Travel
Natal, the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, is a coastal city characterized by a combination of natural landscapes, historical heritage, and a distinct regional culture. The city is served by Natal International Airport – São Gonçalo do Amarante and offers a broad range of hotels and resorts, providing convenient accommodation options for participants attending WPMC 2026.
The local cuisine reflects the cultural heritage and natural resources of northeastern Brazil, with a strong emphasis on seafood and regional ingredients. Natal is widely recognized for its shrimp production, which is featured in numerous local dishes. Restaurants such as Camarões Potiguar offer menus focused on fresh fish and Brazilian seafood, presenting traditional preparations in a welcoming setting.
A central element of regional gastronomy is tapioca, a staple of northeastern cuisine. One of Natal’s traditional dishes, ginga com tapioca, combines small fried fish with filled tapioca, representing a characteristic balance of texture and flavor. Establishments such as Casa de Taipa are known for handmade tapiocas and an environment that highlights regional culinary traditions.
Another important component of local cuisine is carne de sol, commonly prepared in dishes such as carne de sol na nata and paçoca de carne de sol, and typically served with regional accompaniments including cassava, green beans, and farofa.
In addition to regional specialties, Natal offers a diverse dining scene that includes both local and international cuisine. Well-known restaurants such as Mangai, Camarões Beach, Farofa D’água, and Pérola Restaurante reflect this diversity and cater to a range of preferences.
Participants are encouraged to explore the city’s varied gastronomic options and to consult recent reviews or local recommendations to identify dining venues aligned with their individual tastes.
How to get to Natal?
Travel to Natal, Brazil, is supported by well-established air connectivity and local transportation infrastructure, facilitating access to the city’s coastal environment, cultural attractions, and urban amenities. Natal is recognized as an important tourist destination in northeastern Brazil, offering a structured hospitality sector and a generally safe and welcoming environment for international visitors.
The city is served by Natal International Airport (São Gonçalo do Amarante – NAT), located approximately 37 km from the city center, in the neighboring municipality of São Gonçalo do Amarante. The airport accommodates international flights operated by European carriers, with regular connections from Lisbon and Buenos Aires, in addition to direct domestic flights from major Brazilian capitals (with direct flights from all continents), including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Belo Horizonte, Salvador, Recife, Fortaleza, and others.
Several transportation options are available for transfers from the airport to destinations within Natal, allowing travelers to select based on cost, convenience, and destination location:
Transfer Services: Dedicated airport transfer services operate between the airport and hotels or specific locations in the city. Providers such as Transfer Aeroporto Natal and Transfer Natal VIP offer pre-arranged services that emphasize reliability and comfort.
Ride-Hailing Services: Ride-hailing applications, including Uber, are widely available and represent a practical option for on-demand transportation. Services can be requested using the airport’s free Wi-Fi, with designated pick-up areas located outside the terminal.
Taxis: Official taxis operate directly from the airport and provide a straightforward means of transport. Passengers are advised to use authorized services and confirm fares prior to departure.
Pre-Booked Transfers: Platforms such as Civitatis, Transfer Express Natal, Luck Receptivo, Marazul Receptivo, and Natal Vans allow travelers to arrange transfers in advance, offering predictable logistics upon arrival.
Car Rental: Several car rental companies, including Sixt, Localiza, Movida, Alamo, and Unidas, operate at the airport, providing options for travelers who prefer independent mobility.
Visitors are encouraged to assess transfer options in advance, considering factors such as travel time, destination location, and service reliability. The range of available alternatives supports a smooth and efficient arrival experience in Natal.