Taking up half of South America, Brazil covers over 2,000 miles from its northern end to its most southern tip and is the fifth largest country in the world. The massive stretch of tropical and subtropical landscapes is home to the largest river system in the world. Brazil’s rich cultural history is heavily influenced by its inland border connections to almost every South American country, including Argentina and Uruguay. These regional influences have helped curate a robust artistic community across Brazil and grow the country into a popular polo destination.
São Paulo
The epicenter of polo in Brazil can be found in the booming urban center of São Paulo. Although the city may not be among the biggest tourist attractions in Brazil, it has a variety of stunning destinations to enjoy. One very popular location among visitors is the Beco do Batman or Batman Alley.
Named after the first work of art graffitied here, this open air gallery located in the city center is overflowing with murals and street art that is created by locally and internationally recognized artists. With so many different pieces to see that are iconic to the area, street art tours of the city center, Bom Retiro, are a popular activity.
Close to the Beco do Batman and right across from the Museum of Art of São Paulo is the Parque Trianon. Home to over 29 species of birds and countless native species of palm trees, including the “Pau Brasil” of which the country is named, this park is a tranquil, mini jungle within the city. The park is also full of Greco-Roman sculptures and stone benches scattered throughout for any visitor to sit and enjoy a breath of nature within the sprawling urban city.
Although both of these destinations are worth making time for on a visit to São Paulo, the trip would not be complete without visiting one of the most well-known polo clubs in the country; The Helvetia Polo Club.
Helvetia Polo Club
Located in Indaiatuba, only 100 kilometers from São Paulo’s state capital, the Helvetia Polo Club is one of the most well-known clubs in the country. Throughout the polo season, the club attracts more than 200 players to its international tournaments. Since its inception in 1975, the club has grown to include eleven polo fields on the property, and 20 additional privately owned fields accessible to its members. With such high quality facilities, it is no surprise that more than half of the officially listed polo players in Brazil play and practice at the Helvetia Polo Club.
Porto Alegre
Situated in the southern tip of Brazil, Porto Alegre is the capital of Rio Grande do Sul. Similar to São Paulo, Porto Alegre is not one of the most visited cities in Brazil, but it is one of the wealthiest as the official capital city of the Pampas region. with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean through Guaíba Lake. Connected to the largest lagoon in South America, the lake is shared by five settlements, including Porto Alegre, which is fully navigable by boat, making tours a popular activity for visitors. Additionally, visiting the Rio Grande do Sul Museum of Art, rated as the best museum in the region, is a great experience for those who enjoy contemporary and classical artworks of the region. These works are heavily influenced by the surrounding regions of Argentina and Uruguay, which also inspired polo to grow across Porto Alegre.
El Paraíso Polo Club
Only 30 kilometers from Porto Alegre, the El Paraíso Clube de Pólo is the perfect escape from the bustling city into the rural municipality of Viamão. Spotted with groves of orange trees and natural water features, this club offers a uniquely stunning backdrop for the polo training school, cross country jumping course, and other equestrian activities. In 2013, the founders of the club began a polo school to spread awareness about the sport and begin teaching a new generation of polo players. Today, the school is supported by a variety of polo professionals, horse trainers, and other instructors that help grow the sport of polo across Brazil.
Written in collaboration with Lily Brennan