Rio Grande, Brazil

Rio Grande is the oldest city in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. It is the most important port city in the state and has one of the most important maritime ports in Brazil.The city is named after a nearby channel which indirectly connects the Lagoa dos Patos, to the northeast, and Lagoa Mirim, to the west, with the Atlantic Ocean. The municipality is bordered by Santa Vitória do Palmar on the south and Pelotas on the north, which lies across the São Gonçalo Channel.

Around the city of Rio Grande, beaches stretch for more than 125 miles, making them the longest uninterrupted beaches in the world. The area surrounding Rio Grande's main square is noted for its charming old buildings. The oldest church is the Cathedral of St. Peter, built in 1775 by the first Portuguese immigrants. A lively mixture of oceangoing ships, fishing vessels and smaller boats can be observed from the waterfront. The Oceanographic Museum has interesting exhibits of one of the most extensive marine life collections from South Atlantic waters.

Things to see and do

* Rio Grande's main square
* Oceanographic Museum
* Waterfront area
* Cathedral of St. Peter
* Old Town

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - Real (R$) (BRL)
Language - Portuguese
Population - 200,000 approx
Land Area - 2,814 km²
Electricity - 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style
Time - GMT minus three hours
International Country Telephone Code - + 55

Port Location - The Port of Rio Grande is located on the Rio Grande River in southern Brazil about eight miles from the mouth of the river.

Transport Links - There are two international airports serving the state of Rio Grande do Sul; Salgado Filho and Kraemer International Airports.

Coach and rail access is also available.