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Overview

Adventure travel to Brazil

Tropical mountains dropping off into the ocean, long deserted beaches of fine sand, fishing villages surrounding an abandoned lighthouse, heavenly islands of turquoise waters, hilly back-country rich in regional products. To the rhythm of the samba, on foot, by boat and on horse, we discover this sanctuary of harmony and peace!
With a local guide, this private adventure travel in Brazil begins in Rio de Janiero, an incredibly beautiful city which extends into the heart of the greatest urban forest in the world. Three days are plenty of time to discover more than the typical Rio.
We then continue on to Costa Verde and Paraty, a colonial gem with an idyllic natural background that is a UNESCO World Heritage zone. Paraty is our starting point for an exceptional two-day trek in the back-country near Serra Da Bocaina, a tropical forest surrounded by superb beaches that lead to genuine fishing villages. We end this private adventure travel in Brazil in Ilha Grande, an island of mountains covered with a lush forest and bordered by clear waters.
Brazil is the size of a continent. It is impossible to think that it can be completely visited during one trip. The privately guided ‘'Costa Verde Off Road'' trip with local guide is specific to one region of Brazil. This way you have time to travel, to understand, to meet, and to see less but to see better!

Do not hesitate to contact our expert specialist of Brazil for more information this wonderful adventure travel off road!

Itinerary

Day 1| Rio - Corcovado & Santa Teresa
Airport pick up (time and flight number to be confirmed) and transfer to the hotel. We settle in, and then visit town with our English-speaking guide. Climb to the Corcovado, universally known symbol of the town of Rio. By car, we climb to an elevation of 700 meters above sea level. Once on the summit, we take the time to appreciate the unique and enchanting panoramic view of the "cidade maravilhosa" (magnificent city). Rio spreads under our feet, majestic and languid. This advantageous viewpoint gives us a better understanding of the physical and "social" topography of the town.
We descend via Santa Teresa, which used to be one of the wealthiest residential neighborhoods of Rio, at the time when the town was the capital of Brazil and all the principal powers where located there. Surrounded by the agglomeration, the neighborhood has lost its exclusive character, and the wealth of the area has moved to the Southwest of Rio, to Barra da Tijuca.
Santa Teresa shelters today an unconventional population, constituting the bohemian quarter of modern Rio.
We stroll through this neighborhood to get a taste of its quaint and dated atmosphere.
Along its narrow and winding streets, we can admire some splendid houses dating from the 19th century and catch a glimpse of the soul of a Rio from another time.
The best way to realize this nostalgic trip is to take the bondinho, a little wooden tramway, a miraculous vestige from the start of the 20thcentury, and the most famous symbol of Santa Teresa. During the descent to Lapa, we visit the colored staircase or "Escadaria do Convento da Santa Teresa", decorated by Jorge Selarón. This autodidactic Chilean artist is one of the best-known personalities of this neighborhood. After exhibiting his paintings around the world, he settled in Brazil in 1983 and spontaneously decided to decorate this staircase with a multicolored mosaic in perpetual evolution. His ambition is to link the neighborhoods of Lapa and Santa Teresa, by covering the staircases with thousands of azulejos (ceramic tilework). We might have the opportunity to see him at work...
Return to our hotel at 17:00.
Entrance fee to Corcovado included. Meals not included. Night in hotel.
Option: Helicopter flight of a few minutes from the mirador of Dona Marta.

Day 2| Rio - The favelas - Sugarloaf Trek
At 09:00 (or 14:00), we leave the hotel in a minibus (group service, 4 to 9 person max). A specialized guide takes us on an "off-the-beaten-path" visit: the favelas. These incursion of a few hours in a different reality of Rio, gives us a complete and realistic vision of life in Carioca, far from the images of violence or of poverty that are the only ones transmitted by a media lacking originality. At the heart of these popular and "lawless" neighborhoods (the favelas are originally illegal land occupations), Brazilians organize themselves and live in a dignified and solitary manner. Return to the hotel at 13:00.
After lunch, our English-speaking guide meets us at the hotel. Transfer to the base of the Sugarloaf, one of the emblematic sights of Rio. After a 2 ½-hour trek we are close to the summit, all we have left to do is a short 25-meter rock climb (moderate - equipped for safety) to reach the summit (400 m.a.s.l.). After enjoying the view over Rio and Guanabara Bay, we descend with the cable car to the intermediate summit of Urca. Another 30-minute hike on a forested trail and we reach our vehicle. Return to the hotel at 18:00.
Entrance to Sugarloaf included. Meals not included. Night in hotel.
Note: an association founded by people originally from the favelas organizes the visits to the favelas. This association donates a significant part of their income to the inhabitants of the neighborhood by financing development or social projects.
In 2007, their contribution reached close to $ 22.000 US.

Day 3| Rio - Paraty
Departure from the hotel at 09:00 in private air-conditioned vehicle with local driver towards Paraty. It is a 4 to 5-hour drive on a paved road along the Green Coast, lush corridor between ocean and mountains. Our English-speaking guide picks us up at 14:00 at the pousada for a guided visit to the historical centre of the village. Nestled between ocean and the foothills of the Serra do Mar, Paraty, registered as a word heritage site with UNESCO, shelters one of the most beautiful colonial heritage of Brazil. Along narrow, paved streets, we discover this incredible heritage, bearing witness to the wealth of the 17th and 18th century: sublime mansions, four superb baroque churches, one being the church of Santa Rita de Cassia hosting today a museum of sacred art. Paraty, a very animated town night and day, offers numerous nearby beaches.
Meals not included. Night in a pousada.

Day 4| Paraty - Laranjeiras - Saco do Mamangua
Trek - 3-hour of actual walking - 100 meters of elevation gain- easy
Departure from Paraty at 08:30 in a local minibus, with our English-speaking guide, for the village of Laranjeiras (30-minute drive). The trek starts with a short ascent, and then enters the Atlantic forest (Mata Atlantica). After an hour and a half of pleasant walking, we reach the bottom of Saco do Mamangua, certainly the wildest place in the area. Though a vegetation opening, we discover the narrow and deep Bay resembling a Scandinavian fjord.
A few hundred meters lower, we arrive at Regato, little hamlet lost on the edge of the mangrove. We are welcome by Sir Jurray and his family, perpetuating the traditional lifestyle of the Caiçaras. For the last few years, an oyster farming project and the artisan confection of painted wooded boats replicates provide an alternative source of income other than fishing which represents the principal resource of the area.
After lunch, Dona Gracinha invites us to witness the assembly of one of these miniatures.
In the afternoon, we follow our hike (1 ½-hour) towards the "Refugio do Mamangua", where Paulo, biologist-writer, and Cristina, his wife welcome us. Settled here for the last ten years, they are conducting a study on the equilibrium between a fragile ecosystem and its interdependency with human activity (fishing, oyster-farming, agriculture, tourism). If we are lucky, they will be available during our stay to share with us their true passion for the area. They welcome us in their bungalows, offering basic comfort (no electricity, but hot shower) and a guaranteed serenity.
Lunch included (breakfast on an island, on a beach, to be coordinated with the boat captain). Dinner included. Night in a bungalow.

Day 5| Canoe in the Saco do Mamangua
3-hour canoe tour
In the morning, we head to the end of the Bay for a canoe incursion of a few hours in the mangrove. Our craft, easy to maneuver and silent, is the ideal mean to get close to this pristine nature and its abundant fauna: egrets, ibises and kingfishers, but most of all to the enormous quantity of crabs, from the little red Siri with black legs, to the caranguejo, its huge cousin the size of the common crab, accompany us during the tour.
We leave our crafts to walk up-river a few hundred meters and enjoy, over lunch, the coolness of a natural pool. Return to Refugio de Mamangua in the afternoon. End of day open, option of an "Olympic" nap in a competition hammock.
All included (cold lunch). Night in a bungalow.

Day 6| Pico do Mamangua
Trek - 2 ½-hour of actual walking - 450 meters of elevation gain- difficult
We cross the bay in a canoe to reach Cruzeiro, a quiet fishing hamlet on the shores of the Saco. We find ourselves at the base of peak Mamangua, also called "Sugarloaf of Mamangua", culminating at 440 meters. A one-hour ascent takes us to the summit, from where we enjoy a beautiful panoramic view over the Saco de Mamangua. We take the time to enjoy the scenery before descending, via the same itinerary, to the beach for a well-deserved bath.
All included (cold lunch). Night in a bungalow.

Day 7| Mamangua - Paraty by boat / private service
In the morning, we embark on board a fishing boat equipped for the tour (benches and cushions, cooler...). Day open in the Bay of Paraty, from island to island, beach to beach. Stops planned on different sites suitable for swimming or snorkeling in the company of hundreds of fish (mask and snorkel included): Ilha Comprida, Saco Da Velha, Praia Vermelha...
Return to Paraty at around 16:00 / 17:00.
Meals not included. Night in a pousada.

Day 8| Paraty - Angra dos reis - Ilha Grande
Morning open. Departure from the pousada in our private air-conditioned vehicle at 13:30, for the town of Angra dos Reis (1 ½-hour trip). Boats for the tropical island of Ilha Grande depart from there at 15:30 (1 ½-hour crossing). Pick up at Abraão and transfer to the pousada (luggage transferred). End of day open.
Meals not included. Night in a pousada.
Option: complete crossing Paraty - Ilha Grande in private boat (5/6-hour crossing).

Day 9| Ilha Grande
Open program on the island. Beach activity options: swimming, snorkeling, kayak rental, excursion by boat towards lagoa Azul or lagoa Verde, walks on the island trails towards Lopes Mendes' beach, the waterfall of Feticeira, Dois Rios, the peak of the Parrot (Pico do Papagaio - highest point of the island 982 m.a.s.l.)...
Meals not included. Night in a pousada.
Options: English-speaking guide, private boat rental for the day.

Day 10| Ilha Grande - Angra dos Reis - Rio - Departure
We leave the pousada at 09:30 (accompanied by a guide - luggage transferred) to catch a boat at 10:00 (regular line - about a 1 ½-hour crossing - not accompanied - tickets included) towards Angra dos Reis. Our local driver awaits us at the pier from 11:30 on, to take us to Rio de Janeiro airport (2 ½-hours). Connexion for the international flight (not included, schedule and flight number to be detailled).
Meals not included.

Day 11| Arrival in Canada

Budget

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Other fees

Lodging

Overview

Brazil, a lifestyle
For a long time now, Brazil's natural beauty and Carnival rendered it international fame, attracting thousands of tourists all year long. The number of foreigners visiting the country went from an average of 1.5 million per year in the 1990s to more than 4 million visitors per year from the year 2000 on, according to Embratur's (Brazilian Tourism Institute) Statistical Yearbook for 2003. But there is a very special attraction that you only discover when you come here: the Brazilian people. Much beyond the breathtaking scenery, the way these people live surprises everyone with its simplicity, willingness, hope, hospitality and happiness.

Studies carried out by Enbratur indicate that 75% of the tourists who seek Brazil as their vacation destination do so first of all because of the natural beauty. But once they arrive here, they find such hospitality that they soon become enchanted with the mixture of colors, races and cultures of the people as well.

According to surveys, when foreign tourists are questioned about Brazil, they indicate happiness as the main characteristic of our people. Happiness that can be perceived in every moment they stay in the country – whether in our music, the warmth of our northeastern beaches, the lively Rio de Janeiro nightlife or the exuberant Amazon.

From this warm and festive spirit, popular displays such as Carnival, New Year's Eve celebrations and June Parties arise, all famous for their liveliness and joy. It seems that the people's desire to show what is good about Brazil transforms this vigor into creativity, flashed about in contagious colors and sounds.

Research carried out with international tourists who have already had the opportunity to know Brazil reveal that the visitor truly finds the country to be beautiful. The results also show that 52% of this public goes back home valorizing yet another aspect of this land: its people. After all, besides appreciating some of the most beautiful spots on the planet – including countless beaches, ecological paradises and historical cities – the visitor is always accompanied by people who are willing to show the best points of every excursion, making the trip unforgettable.

Tourism

Electricity Voltage
Electricity voltages vary from one state to another. Check the voltage before connecting any electrical appliance to an outlet.

Car Hire
All the well know car hire firms have counters at the country's main airports and in the main urban centers. Tourists may also book cars through their travel agencies.

Taxis
The tourist may opt to take an ordinary taxi easily found in the streets or through radio taxi services. It is recommended that accredited taxi services at the airports and at points nearby the main hotels be given priority. It is not usual in Brazil to tip a taxi driver although it is common to round off the amount and let the driver keep the change as a gratuity.

Tips
Most bars and restaurants include a service charge of 10% in the Bill. It is usual to leave a little extra if the service has been satisfactory. When no service charge has been included then a tip of 10% to 15% is the general rule.

Currency
The Brazilian currency unit is the Real ($R). Dollars and Travelers Checks can easily be changed in hotels, banks or travel agencies. Most establishments accept credit cards.

Communications
To make an international call, dial: 00 + operator code* + country code + area code (if there is one) + telephone number For reverse charge international calls dial 0800 7032111.

Operators:
Brasil Telecom 14
Embratel 21
CTBC 34
GVT 25
Intelig 23
Telefónica 15
Telemar 31

Language
The national language is Portuguese but it is a little different from the Portuguese spoken in Portugal

Climate
The climate is predominantly tropical with some variation according to the region. The average annual temperature in the north is 28º C and 22º C in the south.

Time Zones
Because of its continental dimensions Brazil has 4 time zones. The official time is Brasília time and it corresponds to 3 hours less than GMT. From September to February the clocks are put forward one hour in most Brazilian States.

Geography

Brazil is the largest country in Latin America.
It spreads across almost half (47.3%) of South America, and occupies a total area of 8,547,403.5 km2. It is the fifth largest country in the world after Canada, the Russian Federation, China and the United States. Except for a small number of islands, Brazil is a single and continuous land mass. The Equator passes through the northern region, near Macapá, and the Tropic of Capricorn cuts through the south of the country, near São Paulo. Brazil's east to west extension (4,319.4 km) is almost equivalent to its north to south distance (4,394.7 km). The country borders French Guiana, Suriname, Guiana, Venezuela and Colombia, to the north; Uruguay and Argentina, to the south; and Paraguay, Bolivia and Peru, to the west. Ecuador and Chile are the only two countries on the South American continent that do not border Brazil. The Atlantic Ocean extends along the country's entire eastern coast, providing 7,367 km of coastline.

Climate

Brazil's climatic typology is very diverse.
The huge territorial expanse, allied with factors such as temperature, altitude, barometric pressure and proximity to the ocean, provide the country with climatic conditions that can please everyone. It is one of the richest and most complex ecosystems in the world, with extremely diversified vegetation and sceneries. The Brazilian territory is divided into climatic strips: 92% of the territory is located between the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn. We can therefore say that the Brazilian climate is predominantly tropical, with equatorial and subtropical (temperate zones) strips distributed over the remaining 8% of the nation's territory. The predominance of lower altitudes throughout the country provides more elevated temperatures, with averages exceeding 20°C. The seasons are the exact opposite of those in Europe and the United States, except in the northern region of the country. The average annual temperature is approximately 28ºC in the northern region and 20ºC, in the south. Extreme temperatures are rare, but they may occur: in the winter, some cities in the south of the country experience negative temperatures, with frost and snow. And in Rio de Janeiro, in the peak of summer, the temperature may hit 40ºC. Now that you know about our climate, choose the temperature you find most pleasant and come fall in love with the beauty Brazil has to offer.