Welcome to Goiania, Brazil! It\u2019s been 22 years since we touched down for a Grand Prix weekend in South America\u2019s biggest country and some 47 since we travelled inland to the State of Goias but they do say absence makes the heart grow fonder for a reason. Unlike the major tourist hotspot cities of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Salvador, Goiania doesn\u2019t boast a coast but does show off its greenery and scenery, making it an idyllic backdrop for the most exciting sport on Earth to race in for Round 2.<\/p>\n
Brazil evokes images of those sun-kissed beaches of Copacabana (not just a Barry Manilow hit single) and Ipanema, the islands of Fernando de Noronha and Ilha Grande and the old towns of Ouro Preto and Paraty. You\u2019ve got sun, beach, mountains, the mighty Amazon rainforest and river\u2026 there\u2019s something for everyone. But what if you break away from the established favourites and take in somewhere alternative? That\u2019s where Goiania comes into its own.<\/p>\n
With an astonishing 94 metres-squared of green space per inhabitant, the density of skyscrapers is more than matched by the density of trees. In fact, more than 30% of the city is covered in trees, which equates to a whopping 3.75 square kilometres. At the centre of this modern-planned, forward-thinking state capital is the Bosque dos Buritis which sprawls to a total area of more than 120,000 square metres. Home to the Goiania Art Museum and a running track, it\u2019s one of the city\u2019s largest parks. Then there\u2019s the Parque Flamboyant with its two lakes and the immense Parque Zoologico which houses lions, tigers, bears and more.<\/p>\n
Brazil\u2019s tenth biggest city has a fun and vibrant phrase that encapsulates the spirit of the locals: \u2018J\u00e1 que n\u00e3o tem mar, vamos pro bar!\u2019 This means \u2018since there\u2019s no sea, let\u2019s hit the bar\u2019 and in a city of 1.5 million people, there\u2019s no shortage of fun, party and entertainment. Goiania is the birthplace of modao, a type of sertanejo music which connects modern life to rural roots with this trending country-style music.<\/p>\n
If drinking and dancing aren\u2019t your vibes, then food most certainly will be. Goiania is one of Brazil\u2019s best foodie cities with everything from famous \u2018Pit Dogs\u2019 to traditional Goias cuisine. A hub for quality meats, you\u2019re in for a treat when you get here. But if we\u2019re to give you a restaurant recommendation, you can\u2019t visit Goiania without a trip to Carne de Sol 1008 \u2013 high-end cuts of all types, it\u2019s the go-to place in the city\u2026 we can confirm this because we\u2019ve already been multiple times!<\/p>\n
So, with Goiania\u2019s cultural importance delved into, what about the rest of the country? We\u2019ve mentioned those famous Rio beaches, those colonial old towns spread across the country and those white-sand islands that make Brazil a postcard but there\u2019s more. Salavdor\u2019s food scene is world-famous whilst sustainability-focused Curitiba is a must visit for a glimpse of the future. Hit the Amazonas region and along with the greenery, take in Manaus or head north for the coastal city of Fortaleza. Within striking distance of Goiania, the national capital Brasilia, as well as Caldas Novas, the world\u2019s largest hydrothermal complex. Don\u2019t forget the UNESCO World Heritage site of Goias Velho and the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park either, which sits on a plateau with an estimated age of 1.8 billion (yes, billion) years.<\/p>\n
MotoGP may well be taking over Goiania for the first time since 1989 and whilst it may be one of Brazil\u2019s lesser-known cities, it\u2019s certainly one that packs a cultural punch when you get here. With the racing weekend starting on Friday and finishing on Sunday, it\u2019s the perfect basis for a weekend to explore the wider area and perhaps even the rest of the country. Prepare for all weather but more importantly, prepare for a good time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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