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PORTO ALEGRE
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Porto Alegre
Understand
Porto Alegre is the state capital of Rio Grande do Sul and the biggest urban agglomeration of south Brazil. It is important to understand that the culture of the city isn't a "Brazilian culture", but almost an Argentinian or Uruguayan. These people are called "gaúchos", the same word that identify Argentina and Uruguay. So, this can be bad if you are searching for a typical Brazilian city, but it can be good if you speak Spanish, because the locals typically understand the language well. The perfect blend of Brazilian-Portuguese and Platinian-Spanish cultures, added to a strong European heritage gives the city a unique background within Brazil. The city is one of the richest metropolis in the country, the state capital with the highest life quality and literacy rate (97%), the book capital of Brazil, and is widely known in Brazil as the city with the most beautiful women in the country.
The gaúchos are very proud of their land and culture. In 1835 a revolution which declared Rio Grande do Sul independent from Brazil ecloded, the most significant national conflict of the Brazilian Empire (1822-1889), named the Farroupilha Revolution or Farrapos War. This war wreaked havoc across the entire state during 10 bloody years, killing nearly 20% of the gaúchos and ultimately leading to a peace treaty where the Republica Riograndense once again became part of Brazil. Another major Brazilian revolution also began in Rio Grande do Sul. The Federalist Revolution of 1893 defended the decentralization of powers and greater autonomy for the states, and only finished in 1895, after spreading to two other states. It was also in Rio Grande do Sul (Porto Alegre) where the 1930 Revolution which overthrew the president Washington Luis began, and so was from Rio Grande do Sul the most important Brazilian communist revolutionary of all times: Luis Carlos Prestes, who led the nation-wide communist upheaval in 1935. For such reasons, among many others, the Gaúchos (Riograndenses) are particularly proud of their mother state, many considering themselves as gauchos rather than Brazilians.
Currently, Porto Alegre is a service centered city in between the industrial part of the state (north-east) and the rural part (south). It is also called the "Mercosul Capital".
Eat
Budget
Mid-rangeDado Tambor: Av. Túlio de Rose , 100
Le Bistrot: on winter try the excellent soups. But don´t miss the "nuttela crêpe". Fernando Gomes, 58 - Phone: 3346-3812
Bistrô Torta de Sorvete: For taking a snack in the afternoon. Try the delicious and famous ice cream pie, the one that give its name to the house. Padre Cahgas, 217 - Phone: 3346-1616
Splurge
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Hotels in Porto Alegre
 | Harbor Regent Suites  |
Score 0 from 0 reviews | | R. Vigário José Inácio, 700 |  |
| The comfortable and generously appointed guest rooms feature wooden flooring, a fully equipped kitchen and all modern comforts including broad band internet access. ... more | | |
 | Harbor Regent Suites |
Score 0 from 0 reviews | | R. Vigário José Inácio, 700 | |
| The hotel is situated in the heart of the city, where you can observe a fascinating mixture of architectural styles from various eras. Numerous museums, monuments and cultural attractions are waiting to be explored here. The city also boasts several green areas, including parks, botanical gardens and a large biological reserve. ... more | | | | More hotels in Porto Alegre |
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8 hours |
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The tour starts as you travel along the Sol Nascente Route on your way to the well-known beach of Canoa Quebrada. Located just 156km away from Fortaleza, in the district of Aracati, Canoa Quebrada is a paradise beach, perfect for those that look for the mystic and exotic landscapes that Brazil is famous for! Surrounded by cliffs that act as belvederes, Canoa Quebrada appears to have stopped in time! All its simplicity is declared when you meet the natives and in the beach huts that serve a great variety of dishes made on seafood. The buggy rides in the dunes will give you the full sensation of being on a rally in the middle of the desert. The sea bathing in its small bay protected by reefs, will provide you with a peacefulness that can only be felt in Canoa Quebrada! Optional Extras: Available for purchase locally - - Fresh Seafood From Beach Huts
- Dune Buggy Rides
- Reef Protected Bay
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| Angra Dos Reis |
8 hours |
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With an archipelago of more than 300 islands and countless beaches, the town of Angra lies in the heart of this paradise, some 130 km south of Rio. This spectacular view, winds over mountainous terrain covered in lush Atlantic rainforest. Graceful coves and sandy beaches, little islands and crystal clear water make the journey a memorable occasion.
The town of Angra dos Reis has been continuously settled since the early 1500's. There are many lovely old buildings from the colonial past when the town was a great port and agricultural center. A saveiro schooner waits at the dock to take visitors on a cruise of those many islands, stopping for a swim in the enticing turquoise blue waters. A delicious lunch of hot and cold self-service buffet will be served.
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| Lapa Star House with Dinner |
5 hours |
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Lapa, an old and charming area of Rio de Janeiro, features some fabulous mansions which have been restored into works of art during a recent cultural renaissance.
Lapa is now one of Rio's most popular night spots, with many people enjoying the street parties, samba clubs and other bars. The best concerts, delicious food and beautiful people, make this place different from the rest! The informal atmosphere is one of the main characteristic of Lapa's neighborhood. Many famous Brazilians pop singers perform here.
On this tour, you will enjoy the tastiest Brazilian dishes and appetizers for dinner at Lapa Star House, while being entertained by groups performing Brazilian music. After dinner, you can dance the night away!
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