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Iguazu Falls Brazil and Argentina JESS Kalinowsky Friends Travel LLP

brazilwithfriendstravel — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 03:48:51 +0000

(Photo: Thinkstock/@GettyImages)

Iguazu Falls, Argentina And Brazil

With cascading waterfalls taller than Niagara Falls and a love story that rivals Romeo and Juliet, Iguazu Falls is the perfect place to fall in love all over again. Legend has it that Guarani tribesmen would sacrifice young virgins to appease a monstrous serpent named Boi that inhabited the river. One day a warrior named Taroba fell in love with the chosen offering, Naipi, and the two ran off together. Boi, seeing the lovers escape, lashed its mighty tail and split the river, forever separating them and creating the Iguazu Falls. Whether the story is true or not, you and your loved one can stand together and witness the glory of more than 270 falls shared by Brazil and Argentina.

There is an array of accommodations in the nearby city of Puerto Iguazu.

Reservations: BRAZIL@FriendsTravel.com 24/7/365

Discounted First class, Business Class, and Coach Airfares Worldwide.

I have walked the Fall’s , I have explored from a rubber raft in the River, I have flown over the Falls,

and trust me when I say this, Iguazu Falls is truly one of the most amazing places on the PLANET!
JESS Kalinowsky, Professional Travel Consultant

Rio de Janeiro Essentials JESS Kalinowsky Friends Travel LLP

brazilwithfriendstravel — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:38:45 +0000

Rio de Janeiro Essentials

Rio de Janeiro has earned its sexy and scintillating reputation (and its nickname, “Cidade Maravilhosa,” or “The Marvelous City”) the easy way — it simply lives up to it everywhere you turn.

The dramatic landmarks of Sugarloaf and the Christ statue lording over spectacular stretches of famed urban beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema; delicious food and wine with a Latin flair; the sensual moves of samba dance and rhythms of traditional music on display every day of the year including, of course, the bacchanalian Carnival; and a passionate, cosmopolitan and, most of all, friendly people are only some of the ways that Rio constantly affirms its status as a favorite travel destination. Its reputation will only grow when it plays host to the Summer Olympics in 2016.

While not the largest city in the 190 million-resident behemoth that is Brazil — that honor goes to Sao Paulo — Rio’s six million diverse residents (called “Cariocas”) are keenly proud of their city’s stature. They are the most outspoken, lively and just plain fun people you’ll probably ever encounter. The Cariocas’ unmistakable joie de vivre and welcoming spirit is infectious, as they’ll gladly share their local secrets on where to go to experience the most important architectural treasures, the most cutting-edge art museums, the most action-packed water sports, or the most memorable caipirinha (the national drink that packs a wallop). But this isn’t surprising. Who wouldn’t have an open outlook on life living in this perpetually sunny, joyful and fascinating melange of Portuguese, African, European and South American cultures?

Another definite advantage to visiting Rio and Brazil as a tourist is that it remains one of the few true travel bargains left today in this age of the declining dollar. Like its more dressed-up cousin to the south, Buenos Aires, Rio offers the opportunity to live grandly for a day or a week on a much smaller budget than in comparable cities like Paris or London, with reasonable prices for five-star accommodations, good bargain prices for world-class cuisine and wine, and the ability to shop till you drop when searching out the latest trendy fashion items and jewelry.

While inarguably exciting, visiting Rio is still equated with the word “danger” in some conversations. In reality, there are some safety concerns if you venture far out of the normal tourist quarters. But the overall situation for visitors has improved greatly in the past decade, and pickpocketing and mugging incidents are not common. So kick back and relax as you are drawn into Rio’s magnificent orbit.

BRAZIL@FriendsTravel.com

BRAZIL@FriendsTravel.com

What to See
Beautiful and glamorous beaches are the huge attraction in Rio de Janeiro, and are part of the daily social and recreation fabric of all Cariocas. The two most famous — Copacabana and Ipanema — are easily accessible and ideal for day-trippers who want to plunge headlong into this most democratic of activities (look for raucous kids from the favelas, or slums, sitting right next to wealthy, posing locals and hordes of hip gay men from the U.S. and Europe).

Copacabana, a long two-mile stretch, is lined with high-rise hotels and cafes, and attracts more tourists than locals. The mile-long beach at Ipanema, south of Copacabana, is more about “the scene” (the tighter the body, squeezed into the smaller the swimsuit, the better). But everyone, no matter where they come from or what they look like, feels welcome at Rio’s beaches. To better take in the remarkable beauty of the water and beaches (and hone your people-watching skills!), rent bikes and rollerblades and just hang loose as the locals do.

Downtown, there are numerous gorgeous churches dating back to the 17th century. Among those worth seeing is Convento do Santo Antonio (Largo da Carioca 5), which dates back to 1615; don’t miss its colonial-era artifacts. Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelaria (Praca Pio X) represents Brazil’s 18th century. At the Mosteiro de Sao Bento (Rua Dom Gerardo 32), the highlight among many is its intricately wood-carved altar. For those with more contemporary tastes, check out the daring and modern Catedral de Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro (Avenue Republica do Chile 245), which was built in the early 1960′s.

Art museum aficionados should head to Rio’s Flamengo neighborhood. Main attractions there include the Museu de Arte Moderna (Av. Infante Dom Henrique 85) to see a huge collection of contemporary works. The Museu Nacional de Belas Artes, otherwise known as the National Museum of Fine Arts (Av. Rio Branco 199) features Brazil’s best artists of the 19th and 20th centuries.

And for a fun stop, check out the Museu Carmen Miranda (Av. Rui Barbosa 560), which memorializes Brazil’s most famous bombshell — not to mention star in the arts of samba, singing, dancing and acting. Another must-see stop on the cultural radar is the Oscar Niemeyer-designed Museu de Arte Contemporarea de Niteroi (Mirante de Boa Viagem, Niteroi), a contemporary art museum where cutting-edge masterworks meet a striking “spaceship” building with unparalleled views of the city.

Corcovado: The Art Deco-style statue of Christ the Redeemer is Rio’s most famous and enduring symbol, perched atop the 2,300-foot hill of Corcovado. Spectacular views of mountains, bays and beaches await those who take the easy funicular ride; the trains leave Cosme Velho station every 20 minutes.

Sugarloaf Mountain (Pao de Acugar): The views from the top of this imposing natural wonder amply demonstrate why no other city in the world can compete with Rio’s scenic beauty and setting — a magnificent harbor and impossibly beautiful beaches are nudged tight against dramatic Tijuca National Park, the largest urban expanse of tropical forest and mountains on the planet. To get to Sugarloaf, take a taxi to the cable car station at the base.

The Jardim Botanico (Rua Jardim Botanico 1008) is a lovely, peaceful respite from always-busy Rio. It’s spread out over 340 acres, and its biggest attraction is Avenue of the Palms, part of the world’s largest collection relating to the Amazon.

The Burle Marx House (Estrada da Barra de Guaratiba 2019) is a large, expansive estate that has morphed into an art gallery and museum honoring famed Brazilian landscape designer Roberto Burle Marx. The highlight is the elegant landscaping and plants that surround the house.

Take in a “futebol” (soccer) match at Estadio do Maracana, Rio’s gargantuan stadium (the largest in South America), which holds nearly 89,000 passionate fans.

Plunge headfirst into the celebration (and madness) of Rio’s world-famous Carnival celebration by scheduling your trip around this unique and joyous party. A four-day event, it begins on a Saturday and ends on Fat Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday); the date changes every year.

Rio Scenarium (Rua do Lavradio 20) is a large nightclub and restaurant with eclectic decor that’s part fun house, part antique store. A rotating selection of local groups plays samba and forro, the accordion music of Brazil’s northeast, and everyone eventually gets up to dance the night away.

Take an in-depth tour of Rio’s favelas (translated as “shantytowns” but actually much more lively and diverse than the name implies). Marcelo Armstrong is a local insider who helps visitors tour the favelas safely and offers unique insights into the daily lives of the majority of Rio residents.

BRAZIL@FriendsTravel.com

Brazil Travel Guide JESS Kalinowsky Friends Travel LLP

brazilwithfriendstravel — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 19:41:53 +0000

Brazil Travel Guide

Ipanema Beach © over_kind_man

The long-lasting impression most visitors leave Brazil with is of carefree, colourful people dancing and celebrating in the street parades at Carnival, and of a passion for life and exuberance of spirit that charms visitors from around the world.

The country has much to offer visitors at all times of year, however. Tourists descending on the country’s exciting cities, such as hedonistic Rio de Janeiro, can enjoy the five-star hotels, shopping malls, pristine beaches, sunny skies and bustling nightlife without really having to confront the hundreds of shantytowns (favelas) where the poorest of the poor eke out a living in the shadows of the skyscrapers.

With booming mining, agricultural and manufacturing sectors, Brazil has the highest GDP in Latin America and is expected to be one of the world’s dominant economies by the middle of this century. Brazil also caters well for business tourism and is a favoured destination for conventions, congresses and expos, particularly the city of Sao Paulo, which is the country’s largest city and the business capital of Brazil.

Being so vast, larger than the continental United States, Brazil offers a variety of cultures and topographies. The range is evident in the contrast of the Amazon and Pantanal rain forests to the mountain towns of Minas Gerais, the urban jungle of Sao Paulo and the vast central plateau around Brasilia, and the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. It all adds up to an exotic and exciting Latin American mix where the common denominators are samba, sunshine, sultry smiles and soccer.

Brazil Travel Guide JESS Kalinowsky Friends Travel LLP

BRAZIL@FriendsTravel.com

JESS@FriendsTravel.com

WORLDCUP@FriendsTravel.com

SOCCER@FriendsTravel.com

CARNAVAL@FriendsTravel.com

HONEYMOON@FriendsTravel.com

CARNIVAL IN RIO-ENJOY THE MAGIC… JESS Kalinowsky Friends Travel LLP

brazilwithfriendstravel — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 21:42:07 +0000

CARNIVAL IN RIO-ENJOY THE MAGIC…
Some of our sample packages:
Deluxe Package (6 Days/ 5 Nights) Includes: Transfers in/out airport in Rio. 5 Nights at JW Marriott Hotel (5*). Deluxe Ocean View Room. Corcovado & Sugar Loaf Tours with lunch included. (SIB) Brazilian Breakfast daily. $2,890.00 Per person (Based in double occupancy)

Basic Package (6 Days/ 5 Nights) Includes: Transfers in/out airport in Rio. 5 Nights at Astoria Copacabana Hotel (3*). Standard Room. Corcovado & Sugar Loaf Tours with lunch included. (SIB) Brazilian Breakfast daily. $1,150.00 Per person (Based in double occupancy)

Carnival begins March 3-9, 2011 Reservations are not refundable if modified, cancelled or no show.

Tickets to Sambadromo available. International Air available form any Gateway in the USA.

JESS Kalinowsky Professional Travel Consultant

BRAZIL@FriendsTravel.com

Rio Carnival

Brazil Reservations EMAIL FriendsTravel@earthlink.net

brazilwithfriendstravel — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 10:58:01 +0000

JESS Kalinowsky has been all over Brazil several times, email your reservation request today have a response today or tomorrow.

Brazil Reservations EMAIL FriendsTravel@earthlink.net

Rio de Janeiro Brazil with Friends Travel LLP 90048

brazilwithfriendstravel — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 10:51:35 +0000

Rio de Janeiro

When travelers who have never been to Rio de Janeiro think of the city, they think of Carnival and New Years, of the nightlife and beaches. Fair enough, as these are the iconic snapshots of the old city. But Rio is so much more. Visitors will also remember the site of Sugarloaf Mountain with the statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain and the array of colonial churches and buildings dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries. But no one aspect of Rio can lay claim to the city’s heritage. It is the beaches, the architecture, the music and culture, Sugarloaf and Tijuca Forest in combination that makes the experience that travelers know as Rio de Janeiro.

The city of Rio de Janeiro is made up of 150 districts. Rio is an exciting city with iconic architecture and monuments.
The statue of Christ the Redeemer rests on Corcovado Mountain at 2,330 feet above sea level.
Sugar Loaf, the famous peak rising 1,300 feet above sea level (see the picture to the left) is accessible by a cable car ride.
Ipanema Beach, made famous by the song, is the center of Rio’s beach and night – life.
The “hippy fair” at General Osorio Square is a much visited site for mingling and people watching on Sundays where local arts and crafts may be purchased.
Brazil loves its soccer. The Estadio de Maracana is the largest soccer stadium in South America, seating 95,000.
Tijuca Forest is located adjacent to Rio de Janeiro and at nearly 8,000 acres is the largest urban forest in the world.
With over 5000 miles of coastline, Brazil’s beaches are world class. Some are highly developed while others are nearly deserted stretches of beach and ocean.
Until 1960, Rio was the capital of Brazil – when Brasilia, the current capital, was designated the capital.
Rio’s Carnival is the most famous in the world. Months of preparation and planning go into the event and more than 300,000 travelers pack the city each February to participate.
Rio’s Samba Schools, are highly competitive and have their own fan clubs. Carnival, apart provides an annual competition between the schools. All aspects of each school’s performance comes under the judges’ scrutiny: the theme song, the drum band, dancers, and standard-bearer.
But Carnival is not the only celebration on Rio’s calendar. New Year’s Eve in Rio is a spectacular event celebrated all along the city’s beaches when more than 2.5 million people gather along the streets wearing white clothing and uncorking champagne bottles by the light of a brilliant fireworks display.

The city of Rio de Janeiro is made up of 150 districts. Rio is an exciting city with iconic architecture and monuments.
The statue of Christ the Redeemer rests on Corcovado Mountain at 2,330 feet above sea level.
Sugar Loaf, the famous peak rising 1,300 feet above sea level (see the picture to the left) is accessible by a cable car ride.
Ipanema Beach, made famous by the song, is the center of Rio’s beach and night – life.
The “hippy fair” at General Osorio Square is a much visited site for mingling and people watching on Sundays where local arts and crafts may be purchased.
Brazil loves its soccer. The Estadio de Maracana is the largest soccer stadium in South America, seating 95,000.
Tijuca Forest is located adjacent to Rio de Janeiro and at nearly 8,000 acres is the largest urban forest in the world.
With over 5000 miles of coastline, Brazil’s beaches are world class. Some are highly developed while others are nearly deserted stretches of beach and ocean.
Until 1960, Rio was the capital of Brazil – when Brasilia, the current capital, was designated the capital.
Rio’s Carnival is the most famous in the world. Months of preparation and planning go into the event and more than 300,000 travelers pack the city each February to participate.
Rio’s Samba Schools, are highly competitive and have their own fan clubs. Carnival, apart provides an annual competition between the schools. All aspects of each school’s performance comes under the judges’ scrutiny: the theme song, the drum band, dancers, and standard-bearer.
But Carnival is not the only celebration on Rio’s calendar. New Year’s Eve in Rio is a spectacular event celebrated all along the city’s beaches when more than 2.5 million people gather along the streets wearing white clothing and uncorking champagne bottles by the light of a brilliant fireworks display.

Reservations EMAIL FriendsTravel@earthlink.net

The city of Rio de Janeiro is made up of 150 districts. Rio is an exciting city with iconic architecture and monuments.
The statue of Christ the Redeemer rests on Corcovado Mountain at 2,330 feet above sea level.
Sugar Loaf, the famous peak rising 1,300 feet above sea level (see the picture to the left) is accessible by a cable car ride.
Ipanema Beach, made famous by the song, is the center of Rio’s beach and night – life.
The “hippy fair” at General Osorio Square is a much visited site for mingling and people watching on Sundays where local arts and crafts may be purchased.
Brazil loves its soccer. The Estadio de Maracana is the largest soccer stadium in South America, seating 95,000.
Tijuca Forest is located adjacent to Rio de Janeiro and at nearly 8,000 acres is the largest urban forest in the world.
With over 5000 miles of coastline, Brazil’s beaches are world class. Some are highly developed while others are nearly deserted stretches of beach and ocean.
Until 1960, Rio was the capital of Brazil – when Brasilia, the current capital, was designated the capital.
Rio’s Carnival is the most famous in the world. Months of preparation and planning go into the event and more than 300,000 travelers pack the city each February to participate.
Rio’s Samba Schools, are highly competitive and have their own fan clubs. Carnival, apart provides an annual competition between the schools. All aspects of each school’s performance comes under the judges’ scrutiny: the theme song, the drum band, dancers, and standard-bearer.
But Carnival is not the only celebration on Rio’s calendar. New Year’s Eve in Rio is a spectacular event celebrated all along the city’s beaches when more than 2.5 million people gather along the streets wearing white clothing and uncorking champagne bottles by the light of a brilliant fireworks display.

Reservations EMAIL FriendsTravel@earthlink.net

Sao Paulo—or Sampa Brazil with Friends Travel LLP 90048

brazilwithfriendstravel — Fri, 01 May 2009 21:47:15 +0000

Sao Paulo—or Sampa, as residents call it—is one of the largest cities in the world, sprawling like a land-guzzling monster. It’s full of high-rises, and the streets are an endless bustle of sidewalk traders, shoppers and sharp-suited business folk. Traffic jams in Sao Paulo are ubiquitous.Sao Paulo’s residents, or Paulistanos, work hard—the city is one of Latin America’s most important industrial and economic centers—but they play hard, too. At night, the city throbs with laughter and music. There are top-notch restaurants and a wealth of cinemas and theaters, not to mention world-class nightclubs and DJs. And whatever else they do, residents of Sao Paulo are united in their appreciation of futebol. It’s the sport in town.

EMAIL FriendsTravel@earthlink.net 24/7/365

JESS Kalinowsky Professional Travel Consultant

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with Friends Travel LLP 90048

brazilwithfriendstravel — Fri, 01 May 2009 21:45:29 +0000

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil—sensuous, chaotic, sophisticated, open and friendly—is one of South America’s gems. The Cidade Maravihosa (Marvelous City), as Brazilians call it, displays a unique blend of contrasts: old and new, tremendous wealth amid crushing poverty, an urban metropolis nestled around mountains and a huge forest.And all of Rio de Janeiro is symbolically embraced in the outstretched arms of Cristo Redentor, the statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain.

Rio de Janeiro is transformed by elaborate parades impelled by the drums of samba schools during Carnival Rio, the four-day holiday that takes place just before Lent in February or early March.

But if the buzz of the city becomes too much—during Carnival or otherwise—there’s always an easy escape: to the beautiful coast or to the lush Tijuca Forest that surrounds Rio de Janeiro’s mountainous slopes, where you can hike, bike or jump under a waterfall.

FriendsTravel@earthlink.net 24/7/365

Northern Brazil is certainly worth a visit.

brazilwithfriendstravel — Fri, 01 May 2009 15:13:58 +0000

Happy Spring! May has arrived and flowers are beginning to grow. How about a wonderful 10-day trip to the Northeastern coast of Brazil, where you spend time in Recife, Olinda, and Porto de Galinhas. If you are not yet familiar with this part of Brazil, there is no better time than the present. Gone are the days of flying all the way to Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro, only to turn around and head north. There are now direct flights from major gateways to Recife, Salvador, and Fortaleza. Arlines are throwing out all kinds of promotional rates to get people on these planes. Brazil is more accessible than ever! Enjoy! For more details on customized itineraries to Brazil or any country in South or Central America, please EMAIL BRAZIL@FriendsTravel.com or FriendsTravel@earthlink.net And remember, we specialize in customized leisure requests but we also handle groups, incentives, and shore excursions. And just because we do “customized” work does not mean we can’t handle budgets. Northeastern Brazil Recife: Founded in the 16th century, Recife was transformed when the Dutch seized control of the city (1630-1654) and brought along with them city planners, scientists, and painters. Water is the dominant theme: the city was built where the Capabaribe and Beberibe rivers empty into the ocean. Recife Antigo (Old Recife), located on one island, and Santo Antonio and Sao Jose, on another, embody the historical essence of this city. Both islands have forts, colonial mansions, museums, and churches. And don’t forget Boa Viagem Beach is a great place to soak in the sun. Recommended Hotels; Atlante Plaza, Beach Class Suites, Lucsim Palace, and Best Western Manibu. Recommended Restaurants: Bargaco, Spettus, Paraxaxa, and Leite. Olinda: Founded in 1537, it was the capital of Pernambuco for years until the capital was moved to Recife, 4-miles away. The churches, museums, and streets take visitors back in time to a quaint Brazilian colonial town which can be explored by walking through the Historical Center, a Unesco Cultural Heritage Site. Olinda is a real gem, and if you can time it right, Olinda is a great Carnival destination. Recommended Hotels: Pousada 4 Cantosand Hotel 7 Colinas. Recommended Restaurants: Oficina do Sabor Porto de Galinhas: Located just 60 to 90-minutes by car from Recife, this small beach town remains relatively unknown to American tourists. The main attractions = sun, sand, clear waters, and dune buggies. It offers a wide range of resort type properties ranging from 3-star to 5-star. The main beaches are Muro Alto, Cupe, Vila, and Maracaipe. Recommended Hotels: Nannai, Enotel, Armacao, Solar, Marulhos, Beach Class, Summerville, Marupiara Suites, and the Village. Recommended Restaurants: The town is full of small cafes and restaurants. And many of the hotels offer all-inclusive or partial meal plans that are tasty, usually buffet style dining. My recommendation would be a 6-night stay; 1-night in Recife, 2-nights in Olinda, and 3-nights in Porto de Galinhas. And don’t forget, while there is a rainy season in the North, these places are warm 365 days a year.

JESS Kalinowsky Professional Travel Consultant has visted 133 destinations around the world, and counting! GOOGLE Friends Travel LLP 90048 for more exciting travel opportunities EMAIL FriendsTravel@earthlink.net Friends Travel LLP 90048 often copied, but never duplicated. Same location since 1985

Brazil + Argentina Fling with FriendsTravel.com

brazilwithfriendstravel — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:05:37 +0000

Overview

This classical 3-city tour program will introduce you to the magic and excitement of Brazil and Argentina. We visit the elegant capital of Buenos Aires with a European-flavored sophistication and a passionate culture where the Tango was born. We continue to the mighty Iguassu Falls where Argentina and Brazil share borders, home to one of nature’s most famous spectacles — spanning 2-miles with 275 separate waterfalls, wider than Victoria Falls, higher than Niagara Falls and more magnificent than both. A truly amazing awe inspiring trip by helicopter, or river raft, or walking! For a finale we make our way to Rio de Janeiro. From the sun drenched beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, to the sensuous Girl from Ipanema, the crazed passion of Carnival, Rio stands alone as the fun and sun capital of South America.

Type

Independent

Locally Hosted

Duration

9 days 8 nights

Departure Dates

No Restriction

Countries

Argentina

Brazil

Cities

	Buenos Aires
	Iguazu
	Rio de Janeiro

Features

Airfare from Buenos Aires to Iguassu and to Rio de Janeiro

3 nights hotel accommodations in Buenos Aires

2 nights hotel accommodations in Iguassu Falls

3 nights hotel accommodations in Rio de Janeiro

Breakfast daily

Transfers to / from airports / hotels

City tour Buenos Aires

Full day Tigre tour along outskirts of Buenos Aires, lunch included

Buenos Aires by Night-dinner and show

Tour Argentine Falls including Devil’s Throat

Combined tour of Brazil Falls and Macuco Safari

Combined tour of Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountains, lunch included

Rio by night tour, Dinner and Show

Locally hosted by English speaking guides

All hotel tax and service charges

Baggage handling

Interests

Adventure

Beaches

Cosmopolitan Cities

Cultural

Eco Tours

Family Adventures

Flora or Botanical

Historical

Luxury

Nightlife

Activities

Fauna or Birding

Shopping

Remarks

Not included: Airfare, airport departure taxes, meals unless included in the itinerary, beverages, travel insurance, gratuities of any kind, or items of person nature.Note: US Citizens require Brazilian Visa for this program. Other citizens must check with the Brazilian Consulate for requirements.

Inquire about our special airfare on TAM or American Airlines for this program.

Brazil@FriendsTravel.com

Argentina@FriendsTravel.com

FriendsTravel.com

FriendsTravel.net