São Paulo, Brazil’s vibrant financial centre, is among the world’s most populous cities, with numerous cultural institutions and a rich architectural tradition. Its iconic buildings range from its neo-Gothic cathedral and the 1929 Martinelli skyscraper to modernist architect Oscar Niemeyer’s curvy Edifício Copan. The colonial-style Pátio do Colégio church marks where Jesuit priests founded the city in 1554. (Source: Wikipedia)

  • Sao Paulo is the direct entry into South America from South Africa.
  • Flight duration from Johannesburg, South Africa to Sao Paulo Brazil over the Atlantic ocean is 10:40
  • LATAM is a good and cost effective airline option
  • The Guarulhos International Airport (GHU) is a big modern airport and the 2nd busiest airport in Latin America after Mexico City International Airport
  • GHU is also locally known as Cumbica Airport after the district where it is located
  • Sao Paulo is the biggest, most populous and wealthiest city in Brazil
  • Sao Paulo Centro (Central Business District) is approximately 70 kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean
  • Avenida (avenue) Paulista is one of Sao Paulo’s longest (2.8 km) and busiest avenue and home to great shopping malls, movies, schools and MASP, South America’s most comprehensive fine art museum

  • It is also home to the headquarters of many international, financial and cultural institutions
  • Avenue Paulista is a convenient area to stay for tourists and is a major hub for the subway and bus lines, approx. 40-50 minutes from airport with moderate traffic
  • The current Sao Paolo Metropolitan Cathedral (Cathedral da Sé) opened in 1954 but the original cathedral dates back to 1616 and is well worth a visit with its gothic style architecture and Renaissance-style dome
  • The Cathedral is also close to Centro (Old City Centre) and is an area to explore for shopping, interesting architecture, local eateries (cantinas & pizzerias), etc.

 

 

 

  • Good ham & cheese sandwiches (US $4) (fresh or toasted), feijoada (US $7) (stew of black beans, sausages and cuts of pork) and good 600ml COLD beer, served in a beer cooler….always welcome on a hot & humid day (approx. US $2.00 – $2.50)
  • Average lunch or dinner for 2 including beer / cold drinks approx. US $20
  • Taxi transfer from airport to your accommodation is easy and convenient, approx. US $ 40-45 for 2 -3 passengers
  • Metro ticket approx. US $2 – 2.50
  • Average Airbnb studio or 1 bedroom apartment US $50-60

 

 

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