Copa Airlines’ Destinations in the Americas Tour: Brazil
We move to one of the most important markets for Copa Airlines: Brazil. The country is the largest in South America, both in population and area. Besides being popular because of their carnival feasts, samba and soccer, Brazil enjoys a great diverse demography, due to over a century of mass migrations from around the world, as well as a rich biodiversity. Following the independence from Portugal in 1822, Brazil became a constitutional monarchy until the military coup of 1889, when it became a presidential republic. The country has 13 UNESCO heritage sites, thanks to its rich history and culture.
Unlike many Brazilian cities with colonial roots, Belo Horizonte is relatively young. It was founded in 1897 as a planned city, designed to replace Ouro Preto as the state capital. This modern urban planning approach was revolutionary for its time and has shaped the city’s distinctive layout and architecture.
Belo Horizonte is renowned for its rich cultural scene, particularly its music and gastronomy. The city is a hub for Brazilian popular music, including samba, bossa nova, and contemporary genres. It’s also famous for its “botecos,” traditional bars serving a variety of snacks and drinks, often accompanied by live music. Minas Gerais cuisine is celebrated throughout Brazil, and Belo Horizonte is its epicenter. The region is known for its hearty dishes, including feijoada (a black bean stew), pão de queijo (cheese bread), and various meat and cheese delicacies. Copa Airlines flies to Belo Horizonte/Confins–Tancredo Neves International Airport, for their flights to Belo Horizonte.
Some places to visit in Belo Horizonte include:
- Praça da Liberdade
- Mercado Central
- Mineirão
- Serra do Curral
Brasília is a prime example of modernist urban planning. It was conceived and built in the mid-20th century as a bold move to relocate the capital from Rio de Janeiro to a more central location. President Juscelino Kubitschek spearheaded the project, enlisting renowned architects like Oscar Niemeyer and urban planner Lucio Costa to design the city. The city was built in just four years.
Brasília is renowned for its iconic modernist architecture. The city’s buildings, designed by Niemeyer, are characterized by bold curves, sweeping lines, and innovative use of concrete. As a relatively young city, Brasília has attracted people from all over Brazil. This diversity is reflected in the city’s vibrant cultural scene, which includes music, dance, theater, and visual arts. As the nation’s capital, Brasília houses the seat of government, the Supreme Court, and the National Congress. Copa Airlines flies to President Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport, for their flights to Brasília.
Some places to visit in Brasília are:
- Three Powers Plaza
- Cathedral of Brasília
- National Museum of Brazil
- Juscelino Kubitschek Memorial
Florianópolis, also affectionately known as “Floripa,” is a city located in the southern region of Brazil. The island of Santa Catarina, where Florianópolis is situated, was originally inhabited by the Carijó and Tupi-Guarani indigenous peoples. In the 16th century, Portuguese explorers arrived in the region, establishing the first settlements. The city itself was founded in 1675 and named after Floriano Peixoto, a former president of Brazil. Over time, Florianópolis grew into a significant port city, playing a key role in the region’s trade and commerce. The construction of the Hercílio Luz bridge in 1926 connected the island to the mainland, further boosting its development.
Florianópolis has a rich cultural tapestry influenced by its indigenous roots, Portuguese heritage, and European immigrant communities, particularly from Germany and Italy. The city hosts various lively festivals throughout the year, including the Festa do Marisco and the Festa de Nossa Senhora do Desterro. These events showcase traditional music, dance, and cuisine. Florianópolis has a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and cultural centers. The city has also produced notable writers and artists who have contributed to Brazilian literature and art. Copa Airlines flies to Hercílio Luz International Airport, for their flights to Florianópolis.
Places to visit in Florianópolis are:
- Lagoa da Conceição
- São José da Ponta Grossa Fortress
- Joaquina Beach
- Ribeirão da Ilha
Manaus, the capital of the Amazonas state, is a city nestled deep within the Amazon rainforest. Manaus’ history is closely tied to the rubber boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this period, the city experienced a period of rapid growth and prosperity as rubber became a highly valuable commodity. After the rubber boom, Manaus faced economic decline. However, in the 1960s, the city was designated a Free Trade Zone, revitalizing its economy and attracting investment.
The city is a melting pot of cultures, influenced by indigenous Amazonian tribes, European colonizers, and African slaves. This diverse heritage is reflected in the city’s music, dance, and cuisine. The city hosts various cultural festivals throughout the year, including the Festival Folclórico de Amazonas, which celebrates the region’s rich folklore and traditions. Manaus cuisine is a unique blend of Amazonian and European flavors. Local specialties include dishes made with river fish, tropical fruits, and indigenous ingredients.
Places to visit in Manaus are:
- Amazon Theatre
- Meeting of the Waters
*Amazon Rainforest - Mercado Municipal Adolpho Lisboa
Founded in the mid-18th century by Portuguese settlers from the Azores, Porto Alegre initially grew as a small trading post. The city experienced significant immigration from Europe in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly from Germany, Italy, and Poland. This immigration shaped the city’s cultural landscape and contributed to its diverse population. Porto Alegre developed into a major industrial center, particularly in the areas of food processing, textiles, and machinery.
The city is deeply rooted in the culture of the Gaúchos, the traditional cowboys of the region. Gaúcho culture is celebrated through music, dance, and traditional clothing. Porto Alegre offers a diverse culinary scene, influenced by both local and international flavors. Regional specialties include churrasco (grilled meat), chimarrão (a traditional tea), and various European-inspired dishes. The city hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Festa da Uva (Grape Festival) and the Carnaval de Porto Alegre, which feature lively music, parades, and cultural performances. Copa Airlines flies to Salgado Filho International Airport for their flights to Porto Alegre.
Some places to visit in Porto Alegre are:
- Mercado Público de Porto Alegre
- Parque Farroupilha (Parque da Redenção)
- Guajuviras Park
Rio de Janeiro, often simply called Rio, is a vibrant and culturally rich city located on the southeastern coast of Brazil. Known for its stunning beaches, iconic landmarks, and lively atmosphere, Rio has become a global destination for tourists and a symbol of Brazilian culture. Rio de Janeiro was founded by the Portuguese in 1565 and quickly became a significant port city due to its strategic location. It served as the capital of the Portuguese Empire from 1808 to 1821 and then as the capital of the independent empire and then republic of Brazil until 1960.
Rio is renowned for its vibrant music scene, particularly samba and bossa nova. The city is home to world-famous samba schools that compete in the annual Carnival parade, a spectacular display of music, dance, and colorful costumes. Rio’s cuisine is a fusion of Portuguese, African, and indigenous influences. Popular dishes include feijoada (a black bean stew), churrasco (grilled meat), and pão de queijo (cheese bread). Copa Airlines flies to Rio de Janeiro/Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport, for their flights to Rio de Janeiro
Some places to visit in Brazil are:
- Christ the Redeemer
- Sugarloaf Mountain
- Copacabana Beach
- Ipanema Beach
- Maracanã Stadium
Founded in 1554 by Jesuit missionaries, São Paulo was initially a small settlement focused on converting the local indigenous population. The city became a base for the bandeirantes, explorers who ventured into the interior of Brazil in search of resources and enslaved people. The 19th century saw a major economic boom for São Paulo due to coffee production. This wealth fueled significant growth and development. In the early 20th century, São Paulo transformed into Brazil’s industrial center, attracting immigrants from across the globe and shaping its diverse culture.
São Paulo’s vibrant culture is a result of its diverse population, with influences from European, African, and Asian immigrants. The city boasts a thriving arts scene with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters. It’s also a hub for Brazilian music, including samba, bossa nova, and forró. São Paulo is a foodie’s paradise, offering a wide range of culinary experiences from traditional Brazilian dishes to international cuisine. The city has a lively nightlife with trendy bars, nightclubs, and live music venues. Copa Airlines flies to São Paulo/Guarulhos-Governor André Franco Montoro International Airport, for their flights to São Paulo.
Some places to visit there are:
- Avenida Paulista
- Ibirapuera Park
- São Paulo Museum of Art
- Liberdade
Help this livery to be featured in the 737 MAX 8 update! Your vote can contribute to bring the attention of developers to consider this livery for the next or a future update. Your vote contributes to the livery diversity in Infinite Flight, allowing users to enjoy routes realistically, and with the Copa Airlines livery, you get to enjoy over 80 routes from Panama to many cities in the Americas.
Keep the discussion alive, so that I’m not the only one here bumping the topic from time to time, please. :)
