Belo Horizonte is a vast urban center of over five million people encircled by spectacular mountains. The city is the capital of Minas Gerais and the 3rd largest urban area in the nation. Belo, as it is typically called, was actually designed with the U.S. capitol as a reference. This is the reason there is a sizeable mix of progressive and traditional constructions. If you are getting ready for a trip to Belo Horizonte, expect to enjoy yourself. It is a incredible destination with plenty of activities for visitors. The article within should enable you to more effectively plan for your journey to this remarkable city in Brazil.

Belo Horizonte’s People

There are in excess of 5 million population in the capital city of Belo Horizonte. The ethnic makeup of the people contributes to a wide spectrum of skin tones. A decent number of the population possess Italian ancestry. Thus, the Italian lifestyle is prominent in the majority of residents. Catholicism is the main religion despite the fact that evangelical churches and spiritism are likewise existent.

Means of Transportation

The chief airport is set approximately 38 kilometers from downtown Belo. Numerous domestic and international flights go through there, making the city particularly accessible. Car rental is available but it isn’t needed. A massive number of taxis, scores of buses and an efficient train make getting to every place in the city a snap.

Weather Factors

The city has a tropical savanna climate with a yearly average low of 9 and high of 35 degrees Celsius. Spring begins in September while its summer starts in December, autumn in March, and winter in June. The temperature is nice during the year. However, visitors should note that it is most cold in July and most hot in January. Additionally, Belo receives the greatest amount of rain in the months of December and January. The middle of the year is pretty dry.

Food in Belo Horizonte

Minas Gerais is well known for its outstanding cuisine. Being a cosmopolitan metropolis, Belo Horizonte offers people the very best cuisine that is both delectable and inexpensive. One of the most well-known local dishes is known as tutu. Some of the main ingredients include black beans and pork sausage along with onions, tomatoes and crushed garlic. A special ingredient is flour from the manioc root. There are many types of this regional cooking style and all are extraordinary . If you are not into the local cooking, a number of city restaurants offer the basic cuisine and international style dishes that fit your taste buds.

Going Shopping

Being a large city in a tremendously productive nation, Belo Horizonte is also acknowledged for having big shopping malls and markets that supply a good number of products and services. The Alta Vista Shopping Mall is one of the most popular in the city because it provides quite a few things to do, amusement areas and the comfort of browsing in high-end and niche stores. BH Shopping was the first large shopping in the city, built a long time ago but still offers the same goods of excellent caliber.

Things to Do

The city of Belo Horizonte draws people from many different countries since it offers so much. Besides the splendor seen in its mountains and parks, there are many fascinating points of interest.

The Pampulha District is a favorite destination because of its many parks and museums. In particular, people need to drop by the Museu de Arte da Pampulha. The museum was designed by the notable Oscar Niemeyer. It is also referred to as the Crystal Palace. Furthermore, there is a zoo in this spot that both children and adults will enjoy.

Yet another tourist attraction is the Pra

Brazil may not have won the world cup but the Latin American country’s success story is an “Economic World Cup Winner” according to CNN International.

Charting the economic situation of the countries who made it through the group stages of the recent World Cup, CNN’s Quest Means Business primetime programme was keen to learn more about booming Brazil, one of the favourites predicted to win the world cup.

Looking for expert advice, CNN International visited Experience International at their central London offices where expert consultant, Dale Anderson, an investor in Brazil; himself, talked passionately about why Brazil is such an attractive investment.

Dale talked about how Brazil offers investors a strong package because of its strong economic growth, high levels of foreign direct investment, a wealth of natural resources, no foreign ownership restrictions, freehold titles available and a clear and simple buying process. Also the quick growth of the middle class in Brazil with access to mortgages provides a viable exit strategy for the future.

The World Cup Effect

Dale also stated how the World Cup, which was watched by millions of people worldwide, has allowed South Africa to be viewed in a very positive light and now all eyes are looking to the next host nation – Brazil. He says,

“The impact of the 2014 World Cup on Brazil will be significant with over 600,000 visitors expected, boosting GDP by around $30 million.”

Some three hundred million dollars has already been invested into the host cities which include Fortaleza, Recife and Natal in the burgeoning NE of Brazil according to the Ministry of Tourism for Brazil. The value of Land for sale in Brazil in this region are predicted to increase by around 20% in the run up to the World Cup as demand for quality accommodation increases.

One land plot investment opportunity. which is seeing interest from both Brazilian nationals, who have already snapped up 40% of plots, but also international investors is Tambaba Country Club Resort. Covering some 150 hectares of prime land, 20 minutes south of the historic city of Joao Pessoa and 45 minutes away from Recife, Tambaba is designed on the highly successful European Center Parcs concept providing 450m2 premium land plots with 148% ROI in 5 yrs from only

It seems that Brazil is the place to watch. Its economy is thriving, its property market is booming and more and more tourists are choosing to experience its delights than ever before.

Brazil is also home to some of the most healthy and exotic foods available, no more so than the famous Amazon region where the trees of the rainforest simply groan under the weight of hundreds of different types of tropical fruit. Many of these have been discovered to offer significant health benefits and suddenly names such as pupunha, capuau and grumixama are tripping off peoples tongues in juice bars and cafs from North to South. It is the aai berry, though, that is unarguably responsible for the Brazilian health food revolution that is taking not just Brazil but also the US by storm.

The acai berry is small and purplish in colour and grows on the acai palm that is native to the Amazon. The berry has been used for centuries by those in the know to give them an energy surge and boost their physical strength. It is also well known for providing extra nutritional value to a diet.

Since its discovery by the rest of the world, acai has been hailed as the planets most-super superfood. It is one of the most nutrient-rich examples found anywhere, packed full of antioxidants, phytonutrients, anthocyanins, amino acids, essential omegas, fibers and protein. And recent research even shows that it potentially has the ability to fight cancer cells.

The most nutrient dense part of the berry is the skin and the pulp but in Brazil every part of the berry is used for different purposes, even the seed. Its juice and pulp are frequently used in juice blends, smoothies, sodas and other beverages. It has become one of the country’s most popular ice cream flavors and in recent years literally thousands of dedicated acai cafes have sprung up, serving acai na tigela ” literally acai in a bowl, served with honey and granola as a health food and energizer.

Acai is now being exported heavily as seeds or in juice, frozen fruit pulp or in dried and freeze-dried form.

The US and Europe are increasingly embracing the potential of aai. It is now available as a dietary supplement in capsule, pill and powder format for use by those wanting to boost their immune systems, mental focus, energy and digestive functions. Its anti-ageing qualities are also being celebrated, as well as its new-found reputation as the Brazilian Viagra!

So whether you are already a fan or you need convincing and want to try this superfood out for yourself, get down to your nearest juice bar or health food store for your dose of acai today. But take it from me, acai tastes way better on home turf, so why not book your flight to Brazil and give it a try?

This article was written by Ginny Naish the Marketing Director of Property Dreams Brazil, a Brazilian real estate consultancy based in Joao Pessoa, Paraiba. Property Dreams Brazil can provide consultancy services with regard to property investment, land, re-location and property marketing. Please visit Property Dreams Brazil for further information on Brazil.