Porto Alegre is one of the most important cities in Brazil.
The city is located at the junction of five rivers, the Guaíba River (which is actually a lake), a continuation of the Jacuí River shortly before its mouth at the Los Patos Lagoon (or Los Tapés Lagoon).
Porto Alegre is a large industrial center in southern Brazil, of great importance to Mercosur, due to its strategic location. It is close to Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Asunción and Rosario.
The inhabitants of the state are called gaúchos, the typical dish is churrasco (grilled meat) and mate is the traditional infusion.
Porto Alegre is one of the 12 venues for the 2014 Soccer World Cup.
Among the main places of tourist interest are the statue of the lazador (at the entrance of the city), the Usina del Gasómetro, the sunset in the Guaíba.
See more about the history of Porto Alegre
See also information on Buenos Aires.
