The gaucho capital has a privileged location. A strategic point within Mercosur, Porto Alegre is the geographical center of the major routes of the Southern Cone and it is located at equivalent distance both from Buenos Aires and Montevideo, as well as from São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Whoever arrives here meets an important business center and the gateway to the major tourist attractions in the region. Porto Alegre also has the best standard of living of all Brazilian capitals.

The original small village was created when Portuguese groups from the Azores came in the 18th Century. Later it received other Europeans from Germany, Italy, Poland, Austria, France, Scotland and other countries. Also, Africans and Asians collaborated to create a vivid, exciting and joyful culture. All in all, Porto Alegre has a young soul and it has become a cosmopolitan city. It's the place of people with tradition and history, that have in their soul and in their features the heritage of European colonists and the determination of the people from the borderlines, responsible for defending territories.

Before the Europeans, the region was inhabited by natives from Tupi-Guarani tradition. They left their footprints as a wealth of geographical names. For example, the Guaíba Lake received its name from the word Gua-y-be, which means "cove" or "bay". Porto Alegre began as a sprout of the Guaíba Lake. Its calm waters, inside the continent, provided a safe anchorage that the ocean could not offer. The city grew from the harbor and became one of the most important metropolises of the Mercosur.

Whoever strolls along Porto Alegre's streets is surprised with its perennial vegetation, hills, and ponds. What is also dazzling is the preservation condition of its historic buildings, which shelter memories and culture. But what really charms visitors is the surprisingly harmonious match of its welcoming manner of an interior town with the fast hustle and bustle of a large urban center, its architecture as the icon of modernity, and the cultural heterogeneity. Such is Porto Alegre, past and present constantly balanced – always accompanied by barbecue and a tasteful chimarrão.

1- Arrival in Porto Alegre
Meet and greet at the airport in Porto Alegre and arrival transfer to your hotel. Your room will be ready by noontime, if you prefer we can also arrange you an early check-in (at a surcharge) and you will have your room ready upon arrival, so you can freshen up and rest before exploring Porto Alegre.

2- Porto Alegre
Half Day City Tour through Porto Alegre with guide. Today you will visit the historical downtown area, where the city began, first called "Porto dos Casais": Alfândega Square, architectural structures of the Museu de Artes, Memorial, Correio, Santander Cultural and Alfândega buildings. On the next block, City Hall, Public Market and Port. A special view of the city can be appreciated from Mario Quintana Cultural Center and Usina do Gasômetro. Continuing in the lower part of the town, visit to the Stone Bridge and the Azorian Memorial. Matriz Square is at the highest point of the central area, and assembles around it Piratini Palace, Cathedral, São Pedro Theatre and Julio de Castilhos Memorial. Heading east, a ride along residential areas and to Moinhos de Vento district, with its bars, cafes and restaurants. The tour continues through the south region of Porto Alegre, with a panoramic view overlooking the Guaíba Lake. You may change the date of this tour at your convenience.

3- Porto Alegre
At leisure in Porto Alegre. Enjoy the surroundings of your hotel or as an optional have a Gaucho Night with musical and dancing shows from the Pampas region, good wine and the typical churrasco barbecue.

4- Depart Porto Alegre - Next City
Check-out at noon. Transfer to the airport in Porto Alegre. Homebound flight or proceed to your next destination.

Land-Only prices in US-Dollars per person in double occupancy (single supplement available), including:

• Private roundtrip transfer Airport POA in Porto Alegre/Hotel/Airport POA in Porto Alegre featuring air-conditioned vehicle with English speaking guide.

• Half Day City Tour through Porto Alegre (private, approximately 3 hours) with English speaking guide.

• Accommodation in the hotel of your choice.

• Daily Brazilian buffet breakfast, unless indicated above.

• Meals as per description (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner).

• Hotel taxes.

-> To reduce or extend number of nights in this package, simply click on the hotel of your choice and check the desired period.

To receive more information, please email us at office@opcotours.com.