Travel to Brazil

Belo Horizonte city

The city is often referred to as BH, which is pronunciated as "Beagá". Created to replace Ouro Preto as the capital of the state of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte is one of the few Brazilian towns that were planned (other major cities which were planned before construction are Brasilia and Palmas). Situated at an altitude of 858.3 metres, its construction began in 1893 and it was inaugurated four years later with the name Cidade de Minas Gerais. In planning it, the engineers, Aarão Reis and Francisco Bicalho, found their inspiration in the town plan of Washington DC (USA).

Belo Horizonte

Belo Horizonte, a Portuguese name meaning "beautiful horizon", is the third largest metropolitan area in Brazil. You'll find this city at about 2/3 of the way from Brasilia to Rio. It is the capital of Minas Gerais state. The name means Beautiful Horizon. The city of Belo Horizonte was completely built on a plan corresponding to that of Washington D.C., with a very long highway circling the whole city. It is considered to be one of the cities with the best quality of life in Latin America. Belo Horizonte was founded in 1897 and is Brazil’s third largest city with a population of some 2.5 million inhabitants and over 5.1 million inhabitants in metropolitan area. The city is also a leading cultural center, with more than three universities, a historical museum, numerous libraries, and sports stadiums. Belo is built on several hills and completely surrounded by mountains. The constant rising and falling of the streets sometimes makes navigation a bit tricky, but the wide avenues lined with trees are always easy guidelines. Unfortunately, the growth of the population has been bigger than anticipated 100 years ago. So there's a lot of poorly built architecture and slums, but also still some excellent colonial buildings.

Contemporary art exhibitions

This beautiful building in concrete and glass that houses the Museu de Arte Moderna (Modern Arts Museum), is the main centre for contemporary art in Rio. The permanent collection now has more than 4,000 pieces from Brazilian artists, including the Gilberto Chateaubriant collection, the most important contemporary Brazilian art collection in the country. There are various temporary exhibits of well-known artists from other countries as well, plus an art cinema and a restaurant.

Vista Chinesa

One of the best panoramic views of Rio is at the topmost of one of the roads that connect Jardim Botânico to the Parque Nacional & Floresta da Tijuca, known as the Vista Chinesa. From this Chinese-style folly you can enjoy the Corcovado, Sugar Loaf, Ipanema, Leblon and the Guanabara Bay, all the way to Niterói. The road is an attraction itself, winding through centenary trees and offering some amazing views on the way.

Museu do Açude

This museum is dedicated to local history and antique furniture and objects. Located in Alto da Boa Vista within the confines of the Parque Nacional & Floresta da Tijuca, this small mansion was donated to Rio by Raymundo de Castro Maya in 1943. Most notably, the collection contains colonial furnishings and old traditional tiles.

Gávea Golf Country Club

It was designed by the Scot Arthur Morgan Davidson, when he was only 20 years old. Despite the fact that it was his first design, the club is the most gorgeous one in Brazil, and the  golf course is ranked in the top 50 of the world. The club is located between the Pedra da Gávea and the Parque Nacional & Floresta da Tijuca, almost 900 metres above sea level. It faces São Conrado beach.

Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace, was built in 1743  be used as a residence by Viceroys. Today Paço Imperial is a cultural center with almost full time temporary exhibitions, videos and other activities, plus a cafe on the inside patio. The principal attraction is the building itself, full of historical charm and interesting architectural details that were carefully restored.

Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Glória do Outeiro

This gorgeous baroque church builted in 1714, has a peculiar figure-of-eight shaped nave and choir. The main features are the ornate tiles and the altar carved by Mestre Valentim. If you happen to be in Rio on August 15, you can join the festa of Nossa Senhora da Glória do Outeiro, where you will get a taste of Brazilian religious celebrations. There is a small sacred art museum as well.

Ilha Fiscal

Directly  from fantasy land is this late XIX century green neo gothic palace sticking right out of Guanabara Bay. Designed by Adolfo del Vecchio and finished in 1889, it was used to keep an eye on naval operations, and now belongs to the Brazilian Navy. It was also the sight of the last Imperial Ball. Worth a visit if you have extra time.

Autódromo Nelson Piquet

The Nelson Piquet track is one of the most thrilling for car and motorcycle races alike. Located between the sea and the mountains, the track has been used for many Grand Prix , Indy and World Championship motorcycle races. There are eight viewing boxes, a paddock, press room, broadcasting cabins, medical center and a control tower.