Roughly translating to 'Beautiful Horizon', Belo Horizonte is the capital of southeast Brazil’s Minas Gerais state. Surrounded by mountains, the city is known for its contemporary Brazilian architecture, in particular the Pampulha Modern Ensemble, a UNESCO World Heritage site designed by Brazil's most renowned architect, Oscar Niemeyer.
Pampulha – Carlos Drummond de Andrade Airport
Situated just 8.8 miles north of Belo Horizonte city, Pampulha Airport serves as a convenient access point to the city and its surrounding areas. While the airport is smaller in comparison to its UK counterparts, it is well equipped with all the necessary amenities including several car rental service providers.
Car Rental at the Airport
Car rental services are abundantly available at the airport from top-notch operators like Avis, Hertz, Budget, and Localiza. Looking for a compact car for city driving or a 4x4 for some adventurous mountain driving, you'll find them all here.
Fueling Up
There are several petrol stations situated within a 10-km radius from the airport. As Brazil uses a unique fuel blend called Ethanol E100, most petrol stations in Belo Horizonte offer ethanol in addition to regular petrol and diesel.
Connectivity and Navigation
Unlike the UK, where you drive on the left-hand side of the road, Brazil follows right-hand driving rules. The main driving route from the airport to Belo Horizonte city center is along the Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos.
Climate and Currency
Unlike the unpredictable weather of the UK, Belo Horizonte offers a lush tropical savannah climate that's dry and mild during winter months (April to September) and warm with frequent showers during summer months (October to March). The official currency of Brazil is the Brazilian Real (BRL). Credit cards are widely accepted in most places, however, it's always good to have some local currency at hand.
Exploring Surrounding Areas
Once you've explored the city, don’t hesitate to explore the nearby towns of Nova Lima, Sabará, Santa Luzia, and the incredible Serra do Rola Moça State Park, all easily reachable using your rental car. A drive to these nearby towns is a great opportunity to experience the picturesque landscapes of the Minas Gerais state.
Your trip to Belo Horizonte is an invitation to mixing cultures, sampling mouthwatering gastronomy, exploring architectural marvels, and immersing yourself in the vibrant Brazilian lifestyle. And all of this, at your own pace with the comfort of your chosen rental car.
