BRAZIL
REGIONS:
• NORTHERN REGION
• NORTH EAST REGION
• WEST CENTRAL REGION
• SOUTH EAST REGION
• SOUTHERN REGION
GENERAL INFORMATION:
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.
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.
Weather:
The climate varies from arid scrubland in interior to impassable tropical rainforest of the northerly Amazon jungle and the tropical eastern coastal beaches. The south is more temperate. Rainy seasons occur from January to April in the north (average number of days when there is some rain is 22); April to July in the northeast (average number of days when there is some rain 14); December to March in the Rio/Sao Paulo area (average number of days when there is some rain is 10).
Money Issues:
The Brazilian currency is the REAL; 100 centavos = 1 real. Bank notes are in denominations of 100, 50, 10, 5, 1; Coins are 1.00 real; 50 centavos, 25 centavos, 10 centavos, 5 centavos and 1 centavo. All banks and exchange offices recognized traveler’s checks and foreign currency. It is advisable to take US Dollar travelers checks or currency as this is more readily exchanged than other currency. You may benefit from a 15% discount when paying hotel or restaurant bills in foreign currency or travelers checks.
There remains a currency exchange black market, but you are strongly advised to ignore anyone who approaches you asking if you want to change money – it is a fairly sure way to get robbed.
Credit Cards – MasterCard, Visa are most widely accepted. American Express, Diners Club are accepted in the some hotels, shops and restaurants.
Language:
The official language is Brazilian Portuguese. Some English is spoken, particularly in the main cities, but the nearest thing to a second language is Spanish with which you will generally be able to make yourself understood.
The People:
The mix of races has made Brazil a culturally rich and at the same time unique country. This miscegenation began with the Indian, the African and the Portuguese, but in a short time, immigrants from around the world began to arrive: Europeans, Asians, Jews and Arabs. The result was a happy people, open to everything new, a people only found in Brazil.
Vaccination (Yellow Fever Vaccine): [FriendsTravel will advise]
For tourists who have been in transit over the past three months, or who are coming from certain countries – Angola, Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Colombia, Ecuador, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, French Guiana, Liberia, Nigeria, Peru, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leon, Sudan, Venezuela and Zaire -, an International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever is required.
The yellow fever vaccine is also recommended for all national and international tourists who intend to visit the following Brazilian states: Acre, Amazonas, Amapá, Federal District, Goiás, Maranhão, Mato Grosso do Sul, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima and Tocantins.
Transportation:
Ground transportation: One of the most popular ways of getting around, could be a private transfer, which means just you and a driver, you can schedule your pick up time; and SIB (Seat in Bus) Transfer, which means that an individual client usually travels with other tourists that he/she does not know, but, despite the inconvenience of having to wait until everybody is picked up and dropped-off, the good thing is that the SIB transfers are relatively economic, and more practical than traveling by public bus.
Air travel: Brazil’s airlines are Varig and Tam. Both Varig and Tam are the only Brazil airlines that offer air passes that allow visitors to fly around the country relatively easily domestically. The TAX need to be paid in cash as follows: International flights $20. Domestic flights $12 to $15.
#DiscountAirTravelReservations: First, Business, and Coach. Worldwide. JESS@FriendsTravel.com
Car Rental: It is generally accepted that tourists should not hire cars in Brazil unless they know what they’re doing! Road safety in Brazil is not the best in the world, and the standard of driving leaves a lot to be desired. However, there are a number of car hire agencies operating in Brazil, so if you want to rent a car here it is feasible. But, do travel/drive with a good map and plenty of water. #FriendsTravel can arrange for private car and driver transfer and sightseeing. Über does exist, BUT one might be wiser to use a proper taxi arranged by the hotel concierge.
ACTIVITIES:
Brazil is a destination of overwhelming beauty, found throughout its various landscapes and locales.
#Sun & #Beach: If you dream about a sunny land where sun shines all through the year, waters are warm there is plenty of coconut trees, shades and fresh sea breezes, in Brazil these elements combine harmoniously in the most beautiful beaches.
#Archeology: The major Brazilian reference in archeology is the National Serra da Capivara Park, located in the State of Piauí. Created to protect the area where the largest and most ancient archeological set of the Americas is found, it was registered in the list of Humanity’s Cultural and World Heritage in 1991.
#Ethnic: Ethnic tourism consists of visiting locations where distinct ways of life can be observed and explored. The goal is to closely see small social groups in their natural environment, with their particularities and traditions – and thus, learn from them.
Popular #Feasts: Brazil is internationally known for its popular feasts such as the New Year, Carnival, or June Feasts. These enthusiastic celebrations, which combine singing, music and much dance, attract millions of foreign tourists to the country every year. In them, it is almost impossible to remain as a mere spectator – everyone participates, everyone plays along.
Cities of #Heritage: Architecture is one of the most lasting manifestations of a people’s history. Buildings reveal customs, trends and techniques of each time. With a large historical-cultural heritage, Brazil has attracted a great number of tourists interested in learning, through large museums or city streets, a little of the nation’s past.
Cross-walks: Ecological crosswalks are the most commonly practiced activity around in the world in the ecotourism segment. In such scenario, Brazil stands out for providing different tours linked to nature and dedicated to environmental awareness and preservation, with crosswalks filled with trails.
#Floating: It is a light diving modality in shallow depth, involving just a snorkel and mask – depending on the place, frog feet and torchlight serving as essential accessories. It only requires a short training, and with the help of an instructor, even those who cannot swim can appreciate the beauty of colored fish in rivers and sea.
#Diving: Very nice diving sites can be found in the Abrolhos National Marine Park, where one can find the largest quantity of corals in the South Atlantic, in the stunningly crystal-clear waters of the Fernando de Noronha archipelago; in Recife, State of Pernambuco, considered the capital of shipwrecks; in Arraial do Cabo, in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, with diving in caves; to mention just a few examples.
#Observing the #fauna: Today, tourists from around the world travel long distances just to see wild life up close. To them, nothing beats coming to Brazil. The Brazilian fauna is comprised of 600 species of mammals, about 1,700 birds, 390 reptiles, and 331 amphibian species, plus eight thousand fish species already scientifically registered. The environmental protectorates cover today about 5% of the national territory.
#Bird #Watching: With exuberant tropical forests, Brazil offers exceptional conditions for bird watchers and ornithologists, studies whose interest are the birds. The Country is home to about 1,677 bird species, almost 18% of the world’s bird diversity.
#Canyoneering: Today, Brazil is among the 10 major canyoneering destinations in the world. It is easy to understand why: Its geographic and climatic conditions – varied relief and soft temperatures all year round – are quite suitable for the sport.
#Soccer aka #Fútbol: It is said that here in Brazil, every city has a church, a square and a soccer field. The sport is a national passion and is played on all corners of the country by all age groups. It does not matter the place – grass, sand, mud, asphalt – , all one needs is a ball to score a goal.
Business & Events: Brazil has international renown in the sectors of business tourism and incentive voyages, promoted by companies from all over de world. Brazil has been one of the most favorite destinations for fairs, congresses, conventions, or expos of all kinds, in all areas.
TRAVEL TIPS:
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· Tipping is not necessary, as most restaurants will include a 10% gratuity on the bill. Don’t tip taxi drivers, except in Rio, where 10% is the norm. Airport and hotel porters should get the equivalent of US $0.75 per bag (1 1/2 Reals).
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· Brazil isn’t only natural wonders as the Amazon, the Iguassu Falls, or the magnificent unspoiled beaches of the Northeast. Brazil is also excellent exotic food, good shopping opportunities or entertainment and animated nightlife.
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· Don’t carry large amounts of cash with you on the street, carry only what you need for the activities you plan for the day or the individual trip you are making.
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· Never carry your passport with you. Instead, make a copy of the front page and the page that contains your entry stamp from immigration. This will be more than sufficient ID should you be stopped.
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· Don’t wear flashy jewelry, real or not. Dress down when walking around, especially in heavy tourist areas.
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· Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Avoid highly congested areas as they are often a haven for pickpockets.
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· Because Brazil is a tropical country, it’s very easy to quickly become dehydrated. Brazilian doctors recommend drinking at least two liters of water per day. You should also consider drinking coconut water which is readily available at many beaches and in cities from street vendors as well as restaurants and snack bars.
TRAVEL REQUIEREMENTS:
An entry visa is not required for holders of passports from European or South American countries. As a matter of reciprocity, a visa is required for those from North America. [This Is changing!] For further information about the necessary documentation and where visas can be obtained, consult a travel agent. #JESS@FriendsTravel.com Tourist visas can be renewed for a period of 180 days per year. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the planned date of arrival in Brazil. For US citizen, a processing fee of US$ 100.00 in US POSTAL Money Order (ONLY) This is in the process of changing, we will advise current info.
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