Natal NORTHEAST RIO GRANDE DO NORTE

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1 Natal Time: Brasilia s official time Average Annual Temperature: 28ºC Climate: Tropical Airports: Augusto Severo Airport Natal Rio Grande do Norte Natal, city in northeastern Brazil, capital of Rio Grande do Norte State, was founded by the Portuguese in 1599 and its colonization was marked by the presence of the French and Dutch. Natal is now a modern city. Its almost inhabitants enjoy excellent urban infrastructure. This beautiful city on the Atlantic Ocean coast, keeps an interesting mixture of nature and civilization. The tourists - more than a year - are welcomed by an international airport, a qualified hotel net, equipment and services facilities that stand out in the touristy panorama of the region. The Government has been investing in the tourism industry, improving the infrastructure and conserving the natural heritage. One of the main steps was establishing the Dunes State Park for the preservation of the series of sand dunes that surround the capital. Natal is known as City of the Sun or Bride of the Sun, where the sun stands high in the sky for almost 10 hours a day. It is also known as City of the Dunes, with a Park of Dunes measuring 8 kilometers of extension and 1,8 kilometer of width. Its sea is of calm, blue and crystal clear waters. The south coast comprises 15 beaches with dunes, cliffs, coconut trees, hills, reefs and some natural swimming pools. Barra do Cunhaú is a complete beach offering both sea and river baths besides a structure of regional seafood cuisine. The north coast has 20 beaches with beautiful white sand and many have ideal waves for surfing. Dunes, coconut trees, hills and reefs are characteristic of the landscape. The most southern and best for swimming is Ponta Negra, where many hotels, restaurants and bars are located. One of the most significant symbols of the city, the famed Morro do Careca, is also there. You can dip in the natural pools, formed at low tide; enjoy dolphin watching; ride jet skis; and explore the cave of Pedra Oca on the South Coast Beach. Dunas de Genipabu Park is popular for the biggest adventure of all: some dune buggy rides. The buggies here can descend at an inclination of 90 degrees. Pipa Beach, one of the most important seaside resorts in the Northeast, attracts nature lovers, surfers, artisans and all those who are captivated by the beauty of its beaches, dunes, cliffs, Atlantic forest, dolphins and turtles. Once a small village, many of its traditions still exists today. It has become a must for visitors from all over the world. You can expect fiding about 300 days of sunshine per year with a cooling sea breeze. And its air is the purest in all of Latin America. The landscape ranges from the colored cliffs in the south to the 50 meter high sand dunes in the north where magnificent beaches stretch for nearly 10 miles. These enormous sand dunes are the ideal landscape for the excitement of dune-buggy-rides. The dune buggy drivers will ask you: With or Without Emotion? If you say With Emotion, it will be an exhilarating ride as you go up and down the towering dunes at rapid speeds. Besides being a lot of fun, dune buggies are able to go where other vehicles can t - and that includes some of the best beaches in Natal. You can access the lakes and the 150

2 northern coast in one day with a dune buggy. And you can try sand boarding at a steep descent on the dunes, sliding into the water. Nightclubs Nightlife in Natal is lively and fun. Several houses offer live shows of folklore, rock, reggae and forró (Brazilian dance music). Many bars have live music, nightclubs play Brazilian popular music and there are a lot of great discos. A number of hotels have special attractions as well. Many of the best restaurants are known for their seafood but you ll also find pizza places, créperies, sushi-bars, regional and international food restaurants, açai paste, Portuguese food, barbecue house, pastry shops, light snack places and more. Eating out Mangai Av. Amintas Barros, 3300 Lagoa Nova Regional food. The decoration is inspired in a big countryside house, with big wooden tables, adobe pans and waiters typically dressed. Self service buffet with more than 30 varied dishes. Nova Kapital Av. Presidente Café Filho, 872 Praia dos Artistas This large Disco overlooking Praia dos Artistas beach features DJs playing Top-40 hits, plus famous local bands and cover bands. Hooters Av. Presidente Café Filho, 27 Praia dos Artistas The nightclub, located in the Chaplin Complex (a place that holds restaurant, bar, pub and creperie), has a big screen with video clips, and 2 ambiences. It plays dance music and reggae. Manicomio Av. Presidente Café Filho, 27 Praia dos Artistas Also located in the Chaplin Complex, Manicomio was recently inaugurated and it has become a point of Natal nightlife. Guinza Blue Via Costeira, s/n Ponta Negra Cosy nightclub palying music of the 70s, 80s and 90s. Manary Rua Francisco Gurgel, 9067 Ponta Negra Specialized in seafood, the restaurant offers a romantic atmosphere located at Ponta Negra beach. Camarões Av. Eng. Roberto Freire, 2610 or Rua Pedro Fonseca Filho, 8887 Ponta Negra The restaurant is specialized in shrimps (20 different kinds). There are also lobsters, fish and dishes from international cuisine. Shows Centro de Turismo Rua Aderbal de Figueiredo Petrópolis Forró com Turista: Every Thursday, visitors can participate of a joyful night of Forró dancing, It s a lot of fun with great life music. Zás Trás Rua Apodi, Tirol It has a restaurant section, and the shows start around 20h. After the show, the dancers will teach guests how to do forró, ciranda de roda and something fun called aeroreggae. Going shopping Centro de Turismo Rua Aderbal de Figueiredo Petrópolis The best of the culture and the handcrafts of Potiguar natives are called that way. There are handcrafts shops, art galleries and antiquaries. Handcraft Market BR 101 Close to Via Direta and Natal Shopping It has lots of stalls selling bottles of colored sand, ceramics and other local handicrafts. Handcraft Market of Ponta Negra Av. Eng. Roberto Freire It is a big shed with over 40 stands selling ceramic, clay sculptures, hammocks etc. 151

3 Where to go for a drink? Beleza Choperia Av. Eng. Roberto Freire, 8750 Ponto Sete, Ponta Negra A kiosk in the beach, an ideal place for a cold beer and snacks. Salsa Bar Rua Manuel A. B. de Araújo, 176 Ponta Negra The bar is a new point in Natal. It gathers young people and tourists. The bar offers caipirinhas, crepes and cocktails. Services & Tours NAT 01 Transfer in/out One way transfer to or from Augusto Severo Airport, including assistance and porterage (2 pieces per person). NAT 02 HD City Tour City Tour (3 hours): Visit main historical and touristic attractions of the city such as Mãe Luiza lighthouse, the Reis Magos Fort, Via Costeira (Coastal Avenue), the city center, Praia dos Artistas (Artists beach), Ponta Negra beach and the Tourism Center a craft market for shopping. NAT 03 FD Morro Branco and Praia das Fontes North Beach (8 hours) - This wonderful beach buggy tour (3 persons per buggy) takes off along the Via Costeira (Coastal Avenue), Urban beaches and includes a trip across the Potengy River on a ferry boat. The buggy driver will show the Fort of Reis Magos and Redinha beach heading to the famous Genipabu sand dunes. After experiencing an exciting ride the tour continues on to Muriú beach visiting 7 beaches and 3 fresh water lagoons along the way. Throughout the tour we will have several stops for photos and dips in the warm watered lagoons and beaches. Typical lunch will be served. Late afternoon return to Natal. NAT 04 FD Pipa Beach with Lunch Pipa Beach (7 hours) - Tour begins taking the BR 101 highway south entering Goianinha district, for a visit. Continuing on to Pipa Beach, we will notice its outstanding attractions: the temperature of the water, vegetation, cliff NAT 05 Natal By Night By Night (4 hours) - An unforgettable night at Zás Trás Shopping Show introduces the beautiful folklore show and charming regional dances. The show is presented by local forms and deserted spots where dolphins in their natural habitat dance in their bay The Bay of the Dolphins. Around 12:00hr tour continues to a restaurant for a typical lunch. At this point other optional tours may be taken: horse/bicycle or boat. dancers who throughout the night invite the public to join in and dance the forró and other rhythms. 152

4 Hotels Serhs Natal Grand Hotel Location Located between the beaches of Ponta Negra and Areia Preta on Via Costeira. The hotel is 10km away from the city center and 12km away form Augusto Severo International Airport. Rooms 396 rooms with air conditioning, TV, internet connection, telephone, safe box, mini bar, lounge and balcony. Features Four rooms for massage and beauty treatment, three saunas, two Jacuzzis, 4 swimming pools, Scottish shower, Turkish bath, beauty parlor, complete gymnasium with sea view, water sports, beach football, beach volley, recreation team, fitness area, solariums, coffee shop, theme restaurants, cafeteria, pool bar, welcome bar, piano bar, exhibition hall, theatre hall, business center, mini club for kids. Pestana Natal Location In front of Barreira d Agua beach with a lovely view of the sea and surroundings. It is located 15km far from the airport and 8km far from the city center. Rooms 189 rooms and suites (several with ocean view), equipped with air conditioning, safe box, mini bar, color/cable TV, hair dryer and telephone with voice mail. Features Restaurant, lobby bar, poolside bar, business center, beach service, recreation team, dry and steam sauna, Jacuzzi, massage parlor, 3 swimming pools, games room, gym and children s playground. Ocean Palace Location In a privileged location, just 15 minutes away from Natal International airport and very close to the Convention Center on the Coastal Highway, where the best hotels of Natal are located. The hotel has an excellent view of Ponta Negra beach. Rooms 213 well-equipped rooms and 30 bungalows with air conditioning, TV, safe box, mini bar, telephone and balcony. Features Le Soleil restaurant, Sunrise Coffee-Shop, American bar, Lobby Bar, aquatic park, swimming pool, sauna, massage parlor, recreation for kids, fitness room, tennis court and multiple sporting block, squash court and games room. Meeting facilities: largest with capacity to hold 300 persons

5 Hotels D Beach Resort ««««Location On Ponta Negra beach, 15 minutes far from the airport and 10 minutes far from the commercial center. Rooms 140 rooms (European bungalow style) with sea view, safe box, TV, mini bar, balcony, air conditioning with remote control and telephone. Features 2 restaurants with panoramic view, 3 swimming pools, bar, sports courts, fitness center, sauna, recreation, nightclub, 3 decks, beach service. Meeting facilities: largest room with capacity to host 300 persons. Manary Praia Hotel ««««Location Beachfront to Ponta Negra beach, 10 minutes far from Natal International Airport and downtown. Manary is located close to finest restaurants, nightclubs and shopping centers. Rooms 24 rooms each with a large private balcony overlooking the sea. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, mini bar, safe, cable TV, in-house video and sound system and direct-dial telephone. Features Swimming pool for adults and children, games room, Tropical restaurant and poolside bar. Meeting facilities: largest room with capacity to host 100 persons. Imirá Plaza «««Location At Via Costeira, by Barreira d Agua Beach and Parque das Dunas. Rooms 166 rooms and suites with balconies with ocean view (127 rooms) and balconies with view to the dunes (39 rooms), air conditioning, safe box, mini bar and cable TV. Features Swimming pool, kids swimming pool, playground, wet bar, piano bar, games room, tennis court, SPA, business center, beach service and restaurant. Meeting facilities: largest room with capacity to host 400 persons