, cultural centres and rich cuisine. A number of well-run ecological resorts, hotels and pousadas
are in operation in the region including the Alfa, the Central Palace, the Jamaica, Lima Palace and the Pakas
Palafitas.
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44
Acre State
Rio Branco: the only municipality in Brazil to border Peru,
it is located approximately 2 hours from Manaus and sits
on both banks of the Rio Acre (with six bridges enabling
ease of access between both sides). The city has an
ever-growing economy (largely based on agriculture, fish
farming, livestock and some tertiary services); is well
connected by road and rail; has a newly renovated port
and an airport that serves the larger cities of Brazil and
several South American cities. Rio Branco’s main tourist
attractions include a large palace dating back to the
1930s, the Revolution square, several monuments,
stadiums, museums and year-round festivals as well as the
unspoiled natural beauty of the Acre forests which is located a short distance from the city. Hotel options
are largely mid range including the Guapindaia, the Premier, the Loureiro, the Terra Verde and the Inácio
Palace as well as a range of pousadas.
Xapuri: the area is well known as the former home of the national trade union leader, Chico Mendes who
lived his entire life in the city before being assassinated in 1988. Visitors rarely stay long in the area
(opting for day trips) so there are very few hotel options bar a handful of small-scale pousadas.
45

Brazil Hotel Industry Investment Guide

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