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Planning your trip
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Practical guide
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São Paulo
Discover São Paulo
Reasons to visit SP
City history
Time line
Facts and figures
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Shopping guide
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CITS
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in SP
Happens in SP
Calendar
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Tip of who lives in SP
Currency and Exchange
Religion
Culture and Style
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Useful Information
Language
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Food and Kitchen
Tourist Information
Sustainable Tourism
Brazilian official currency is Real (BRL or R$), with its subdivisions in centavos.
There are R$ 0,05 coins (cinco centavos), R$ 0,10 coins (dez centavos), R$ 0,25 coins (vinte e cinco centavos), R$ 0,50 coins (cinquenta centavos) and R$ 1 coins (um real); and also R$ 2 (dois reais), R$ 5 bills (cinco reais), R$ 10 bills (dez reais), R$ 20 bills (vinte reais), R$ 50 bills (cinquenta reais) and R$ 100 bills (cem reais).
In 2010, the banknotes of the second family of the Real were put into circulation. They have new graphic and security elements, as well as accessibility features for the visually impaired, such as the differentiated size according to their value. Gradually, they will replace the banknotes of the first family, but do not worry if you receive one of this, they are still valid. To get familiar with the characteristics of banknotes in circulation, access the website of the Central Bank.
Pay attention! Do not accept bills or coins in a bad conservation state as change.
In order to get information regarding conversions to foreign currencies, access here.
During the week, Banco do Brasil bank agencies buy and sell. At weekends, there are currency exchange offices.
The largest part of the establishments accepts credit and debt cards. Traveler checks are not widely accepted; however, they can be exchanged at banks and exchange offices.
Tip!
For those who seek for comfort, exchange offices inside malls may be a fast and safe option.
Templo Budista Zu Lai. Foto: Divulgação.
São Paulo is a metropolis that warmly welcomes everyone respecting their differences. Here, there are many Catholic and Protestant people; however, there is complete liberty of religious cult. Everyone shares the same environments and live in harmony, an example of life in society.
The city has several religious temples. Check out some of the most well known communities:
Atea – Associação Brasileira de Ateus e Agnósticos Associação Paulistana da Igreja Adventista do Sétimo Dia Gabrielle D´annunzio Street, 246, Brooklin Tel.: (11) 3545-0900 Templo Busshinji São Joaquim Street, 285, Liberdade Tel.: (11) 3208-4515/4345 Catedral da Sé (Sé Cathedral) Praça da Sé, s/nº, Centro Tel.: (11) 3107-6832 Primeira Igreja Batista em São Paulo (First Baptist Church in SP) Princesa Isabel Square, 233, Campos Elíseos Tel.: (11) 3331-7393 Federação Espírita do Estado de São Paulo Maria Paula Street, 140 (Allan Kardec Building), Bela Vista Tel.: (11) 3115-5544 Mesquita Brasil do Estado Avenue, 5382, Cambuci Tel.: (11) 3208-3726 |
Congregação Israelita Paulista Antonio Carlos Street, 653, Cerqueira César Tel.: (11) 2808-6299 Igreja Messiânica Mundial do Brasil Sena Madureira Street, 1008, Vila Mariana Tel.: (11) 5087-2000 Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos Santos dos Últimos Dias de São Paulo (Mormon Temple) Professor Francisco Morato Avenue, 2390, Caxingui Tel.: (11) 3721-0538 Catedral Ortodoxa Vergueiro Street, 1515, Paraíso Tel.: (11) 5579-3835 Igreja Pentecostal Deus é Amor do Estado Avenue, 4568, Glicério Tel.: (11) 3347-4700 Igreja Metodista – Sede Nacional Piassanguaba Avenue, 3031, Planalto Paulista Tel.: (11) 2813-8600 Superior Órgão Internacional de Umbanda e dos Cultos Afro |
Tip: There is also the possibility of attending masses in other languages. Check with the establishment before you head to the place. |
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Latin Capela Menino Jesus e Santa Luzia Tabatinguera Street, 104, Sé Tel: (11) 3104 8032 |
Polish Paróquia Nossa Senhora Auxiliadora Três Rios Street, 75, Bom Retiro Tel: (11) 3227 6023 |
English Paróquia Nossa Senhora Auxiliadora Vigário João de Pontes Street, 537, Chácara Flora Tel: (11) 5541 9183
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Slovenian Paróquia do Santíssimo Sacramento Tutóia Street, 1.125, Vila Mariana Tel: (11) 3884 4695 |
Spanish Paróquia de Nossa Senhora da Paz do Glicério Street, 225, Centro Tel: (11) 3207 7709
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Lithuanian Paróquia São José Republica Lituana Square, 74 – Vila Zelina Tel: (11) 2341 5975 |
Italian Paróquia de Nossa Senhora da Paz do Glicério Street, 225, Sé Tel: (11) 3207 7709
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Japanese Paróquia Nipo-Brasileira de São Gonçalo João Mendes Square, 108, Sé Tel: (11) 3106 8119 |
French Paróquia São Francisco de Sales Mairinque Street, 256, Vila Mariana Tel: (11) 5571 4609
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Chinese Paróquia Sagrada Família Santa Justina Street, 290, Vila Olímpia Tel: (11) 3845 0264 |
German Paróquia de São Bonifácio Humberto I Street, 298, Vila Mariana Tel: (11) 5571 5422 |
Korean Paróquia Coreana São Kim Degun Nair de Teffé Street, 147, Bom Retiro Tel: (11) 2128 0401 |
“I’m not driven, I drive”. This is São Paulo’s motto, stamped in our shield. And it is absolutely related to the capital’s lifestyle!
São Paulo is modern, creative and a trend maker. Only a tuned in city like ours can host manifestations of style, like São Paulo Fashion Week, Casa Cor and the Gay Pride Parade LGBT.
São Paulo is cosmopolitan, open-minded and hosts respectfully every tribe!
Traditional, confortable, neat, hippie… It doesn’t matter… From Oscar Freire to Brás, feel free to build your own style.
São Paulo Fashion Week Foto: Jose Cordeiro/SPTuris.
São Paulo Fashion Week Foto: Jose Cordeiro/SPTuris
Casa Cor. Foto: Caio Pimenta/SPTuris.
Parada do Orgulho LGBT. Foto: Jose Cordeiro/SPTuris
Rua Oscar Freire. Foto: Jose Cordeiro/SPTuris
Ruas do Brás. Foto Caio Pimenta/SPTuris
Brazil relates diplomatically to all members of the United Nations. However, due to variety of bilateral agreements, the Brazilian government demands an entrance visa for some specific nationalities.
The worldwide Visa Regimes for Foreigns in Brazil requirements specifies who needs and who is granted a visa to enter Brazil. These requirements are available in here.
In case you are required to have a visa, get in contact with the Brazilian consulate where the visa will be requested to obtain information about documentation and procedures for the concessions of permission for entrance on the country.
Now, the foreign consulates in Brazil are responsible, mainly, for the assistance of citizens from their origin countries that are in Brazilian territory. They mission is to protect citizens in their grounds, respecting the international running treaties and the local legislation of the country.
Several nations have a consulate in São Paulo. In order to know which countries have representatives in the city, consult the addresses and contacts at this portal.
Check out also the Ministery of Foreign Relations website.
CENTRAL 156
Central 156 is the telephone number with information about all City Hall services. It also provides touristic information with bilingual operators. It works daily, 24 hours per day.
EMERGENCIES
OTHER INFORMATION
Ingresso.com – (+55 11) 4003 2330
Ingresso Fácil – (+55 11) 4003 2245
Ingresso Rápido – (+55 11) 4003 1212
Tickets For Fun – (+55 11) 4003 5588
Futebol Card – (+55 11) 2344 4210
APPS
Check here a list of free apps for smartphones e tablets that may make your stay at the metropolis easier:
Tripadvisor
It looks for hotels, restaurants and attractions in the user’s selected region, comparing prices.
Guia Mais Turismo
Through this device of geographic localization, museums, touristic and historic sights, lodging, food and stores are available.
Accessible Tourism
This app lists establishments of accommodation, food and cultural and touristic attractions for disabled people, with visual deficiencies, hearing imparity, physically disability and those with reduced mobility.
Restorando, Grubster
The apps help the user to find good restaurants and bars in the city.
Catraca Livre
It shows several cultural, leisure and well-being activities for free or at a low cost.
Infraero
It allows the user to consult times of arrival and departure of flights of 50 Brazilian airports.
99 Taxis, Easy Taxi
Apps that seek the nearest taxi stops, providing addresses and telephones to users.
Moovit
It shows routes, makes bus times available and informs the location of vehicles, delays and even overcrowdings.
Metrô, EMTU, CPTM
In all metropolitan transportation companies it is possible to learn the status of the subway and train lines live.
BikeSampa, CicloSampa
Through these apps, users of the bicycle renting system BikeSampa and CicloSampa may use its services besides consulting information and availability.
Google Tradutor
It facilitates the communication in 90 languages, including words or dictionary expressions.
UOL Cotações
Daily Currency convertor for dollar and currencies from 80 countries.
Free WiFi Finder
Find immediately free WiFi spots near your location. Updated daily, it also works offline.
Telephone Calls
Check out some instructions to make calls:
Domestic: dial zero + number of the operator + city’s code before the telephone number.
International: dial zero + number of the operator + country’s code + city’s code before the telephone number.
This is valid for either calling from a landline or a mobile phone. In public pay phones, calling cards are sold in many commercial establishments.
São Paulo’s code is 11. In order to call from a landline to cities in the surroundings of São Paulo, which also have the same code 11, it is necessary to dial the operator’s number before.
Check out the codes of some of the Brazilian operators:
12 = Algar Telecom
14 = Oi
15 / 25 = Vivo / Telefônica
21 = Embratel / NET / Claro
31 = Oi
23 / 41 = TIM
43 = Sercomtel
77 = Nextel
Operating Times
Working hours are, usually, from Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm.
Banks provide services from 10am to 4pm and do not operate on weekends.
Malls operate from 10am to 10pm from Monday to Saturday and from 2pm to 8pm on Sundays and holidays.
Bars and restaurants have flexible times. Besides lunch and dinner, some stay open all night hours, even during weekdays.
Some places provide 24-hour public service, such as: hospitals, pharmacies and drugstores, veterinarians, dentists, newspaper stands, flower stores, supermarkets, coffee shops and cafes, and convenience stores. Ask around on the region that you are staying.
São Paulo follows Brasília’s time zone (UTC -3). The city has Daylight Saving Time between October and February, when the clocks are set in advance in 1 hour (UTC -2).
Did you know?
UTC stands for Universal Time Coordinated. It is a measurement of time based in atomic patterns and it tells about the reference time in other time zones in the world.
Learn which are the National, state and municipal holidays to program your traveling schedule ahead of time:
January 1st – New Year’s Day
January 25th – Anniversary of the City of SP
Carnival (rotating holiday)
Good Friday (rotating holiday)
Easter (rotating holiday)
April 21st – Tiradentes
May 1st – Labor Day
Corpus Christi (rotating holiday)
July 9th – Constitutional Battle of 1932
September 7th – Independence Day
October 12th – Our Lady of Aparecida
November 2nd – All Souls Day
November 15th – Proclamation of the Republic
20th of November – Black Consciousness Day
December 25th – Christmas
See also:
Check our Event Calendar to enjoy even more your stay around São Paulo!
Tomada e adaptadores padrão abnt brasileiro.
The official voltage of the city is 110 volts and 60 Hz. However, on the main hotels of the city, there are also 220 volts power sockets, properly labeled.
You can find adaptors in supermarkets, office material stores or construction stores.
Just like any other visitor in São Paulo, your pet is very welcome!
For these illustrious ‘tourists’, the capital offers several options of rides, food and even exclusive accommodation. As you make your reservation, don’t forget to mention that you will bring your pet, because not all places accept animals.
The most receptive transportation means to animals are cars and airplanes. In order to bring dogs and cats, there are rules imposed by the airline companies. It is advised that you inform yourself ahead of time about norms and regulations related to dimensions and kinds of transportation cases, sanitary permits and vaccination proof.
Learn More:
Consult Infraero or the hired company about the policy regarding traveling with animals.
Reminder:
It is forbidden the commercialization and the transportation of wild animals in National grounds for abroad. Brazilian legislation predicts jail sentences to the ones involved in such activities.
In the city of São Paulo it is only permitted to smoke inside homes or collective open areas; however, several bars and restaurants have outdoor areas so that smokers can be more comfortable.
At the moment of reservation, ask the hotel if there is any recommended place for smokers. We reinforce that it is forbidden to smoke inside taxis and buses, besides indoor public places.
Be aware!
Get to know the legislation related.
São Paulo has Police Stations specialized in Tourism Services:
– Parque Anhembi – Pavilhão de Exposições do Anhembi: (+55 11) 2226 0664.
– Congonhas Airport: (+55 11) 5090 9032.
– Guarulhos Airport: (+55 11) 2445 2686.
Avenida Washington Luis, s/nº – Phone: (+55 11) 5090 9032, (+55 11) 5090 9043 or (+55 11) 5090 9041.
Rua Dr. João Jamil Zarift, s/nº – Cumbica/Guarulhos – Phone: (+55 11) 2611 2686.
Phone: (+55 19) 3225 9854, (+55 19) 3225 5426 or (+55 19) 3725 5412.
As in every big city, it is necessary to take a few precautions to ensure your safety. Check some tips:
At the Airport
At the Hotel
At Bars and Restaurants
At Public Locations
In Case of Documentation Lost
If you lose your documents, look for the nearest Deatur (Tourism Police Station) or a regular police station. Make a police report, listing the objects lost or stolen. Foreigners must seek consulate services of their countries in order to obtain a new passport. If losing paychecks, travellers checks and credit cards, tell immediately the administrator.
Check some of the main measurements used in Brazil and all over the world and its equivalencies:
Measures Used in Brazil | |
100 grams (g) | 0,22 pound (lb) |
1 kilogram (kg) | 2,2 pounds (lb) |
1 millimeter (mm) | 0,04 inches (in) |
1 centimeter (cm) | 0,4 inches (in) |
1 meter (m) | 3,3 feet (ft) |
1 kilometer (km) | 0,6 miles (mi) |
1 squared meter (m²) | 10,8 pé² (ft²) |
500 milliliters (ml) | 16,9 fluid ounce (fl oz) |
1 liter (l) | 33,8 fluid ounce (fl oz) |
Measures Used in Other Countries | |
1 pund (lb) | 453,6 grams (g) |
1 inch (in) | 25,4 millimeters (mm) |
1 palm | 22 centimeters (cm) |
1 foot (ft) | 30,48 centimeters (cm) |
1 yard (yd) | 91,44 centimeters (cm) |
1 mile (mi) | 1,8 meter (m) |
1 fluid ounce (Fl oz) | 29,6 milliliters (ml) |
1 pint (pt) | 568 milliliters (ml) |
1 gallon (gal) | 3,8 liters (l) |
Women’s Clothing | ||||||||
Dresses and Coats | ||||||||
Brazil/Europe | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 |
USA | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 |
Blouses and Sweaters | ||||||||
Brazil/Europe | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 | 52 |
USA | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 |
Shoes | ||||||||
Brazil | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 |
Europe | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 |
USA | 4,5 | 5,5 | 6 | 7 | 7,5 | 8,5 | 9 | 10 |
Men’s Clothing | ||||||||
Suits and Sweaters | ||||||||
Brazil/Europe | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 54 | 56 |
USA/UK | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 |
Shirts | ||||||||
Brazil/Europe | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40-41 | 42 | 43 | 44 |
USA/UK | 14 | 14,5 | 15 | 15,5 | 16 | 16,5 | 17 | 17,5 |
Shoes | ||||||||
Brazil | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 |
Europe | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 |
USA | 6 | 7 | 7,5 | 8,5 | 9,5 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
Now that you have carefully planned your trip, it is time to take precautions so that any shortcomings may not outshine your stay.
Whatever may be the reasons for your trip, traveling insurance may be useful in case of troubles with transportation, luggage, loss of documents and problems with flights and accommodations.
There are also insurances that cover any medical expenses you may have in your trip. The prices vary according to the plan, profile and risks associated to the trip.
In order to make it easier, some tourism operator and receptive agencies already comprise insurance within their plans; however, there are also other options with companies specialized in this kind of insurance plan.
In fact, some credit cards offer assistance services in your trip. Get informed about the difference between your insurance and the assistance provided and check also its details.
Have a nice trip!
The Post Office delivers National and International packages; the prices charges are according to the package and its final destination.
For more information, consult here.
Tip:
Would you like to surprise someone the old-fashioned way? Send a nice postal card of the city of São Paulo to those you care about. Learn more at Correios!
São Paulo is also on the vanguard of the services for those who seek weel-being, health or more quality of life.
The city is an international reference in important areas of Medicine that range from the treatment of heart conditions to plastic surgeries; besides having the latest generation equipment, modern Hospital Complexes and professionals worldly renowned.
Is it to have a check-up, treatment or to improve your self-esteem; each time more people come to the capital paulista to have their health at full strength and look better.
Have you noticed? Besides being an amazing metropolis, São Paulo does you good!
See also:
Any person in an urgent and emergency situation in Brazilian territory has the right to free services at the units of Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). The SAMU (ambulance service) operates 24 hours per day on the phone 192 (call free of charge). To find the reference hospitals in the city, access here.
Unlike our neighbor countries, colonized by Spaniards, Brazilian official language is Portuguese – a language spoken by over 250 million people all over the world.
Check out some useful expressions for your stay in São Paulo:
Yes | Sim |
No | Não |
Please | Por favor |
Thank you | Obrigado |
Excuse me | Com licença |
I’m sorry | Desculpe-me |
Good morning | Bom dia |
Good afternoon | Boa tarde |
Good evening/good night | Boa noite |
See you soon | Até logo |
Yesterday | Ontem |
Today | Hoje |
Tomorrow | Amanhã |
How? | Como? |
When? | Quando? |
Where? | Onde? |
Why? | Por quê? |
How are you? | Como vai? |
I’m fine | Estou bem |
Nice to meet you | Prazer em conhecê-lo |
Do you speak English? | Você fala inglês? |
Tourist Information | Informação turística |
Where is the restroom? | Onde é o banheiro? |
Where is the nearest hospital? | Onde fica o hospital mais próximo? |
How much is this? | Quanto custa? |
Do you accept credit card? | Aceita cartão de crédito? |
São Paulo is indeed the capital of diversity. That includes the weather.
Every single season of the year can be experienced in just one day. The city may awake sunny and cloudless and end up with heavy rain.
These days are more common during summer, when rain usually falls at the end of the afternoon, relieving the heat. At autumn, the temperature is mild, about 23ºC. The winter usually has sunny and dry days, with temperatures rarely dropping below 15º C. At spring, days are very warm and dry.
The climate is high-altitude tropical, characterized by summer rains and the annual average temperature ranges from 19º C to 27º C. Due to the city’s dimension and its geography full of reliefs, there may be variations between one neighborhood and the other.
The tip is: have always on your bag a tank top, a coat and an umbrella! Besides something colorful to celebrate spring in some of our beautiful parks.
Do you miss food from back home? You can taste all kinds of food, from the whole world, without leaving São Paulo: there are several delicacies from Japanese, German, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian, Arab, Mexican, Chinese, American, Greek, Australian, Judaic, Tai, Indian, Argentinian, Peruvian, Swiss culinary… My oh my!
And if you are a great fan of the Brazilian kitchen, you will find without any difficulty nordestinos, mineiros, capixabas, paranaenses dishes… Revisiting your origins in just one place has never been so easy and tasteful.
From elegant restaurants to street food – also known as food trucks –, São Paulo gathers what is best in high and low gastronomy. The city offers as well a creative contemporary kitchen, constantly renewed by rewarded and international influent chefs.
At summer, the Mexican paleterias are the sensation, as well as the charming teahouses on the colder days. And at anytime of the year, our charming cafes are perfect environments to read a nice book, chat, have a snack or simply enjoy a nice coffee.
And if you’re hungry for knowledge as well, here in São Paulo you can find kitchen courses that do not disappoint a bit compared to the best ones in Paris.
So don´t be shy and indulge in the city´s food spots.
Tip:
To burn the calories earned at your gastronomic adventures, work out in one of the city’s beautiful parks!
See also:
Not only a delicious drink, coffee is also culture: get to know our Thematic Tour “The Coffee and the History of the City”.
SPTuris informs that the CITs (Tourist Information Centers), located in Praça da República, Congonhas Airport, Paulista Avenue and Tietê Bus Terminal, are now managed by the Municipal Secretariat of Tourism of São Paulo (SMTUR).
We take this opportunity to exult and celebrate the millions of services provided to residents and tourists who have visited our city since the beginning of the CIT’s activities, more than two decades ago, and to thank for all the effort of the SPTuris team, which will carry out other activities for tourism in São Paulo.
We wish good luck to the new team and we continue working so that the experience of the tourist i in São Paulo will always incredible!
![]() CIT Paulista. Foto: Jose Cordeiro/SPTuris |
CIT Paulista
Location: Parque Prefeito Mário Covas Address: Av. Paulista, 1853. Operation: Daily, from 9am to 6pm.
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CIT República
Location: Praça da República Address: Praça da República, s/nº – Downtown. Operation: Daily, from 9am to 6pm. |
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CIT Tietê
Location: Terminal Rodoviário Tietê Address: Av. Cruzeiro do Sul, 1800 – Santana. Arrival area. Operation: Daily, from 6am to 10pm. |
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CIT Congonhas
Location: Congonhas Airport Address: Av. Washington Luis, s/nº – Vila Congonhas. Arrival area – ground floor. Operation: Daily, from 7am to 10pm. |
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CIT Aeroporto Internacional de São Paulo/Guarulhos – Governador André Franco
Location: Aeroporto Internacional de São Paulo/Guarulhos – Governador André Franco |
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CIT POLO DE ECOTURISMO
Location: Polo de Ecoturismo de São Paulo |
![]() CITs Van / Foto: José Cordeiro/ SPTuris |
![]() CIT Segway / Foto: Jose Cordeiro/SPTuris |
Check out some tips to enjoy São Paulo in a sustainable way!
Tip:
São Paulo offers many kilometers of cycling lanes. How about going around the town in a healthy and non polluting way? Learn more!
Help in the awareness of other visitors, transmitting the principles of making the least environmental impact whenever there is the chance!
Learn More:
Check out other ways of making your trip sustainable in here.