Brazil

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• Brazil

Brazil is the largest of the Latin American countries. Covering nearly half (47.3 percent) of the continent of South America, it occupies an area of 3,286,470 sq. miles (8,511,965 sq. km). It is the fifth largest country in the world after the Russian Federation, Canada, China, and the United States.

Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east, Brazil has a coastline of 7,491 km (4,655 mi). It is bordered on the north by Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and the French overseas region of French Guiana; on the northwest by Colombia; on the west by Bolivia and Peru; on the southwest by Argentina and Paraguay and on the south by Uruguay. Numerous archipelagos form part of Brazilian territory, such as Fernando de Noronha, Rocas Atoll, Saint Peter and Paul Rocks, and Trindade and Martim Vaz. It borders all other South American countries except Ecuador and Chile.

Brazil is also one of the 17 Megadiverse countries, home to diverse wildlife, natural environments, and extensive natural resources in a variety of protected habitats.

• Public holidays

  • January 1st: New Year
  • February: Carnival
  • March / April: Easter
  • April 21st: Tiradentes Day
  • May 1st: Labour Day
  • June 6th - 10th: Corpus Christi
  • September 7th: Independence Day
  • October 12th: Our Lady of Aparecida
  • November 2nd: Day of the Dead
  • November 15th: Republic Day
  • December 25th - 26th: Christmas

• Top things to do

  • Sugar Loaf – Gateway Rio de Janeiro
  • Christ the Redeemer – Gateway Rio de Janeiro
  • Iguaçu Waterfalls – Gateway Foz do Iguaçu
  • Carnival in Brazil- Gateway Rio de Janeiro and Salvador
  • Brazilian Cuisine
  • Amazon Rain Forest – Gateway Manaus
  • Pantanal – Gateway Cuiabá and Campo Grande
  • Pelourinho UNESCO World Heritage – gateway Salvador
  • Beaches and Dunes – Gateway Fortaleza and Natal
  • Diving in Fernando de Noronha – Gateway Recife and Natal

• Getting there

  Vaccination

  An international certificate of vaccination against Polio is compulsory for children aged between three months and six years. An international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is compulsory for travelers who, within three months prior to their arrival in Brazil, have visited or been in transit through the following countries: Angola, Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, French Guyana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Peru, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Venezuela and Zaire. Additionally, vaccination against Yellow Fever is recommended for all travelers when visiting the following states of Brazil: Acre, Amazonas, Amapá, Distrito Federal, Goiás, Maranhão, Mato Grosso do Sul, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima and Tocantins.Please note that Yellow Fever vaccinations take approximately 10 days to become effective.

  Climate
  The climate of Brazil comprises a wide range of weather conditions across a large area and varied topography, but most of the country is tropical. Brazil hosts five major climatic subtypes: equatorial, tropical, semiarid, highland tropical, temperate, and subtropical. The different climatic conditions produce environments ranging from equatorial rainforests in the north and semiarid deserts in the northeast, to temperate coniferous forests in the south and tropical savannas in central Brazil. Many regions have starkly different microclimates.
  An equatorial climate characterizes much of northern Brazil. There is no real dry season, but there are some variations in the period of the year when most rain falls. Temperatures average 25 °C (77 °F), with more significant temperature variation between night and day than between seasons.
  Over central Brazil rainfall is more seasonal, characteristic of a savanna climate. This region is as extensive as the Amazon basin but has a very different climate as it lies farther south at a higher altitude. In the interior northeast, seasonal rainfall is even more extreme. The semiarid climatic region generally receives less than 800 millimetres (31.5 in) of rain, most of which generally falls in a period of three to five months of the year and occasionally less than this, creating long periods of drought.
  South of Bahia, near the coasts, and more southerly most of the state of São Paulo, the distribution of rainfall changes, with rain falling throughout the year. The south enjoys temperate conditions, with cool winters and average annual temperatures not exceeding 18 °C (64.4 °F); winter frosts are quite common, with occasional snowfall in the higher areas. Other kinds of solid precipitation happen in a wider area, including cities as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

  Currency
  The currency in Brazil is the Real (R$). You can change Dollars at exchange shops or hotels front desk. However other currencies are not wildly available, so you are advised to bring U$ Dollars or travelers checks.  Foreign currencies and travelers checks can be exchanged at hotels, banks and tourist agencies. Most international credit cards are accepted.

  Opening hours
  Most offices and stores are open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Stores are also open on Saturday from 9am to 1pm while most of the large shopping centers open Monday to Saturday from 10:00am to 10:00pm. Banks are open from Monday to Friday.

  What to wear
  Brazilians, even in the major cities, dress casually outside the office. None of the country's top restaurants insist on collar and tie although the occasional club does. Collar and tie still predominate in formal office and business surroundings in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro and most working women wear dresses or skirts. Ladies should remember to pack a jacket or shawl when coming to Brazil as some of the buildings and restaurants can be a little over enthusiastic with the air conditioning.

  Language
  The official language of Brazil is Portuguese.

• Did you know...?

  • The Amazon Rainforest is recognized as having the greatest biological diversity in the world.
  • Scientists estimate that the total number of plant and animal species in Brazil could approach 4 Mio.
  • The national beverage is coffee and cachaça is Brazil's native liquor.
  • Cachaça is distilled from sugar cane and is the main ingredient in the national cocktail, Caipirinha.
  • The everyday meal consist mosty of rice and beans with beef and salad.
  • Famous Brazilians are: Jorge Amado (Activist, Author), Gisele Bündchen, Alessandra Ambrosio & Adriana Lima (Model), Helio Castroneves (Race Car Driver), Paolo Coelho (Author), Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Pelé & Kaka (Soccer player),  Oscar Niemeyer (Architect), Carlos Saldanha (film director of Ice Age).
  • One of the best-known rainforest conservation efforts in Brazil, the Golden Lion Tamarin Conservation Project (GLTCP), is a mere two-hour drive from the city of Rio de Janeiro.

• Trips, Tours & Activities

  Iguaçu Falls
  The gigantic power of its massive water falls constantly roaring in a huge moisting cloud and painting the horizon with mellow rainbows is one of the most magnificent natural spectacle on earth, which makes us realize how tiny we are in front of its force. For those seeking for adventure, a concrete platform allows breathtaking views from inside the falls.

  The Itaipú Dam
  There is no technical project in the world to be compared to the "Hydroelectric Power Plant of Itaipú", a gigantic dam that is 196m height and 8km long, with 18 immense turbines producing a total of 12, 6 MW - per year 76 billion KW/h - enough energy to supply 6 Brazilian states besides the whole country of Paraguay. Visitors with technical interest surely will appreciate this trip guided partly by Itaipú technicians. Technical visits to the interior of the turbines and administration bureau can be arranged upon request.

  Christ the Redeemer
  A modern Swiss-made cogwheel rail climbs through Tijuca Rain Forest up to the top of Corcovado mountain (710 m). It takes about 17 min at a maximum speed of 15km/h on the way up, and 22 min at 12km/h, on the way down. The trip ensures breathtaking views of Rio, such as the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon. At the very top of the mountain, and yet after climbing a steep flight of steps, there stands the statue of Christ, the Redeemer, carved in soapstone mosaic in the finest art nouveau style. Its 38m high and the outstretched arms blessing the city have become Rio's most famous postcard.

  Sugar Loaf
  Ride through Rio's beautiful architectonic monuments, visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and ascend the twin peaks by a series of venturing cable car rides. On the first hill, called "Urca", walk around the flowered passways and enjoy the magnificent views. The goes up to the Sugar Loaf itself. Visitors will admire the unique beauty of Guanabara Bay, Niterói, Copacabana and Santa Cruz Fortress, a landmark of Rio's history and will certainly be amazed by the awesome views.

  Golden Lion Tamarin Conservation Project

  One of the best-known rainforest conservation efforts in Brazil, the Golden Lion Tamarin Conservation Project (GLTCP), is a mere two-hour drive from the city of Rio de Janeiro.The Golden Lion Tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia), a strikingly beautiful squirrel-sized primate, that exists only in the lowland Atlantic Rainforest of the state of Rio de Janeiro, is one of the most endangered primate species on earth.All of the approximately 1000 remaining wild individuals are found in the Poço das Antas Biological Reserve and the surrounding private land.

  Program Summary

  07:00 h Rio de Janeiro - Silva Jardim
  Airport or Hotel pick up. Transfer Rio-Silva Jardim, where the reserve is located.

  09:00 h - Reintroduction area (farm according with reintroduction staff)
  Arrival to reintroduction area, where Golden Lion Tamarins are being reintroduced to their natural habitat, with the supervision and guidance of Golden Lion Tamarin Conservation Project technical staff. With the help of radio telemetry, hike through trails in the forest to observe the specimens in reintegration to their natural habitat.

  11:00 h Golden Lion Tamarin Project
  Visit to the Poço das Antas Biological Reserve Educational Center.

  12:30 h Fazenda Bom Retiro
  Transfer Fazenda RPPN Bom Retiro Farm for lunch. The place has an informal but warm atmosphere where travelers will have a Brazilian regional meal. Buffet service.

  15:30 h Silva Jardim - Rio de Janeiro
  Return to Rio. Estimated time arrival: 17:30 h.

  Note - A contribtuion to the project is included in the price. Due the research character of this project, booking capacity is very limited.
  Program not available on weekend.

  General Information

  Capacity: Minimum of 4 and maximum of 12 travelers
  Guide Language: English. Other language upon request
  Level: Easy Level Program
  Included: Transfer in/out, driver guide in English, lunch at the farm, hiking with the staff to watch the animals.
  Not Included: Lodging, bevarages, any type of insurance, optional tours, hospitalization, personal and medical expenses.
  Personal Gear: Long sleeved shirt, jeans or tracksuit, sneakers or hiking boots, mosquito repellent.
  Optional Gear: Video and/or photo camera(s); films, penknife, raincoat, small backpack.

• Accommodation

  • Tropical das Cataratas Hotel – 5* (Parque Nacional do Iguaçu) 
  • Mabu Thermas & Resort – 4* (Foz do Iguaçu)
  • Recanto Park Hotel – 3* (Foz do Iguaçu)
  • Tropical Manaus – 5* (Ponta Negra, Manaus - Amazonas)
  • Golden Tulip Regente – 4* (Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro)
  • Ipanema Plaza Golden Tulip – 4* (Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro)
  • JW Marriott Rio De Janeiro – 5* (Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro) 
  • Pestana Rio Atlantica – 5*  (Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro)
  • Porto Bay Rio Internacional - 4* (Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro)
  • Sofitel Rio De Janeiro – 5* (Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro) 
  • Bahia Othon Palace – 5* (Ondina, Salvador) 
  • Convento do Carmo (Santo Antônio, Salvador)
  • Monte Pascoal Salvador- 4* (Barra, Salvador)
  • Grande Hotel da Barra –  3* (Barra, Salvador)
  • Pestana Bahia – 5* (Rio Vermelho, Salvador)

• Transfers

  Private Transfers with guide

  Transfer in
  Welcome reception at Airport and arrival transfer with guide assistance giving the preliminary information about our city and our program.

  Transfer out 
  Pick up at hotel with and transfer out for flight back home with our minds filled with memories from our incredible experience in Brazil.

• Meetings and events

  Accommodation
  Golocio Brazil will select hotels for the event. Our excellent commercial relationship with the hotel network enables us to get excellent rates with the guarantee that they will always be the best the market can offer for events. This selection is always carried out based on the event's profile and can include hotels ranging from tourist to luxury class, thus enabling the requirements of the greatest number of participants to be met.

  Tourist Activities & Hospitality Desk
  Our country is delightful! It´s our pleasure to show this to the visitors. Whether it is a classical tour or a product that has been specially developed according to the event's characteristics there is nothing to worry about - our specialists will do everything from planning and organization to operation. All this will be done using our staff who will be present at the event location to provide all necessary information and personalized service. This hospitality desk will be available not only for selling excursions, but also for providing information about the city, confirming flight reservations and changing hotel bookings.

   

  Airport Reception & Shuttle Service
  Golocio Brasil organize airport reception, providing all the necessary assistance when guests and participants arrive: special signposting for the event, and specialist staff. For the VIP guests, a special service with comfortable transport is laid on. After all, this is the first impression that our customer will have of the city!
  For our participants' daily transport needs, we will carry out all the planning, hiring and coordinating of the Shuttle Service System including signposting the fleet and preparing leaflets and posters which explain the transport itineraries and timetables. Participants will feel safe in the knowledge that we have organized a high-quality, punctual service for them!

  Social Events
  Your event has to be special! Golocio Brasil will make it unforgettable. We prepare projects for modern or classical theme parties. We use all our know-how and good taste to make events special. We take care of everything: decorating, catering, human resources and musical entertainment. We also provide souvenir gifts, presents and customized promotional materials.

• What we recommended

  Rio de Janeiro

  • A  Mineira Restaurant
  • Marius Barbecue Restaurant
  • Marius Crustaceus Restaurant
  • Mio Restaurant
  • Porcao Rio’s Restaraurant
  • Rio Scenarium (Club)
  • Museu Histórico
  • Lapa district
  • Plataforma Show

  Salvador

  • Barra Vento Restaurant
  • Maria Matamouro Restaurant

  Foz do Iguaçu

  • Don Cabral Restaurant
  • El Fortin Restaurant
  • Restaurant La Mamma
  • Porto Canoas Restaurant – Inside the National Park
  • Rafain Steak House

• Special events

  Carnival in Rio de Janeiro
  Carnival in Rio is a one of a kind experience, one of the world’s most spectacular events! From Saturday to Tuesday, we have our official Holiday with parades and celebrations all over the city. Don’t miss the opportunity to join this amazing party! We offer a variety of packages to make this experience even more special. From transfers and tickets only to the opportunity of being a part of the show, this will be something you’ll never forget.
   
  Carnival in Salvador
  Carnival in Salvador is one week of party!! Salvador has about 2 million inhabitants, being the 3rd largest city in Brazil after Sao Paulo and Rio. Most of these people are descended from the mixture between black, white and American Indians. During Carnival, the party goes with Streets Carnival Clubs, commanded by Carnival Bands, which are a must in Brazil popular music. Normally, Salvador has 7 days of Carnival, from Thursday to Wednesday.
   
  New Year´s Eve in Rio de Janeiro
  New Year's Eve is one of Rio de Janeiro's most important celebrations, second only to Carnival in popularity. It attracts people from all over the world, and Brazilians from all states.
  The festivities are concentrated in Copacabana, with 2 million people every year. There are four stages along the beach with live music shows starting at 8 p.m. featuring everything from traditional Carnival songs to rock and dance. The fireworks festival starts at midnight, with the turning of the year. The fireworks stations are located in boats anchored in a safe distance from the beach. It lasts about 15-20 minutes, and two highlights are the fireworks cascades at Forte de Copacabana. If you are coming for New Year's Eve you must learn some of the traditions. The first one is that people wear white for the party. You may add accessories in your favorite colors: red is good to attract romance, yellow is for prosperity, green for good health, and so on. Black is not the right color to wear, no matter how fashionable it may be. A lot of people bring flowers, and you should throw them in the sea before midnight. They are an offering to Yemanja, the deity of the seas. Bring a bottle of champagne to pop and drink at midnight. If you are on the beach and you decide to shake the bottle and spray around, nobody will complain - it's considered good luck. You may also be blessed by a Candomble priestess, and enjoy the traditional African dances and costumes. This is a party where everybody is welcome. Walk along the beach and you will run into socialies, working class people, transvestites, children, seniors, couples, teenagers, it seems that all tribes mingle in peace to welcome the new year. Plan your trip ahead, as it is not that easy to find an air ticket in the last minute. Hotels in Rio raise their rates for New Year's, and offer their rooms in prepayable packages including a predetermined number of mandatory nights.
   
  One of the Brazilian Passions: Soccer!
  Watch the biggest teams in Rio play! Experience the excitement of the most fanatic fans in the world. Anthems and waving flags set the mood and the electric atmosphere that surrounds the spectacle that is a Brazilian soccer match. Seating is individual, under cover and our guide is always in attendance. Only on match days.