From California to Brazil: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Journey South

Bret’s Recommended Itinerary 

There are several easy ways to get to Natal Brazil, however you must fly through either Rio de Janiero or Sao Paulo. I’d recommend getting a roundtrip ticket from either of the two cities and then book the trip from either of those two cities to Natal Brazil. Jael and I will likely be spending three or so days in Rio De Janiero (October 18th through the 22nd then traveling to Natal on the 23rd for a return trip back home on October 29th). My favorite route is American Airlines, Sacramento to Miami, Miami to Rio De Janiero. Another possible and slightly less expensive route is COPA Airlines SFO to Panama, Panama to Rio De Janiero, these two routes are the most direct way of getting to Rio or Sao Paolo. Once those roundtrip tickets are booked, then book your tickets to Natal. Once your flights to Natal are booked, email events@bj2024.com with your itinerary and we’ll have vans available at the airport to take guests to Praia de Pipa or you can rent a car. Great ticket deals are around $750 for COPA out of SFO and $900 for AA out of SMF.

 

Step 1: Getting to Brazil There are several airports in California that offer international flights to Brazil, including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). You’ll want to book a flight to one of the major airports in Brazil, such as São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) or Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport (GIG).

Step 2: Connecting Flights in Brazil Once you arrive in Brazil, you’ll need to catch a connecting flight to Natal, which is the closest major airport to Pipa. Natal’s airport is officially called São Gonçalo do Amarante International Airport (NAT). There are several airlines that operate domestic flights within Brazil, including LATAM Airlines, Gol Transportes Aéreos, and Azul Brazilian Airlines.

Step 3: Ground Transportation to Pipa After arriving at Natal’s airport, you have a few options for getting to Pipa:

  1. Rental Car: If you prefer the flexibility of having your own transportation, you can rent a car from one of the major rental companies located at the airport.
  2. Private Transfer: Upon arrival at the airport, our guests can expect to be greeted by waiting vans ready to transport them to their destination.
  3. Public Bus: There are regular bus services from Natal to Pipa operated by local companies like Catedral Turismo and Oceano.

Things to Do During Layovers: If you have layovers during your journey, especially in São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro, there are plenty of things to do to pass the time:

  1. São Paulo:
    • Visit São Paulo’s cultural attractions, such as the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) or the Pinacoteca do Estado.
    • Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Vila Madalena or Liberdade, known for their street art and diverse culinary scene.
    • Relax in one of São Paulo’s urban parks, like Ibirapuera Park, and enjoy outdoor activities or cultural events.
  2. Rio de Janeiro:
    • Take a cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views of Rio and its iconic landmarks.
    • Visit the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
    • Relax on the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema or take a stroll along the scenic boardwalks.