GENERAL INFORMATION



ABOUT THE CITY
Sao Jose dos Campos is located 80 km from Sao Paulo city, and 60 km from the Guarulhos International Airport (Cumbica). The city has approximately 500.000 inhabitants, and the economy is heavily supported by aerospatial and telecommunication industries. It is served by several restaurants, three large shopping centers and international supermarket chains.
By November, the climate is warm (mean temperature around 28oC), which invites all to stretch their weekend to one of the many beaches along the north coast of Sao Paulo state. The nearest one is about 1 hour from Sao Jose dos Campos. For those who enjoy a cooler weather, a city in the mountainous areas, called Campos de Jordao, located about one hour from Sao Jose, is also appealing.

TRANSPORTATION
UPON ARRIVAL IN BRAZIL:
The organizers will not provide transportation from Sao Paulo to Sao Jose dos Campos. However, there are several alternatives which you may use:

BUS
There are regular buses from the airport to Sao Jose dos Campos.
Bus Line: Empresa de Onibus Passaro Marrom - Sao Jose dos Campos
Trip Time: 1h 10min
Daily Timetable: 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 2:00 pm, 4:15 pm, 5:15 pm, 6:30 pm, 8:30 pm, 11:20 pm
Departure: leaving the main entrance of Terminal 2 (International Arrival) to your left.
Fare: R$ 7,00 (approximately US$ 3.80) payable to the driver. (you may exchange money at the airport, where you will find several Exchange stands)

Please note that the bus will park approximately 10 minutes before departure. If you have any queries regarding this kind of transportation, please look for AIRPORT SERVICE (available at Terminals 1 and 2), or call the transportation agency (Empresa de Onibus Passaro Marrom) at the following numbers: 6445-2505 or 6445-3783 (available 24 hours).
Your departure in Sao Jose dos Campos will be at the Central Bus Station, where you can pick up a taxi to your hotel. The total cost for a taxi should not exceed R$ 15,00 (approximately US$ 7.00).

TAXIS
There are several options for picking up a taxi to Sao Jose dos Campos. You will find several contiguous stands at the exit of Terminal 2. All options are reliable and safe. The cost will be around R$ 130,00 (or approximately US$ 70.00).

EVERYDAY TRANSPORTATION
Buses will be available during all the meeting period, starting on November 8th, at 8:15 am. Please inform the organizers where you will be staying in Sao Jose dos Campos. If, by any chance you miss the bus, you may ask the Hotel to call you a taxi to take you to:

INPE - Avenida dos Astronautas, 1758 - Jardim da Granja
Auditorio: Sergio Sobral
The cost will not exceed R$ 15,00.

TRAVELLER'S CHEQUES
Banco do Brasil, which is available inside INPE's premises accepts only Thomas Cook, American Express and CitiBank traveller's cheques. So, attendees are advised to bring one of those brands to facilitate money exchange. Major credit cards are also accepted in most Hotels and restaurants, but some places accept only local currency.

HOTELS
Attendees are requested to do their own reservation, preferably in one of the recommended hotels listed below. Please mention the name of the event when booking the hotel.
After making the reservations, please send an email to Ms. Terezinha (mailto:terezi@ltid.inpe.br), with arrival and departure dates and Hotel. Please, note that Sao Jose dos Campos is a very busy city and there is a shortage of vacancies here. Booking in advance is strongly recommended.


Recommended Hotels
Prices include breakfast in all options.

  • Pathernon - Flat Service (****)
    Av. Dr. Nelson D'Avila, 1875 - Centro
    Tel (+55-12) 341-1646 - Fax (+55-12) 341-6426
    Price: R$ 108,00 (Flat for up to 2 persons).
  • Hotel Eldorado (****)
    Av. Dr. Nelson D'Avila, 233 - Centro
    Tel. (+55-12) 341-8588 - Fax (+55-12) 321-4047
    Prices : Apto. Single R$ 89,00 (+ 5% tax)
    Apto. Double R$ 98,00 (+ 5% tax)
  • Astor Hotel (**)
    Av. Dr. Nelson D'Avila, 933 - Centro
    Telefax (+55-12) 341-6999
    Prices: Apto. Single R$ 77,00
    Apto. Double R$ 99,00
  • Modena Hotel (**)
    Av. Dr. Nelson D'Avila, 1234 - Centro
    Telefax (+55-12) 321-3777
    Prices: Apto. single R$ 40,00
    Apto. double R$ 55,00
    Obs.: Aptos. without air conditioning


ABOUT LOGISTICS
Please note that you may need a Visa to enter Brazil. Consult your travel agent well in advance and let us know if you need a formal invitation letter from us.

CONTACT POINTS
Please send your *confirmation* to Luciano Dutra (mailto:dutra@dpi.inpe.br) INPE
Your contact at INPE, for logistic issues is Terezinha Gomes (mailto:terezi@ltid.inpe.br) INPE
Your contact at INPA is: Bruce Forsberg (mailto:fbruce@internext.com.br) INPA
In case you need to contact INPE, please call Terezinha at 345.6450 and 345-6459 or Dutra 345-6480. Dutra's home phone number is 341-6278 and Thelma's 322.3610.

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
Thelma Krug, Luciano Vieira Dutra INPE
Fernand Pellon Miranda PETROBRAS
Bruce Forsberg INPA