No other city in the world would fit with so much charm and pride the title of "Wonderful City" as Rio de Janeiro.
A freak of nature placed sea and mountain side-by-side in perfect harmony, and was joined by the Christ the Redeemer, the Sugar Loaf, and the simple and festive lifestyle of the "Carioca." More than a postcard, Rio is a state of mind, always cheerful and energetic. It is the main tourist center of the country and, for decades, one of the first destinations in Latin America visited by foreigners.
Ipanema, Copacabana and Christ the Redeemer! There are no beaches and monuments more sung in verse and music or appearing more often across the world in novels, movies and newpapers. Any screen is too small to give an idea of the Guanabara Bay and the massive contours of mountains that link the forest and the ocean. And the breeze of the tropics can only be felt on the face on arrival. After research conducted by the Universities of Michigan and California, the city of Rio de Janeiro was chosen as the city with the most amiable and cordial people in the world. This is the biggest secret of the "Wonderful City" – the Carioca spirit – that completes the urban mosaic of different attractions.
Rio is history, people, culture, daylife, and nightlife. It has many flavors. It is for all ages. Rio is like one of its symbols – the Christ the Redeemer – with open arms to welcome their visitors with a hug.
There are two airports in Rio de Janeiro.
Galeão - Tom Jobim international airport (GIG), located on Governor's Island is easily accessible by modern highways, the center and the south of the city, where the major hotels. Twenty-six international airlines and all Brazilian airlines operating at the airport, which recorded in 1998 a movement of about 8 million passengers between domestic and international flights.
Tel – information: (+55 21) 3004-6050
Flights: (+55 21) 3398-4527 / 3398-4526
Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), located in the city center, operates regional flights linking the main cities of the country, business jets and smaller aircraft. An excellent taxi service and bus links the airport to the main hotels and residential areas.
Information and flights: (+55 21) 3814-7070
Opening soon, Windsor Oceanico, our 4- star hotel is located in the sophisticated Barra da Tijuca, a short walk from the beach.
Enjoy what Barra da Tijuca has to offer, day or night, this 4- star hotel offer a lot of fun, entertainment, delicious cuisine and impeccable service.
For business travelers, Windsor Oceanico is equipped with a complete structure for conventions and conferences with modern and spacious meeting rooms. The Windsor Oceanico is connected to the Windsor Barra Hotel, which already has a mega structure for events, by a climatized walkway. It will be the largest integrated convention center in Rio de Janeiro.
To enjoy unforgettable family vacation or a business trip in Rio de Janeiro Windsor Oceanico is a great choice in Barra da Tijuca, the most modern district of the city.
TIME ZONES
Because of its continental dimensions, Brazil has 3 time zones. Rio de Janeiro follows the Brasilia time (UTC/GMT -3 hours). The city is subject to DST between October and February, when the clocks are set ahead one hour.
BUSINESS HOURS
Most offices open from 09:00 to 18: 00h Monday to Friday and from 09:00 to 13: 00h on Saturdays. Most major shopping malls such as the Rio Sul and the Barra Shopping is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 22: 00h and on Sundays from 15:00 to 21: 00h. Rio has several convenience stores open 24 hours / day. Banks are open Monday through Friday from 10:00 to 16: 00h.
LANGUAGE
The language spoken in Brazil is Brazilian Portuguese. English is widely taught in schools and a large share of the population understands Spanish.
WINTER AND SUMMER IN RIO DE JANEIRO
The Rio de Janeiro is a subtropical city. Summer extends from December to March with temperatures ranging from 25 ° C (77 ° F) to 42 ° C (108 ° F); Winter lasts from June to August, with the temperature around 20 ° C (68 ° F) during the day and 16 ° C (60 ° F) at night.
There are sunny skies throughout the winter period, which means it is perfect to enjoy the beaches and the many tourist attractions.
SPRING AND AUTUMN IN RIO DE JANEIRO
Spring and autumn in Rio de Janeiro see a gentle cool and warming in temperature with slightly less rain than the summer and slightly more rain than the winter. The humidity in both can be quite high, especially at the end of spring and start of autumn.
CLOTHING
The sport suit prevails in Rio, although during working hours men often wear a suit and tie and women thinner clothes. Few places in Rio require formal attire. For men slacks and sport shirt are sufficient; for women casual. A light jacket is enough for winter nights.
ELECTRICITY / VOLTAGE
Voltage in Brazil is not fixed. The electric current in Rio is 110 or 120 volts. Travel adapters are required for certain electric devices. Many hotels and large apartment blocks, however, do have 220 volts outlets.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Rio has an excellent telecommunications system. Direct dial and collect calls can be made from any telephone. Pay phones are available across the city and are phone card operated. Portable cell phones are available to visitors for a small rental charge. The International Direct Dial (IDD) code for Brazil is 55 and the city code for Rio de Janeiro 21.
CURRENCY
The Brazilian monetary unit is the Real (BRL). Exchange rates are available in every daily newspaper, followed by the U.S. dollar exchange rate used in international business transactions. Cash, especially in U.S. dollars, can be exchanged in almost every bank, currency exchange houses and hotels.
VISAS
Some participants may require visas in order to enter Brazil. Please consult with the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate nearest to you for specific details relating to visas.
Participants requiring a formal letter of invitation, to enable them to make their arrangements, should contact the Secretariat. This invitation is prepared solely for the purpose of visa applications and is not a commitment on the part of the organizers to provide any financial support or confirmation of inclusion in the Scientific Programme. Please email your request with full name, postal address, passport number and your registration confirmation number.
CREDIT CARDS
The main credit cards are accepted in Brazil, particularly in Rio. Visa, MasterCard, Diners and American Express are accepted in almost all commercial facilities.
Security
As in any big city, it is important to consider your personal security. Therefore, do not neglect your belongings and avoid going out with laptops, cameras and electronic devices in the streets.
TAXIS
Rio has a large fleet of taxis, almost all equipped with air conditioning. Ordinary taxis, identified by the color yellow, roam the streets metered. Special taxis operated by licensed companies serving the airports and hotels or can be called by telephone. At airports and major shopping centers, most of the special taxis work on a fixed fare by area which is paid in advance on the company's counter above which must be affixed to the price list.
GRATUITIES
Hotels: hotels generally include the service charges on accounts.
Restaurants: tips are optional but are often found at the end of the bill as a "suggestion". Rio normally pay up 10%.
Taxis: Taxi drivers do not require a tip, although most passengers round for more tariff to be paid when you are satisfied with the service.
Hotel Chargers and airport: R$ 3.00 per bag.
Carts to load bags at the airport: Free
CULTURE
The Rio de Janeiro has an intense cultural life, offering more than 200 places to film, theater, musical and artistic exhibitions, more than 50 museums and 87 libraries. In addition to traditional museums, the city is home to museums dedicated to trains, planes, trams, jewels and gems, sports, Indian, Brazilian primitive and even Carmen Miranda, among others.
HOLIDAYS
In Rio de Janeiro and Brazil there are a number of public holidays during the year. Are these:
January 1 – New Year
January 20 – San Sebastian – Patron Saint of the city of Rio de Janeiro (Rio only)
Mobile – Carnival
Mobile – Passion and Easter
April 21 – Tiradentes – Martyr of Independence
April 23 – St. George
May 1 – Labor Day
Mobile – Corpus Christ
Sept. 7 – Independence Day
October 12 – Our Lady of Aparecida – Patron Saint of Brazil
November 2 – All Souls
November 15 – Proclamation of the Republic
November 20 – Zumbi dos Palmares – Black Consciousness Day
December 25 – Christmas
Movable holidays for the year 2017:
Carnival – 25 to 28 February
Passion – March 14
Easter – April 16
Corpus Christ – June 15
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Ambulance – 192
Fire Department – 193
Civil Defense – 199
Civil Police – 197
Federal Police – 194
Military Police – 190
Rodoviária Novo Rio Bus Terminal – (+55 21) 2263-4857/ (+55 21) 3213-1800 R 397
Vaccination
Resident travellers and those who were in the countries listed below in the last 3 months before coming to Brazil need vaccination against yellow fever. The international certificate of yellow fever vaccination must be presented upon arrival in Brazil: Republic of Angola, Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Colombia, Ecuador, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Republic of Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Republic of Liberia, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Peru, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Sierra Leone, Sudan, Venezuela and Zaire.
Army History Museum and Copacabana Fort
Built in 1914 in order to buttress the defense of the Guanabara Bay, the Copacabana Fort saw one of the rebellions that formed part of the Lieutenant's Revolt in 1922. In 1987, its weaponry was removed and it was turned into the Army History Museum, displaying weapons, items and panels representing Brazil's military triumphs.
Arts Center
This Center launched a new cycle in the cultural life of Rio de Janeiro. Built ten meters off the ground in the heart of Barra da Tijuca, this sculpture-construction is one of the most important and complete venues for presenting the arts. Here, music, song, theater, cinema and dance, the plastic arts and other cultural expressions of Brazil and many other nations have benefitted from the level of excellence that has made this complex into a major hub of appreciation of culture, and building up audiences.
Christ the Redeemer
The statue of Christ the Redeemer perches atop the Corcovado peak, which is a don't-miss attraction for visitors to Rio de Janeiro. The world's largest and most famous Art Deco sculpture, its planning began in 1921, headed up by engineer Heritor da Silva Costa during the five years between 1926 and 1931, when this monument was inaugurated. A pleasant funicular train trip leads to the foot of the monument lasting some twenty minutes, running through the Atlantic Rainforest to the top of the peak. For easier access by visitors, three panoramic elevators and four escalators have been installed. The views are stunning, making this an unforgettable outing for anyone visiting Rio.
Rainforest
The Tijuca National Park is an oasis packed with exotic species and remnants of the history of Brazil, with many points of interest such as the Vista Chinesa and Mesa do Imperador belvederes.
Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens are a major attraction for visitors to Rio de Janeiro, as well as researchers studying the hundreds of species growing there, in addition to housing rare collections of bromeliads and orchids, together with ancient trees and other exotic plants.
Lapa Arches
Located in Largo da Lapa, where in the past focused Rio's nightlife, the Arcos da Lapa remain as the main monument of colonial Rio. Its magnificent structure contains 42 arches in two tiers. It was originally built to supply the city with water from the Carioca River, name that gave his first name, Carioca Aqueduct. About aqueduct, now travels the tram connecting the center to the ancient streets of Santa Teresa, picturesque neighborhood with an artistic community and wide range of bars, restaurants, museums, cultural centers and art studios.
Maracanã Stadium
Named in honor of Journalist Mário Filho, the Maracanã Stadium was inaugurated in 1950. Since then, it has seen many major moments in Brazilian and world soccer, as well as hosting large-scale shows. Guided tours of the stadium offer visitors fascinating glimpses into little-known aspects of these events.
Sugar Loaf Hill
The Sugar Loaf cable-car was the first of its kind in Brazil and the third in the world, linking the Morro da Urca hill to the Morro do Pão de Açucar, better known as the Sugar Loaf hill. Since then, more than 37 million people have travelled in these cable-cars up these two hills, which offer dazzling views over the city, including Botafogo cove, Copacabana beach and the entrance to the Guanabara Bay. In summer, the amphitheater on the Morro da Urca hill hosts shows and other after-dark entertainment, set against the glittering backdrop of the city lights.
Originally settled by the Portuguese in the 1660s Paraty has maintained its colonial feel with its original architecture and a virtually unchanged culture. The city served as an exportation site for gold sent to Portugal. Paraty possesses exquisite churches, cobble stone streets, delicious restaurants, and does not allow cars within the historic section of the city, all adding to the charm and allure of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors to the area have the opportunity to enjoy the various cultural and musical festivals typical of the city, the vast and interesting colonial history, as well as the nearby beaches and forests.
Lage Park
The Parque Lage offers an enchanting setting with 52 hectares of green parklands. Once an old sugar plantation, this park forms part of the historical heritage of Rio.
District
One of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro, the steep streets of Santa Teresa are divided by its old electric tram rails, which will start running again in 2015, according to the State government. Packed with squares and other cultural options that offer dazzling views over the North, South and downtown areas, this neighborhood is packed with old townhouses that today are home to art studios, handcraft stores, bars and restaurants. Visitors deciding to walk up to Santa Teresa from the Lapa arches downtown will be able to admire the most famous stairway in Rio, the Selarón, with 215 steps faced with colorful tile mosaics. This stairway is named in honor of the Chilean artist who created this work of art.
Opera House
One of the most imposing buildings in Rio de Janeiro, the Theatro Municipal was inaugurated in July 14, 1909. Facing the Praça Floriano square, better known as Cinelândia, in downtown Rio, this is one of the most important opera houses in South America, its fascinating history entwined with the growth of Brazilian culture. For just over a hundred years, it has welcomed international performers as well as leading Brazilian names in the fields of dance, music and opera.
Angra do Reis ('The Bay of Kings') is one of Brazil's most dazzling and breathtaking destinations. Composed of 365 islands and over 2 000 beaches, Angra dos Reis is the tropical vacation destination of any travelers' fantasies. The city's center is reminiscent of smaller colonial cities and boasts amazing historical monuments, churches and architecture. Ilha Grande, the largest island of the 365, serves as the main attraction and was used as the colonial center for pirates who originally settled there. Ocean tours and activities are widely available and provide the opportunity to visit the different islands and beaches as well as enjoy the exclusivity of their sandy shores.
The peninsula of Búzios is only 170 kilometers and a short pleasant 2½ hour drive from Rio de Janeiro. Búzios is home to more than 20 magnificent beaches, all of them with crystal-clear waters, and in perfect harmony with the surrounding sculpted landscape and exotic vegetation. Originally settled by European pirates and slave traders, this historically diverse city enjoyed periods of prosperity and emerged as one of Brazil's most picturesque fishing villages. In more recent years, the actress Brigitte Bardot popularized the town when she visited in the 60's. As one of the most beautiful areas in Brazil, it is famed for its unique combination of rustic charm, distinctive architecture, incredible allure, exciting nightlife and sophisticated restaurants and boutiques. Every year thousands of visitors come from all corners of the world to enjoy this Brazilian beach paradise.
One of the most famous beaches in the world, curving along the Av. Atlantic. Its 3.4 km long start at Av. Princesa Isabel and end at the Copacabana Fort. Being the widest beach in Rio, Copacabana is football and beach volleyball.
Iguaçu Falls located on the border of the State of Parana, is one of the most famous attractions in all of Brazil. The 275 massive waterfalls are divided between Argentina and Brazil, and provide vastly different views and experiences depending on what side they are viewed from. Within the surrounding city of Foz do Iguaçu, the main tourist attractions go hand-in-hand with the exuberant scenery provided by nature. In the "Land of the Falls", visitors can revel in the splendor of the natural forests, rivers and lakes, as well as the world's largest hydroelectric work, the Itapúa Dam. Travelers also have the unique opportunity to experience the falls and attractions not only in Brazil, but in Ciudad Del Este (Paraguay) and Puerto Iguazú (Argentina) as well.
Manaus is the capital of Brazil's largest state Amazonas, and is located in the Northwest of the country. It is an ideal starting point when visiting the rest of the Amazon region. Tour boats leave Manaus to see the Meeting of the Waters, where the black waters of the Negro River meet the white waters of the Solimões River, flowing side by side without mixing for several miles. Visitors can also explore riverbanks and streams, swim and canoe in placid lakes or simply walk in the lush forest. Those in search of real adventures may even choose to go deep into the jungle and experience the Brazilian Amazon and all its flora and fauna face-to-face.
First capital of Brazil Salvador was a major place for the slave trade and is now a thriving center of Afro-Brazilian life. Salvador is considered the country's soul and the birthplace of Brazilian culture. The local cuisine, music, dance and vibrant visual arts are all testaments to the pervasive African influence. As one of Brazil's great historical destinations, the city is filled with churches, homes and forts that reflect stunning Portuguese architecture from the Baroque period. Outside the city lie some of Northeastern Brazil's most pristine beaches, including the renowned Praia do Forte and Costa do Sauípe. Considered Brazil's most artistic city, Salvador has a lively art scene and its streets are filled with dance and music all year round.
Located 330 km from the city of Campo Grande (capital of Mato Grosso do Sul) Bonito is a paradise of crystalline waters, with exuberant and preserved fauna and flora. The city has many options for tours and sightseeing. Diving in the Sucuri river, named after the Sucuri Snake due to its winding shape, has astonished travelers from all over the world: it is an unforgettable aquatic festival in a calm downstream drift of 2 km. Gruta do Lago Azul ("Blue Lake Cave") is believed to have a subterranean river supplying the lagoon, and nobody knows for sure when its water flows; São Geraldo Farm from where it is possible to trail through the primary gallery forest by the Mimoso River and experience the density and energy of some of the great woodland of Mato Grosso do Sul at first hand. This and many other great tour options, can visitors find and enjoy in Bonito!
Located 70 kilometers from Recife Porto de Galinhas is full of breathtaking scenery. Along with the transparent warm-water pools, the coast provides beaches with perfect waves for surfing. The city also has interesting historical points - the center was formerly a landing port in the days of the slave trade, and is now a small fishing village with rustic houses, lively bars, exquisite restaurants and nightclubs.
Each year, about 13 million visitors go to the city to business or professional contacts, go shopping or enjoy a cultural calendar in tune with what is done in the world. Being in São Paulo is experiencing a 24-hour metropolis, with a lifestyle that combines work and leisure as two sides of the same coin. Capital of a state the size of the UK, with a population similar to Spain and generating almost half of the Brazilian economy, São Paulo also became a tourist destination in the country.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +55 (21) 2286-2846