World Cup Travel Advisory: Cuiaba, Natal and Salvador
June 12, 2014 in 2014 FIFA World Cup - Security Update
Cuiabá
City Description
Cuiabá is the capital city of the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso. It is located in the western region of the country and, along with the neighboring town of Várzea Grande, it forms the metropolitan area of the state.
Security
Both the crime and homicide rates in Cuiabá are high. MS Risk therefore advises all travellers to the city to remain vigilant at all times.
Transportation
International Airport
Marechal Rondon International Airport connects Cuiabá with many Brazilian cities. The airport also operates some international flights. The airport is composed of one building, which is divided into two sections: upstairs and downstairs. The downstairs includes all the check-in terminals while the upstairs includes shops, eateries and an observation lounge.
High Ways
Cuiabá is connected by Pacific Ocean with the Interoceanic Highway, and to the Atlantic Ocean by the BR-364 Highway.
Light Rail
The system of 22 kilometers (14 miles) of the Cuiabá’s light rail connects the city with Várzea Grande in the Cuiabá metropolitan area and the international airport.
Natal
City Description
Natal is the capital and largest city of Rio Grande do Norte, a northeastern state in Brazil.
Security
While the city of Natal was once safe, recent statistics have indicated that crime is on the rise, however it Natal is safer than other touristic cities in the northeast of Brazil, including Fortaleza, Recife and Salvador.
While pickpocketing is common, violent assaults in the city are rare.
If visiting the Forte dos Reis Magos, MS Risk recommends that you travel by taxi and avoid walking along the Praia Forte. This is due to a recent surge in assaults and robberies that have targeted tourists along the beach. Ponta Negra beach is also not secure, with armed assaults on the beach occurring at any time, including day and night.
MS Risk advises all travellers to the beach to avoid taking any valuable articles with you.
Transportation
International Airport
Augusto Severo International Airport in Parnamirim is located 18 kilometers (9 miles) from Natal.
Highways
Federal Highway BR-101 is the most important access to Natal, coming from the south of Brazil through the boundary with the municipality of Parnamirim. If travelling from the State of Ceará, the principle access is by the Federal Highway BR-304, through the boundary with the municipality of Macaíba, where you pick up BR-226.
When leaving Natal, an important access to the southern Potiguar coast is the RN-063, which is also known as the “Sun Route” (Rota do Sol). This route takes you to the beaches of Pirangi, Búzios, Tabatinga, and up to the municipality of Nísia Floresta. The North Shore is accessible from the Newton Navarro Bridge, following the Praia do Forte to Genipabu, and the Igapó Bridge, following the district of Igapó by BR-101 to Touros, and by BR-406 to Macau.
Bus
Natal is connected to all the 167 municipalities of Rio Grande do Norte, along with dozens of locations and Potiguar districts, through the Passenger Bus Terminal of Natal, which is located in the Eastern zone of the city.
Taxis
Taxis in Rio de Janeiro are white and have red plates. Fares are the same, regardless of how new and comfortable the car is. Fares are regulated by the government.
Salvador
City Description
Salvador is the largest city on the northeastern coast of Brazil and is the capital of the Northeastern Brazilian state of Bahia.
Security
While Salvador is fairly safe, MS Risk advises all travellers to remain vigilant at all times. Always avoid deserted streets, especially after dark.
Transportation
International Airport
Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport is located 28 kilometers (17 miles) north of downtown Salvador.
Highways
The BR-101 and the BR-116 Federal highways cross Bahia from north to south, connecting Salvador to the rest of the country.
Bus
The bus station, or Rodoviária of Salvador, is located in Iguatemi district, with direct buses to larger cities in the country and to many destinations in the state of Bahia.
