PORTS OF CALL - South America
Sao Paulo (Santos), Brazil
,-Brazil.aspx)
Home to 17 million people and spanning over 3,000 square miles, São Paulo is the third-largest city in the world. The warm climate and red clay soil surrounding the city are perfect for growing coffee. And with the arrival of the railway in 1867, large-scale cultivation took hold. Today, São Paulo is one of the largest coffee exporters in the world. As the coffee industry grew, so did the need for labor. São Paulo was one of the first cities in Brazil to actively encourage immigration. It has evolved into an exciting melting pot of cultures.
Don't Miss
São Paulo is the commercial heart of Brazil. Wander the busy pedestrian streets of the old downtown neighborhood of Centro to see locals hard at work, buying, selling and trading. For a look at where they go after work, explore Avenida Paulista. There you'll see stylish Paulistas out for a stroll, shopping and enjoying the fruits of their labor.
Sporting Adventures
Paulistas like their sports like everything else - fast. Horse racing is popular here at the Jockey Clube de São Paulo. And Formula 1 Grand Prix races come every year to great acclaim. Even non-racing sports are fast-paced here. Footbal (soccer) is the true passion. The big clubs in town are São Paulo, Corinthians, Palmeiras, and Portuguesa. Catch a match between some of these popular teams. The games, and the crowd response, are usually exciting.
Shopping for Bargains
As with most large cities in the world, you'll find international high-end fashion boutiques at Jardins in São Paulo. For a more authentic local shopping experience, head to Centro where you can shop for everything from belts and buttons to small toys and gadgets in crowded market stalls and small shops. On weekends, head outside for the popular street markets where you will see everything from flowers and food to antiques competing for space.
Local Flavours
The cuisine in São Paulo reflects its rich immigrant history. You'll find marvelous Italian, Middle Eastern, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese, Bahian, German, even Thai restaurants here. And, of course, the local Brazilian cuisine is world-class as well. It's no wonder this city is known as the restaurant capital of Brazil. Try a cuisine you've never tried before. It's a perfect way to explore this diverse, cosmopolitan city.
Currency
Brazil's currency is the Brazilian real (BRL). Most stores will accept credit cards; however, traveler's checks are not usually accepted. You may get a discount if you pay with cash.