NATAL

The capital city of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal has roughly 730.000 inhabitants. It started from a fortress built by the Portugueses in 1598 to fight the French invaders (Reis Magos Fortress) and remained relatively small until the World War II, when the allied forces, recoginizing its strategic location on eastern bulge of Brazil, decided to turn the sleepy city into the allied military base for their operations in North Africa. Today's sun city Natal is a modern city, with an undeniable vocation for international resort. Its hotel structure is still in expansion and the city is similar to the Caribean or Tahiti paradises. This huge potential, however, was not acknowledged immediately after the Second World War. The tourism boom only started to happen in the 70's. Natal is known by its endless beaches, Genipabu is the most famous, 30 km to the north of the city. Golden sand dunes, palm trees and riding buggys make this beach an exciting place to visit. SERVICES IN NATAL - TRANSFER From the Airport to the hotels or vice-versa.   Legend: (left to the right) Genipabu Beach Reis Magos Fortress Cajueiro de Pirangi   Weather Forecast

> CITY TOUR Daily at 9:00 A.M. and 14:00 P.M. Approximate duration: 3 hours. This tour gives an overview of Natal. Includes a visit to the Reis Magos Fortress, the urban beaches, the Câmara Cascudo Memorial, Costeira Avenue and the Ponta Negra beach. > TOUR TO THE GENIPABU BEACH Daily at 9:00 A.M. Approximate duration: 6 hours. A scenic ride by the northern coast of Natal leads to the Genipabu beach, 30 Km (19 miles) from the center. Buggy rides along Pitangui. Genipabu Beach gigantic dunes. > TOUR TO THE SOUTH BEACHES Daily at 9:00 A.M. Approximate duration: 6 hours. A ride to the Coronel, Búzios and Pirangi beaches. Boat rides with diving. At Pirangi you can find the world's largest cashew tree which has 1/2 kilometer in circumference and is still growing. > TOUR TO THE NORTH BEACHES Daily at 9:00 A.M. Approximate duration: 6 hours. A 40 Km (19 miles) ride north from river Potengi and Natal, buggy rides through the lakes and dunes on Redinha, Santa Rita, Genipabu, Jacumã and Muriú beaches. > FOLKLORIC SHOW Daily at 19:00 P.M. Approximate duration: 5 1/2 hours. (Dinner included) Folkloric show with regional tipical dances. At the end of the show, all visitors are invited to join in a Forró (local popular dance) and enjoy a typical popular ball.