Soccer: Brazilian National Football Team | Brazil

Soccer: Brazilian National Football Team | Brazil

When the Englishman, Charles Miller, landed in Brazil at the end of the nineteenth century carrying a football and hoping to start the new game of soccer that was becoming popular in England, it could never have been imagined that a South American country would become the world's great footballing nation. The sport spread like wildfire and was soon played on the grass of the elegant clubs and on pitches. The English and their descendants started the first teams and formed the first leagues - soccer was on its way to becoming Brazil's national passion.

During the 1920's, Brazil was already established as a force in South America soccer. In the 1930's, European fans were already being enthralled by the football of Domingos da Guia, a full-back with a talent for attacking and dribbling the ball out of his own area; with Leônidas da Silva, who achieved international fame by inventing the incredible bicycle kick; and with Friedreich, a formidable striker who was said to have scored more than one thousand goals.

The first world title was some time in coming Brazil's way. Whilst the nation had great talent in relation to soccer, sport was in administrative disarray. Early in the 1930's the establishing of professionalism divided the clubs. Teams competed abroad without even the slightest evidence of structure. The chance to win a major title came in 1950 when Brazil hosted the World Cup and built the largest stadium in the world, the Maracanã.

Defeat by Uruguay in the final showed just how great the national passion really was. The Maracanã Stadium fell silent before erupting into sobs. There were heart attacks, brawls and even attempted suicides. Stars from the 1950 team, such as the goalkeeper Barbosa, the fullbacks Pinheiro and Juvenal and the attackers Zizinho, Ademir and Jair - all first line players - were greatly affected by the tragedy. However, Brazil recovered eight years later. With João Havelange - the present chairman of FIFA - at the head of the Brazilian Sporting Confederation (CBD), Brazilian soccer's governing body, the Brazilian team set off to compete in the Swedish Cup with a level of organization never seen before, led by the "Victory Field Marshal", Paulo Machado de Carvalho.

The golden age of Brazilian soccer had arrived. The nation became world champion in 1958 with a dream team: Gilmar, Djalma Santos, Bellini, Nilton Santos, Didi, Garrincha, Vavá, Zagallo and of course, Pelé, twice world champion of clubs with Santos, the team comprising of Pelé, Coutinho, Mengálvio, Gilmar and Pepe. Arguments raged in Brazil as to whether Santos was the best team or whether it was Botafogo, with Garrincha, Nilton Santos, Didi and also Amarildo's team, Quarentinha. A combination of the two helped Brazil to become world champion two years running in Chile in 1962.

The third winning of the championship in Mexico in 1970 brought the golden age to a close with a team considered by journalists to be the best of all time: led by Pelé with Carlos Alberto, Clodoaldo, Gerson, Jairzinho, Rivelino and Tostão. Brazil continued to be a source of great players - Paulo César, Reinaldo, Falcão, Sócrates and Cerezzo - but the national team failed to win titles. The clubs were also founts of Brazilian talent: Flamengo with players such as Zico, Júnior, Leandro, Andrade, Adílio and Tita, was world champion in 1981 and two years later it was the turn of Grêmio, the team that included the veteran, Paulo César, Mário Sérgio and Renato.

Twice the team got as far as the Olympic final only to lose. However, from the winners of the silver medal in Los Angeles in 1984 and Seoul in 1988, emerged the basis of the first Brazilian team to become champion four times in the 1994 World Cup held in the USA. The goalkeeper, Taffarel, the captain Dunga and the striker Romário - perhaps the most important players in that campaign - formed part of Olympic teams. At the Olympic Games in Atlanta, Brazil's team, headed by the four-time world champions Aldair and Bebeto, and by the biggest revelation of our football at present, Ronaldinho, won the bronze medal. In France, in 1998, Brazil was the World Cup's vice champion.

Fuelled by the scintillating play of the "Three R's" (Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho), Brazil won its fifth championship at the 2002 FIFA World Cup held in South Korea and Japan. When the groups were drawn, Brazil seemed to have been lucky; Brazil's adversaries would be Turkey, China and Costa Rica. At the end, it turned out that Turkey finished the tournament in third place, showing that indeed Brazil's group was stronger than most had expected. Brazil went on beating all three opponents, scoring 11 goals and conceding only three, and topping the group.

Next they defeated Belgium 2-0, which had been the most difficult match for Brazil in the tournament. Against England in the quarter finals, Brazil won 2-1. Ronaldinho scored a remarkable goal and assisted teammate Rivaldo for the victory goal, but was then sent off. The semifinal was against Turkey, which Brazil had faced in their group. Again, this match was difficult, as Brazil won 1–0 with a goal by Ronaldo. Rivaldo had scored one goal each in all five game up to this one but did not manage to hit the target in the sixth. He had seemed all set to repeat Jairzinho´s great achievement in 1970 when he scored in every game of the World Cup.

The final was between two of the most successful teams in the competition's history: Germany and Brazil. Either Germany (or West Germany) or Brazil had played in all World Cup finals since 1950 - except 1978 (If the last game of 1950 is considered to be a proper final). German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn had been the tournament's best keeper, but could not maintain that level of play, as Ronaldo vanquished his France '98 demons, scoring both goals in the Brazilian 2-0 triumph.

These teams had never played each other in the World Cup before. There was however a match between Brazil and East Germany in the 1974 FIFA World Cup. Brazil won 1–0.

FIFA World Cup victories
Winner (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)
Runners-Up (1950, 1998)
Third (1938, 1978)
Fourth (1974)

FIFA World Cup appearances
(1930, 1934, 1938, 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006)

Continental titles
Winner
Copa America (1919, 1922, 1949, 1989, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2007)

Runners-Up
Copa America (1921, 1925, 1936, 1945, 1946, 1953, 1957, 1959, 1983, 1991, 1995), CONCACAF Gold Cup (1996 USA, 2003 USA/Mexico)

Best Results
Winner
FIFA U-20 World Cup Final (1983, 1985, 1993, 2003), FIFA Futsal World Cup Final (1989, 1992, 1996), FIFA Confederations Cup (1997, 2005), FIFA U-17 World Cup Final (1997, 1999, 2003), FIFA Club World Cup (2000, 2005, 2006), FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Final (2006, 2007)

Runners-Up
Olympic Football Tournament Final (1984, 1988), FIFA U-20 World Cup Final (1991, 1995), FIFA U-17 World Cup Final (1995, 2005), FIFA Confederations Cup (1999), FIFA Club World Cup (2000), FIFA Futsal World Cup Final (2000), Olympic Football Tournament Women Final (2004), FIFA Women's World Cup Final (2007)

Third
FIFA U-20 World Cup Final (1977, 1989, 2005), FIFA U-17 World Cup Final (1985), Olympic Football Tournament Final (1996), FIFA Women's World Cup Final (1999), FIFA Futsal World Cup Final (2004), FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Final (2005), FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Final (2006)

Fourth
Olympic Football Tournament Final (1976), Olympic Football Tournament Women Final (1996, 2000), FIFA Confederations Cup (2001), FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Final (2002, 2004)

General Information
FIFA Trigramme: BRA
Country: Brazil
Country (official name): Republica Federativa do Brasil
Continent: South America
Capital: Brasilia
Major cities: Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Salvador, Fortaleza, Nova Iguacu, Recife, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, Belem, Goiania, Campinas, Guarulhos
Currency: Real
Official languages: Portuguese
Motto: Order and progress (Ordem e Progresso)

Geographic Information
Surface area: 8,511,965 km²
Highest point: Pico de Neblina 3,014m.
Neighbouring countries: Uruguay, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana, Surinam
Neighbouring seas and oceans: Atlantic Ocean

Population
Population (in millions): 182
Density (inhabitants per km2): 21.39
Average age (in years): 27
Life expectancy at birth (in years): 71.13

+ Brazilian Tourism & Travel:

São Paulo | Rio de Janeiro

Brazilian Tourism & Travel: Maraú | State of Bahia

Brazilian Tourism & Travel: Maraú | State of Bahia

The Peninsula of Maraú has been just discovered by natives of Bahia and tourists, but the oldest inhabitants tell that the small city has been visited even by the French writer and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the author of "The Little Prince", who would have remained in the village enough time to settle himself there. However it may be, the importance of the city over the past centuries is revealed today in the old-architecture buildings. From the belvedere in the uptown, it’s possible to appreciate a wonderful view of the Maraú estuary and the lower city, and even the wide open-fair area and the vessels at the harbor. The fishing is an important source of income for the city. In Agriculture, it’s grown rubber trees, dendê [African oil palm and its fruit] (introduced in the late century XIX), clove, pupunha palm, cocoa, guarana and black pepper. An open fair enlivens the city on Saturdays. Still in the Peninsula of Maraú is located Barra Grande, a village which has one of the country’s most beautiful beaches, full of attractions and natural swimming-pools suitable for baths and diving. Most of the inns and restaurants of the city are located in Barra Grande.

• Attractions
  

Cachoeira do Tremembé (Tremembé Waterfall)
Surrounded by forest, this wonderful waterfall being 30m wide and 5m tall makes a vast lake. The bath in the place is very enjoyable, but jumping from the boat near the waterfall is dangerous due to the water strength.

Povoado de Taipus de Dentro (Taipus de Dentro Village)
Located inside the Baía de Camamu (Camamu Bay), in the Taipu Mirim island, this small fishing village has a good urban infrastructure, inn and restaurant.

Povoado de Campinho (Campinho Village)
The small village has a harbor and a private Yacht Club, where navigators usually stay. There are other inns in the place and a restaurant. Considering the modest size of the village, the night life can be rated as very lively.

Ilha de Sapinho (Sapinho Island)
Small fishing village. The local restaurant serves seafood dishes. The owners preserve and raise in captivity live lobsters, crabs and goiamuns (ten-feet edible sea crustacean), and the customer chooses which one to eat. A stroll through the island takes to a footbridge that provides a complete view of the swamp area and the crab catchers. The island has countless fruitful trees.

Ilha do Goió (Goió Island)
An islet composed of the swamp area with a narrow white-and-thin sand strip. Suitable for bath. The access is through the Sapinho Island, from where you can cross about 200 m by boat.

Povoado de Barra Grande (Barra Grande Village)
It is the largest village in the peninsula. Due to its location at the edge of the Peninsula of Maraú (where the Ponta do Mutá is located), the access is both through the Camamu Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as through road, through the BR-030 highway.

Mirante do Morro do Taipu (Morro do Taipu Belvedere)
It is located in the peninsula’s North coast, in Praia de Taipus de Fora (Taipus de Fora Beach). Also known as Morro do Farol (Lighthouse Hill), it is the peak point of the peninsula (51 m tall), from where you can have a view of the whole extension of north and south beaches, until the city of Itacaré. The best access way is on foot, through the Taipus de For a Beach.

Lagoa do Cassange e Mirante Bela Vista (Cassange Lagoon and Bela Vista Belvedere)
Wonderful dark lagoon, surrounded by white sand. The lagoon is very long, extending for almost 5 km. It is worth bathing in its water full of lanolin, a substance used in the manufacture of shampoos, which are excellent for hair. The still waters of the lagoon also allow enjoyable canoe rides.

Trilha Barra Grande – Pontal (Barra Grande Track – Pontal)
The track of almost 40 km long starts in Barra Grande and provides a pleasant walking through all the peninsula beaches, and the observation of the wonderful visual composed of coconut trees, sandbanks and brooks that disembogue in the sea. In the way to the Cassange and Saquaíra beaches, there are inns, coastal bars and restaurants. Thence, and until the Pontal Beach, the region is more deserted. It is recommended to seek orientation with the PROMAR Institute (Institute for the Sustainable Development of the Peninsula of Maraú).

• Beaches
  

Praia de Mangueiras (Mangueiras Beach)
Calm, with warm and clear waters. It is suitable for walkings and provides assured entertainment at the bars.

Praia Ponta do Mutá (Ponta do Mutá Beach)
Beach with wonderful rocks that arise on the water surface and very diverse vegetation. It is suitable for bath. A short walking takes to Barra Grande, bathed by the waters of the Camamu Bay.

Praia dos Três Coqueiros (Três Coqueiros Beach)
It has an open sea, strong waves, thick sand, coconut trees and holiday houses.

Praia Cassange (Cassange Beach)
Subtle waves, soft sand, coconut trees. The Cassange Lagoon is located there, suitable for the practice of sailing sports.

Praia Arandi (Arandi Beach)
Subtle waves, natural swimming pools and coconut trees.

Praia de Algodões (Algodões Beach)
Subtle waves, a wide coconut-tree field and thin sand. It is possible to rent rafts for rides.

Praia de Piracanga (Piracanga Beach)
Strong waves, coconut trees, circled by the Piracanga River.

Praia de Aibim (Aibim Beach)
Subtle waves, coconut trees and thin sand. Suitable for baths and walkings.

Praia de Pontal (Pontal Beach)
The sand strip is very wide, with coconut trees and strong-wave sea.

Praia de Taipus de Fora (Taipus de Fora Beach)
The great attraction of the place are the 7 km of natural swimming pools surrounded by coral reefs and waters full of fishes, excellent for diving and the sea fauna observation. In the reefs, people can observe the octopus fishermen. There are also gamboas (fish traps made of interwoven bamboo) in the pounding of waves.

Praia de Saquaíra (Saquaíra Beach)
Beach with a straight sand strip, subtle-wave sea, coconut trees and a small village.

+ Brazilian Tourism & Travel: Rio de Janeiro

Brazilian Tourism & Travel: Parintins | State of Amazonas

Brazilian Tourism & Travel: Parintins | State of Amazonas

Guaranteed or Capricious? Heart or star? Red or blue? That’s how it is in Parintins: you have to choose which side to take. The historical rivalry between the two bulls called Guaranteed and Capricious dominates the city, permeates people’s imagination and culminates in one of the most popular parties in Brazil: the Parintins Folklore Festival held every night on June 28, 29 and 30. In the bumbódromo arena, the Bulls put on a grandiose spectacle of dance, music, drama and special effects – a true rural opera that drives its 40 thousand daily spectators into a frenzy. Located on the Island of Tupinambarana, along the right bank of the Amazon River, 420 km from Manaus and almost on the border with the State of Pará, Parintins, with its 80 thousand inhabitants is a pleasant and agreeable city in the interior of the the States of Amazon. At the end of the 19th Century, the region received migrants from the northeast in search of the riches generated in the Amazon from rubber extraction. They brought with them one of their strongest cultural traditions, the northeast’s bumba-meu-boi. There it found another bull, a truly Amazon bull, and it became the boi-bumbá of Parintins. Until the 1960s, the Bulls were always staged in the houses and backyards of Parintins; every once in a while, they would meet in the streets, and the sometimes violent confrontation was inevitable. The fun was organized, grew, evolved and became a true spectacle. The Bulls incorporated characters, rituals and legends that go back to the inhabitants of the Amazon forest, the Indians, the rural settlers, and the ecological and social issues that afflict them. Ever since 1988, they have been holding the spectacle at the bumbódromo, a stadium built just to receive the festival. The Bulls, with approximately 2.5 thousand participants, occupy the arena with 2:30 spectacles each. Guaranteed is the white bull with a red heart on its forehead. Capricious is black, and it bears a blue star on its forehead. Tribes of dancers accompany them and form a carpet of color in movement. The gigantic floats that move about and articulate, creating a scenario for the presentation of the most important figures: the elegant cunhã-poranga, the folklore queen, the standard-bearer, the young miss of the farm, and the powerful witch doctor. Everything is explained in detail by the narrators and moves to the contagious sound of the songs sung by the tune “leaders” and the beat of more than 250 drums. On separate sides of the stadium, the two tireless, super-motivated cheering groups, the galeras, also participate in the spectacle. When their Bull is performing in the arena, one half of the bumbódromo actually shakes, while the “enemy” fans remain in the most respectful silence. Parintins is home to an unusual number of artists, artisans, musicians and poets to produce the festival. In no other city of the Amazon will you find such a concentration of talent. The warehouses and galleries, where the most complex and gigantic floats to the most delicate headdresses are made, hold the secrets of wizards who prepare their spells with ink, glue, Styrofoam, iron, artificial feathers, seeds, straw, sparkles and plastic.

• Events
  

Parintins Folklore Festival
From June 24-30, with the peak of the festival taking place on June 28, 29 and 30 with the presentations of the two bulls, Guaranteed and Capricious.

• Attractions
  

Uaiacurapá River
Beautiful fluvial beaches with white sands and dark water surge between the months of August and February, during the low water season. The do Pacoval, das Onças and das Guaribas islands are near the river.

Parintins Mountains
This 152 m high area is surrounded by thick vegetation and forms the border with the state of Pará. It is also called Valéria Mountain and it has a special attraction: the branch of the river that forms the beautiful Valéria Lake.

Macuricanä Lake
This beautiful lake can only be appreciated during the Amazon summer. It is part of a lacustrine complex that includes approximately 40 lakes.

Brazilian Tourism & Travel: Maragogi | State of Alagoas

Brazilian Tourism & Travel: Maragogi | State of Alagoas

Main destination in the State of Alagoas after its capital city, Maragogi attracts visitors from Maceió and Recife. It offers calm-wave beaches, coral reefs and a huge natural pool known as Galés. From Japaratinga beach, on the southern tip, a ferryboat crosses Manguaba River into Porto das Pedras, where visitors find virtually deserted beaches.

Maragogi was initially a small village called Gamela. In 1887, it was granted the status of a Town and adopted the name of Isabel, to honor the Brazilian Princess who signed a law ending slavery in Brazil. Later on, in 1892, it was named as Maragogi after the river that baths the city. “Maragogi”, according to some historians, comes from “Marahub-gy”, or river of the Marauba tribes.

• Weather
  

The city has a tropical, hot and humid weather, with annual average temperatures of 27ºC.

• City facts
  

State: Alagoas
Region: Northeastern
Population: 21,832 inhabitants

• Distances
  

Maceió: 144 km
Recife: 134 km

• Attractions
  

The Salinas Maragogi Resort
Planned to ensure comfort and functionality, Salinas was designed to integrate with local landscape, offering the sensation of a close and intimate contact with nature.

Santo Antônio Bar
Besides visiting its beaches, tourists can also go on tours and swim in natural pools, and go to Croa Island, separated from the continent by Santo Antônio Grande River. Being 5 km long, the island offers a landscape of coconut trees, white sand, coral reefs and reef banks. Access is available by ferry crossing Santo Antonio Grande River.

Maragogi Beach
Beaches in Maragogi have calm waters, without strong waves, with coral reefs and fine sands. During low tide, sand banks emerge forming natural pools, known as Croas (5 km away from the coast) and Galés (6 km away). “Jangadas” (sailing boats typical of Northern Brazil) and boats can take tourists to these pools. On the beach’s southern tip, between Vila de Japaratinga and Pontal, visitors find the less urbanized beaches with 20-m high sea cliffs. Visitors can also go on a boat ride to coral reefs 6 km away from the coast. Maragogi beach is near Maragogi River, with calm waves, fine and flat sands and coral reefs.

Brazilian Tourism & Travel: Itapema | State of Santa Catarina

Brazilian Tourism & Travel: Itapema | State of Santa Catarina

Itapema is located in a bay surrounded by the ramifications of the Serra do Mar (Sea Mountain Ridge) and offers the visitors ecological adventures, such as trails through the native vegetation, fountains of river, and waterfalls. Hills and wild coasts without any inlets also provide beautiful views of the seafront. The third most sought tourist destination by vacationers in the State, Itapema offers a mix of nature and urban infrastructure that marvels those who come to this town. There are almost 15km (9.32 mi.) of seafront, with beaches of clear green gentle waters, perfect for children. Among the waterfalls, a special mention has to be made to the Sertão fall, located in the Feijó hill, and the São Paulinho fall, in the district of Várzea. In the Serra dos Macacos (Monkeys mountain ridge), in the district of Alto Areal, there are also beautiful waterfalls, from which the Manarick fall is the most famous one. Nature is also present in the ecological trails that cut the Serra do Mar (Sea Mountain Ridge), where ecotourism lovers have the option of taking hikes or going for motorcycle or jeep tours. If the visitor prefers enjoying a panoramic view of the town, the perfect places are the Morro do Cabeço (Cabeço Hill) and the Costão (Wild coast). The latter is one of the most beautiful places in Itapema. There we can walk on the rocks, while admiring the border and listening to the sound of the rough waves breaking on the rocks. Sporting and cultural events make Itapema a very lively destination, attracting different types of participants and public throughout the year. Every year, more than 100 pilots and thousands of fans accompany the Santa Catarina State stage of the National motocross championship in that town. The town also receives Jetski championships, as well as folkloric festivals, with dances and music that are typical of the state of Santa Catarina.

• Attractions
  

Ilhota (Islet Beach)
Next to the BR-101 highway, that beach has crystal clear waters and many rocks and boulders. It is the ideal place for getting a Sun tan or cooling off in the waters.

Plaza
That is the beach that is used by the Plaza Resort Itapema, one of the most expressive hotels in the state. There, on the days when the sea is rougher, we find great waves, ideal for surfing. On the days when the sea is calm, the best thing to do is to enjoy the hikes.

Cabeço/Grossa
In a privileged location, the area marvels those coming from the Canto da Praia (Costão). The union of the Atlantic forest with the sea and the boulders of the Costão provides quite a unique sight. It is a good area for fishing, hiking, or simply to enjoy nature.

Canto da Praia (Beach’s Corner)
Also known as the Costão, that is one of the most beautiful, and most visited, places in Itapema. The place has the calm atmosphere of a fishermen’s village, attracting tourists because of its beautiful landscapes, surrounded by the Atlantic forest. In the summer, visitors can take boat tours in the Itapema bay, taste the seafood dishes in the bars and restaurants located near the shore, dive among the fish, or simply go fishing.

Itapema
That beach has both good tourist infrastructure – with hotels, lodges, restaurants, and bars – and a host of water sport activities, such as jet skiing and banana-boat rides. The beach also offers an area for sports activities and events, and a coastal avenue.

Meia Praia (Half Beach)
It is the busiest beach in Itapema. It is a meeting pointing and flirting for tourists from many places, with seashore bars, sports activities on the beach or in the water, and a beautiful view of the Santa Catarina Sea.

Waterfalls
Besides beautiful beaches, in Itapema there is a host of breathtaking waterfalls. There we can take hikes, buy typical products of the area, go rock climbing, and take part in many other activities, always with a focus on the preservation of the environment. Among the most visited waterfalls, a special mention has to be made to the Sertão fall, located in the Feijó hill, and the São Paulinho fall, in the São Paulo hill, in the district of Várzea. In the Serra dos Macacos (Monkeys mountain ridge), in the district of Alto Areal, the most famous waterfall is the Manarick fall.

Morro da Guarita (Gate House Hill)
With a height of 200 meters (656.17 ft.) and many trails for ecotourism hikes, the hill offers the visitor a unique view of the area, as well as of the neighboring towns. In the ascent, we can see many species of the local fauna and flora, which are typical from the area of the State of Santa Catarina.

Ecological Trails
Pleasant places for the lovers of ecotourism, trails that cut the Serra do Mar (Sea Mountain Ridge) can be used for hikes, or motorcycle or jeep rides.

Pedra que Bole (Rolling Boulder)
Located at 3km from the town's center, it is a boulder that moves at the impact of the waters of the sea.

Brazilian Tourism & Travel: Bombinhas | State of Santa Catarina

Brazilian Tourism & Travel: Bombinhas | State of Santa Catarina

Bombinhas is a small town in the northern part of Santa Catarina State, which recently became a self-governed municipality, and has turned into a tour icon of this state’s coast.

It has over 18 beaches, some of which are still desert, only accessed through the sea, and which provide relaxing bathing and boat rides, as well as the opportunity to practice several water sports. At a privileged location and with a notable infrastructure for both ecological tourism and submarine tourism, Bombinhas has consolidated itself as one of the most sought-after diving place in the south region of Brazil.

 
Its innumerous local agencies promote daily trips that take visitors to practice diving in the main places of the regions, such as Arvoredo Marine Biological Reserve, Galés Island and Desert Island, always with comfort and safety.

The city also has a large variety of food options and exciting night life.

• Attractions
  

Arvoredo Marine Biological Reserve
This national ecological patrimony is composed of Desert Island and Arvoredo, Galé, Calhau de São Pedro and Pedra Nocetti Islands, which all together correspond to 17,800 hectares of indescribable beauty. As an archeological, historical and ecological place, the Reserve is an important center of scientific studies on marine fauna and flora, as well as a natural habitat for several migratory bird species. It’s also considered one of the best areas to practice ecological diving in Brazil, due to its varied sea life biodiversity.

Morro do Macaco Municipal Park
It is in Canto Grande District, at about 153 meters in altitude, accessed through a well-preserved panoramic track, which is a little steep. From the top of the hill, it is possible to see the Arvoredo archipelago and the beautiful Mariscal and Zimbros bays. The Park includes Macuco Island, with its calm waters, frequently visited by amateur fishermen and divers.

The hill is the home of one of the most famous and beautiful Brazilian orchids, Laelia purpurata, which was elected the symbol of Santa Catarina State. Due to its favorable thermal currents, it is a perfect place to practice gliding and paragliding, combining adventure and fantastic view, which is even more beautiful at sunrise and sunset.

Eco 360º Overlook
Located at the access to Tainha Beach, it provides a wonderful panoramic view of the city. The visitor can drive to this place through Canto Grande and Conceição Beaches, which requires exclusive attention on rainy days.

Galheta Municipal Park
This is an important area remaining from the Atlantic Woods, with rich biodiversity and fantastic view. It’s a reference point for Bombas District.

Diving at Arvoredo Island
It’s considered one of the best places to practice diving in the south region of the country. The access is controlled by IBAMA (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources), as it is part of Arvoredo Marine Biological Reserve. It is not allowed to get to the Island or collect any object.

The trip to the diving area takes about 2 hours, and it is subject to canceling or postponing, depending on the wind and sea conditions. It offers activities to registered divers and for beginners too, who make their “submarine baptism” diving, one’s first sea scuba diving, with the help of instructors.

• Beaches
  

Quatro Ilhas (Four Islands)
This beach, whose formation is in constant change, is visited by those who like to swim and chat at the bars in front of the sea. It has restaurants and bars of several types. On the left side there is a camping area that is open only in summer, which happens with almost all of them in the region. From this beach, the visitor can see the four islands that named this beach: Galés, Deserta, Macuco and Arvoredo, and that are part of the Arvoredo Marine Biological Reserve.

Bombinhas
It’s the most exciting beach of the city, with calm and transparent water, ideal for bathing. Along its extension of almost one thousand meters, it is still possible to find very fine white quartz sand residues, which produce the noise of “firecrackers” when in contact with the feet. People who live there say the name of the city (Firecrackers, in English) came from this fact. There are also several types of bars, restaurants and guest houses in front of this beach, for all kinds of taste and price range. The visitor can’t miss the Engenho Village, a living museum of Azores culture, where the visitor can see a sugar cane mill operating and producing molasses and another mill producing the best cassava flour of Brazil.

Ponta do Zarling, at the hillside of this beach that is a small bay with transparent water, offers a very beautiful overlook to visitors coming either through the road, sea or air. It is possible to take boat rides and practice diving at this place.

Bombas
This is the beach mostly visited by families. It has good hotels and restaurants. Its 2km extension of clean sand and unpolluted water offers the necessary structure to enjoy perfect vacations. There are several restaurants in front of the sea, an attraction to tourists. It’s mainly occupied by resorts nearby. It’s the first beach the visitors see when they arrive at the city via Porto Belo, and they can start admiring the city’s fantastic landscapes there.

Ribeiro
It’s between Bombas and Bombinhas Beaches and a little longer than 200 meters. It’s perfect for those looking for a calm sea or sun bathing. This beach can be accessed from Bombas and Bombinhas hillside, or through an unpaved road from the main avenue.

Trapiche
It’s the nautical center of Bombinhas, from where several tour boats and diving instructors leave.

Lagoinha
A calm beach, perfect for those who want to start learning how to dive. It has also a fast meal restaurant, which makes the leisure day complete.

Ingleses
It is 100 meters long, and has a camping area with tents and a restaurant. The access for cars and pedestrians are through the hillside, straight from Bombinhas Beach. It’s a good place to practice scuba diving and sport fishing.

Atalaia
This beach with the extension of well-preserved 150 meters, is between Quatro Ilhas Hill and Mariscal Beach. It is usually the destination of people strolling along Mariscal. It has one guest house and a camping area.

Mariscal
Its 4km extension is ideal for bathing and strolling, mostly visited by surfers and baitcasting fishermen. There are good hotels and guest houses at Mariscal.

Conceição
It is separated from Mar de Fora Beach by a small island at its side, and offers a proper place for private boats of people that go fishing or want to practice leisure activities. This is a leisure area of the community, with natural pool and hillsides to practice diving.

Canto Grande
The small Canto Grande Village, on an isthmus in Bombinhas, is doubtless one of the places on the Brazilian coast for those who are looking for calm and peace. This small village, with about 800 inhabitants, is occupied by mainly fishermen, shellfishermen and their descendants, who are proud of being called as “native”. Many of them still keep the traditions from their ancestors, such as Boi-de-Mamão, Terno-de-Reis, Farra-do-Boi and the skilled manual fishing, providing the visitors and tourists the pleasure of eating fresh shrimps or anchovies.

The central part of the Village is at the base of Macaco Hill. The view from the top of this hill is splendid: Mariscal and Quatro Ilhas Beaches to the North, the islands of the Arvoredo Marine Biological Reserve (Galé, Arvoredo and Deserta) to the East; Zimbros Bay to the West and Santa Catarina Island to the South. A hike through Tainha track, at Zimbros Bay edge, is another excellent leisure option for those who can’t get enough with its idyllic beaches only: Mar de Dentro, Mar de Fora and Conceição.

Mar de Dentro and Mar de Fora
Mar de Fora Beach, at the eastern part of Canto Village, is perfect for people who like rough waters, with appropriate waves to practice surf and swimming with the waves. It’s considered the purest and cleanest beach of the region, due to its clear water; being mostly visited by baitcasting fishermen. In July and August, it is the refuge of whales migrating from the Antarctic, which provide a picturesque show. Its clean sand mixes with that of Mariscal Beach, creating the ideal scenery for healthy strolls.

• Shopping
  

Handicrafted Ceramic Products
Masks, incense stick holders, wall panels and other pieces. Schedule your visit. Estrada Geral do Alto Perequê, in Santa Luzia District.

Brazilian Tourism & Travel: Búzios | State of Rio de Janeiro

Brazilian Tourism & Travel: Búzios | State of Rio de Janeiro

Located in the North coast of Rio Janeiro State, Búzios (Armação dos Búzios) was originally a small fishermen village. In the past, Tamoios native tribe used to live there, and later French pirates. It had the visit of French artist Brigitte Bardot in the 60s, and got famous all over the world. Today, it is one of the most sophisticated places of the country, offering very high quality services to meet the most demanding preferences of both national and international visitors. It has about 20 beaches of incomparable beauty and offers historical, cultural tours, as well as ecotours. It’s an excellent place to practice diving, and perfect for those searching for peace along the day and an exciting night life.

• Events
  

Búzios Jazz e Blues
Annual festival held in July, bringing news and tendencies in jazz and blues.

• Attractions
  

João Fernandinho Beach
Small beach of calm and transparent water. Access through João Fernandes Beach, where the visitor can eat lobsters and fishes from the region at its various bars.

Brava Beach
As the name implies, the beach has strong waves most part of the year, always attracting surfers. At the right side, a track takes to Olho de Boi Beach, a naturist beach.

Tartaruga Beach
It can be accessed through an unpaved road that starts at the main road of Búzios, a little before Ferradura Traffic Circle. The beach has calm water and usually the warmest water of the region, because it doesn’t receive the cold currents from Antarctic. It has several kiosks and good places to practice snorkeling.

Geribá Beach
Geribá is a place of beautiful and tanned people, who love exciting nightlife. This is the right place to know about the parties that will happen at night. The beach has waves in almost all of its extension, except at the left side, where the visitor will find a track to easily access Ferradurinha Beach.

Canto Beach
It’s a beach with warm water, that frequently receives winds from the East. Its right side is the scenery of several restaurants on Rua das Pedras and its left side, walking on the stones, the visitor can access two other small beaches: Amores and Virgens.

Armação Beach
Situated along Rua das Pedras and Bardot Border. Most of it has no sand. Highlights are Caboclo Island and the pier, where tourists from several transatlantic ships come to the city during summer. Two sculptures, both made of bronze, are the attractions – one honors Brigitte Bardot and one honors the fishermen.

Ossos Beach
According to local stories, it got this name (Bones) due to bones of whales that were found on the sand. It’s full of small fishing boats and has trees along its border, a post card landscape. Don’t miss Santana Church and Búzios Yacht Club, located on the left side of the beach. On the opposite side, there’s a track that leads to Azeda Beach. It’s a fantastic place to take pictures and rides.

Rasa Beach
One of the largest beaches of Búzios. It has warm water, lacking physical depth, and the wind blows constantly almost all the year, attracting boaters. With several summer houses and guest houses, the beach, besides its beauty, is perfect for children, to walk and feel like in direct contact with the nature.

Azeda Beach
Azeda and Azedinha Beaches are two of the most beautiful beaches of Brazil. The area recently became an Environmental Protection Area (APA), and all kiosks and bars were taken away from there. It has calm and transparent water. It can be accessed via “aqua-taxi” or walking through a small track, both from Ossos Beach.

Manguinhos Beach
In fact, Manguinhos is a continuation of Rasa Beach. It has sail clubs, such as Búzios Sail Club and Yucas. It’s excellent to practice nautical sports and go for a walk. At sunset, the visitor can enjoy a fantastic view.

Ferradurinha Beach
Surrounded by beautiful hills, the beach is an attractive bay of calm water and fine and white sand. The access is through the left side of Geribá Beach.

Ferradura Beach
This is a bay with always warm and transparent water. From the left side of the beach, several bars offer complete structure, serving the most delicious seafood. It has a windsurf, banana boat and water ski school and rental shop. Its water is usually very cold.

Diving
Its privileged marine fauna in transparent water makes Búzios a real aquarium. The city has several diving agencies that take the visitors who are interested in diving to be in contact with the submarine world.

Búzios Golf Club
Búzios Golf Club is a field with first-level 18 holes. The field was designed by renowned architects Pete and Perry Dye, and attracts players from all over the world. Considered as one of the best fields in Latin America, the field was designed in such way to incorporate the value the geographical accidents of the terrain, the surrounding nature and topography, in order to offer the highest possible level of comfort to the players.

Sailing in Búzios
Búzios is a paradise to boaters. International competitions are frequently held in the city, where strong and constant winds blow. Famous Brazilian champions, such as Lars Grael usually practice sailing in the waters of Armação dos Búzios.

Rua das Pedras
This street is a little longer than 400 meters, but it’s charming from the beginning to its end. If it wasn’t for it, Búzios for sure wouldn’t be the same. Full of restaurants, bars, shops and art galleries, the street is the city’s center of happenings. It’s empty during the day, just getting prepared for its excited nightlife.

Casa do Sino (Bell House)
This is an example of a typical local construction from centuries ago, which can still be seen and admired.

Sant’Ana Church
Protected as a historical patrimony, Sant’Ana Church is one of the city’s attractions. Its architecture from the 16th Century is the city’s first Christian reference. From the top of its tower, the visitor can see Ossos Beach, a wonderful view.

Ecotour
Surrounded by hills and mounts with exuberant vegetation, Búzios is a place where the visitors can still enjoy the nature safely. At Emerências Reserve, the visitor will find the purest vegetation of the Atlantic Woods, with exotic plants, bromelias and even the last golden monkeys of the region.

At Tauá Reserve there are over 300 species of butterfly and 60 types of birds. In addition, Búzios has now in its territory two Environmental Protection Areas (APA), a program that preserves the natural richness of the region. One of them, APA Pau-Brasil, includes an ample area from Tucuns Beach, in Búzios, to the city of Cabo Frio. It’s the largest and most important reserve of pau-brasil in Rio de Janeiro State.

Naturism
Olho de Boi Beach, 50 meters of absolutely virgin beach, attracts the naturists, which turned it into their meeting point in Búzios.

• Shopping
  

Papier-mache sculptures
Colorful pieces by Ivone R. exposed at the studio and on the sidewalk in front of her house. Schedule visit in advance. Location: Travessa de Santana, 32 – Armação Beach.