Getting to the Congress
The official gateway airport for the event is Aeroporto Internacional do Recife / Guararapes – Gilberto Freyre (REC), approximately 55 km from Porto de Galinhas. The most direct road transfers typically take 50 to 60 minutes.
Arriving by Air
Aeroporto Internacional do Recife receives daily flights from Brazil’s major cities as well as international connections. From the terminal, participants can choose from several transportation options.
| Option | Description | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Official / Private Transfer | Pre-booked private or shared vans and executive cars. Drivers wait in the arrivals area. | 50–60 min |
| Uber / 99 | Apps are available from the arrivals area; fares vary with demand. | 50–70 min |
| Authorized Taxi | Service desks in the arrivals hall, with fixed fares or metered rates. | 50–60 min |
| Car Rental | Major rental companies have desks at the airport. | 50–60 min |
| Intercity Bus | Executive or regular bus services toward Porto de Galinhas. | 1h40–2h30 |
Arriving by Car
1. Aeroporto do Recife / Metropolitan Area
Main Route — Via Rota do Atlântico, with Toll
- Take BR-101 Sul from the airport for approximately 17 km.
- Enter PE-009 (Via Expressa Rota do Atlântico), a divided, illuminated, and monitored highway.
- Follow the signs to Porto de Galinhas / Nossa Senhora do Ó.
Alternative Route — Toll-Free
- Take BR-101 Sul to the junction with PE-060.
- Continue on PE-060 toward Cabo de Santo Agostinho / Ipojuca, then take PE-038 or PE-009 toward the beaches of Ipojuca.
Coming from the North
From Paraíba, Rio Grande do Norte, and Ceará: take BR-101 Sul around the Recife Metropolitan Area, then continue on PE-009 or PE-060.
Coming from the South
From Alagoas, Sergipe, and Bahia: along the coast, take AL-101 Norte connecting to PE-060; inland, take BR-101 Norte to PE-060.
Practical information for international visitors
Useful Tips
- Book your transfer in advance to ensure prompt service upon arrival.
- PE-009 toll: according to event information, the toll plaza accepts cash, cards, and electronic toll tags.
- Carry a small amount in Brazilian reais for small expenses and situations where digital payment is unavailable.
- Notify your bank about your trip to reduce the risk of automatic blocks on international cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport should I fly into?
Recife/Guararapes – Gilberto Freyre International Airport (REC), approximately 55 km north of Porto de Galinhas.
How do I get from Recife Airport to Porto de Galinhas?
Pre-booked transfer, Uber, airport taxi, car rental or intermunicipal bus are the main options described in the congress guide.
Is Uber available?
Yes. Uber operates in Recife and Porto de Galinhas. At peak hours or late at night, a pre-arranged transfer may provide more predictable departure time.
Can I use foreign currency?
No for everyday transactions. The local currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL / R$). Major cards are widely accepted.
Will people speak English or Spanish?
English is the official language of the 12th ISVC, and the congress venue, official hotels and major tour operators are expected to offer English and Spanish support. Outside these settings, Portuguese predominates.
How can I access cellular data?
Options include an international eSIM before travel, a local SIM from major Brazilian carriers, or Wi‑Fi at the congress venue, hotels and restaurants.
Is the airport–Porto de Galinhas route safe?
The guide recommends official or verified transport and notes that the PE-009 route is paved, illuminated and monitored. As in any destination, keep belongings secure during travel.
