SÃO PAULO

CITY - São Paulo is the largest city in South America and the second more populous city in the world. It is the economical capital of Brazil and a very busy place. It is also rich in culture parks and museums. There is one word that sums up Sao Paulo - "BIG"! The city is not only the most populous in all Brazil, but as the commercial center of Brazil it also contains some of the biggest skyscrapers in the country. However, visitors to Sao Paulo should not be mistaken into believing that Sao Paulo is all work and no play, once the sun has set Sao Paulo likes to party at some of the trendiest pubs and clubs in all of Brazil - some argue that Sao Paulo's clubs are more in-tune with western and modern styles than Rio

INHABITANTS - São Paulo overwhelms the senses with its sheer size. With over 10 million inhabitants, it is the world's third largest city and the largest in South America. São Paulo and its rival Brazilian city, Rio de Janeiro, have often been compared to New York and Los Angeles respectively. If Rio has gained fame for its striking natural setting, São Paulo's attraction lies in its people and its vibrant cultures. Brazilians say that paulistanos (Sao Paulo locals) live to work and to eat. Which is probably true. Food in Sao Paulo is the best in the country and rivals that of any major capital in the world. If you are there and like to eat meat, make sure you try the rodizios (barbecue) or feijoada (pork and beans - served only on wednesdays and saturdays). The pizzas are also extremely tasteful and a must-eat. You can find it from a wide range of restaurants from the simplest delivery place to fine expensive ones. The main sights in the city include the different neighborhoods with their special Italian, Japanese or Arabic influences. They have their own characteric atmosphere and it is a lot of fun to just walk around, go to one of the many small restaurants or have a drink somewere.

TRANSPORTATION - Sao Paulo is centered around the Praça da Se, where there is a stone mark symbolizing the "point zero" of the city. The subway system is clean and efficient but covers only a few areas of the city, although extensions are being made. Interesting neighbourhoods to visit include Jardins, Itaim and the Ibirapuera Park. Sao Paulo has the largest underground transportation system in Brazil; the "Metro". It is not as comprehensive as the trains in Europe or North America, but it serves most of the important areas. It is the safest and cleanest way to get around Sao Paulo.

TRAFFIC - Automotive traffic in Sao Paulo is complicated, specially in main routes, all along the day during weeks and gets worse at rush hours (from 8 am to 10 am and from 6 pm to 8 pm). Laws to regulate traffic includes a rule forbidding cars to circulate at specific week days depending on the final number of their license. In the weekends the traffic is better with some complications in places where there are bars, shoppings or other public atractions.

"AVOID RUSH HOUR BY PLANNING YOUR ARRIVAL AT SÃO PAULO AIRPORT."

AIRPORT INTERNATIONAL - São Paulo - Guarulhos International Airport is also known as Cumbica International Airport, is a major Brazilian airport, the country's busiest by passenger traffic, located in the district of Cumbica, in the city of Guarulhos in metropolitan São Paulo. The airport is located 25 kilometers from São Paulo downtown. It began operations in 1985. A hub in South America, Guarulhos is Brazil's busiest airport by both passenger traffic and aircraft movements, handling 20,400,304 passengers and 194,184 aircraft movements in 2008. By cargo traffic, it is the second busiest airport in Latin America. All passenger traffic is divided between two terminals (TPS1 and TPS2). With 260 check-in counters, the airport is operational 24 hours a day. 39 national and international airlines fly from São Paulo-Guarulhos to 28 different countries, as well as more than 100 cities in Brazil and the world.