Established as recently as 1890, the small city of Boa Vista in northern Brazil is an interesting mix of old and new. There's a lot of rich history stemming from the city's first settlers and gold miners, but having been designed to replicate France's capital, Paris, there is a somewhat modern and sophisticated feel to Boa Vista too.
October's weather is great in Boa Vista. The summer rains continue to diminish, so there's only about 35.8mm on average during the month. Temperatures remain warm, ranging from 24 to 30 degrees celsius. As always, humidity levels are high, keeping in line with the area's tropical-type climate.
The Praça do Centro Cívico, the Civic Centre Plaza, stands proudly in the heart of the city with wide streets extending from the core, looking like an opened fan from above. The Portal do Milenio, the Millennium Monument, is located here. This was erected to coincide with the year 2000, and although it's great to look at, the main draw is the many al fresco restaurants and bars that adorn the area. It's a very popular nightlife spot, and a place where many locals come to enjoy hamburgers.
Boa Vista's most famous monument is also situated in the Civic Centre Plaza; the miners monument. This monument is very important to Boa Vista's history as it pays tribute to the first inhabitants of the city who mined gold and helped make the city what it is today.
The NorteShoppingHotel offers central accommodation for £42 per night and provides a little bit of luxury in Boa Vista. All rooms have balconies, TV and DVD Player, and whirlpool baths, and the hotel itself has a library, a games room and a massage room. There's a peaceful, private garden onsite too, so no need to hide away indoors when the sun is shining.
