COMPLETE FILE

Overview

Tailor made trip to Brazil

Close your eyes for an instant and imagine a trip to Brazil...its tropical smells, African rhythms, mixture of colors...Are you there yet? This is an incredible trip in the heart of Brazil, a private, tailored adventure with many elements.
With a local guide, this private adventure travel in Brazil begins in Paraty, a colonial gem with an idyllic natural background that is a UNESCO World Heritage zone. We will spend two nights before leaving for Costa Verde for a two-day trek in the back-country bordering Serra Da Bocaina, a tropical forest surrounded by superb beaches that lead to genuine fishing villages
We will then move on to Rio, an incredibly beautiful city which extends into the heart of the greatest urban forest of the world. We will then fly off to the Brazilian borders in the most northern part of Argentina to Iguacu Falls. Here, you will observe a natural wonder of the world where mountains of water rush out of the jungle to be thrown violently into a spectacular abyss, thereby creating a most impressive picture.
This adventure travel continues on to Amazonia where we will stay for three days of "Ecolodge" before reaching Salvador, where we will end our adventure travel. Rumour has it that if Rio is the heart of Brazil, then Salvador is its soul - a very African soul. Hot-blooded, tropical heat, and continuous rhythm from the omnipresent percussions in the streets of the old neighbourhood of Pelourinho dominate the city.

Don't hesitate to contact our Uniktour expert advisor to get more information about this incredible trip to Brazil filled with wonders!

Itinerary

Day 1| Rio - Paraty
Pick up at the airport (flight time and number to be confirmed) and transfer to Paraty in private air-conditioned vehicle. It is a 4 to 5-hour drive on a paved road along the Green Coast, lush corridor between ocean and mountains. End of the day open that can be dedicated to strolling in the historical center 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.
Option: guided visit of Paraty with English-speaking guide.

Day 2| Paraty - Boat tour in the bay / private service
At 09:00 the captain drives us to the pier to embark our private craft, a fishing boat equipped for the tour (benches and cushions, cooler...). Day open in the Bay of Paraty, traveling 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 4:30pm
Meals not included. Night in a pousada.

Day 3| Paraty - Fazenda Murycana & Penha
Our English-speaking guide meets us at the pousada at 09:00. He drives us in a private vehicle, to the Fazenda Murycana, about 6 miles from Paraty. The site is located in a luxuriant forest in the mountain. This place is loaded with history. Known in the year 1700 under the name of "Three Farms", the fazenda received at this time travelers who would spend a night there before engaging in the gold trail towards the Minas Gerais. In the opposite direction, the conveyers used to stop at the fazenda to hide their precious charge (gold and precious stones) in the forest while they checked to make sure the coast was safe of pirates. The guide dedicates one hour to the discovery of the property; we find there a small museum and alcohol of local pinga.
The market for local produce gives us a taste of the flavors and traditions of the region of Paraty. Dona Hilda might offer us her "home made" coffee (if she is in a good mood!).
We then head on a horseback ride across the trails criss-crossing the National Park of Bocaina. Nature, here, contrasts with the seaside; a surprising mix of altitude and tropical plants. Because of the numerous rivers and waterfalls spread out over the area, the air is cool. The highlight of the day, and a good reason to visit this area, is the group of Pedra Branca waterfalls; an impressive show of nature. We can then lunch in a delicious local restaurant (its specialty being the suckling pig) before heading for the cachoeira de Penha, a natural site of exceptional beauty. This gigantic natural limestone toboggan is perfect to spend the rest of the afternoon, in the coolness offered by rivers and waterfalls.
Depending on the day of the week, visit of a distillery (the area is famous for its cachaça).
Return to Paraty at the end of the day.
Meals not included. Night in a pousada.

Day 4| Paraty - Praia do Sono - Ponta Negra
Trek - 3-hour of actual walking - 200 meters of elevation gain- easy
Departure from Paraty at 08:30 for the village of Laranjeiras (30-minute trip by minibus), with our English-speaking guide. The trek starts by a short incline then enters the Atlantic forest (Mata Atlantica), at the heart of the "Ecological preservation area of Joatinga". After an hour and a half of pleasant walking, we reach, at lunch time, the hamlet of Sono, located on the border of one of the nicest beaches of the region, Praia Do Sono. Literally meaning "sleepy beach", Praia Do Sono invites us, first because of its name and also because as soon as we get back on the road, a short but very steep hill awaits us. After this climb, the hike becomes a lot less demanding. This is the only difficulty of the walk.
We successively pass Praia Da Velha and Praia Dos Antigos before arriving, an hour and a half later in the fishing village of Ponta Negra. We stop for the night in this hamlet at the end of the world, in the recesses of a cove with the waves dying on the white sand beach the only noise disturbing our sleep. Everything included. Night in basic but welcoming huts (private bath and showers - mosquito net).
Note: In addition to the classic trekking equipment (hiking shoes, backpack, rain poncho...), bring a sleeping bag style "meat bag" (in silk or fleece) along.

Day 5| Fisheerman's life in Ponta Negra - Paraty
Life in the mountainous surroundings of Paraty has changed little over the last 50 years. The day is dedicated to the discovery of the life of a village living in near autarky thanks to the local resources. The morning (depending on the weather report), we go fishing with the village men who explain us, while demonstrating, their fixed-net fishing technique.
Back in the village, we visit a manioc plantation and the "flour house" where the manioc is processed and reduced to flour. After lunch, a local guide takes us to a waterfall of crystal clear water. In the afternoon, return to Trindade by boat, then by local bus to Paraty at the end of the day.
Lunch included. Dinner open. Night in a pousada.

Day 6| Paraty - Rio de Janeiro
Departure from the pousada for Rio de Janeiro, at the time of your choice (to be agreed upon), in a private air-conditioned vehicle with local driver. A 3 ½-hour trip.
Meals not included. Night in hotel.

Day 7| Rio - Corcovado & Santa Teresa - Sugarloaf
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 20th century, 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...
We, later, reach the cable cart taking us to the summit of the Sugarloaf (el. 400 m.a.s.l.) the symbol of Rio, marking the entrance of the Bay of Guanabara. Return to our hotel at 17:00.
Entrance fee to Corcovado and Sugarloaf included. Meals not included. Night in hotel.
Option: Helicopter flight of a few minutes from the mirador of Dona Marta.

Day 8| Rio - The favelas, another vision of Rio
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 (or 18:00).
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 9| Rio - Iguaçu Falls, Brazilian side
Departure from the hotel with a private vehicle, for a transfer to the airport, 3 hours before departure time. Domestic flight Rio - Iguaçu (not included / departure airport, flight time and number to be confirmed). Pick up at the airport and transfer to the hotel (or, depending on arrival time, directly to the site). In a private vehicle and with our English-speaking guide, we head for the Brazilian side of Iguaçu Park and a stunning panoramic view. The national park of Iguaçu, 185,000 acres, was created in 1939 and its ecological reserve registered as a Natural Heritage site by UNESCO. We skirt hundreds of small falls before reaching the last one, Floriano Fall. This one offers an arresting panoramic view over "Devil's Canyon", across the way.
Return towards Foz de Iguaçu. On the way, we stop at the bird park (parque das aves), where hundreds of different varieties of birds from Brazil are sheltered, but also from other tropical countries.
Entrance fees included. Meals open. Night in hotel.
Option: 12-minute helicopter flight over the falls.

Day 10| Iguaçu Falls - Argentinian side
At 08:45 we meet at the hotel with our English-speaking guide. Transfer to the Argentine side of the park (about 40 minutes). Stop at the symbolic panoramic triple border point Paraguay - Brazil - Argentina. Visit of the falls from the Argentine side, from where we get closer to the water, and of impressive "Devil's Canyon" opening at our feet. Then return to our hotel on the Brazilian side in the afternoon.
Entrance included. Meals open. Night in hotel.
Options: boat tour at the heart of the falls / excursion in the forest.

Day 11| Iguaçu - Manaus visit / except on Sundays
Private transfer from the hotel to the airport 2 hours before take off time. Domestic flight Iguaçu - Manaus (not included / departure airport, flight time and number to be confirmed).
Pick up and transfer to the hotel (usually before noon). At 14:00 meeting at the hotel with our English-speaking guide for a guided visit of the town. The capital of this immense territory is a town like others, except for its geographical situation (it is located in the heart of the Amazon) giving it a unique style: the atmosphere is tropical, saturated with humidity, and from the beach of Ponta Negra or from the floating pier, we are astounded by the size of Río Negro (Black River), running peacefully, as far as the eye can see. A few miles lower, it mixes its water with those of Río Solimoes to form, all the way to the Atlantic Ocean, the Amazon River.
Our stroll takes us to the Opera, which ceiling represents the Eiffel tower seen from the ground (closed on Mondays). Then visit of the floating pier built by English engineers at the beginning of the 20th century, a real technological feat for the time.
Finally, mandatory stop at the market, where we may desire to be left to ourselves, early in the morning, to attend the ballet of the Dockers discharging fruits, vegetable, but especially impressive fish... Return to the hotel at the end of the day.
Entrance fee included. Meals not included. Night in hotel.

Day 12| Manaus
Departure from the hotel at 07:30 for the site where the waters encounter. The dark and amber water of Río Negro seem to hesitate before mixing with the more yellowish water of Solimoes. We go and observe from a motorboat the surprising show of these two waterways, running side by side over a few miles before mixing. We, then, return to the Lodge. After 50 miles on the road (1-hour), we reach the village of Rio Preto da Eva, charming little beach resort visited during the weekends by the Manaus' inhabitants. There we exchange our vehicle for a motor-pirogue loaded with food.
We follow Río Preto da Eva. The last traces of civilization disappear as we enter deeper in a labyrinth of water and vegetation. We follow the meanders of the river resembling a ribbon reflecting the sunlight. Once we arrive at the lodge, we are welcome with a cocktail. After settling, we are invited to share a typical local lunch (fish / feijao (beans) / rice / raw vegetables / fruit).
In the afternoon, excursion by pirogue on the igarapés (canals flooded after the rainy season, dry the rest of the year) to meet a family of Caboclos.
Caboclos is the name given here to the people of mixed descent (Indians and Portuguese colons) living in the heart of the forest and keeping a very traditional rural lifestyle (subsistence agriculture, especially of manioc, fishing, domestically used handicraft...).
On the way back to the lodge, our guide will rapidly set up a fishing line equipped with a piece of white wire serving as a hook. He attaches a piece of chicken to the end and in a few minutes, the piranhas arrive. The lodge cook will gill them, and shortly after serve them to us (their flesh, although full of bones, is delicious).
All included. Night in the lodge.
Note 1: English-speaking guide
Note 2: For security and comfort during the traveling between Manaus and the lodge, we recommend that you take with you only the strict necessary items for your jungle trip, in a supple and easy to manipulate travel bag instead of a rigid suitcase. Upon return to Manaus you will be able to recover the things left there.
Note 3: The captain house of Manaus demands that all people navigating from the city be registered (name / first name / birth date / nationality) at least a week in advance. We, therefore, imperatively need all this information for each member of the group.

Day 13| Amazon forest
After a hearty breakfast, we enter the forest in the company of our guide. The Indians have acquired empiric knowledge of the local wildlife and fauna that doesn't cease to impress visitors. The animals with which they co-habit do not hold any secrets for them. They know their habitat, their eating habits; know if they are comestible, and the best way to hunt them... Some plants are used in everyday life (construction, weaving, tool fabrication, utensils or arms...); others are known for such and such medicinal virtue. Each pain has its remedy. We become aware that we are walking through an immense outdoor pharmacy ...
The adaptation of the Indians to their natural habitat is equally manifested in their capacity to orient themselves, precisely, without obvious landmarks and without the help of any navigation instruments, in the heart of a jungle where everything looks alike. We return to the lodge for lunch. On the way back, we can cool down in the crystal clear waters of a waterfall.
If we are lucky, we might spot of few of the forest's animals: a group of monkeys snacking, a tapir loudly escaping in front of us, a few snakes sleeping in the middle of a path, a toucan...
The rest of the day is dedicated to a pirogue tour on the nearby waterways/or a bath in the cool waters of Río Preto da Eva. After dinner, our hosts invite us to take place around a blazing campfire on the white sand beach. A frozen caïpirinha in our hand, we enjoy the magic of the Amazonian night and the silence of a nature that nothing disturbs, except the crickets and the noise of the palms agitated by the breeze.
All included. Night in lodge.
Option: extra day (lodge or survival in the jungle), check with us.

Day 14| Malocas Jungle Lodge - Manaus
Before sunrise, our guide takes us to attend the ballet of the birds leaving their night shelter. Another walk in the forest can follow breakfast. After lunch, we return to Manaus (we take the same trail as on the way in). We may be lucky enough to see some sloths on the way. Loving tender leaves, we frequently find them on the highest branches of the trees, where they are easily visible. The observation of these mammals is easier after the rain, the sloths looking then for open places to dry their coat.
Lunch included. Dinner open. Night in hotel.
Note: departure from Malocas Jungle Lodge is scheduled every day after lunch, with arrival in Manaus around 19:00. In case of a flight in the afternoon, private transfer will have to be organized in the morning (with addtional cost).

Day 15| Manaus - Salvador
Transfer to the airport: departure from the hotel with a private vehicle 2 hours before departure time. Domestic flights Manaus - Salvador (not included, flight time and number to be confirmed). Pick up at airport and transfer to the / pousada.
Meals not included. Night in a pousada.

Day 16| Salvador
Meeting at the the pousada at 09:00 with our English-speaking guide who takes us to the discovery of the neighborhood representing best the heart and soul of Salvador. In the morning, a visit to the lower part of town, starting with its monuments and its markets. The Mercado Modelo (touristy) then São Joaquim market (authentic Bahianese market). We cross town towards the North to reach the Church of Bonfim, a pilgrimage site where we can admire, in the "miracle room", an impressive collection of votive offerings, testifying to the local popular devotion for Senhor do Bonfim.
We follow with a visit to the Museum of Sacred Art (open afternoons only, visit after lunch). Located at the heart of the antique Santa-Teresa convent, it exhibits a collection of unique pieces dating from the 16th to the 20th century: azulejos (ceramic tilework) panes, sculptures, silver and furniture. In the afternoon, we visit the high part of town, dominated by the historical quarter of Pelourinho. Its prestigious architectural ensemble, renovated with its original bright colors, is constituted by magnificent colonial mansions and baroque churches one of them being the Church of São Francisco and its stunning azulejos fresco. By drawing from its African roots, the city created for itself a unique identity in Latin America, animating its daily life by the frenetic rhythms of Capoeira and religious ceremonies of Candomblé. Return to the pousada at the end of the day.
Entrance fees included. Meals not included. Night in a pousada.
Option: mix the un-avoidable and an initiation to candomblé (we recommend, after this day, that you go to a ceremony).

Day 17| Salvador - Bahia de todos os Santos / group service
At 08:15 we leave our hotel to head for the pier in the company of our English-speaking guide. By boat (escuna or saveiro / shared by other travelers), (no guide other than the boat captain), we start our excursion in the superb Bay of Todos Os Santos. We cross to the island of Frade, for our first swimming break. Lunch on the island (buffet included). We then continue on, still by boat, towards Ponte de Arreia and the island of Itaparica. Panoramic view over Salvador and its surroundings. Return to Salvador late afternoon.
Lunch included. Dinner open. Night in a pousada.
Option: private service, ask us.

Day 18| Salvador - Coconut Coast - Salvador
Departure at 09:00 in a private vehicle with our English-speaking guide towards the North and its beautiful coast.
In the program, a stop in the well-known hippie village of Arembepe (which houses among its inhabitants Janis Joplin and Mick Jagger), then, 53 miles more to the North, we visit Praia do Forte, 12 miles of fine sand beach fringed by coconut trees.
We can visit the ecological project "Tamar" dedicated to protecting turtles (entrance fee not included / about $ 1.5 US) or stroll through the numerous shops of the village.
If you wish to be quieter, it is possible to continue on towards Imbassai ("where the waters meet" in Tupi Guarani dialect) offering a choice between fresh and salt water for the swim. Return to Salvador at the end of the afternoon.
Meals not included. Night in a pousada.

Day 19| Salvador - Departure
Departure from the hotel in private transportation 3 hours before the take off and transfer to the airport for your international flight. Meals not included.

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.