Brazil

As mentioned in The Amazon: The Bradt Travel Guide,
National Geographic Adventure and International Travel News

Brazil has much more to offer than just the famous beaches of Rio and the Amazon.

finely preserved 16th century towns like Ouro Preto, Paraty and Olinda
the best wildlife viewing in the Americas in the Pantanal
an aquatic wonderland in Bonito
the rich culture of Salvador
great hiking at Chapada Diamantina
the miracle of Iguassu Falls
off the beaten path diving experiences at Fernando de Noronha
exotic beaches at Itacare, Morro de Sao Paulo, Boipeba Island and in the state of Ceara, where the famed Jericoacoara is located
German and Italian-influenced areas along with gauchos and great hikes in Rio Grande do Sul
surreal landscapes of sand dunes and lagoons in Lencois Marenhenses
fascinating whale watching at Imbituba

We offer classic touring as well as exciting adventure options for those who want something different.

We offer many Brazil tour options that you won't find from your local travel agencies because we have been there and met with many of the operators in order to find the most fascinating and rewarding experiences available. Many of these areas and options have been unfamiliar to the international public until now because the local operators have not marketed their tours outside of Brazil. Let us now introduce you to these hidden treasures!

"We're back from our holiday in Brazil and have had a super time. What a beautiful country of contrasts. Obviously with such a detailed itinerary we had a lot of traveling and our stays at each place were far too short, but I can't think of anything we would rather have left out. Iguacu was overwhelming, we loved the Pantanal, the pousada in Bahia was impressive and our stay on Silvas Island was great. Thank you for putting the package together and for being so long-suffering with all our questions. We shall be happy to recommend your company to our friends." Chris and Kay Pluke

Time: Brazil spans four time zones: Rio and Sao Paulo: GMT -2 (GMT -3 April to October); Brasilia and Belém: GMT -3 (GMT -2 October to March); GMT -4 in the West.
Electricity: Brazil has a variety of electrical voltages, sometimes within the same city, the better hotels offer 220 volts. If not, transformers are available in electrical stores. Outlets often accept a variety of plug types but the two-pin type is standard.
Language: The spoken language in Brazil is Portuguese, however Spanish and English are also widely used in the cities.
Health: A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for those travelling to rural areas and parts of Sao Paulo and Parana. Those travelling from infected areas require a yellow fever certificate. Typhoid and Hepatitis A immunisation is also recommended. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria are prevalent and insect protection is strongly advised. Malaria exists below 2,953ft (900m) in most rural areas, and outbreaks of dengue fever occur frequently. Chagas disease, caused by a parasite, is widespread in rural areas of Brazil. Until recently infection was believed to be from insect bites only, but an outbreak in March 2005 that has caused three deaths in Santa Catarina was traced to the ingestion of sugar cane juice contaminated with the faeces of vector insects, and in the north east further cases were linked to the ingestion of juice from the acai fruit; visitors are advised to seek medical advice urgently if any of the symptoms occur (fever, nausea, muscle aches and pains and/or swelling at the site of the insect bite). Sao Paulo has also reported an increase in the contagious Rotavirus for July and August 2006, which causes fever, vomiting and severe diarrhoea for which medical help should be sought. Tap water is heavily treated resulting in a strong chemical taste; bottled water is, however, freely available for drinking purposes. Milk in rural areas is not pasteurised. Travellers are advised to take along medication for travellers' diarrhoea. Hospitals in the major cities are fairly good, but medical costs are high and medical insurance is strongly recommended.
Climate: There are five climatic regions in Brazil: equatorial, tropical, semi-arid, highland tropical and subtropical. The seasons are the reverse of those in Europe and the United States. Cities such as Sao Paulo and Brasilia, on the plateau, have a mild climate with temperatures averaging 66°F (19°C). Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Natal and Salvador on the coast have warmer climates balanced by the Trade Winds. Rio, for example, has an average temperature of around 80°F (26°C) which will climb to over 100°F (high 30s) during the summer months. In the southern Brazilian cities of Porto Alegre and Curitiba, the subtropical climate is similar to parts of the US and Europe, with frosts occurring in the winter months (July to August) when temperatures can fall below freezing. Summers are hot, however. Despite the popular image of the Amazon as a region of blistering heat, temperatures rarely rise above 90°F (32°C), and days are generally warm, wet and humid. The region has two seasons: a rainy season (November to May) and not-so-rainy season (June to October).
Money: The Brazilian monetary unit is the real (BRL), plural reais. There are 100 centavos to the real and notes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50 and BRL100. The US dollar is also welcome in most tourist establishments. In the main cities foreign currencies and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks or cambios. There is an extensive network of ATMs in the country and most major international credit cards are accepted.
Tipping: Nearly all hotels add a service charge to the bill, usually 10%. Most restaurants also add 10% or more to the total of the bill, but must make it clear that they have done so; waiters appreciate another 5% if their service has been good. Brazilians don't normally tip taxi drivers, except if they handle bags, although they may round up the total. Hotel staff expect small tips and most services expect 10-15%.
Visa and Passport
Entry Requirements for Americans: A valid passport and a visa are required by US nationals, which is valid for single and multiple entries. Visas must be used within 90 days of issuance.
Entry Requirements for UK nationals: UK passport holders do not require a visa for either business or holiday or business travel for stays of up to 90 days. A valid passport is required.
Entry Requirements for Canadians: A valid passport and a visa are required by Canadian nationals, which is valid for single and multiple entries. Visas must be used within 90 days of issuance.
Entry Requirements for Australians: A valid passport and a visa are required by Australian nationals, which is valid for single and multiple entries. Visas must be used within 90 days of issuance.
Entry Requirements for South Africans: A valid passport is needed, but no visa is required by South African nationals if travelling on holiday or business for up to 90 days.
Entry Requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals need a valid passport, but do not require a tourist or business visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Passport/Visa Note: All visitors require passports that are valid for at least the period of intended stay in Brazil. Sufficient funds to cover their stay in Brazil, as well as a return or onward ticket and documentation required for further travel is necessary for all travellers.
Safety: Brazil is politically stable with no natural enemies and no terrorist activities. In metropolitan areas, however, petty crime is a fact of life. Rio in particular is regarded as one of the most crime-ridden cities in the world and, although violent crime is generally limited to the slum areas, foreign businessmen and tourists are advised to take precautions. Visitors should not attempt to visit slum areas unless on a guided tour. However violent crime is on the increase due to the establishment of drug and criminal gangs around Rio and Sao Paulo. Muggings, often involving firearms, are high and visitors should avoid wearing jewellery and expensive watches, dress down and conceal cameras. Valuables should be deposited in hotel safes. The threat of personal attack is lower outside the main urban centres, but incidents do occur, and women should be aware that sexual assaults have been reported in coastal holiday destinations. Beware of unofficial taxis and those with blacked-out windows and be particularly careful on public transport in Rio, Recife and Salvador. Armed criminals intercepted a taxi carrying foreigners at night from Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport to central Rio on 21 May 2006; incidents like this occur at random along this road, particularly at night. In Sao Paulo, a 'war' between authorities and the PCC criminal gang resulted in violent attacks on police officials, at banks and on public transport, as well as revolts that broke out in more than 70 state prisons from 12-15 May 2006. A fresh wave of violence in July 2006 resulted in attacks on businesses, police stations and buses, killing 16 people, and renewed attacks have occurred in August 2006. Further violence is likely. The situation has led to severe transport delays in the past. Travellers to Sao Paulo should be cautious, as attacks by the PCC are being directed primarily against civilian targets, including banks, supermarkets and public transport, as a more effective way to protest against the local government.
Business: Generally business practices are different throughout the country: very formal in Sao Paulo, but more relaxed in Rio de Janeiro and other centres. Multi-national companies have a similar business etiquette to Europe or the US, while local businesses require a few more considerations, particularly preferring face-to-face meetings above phone calls or written communication. Brazilians place a very high value on personal relationships within business environments and will generally only conduct business through personal connections or with those whom they have already established a personal relationship. All meetings are preceded by handshakes and small talk, and visitors should avoid the temptation to rush things; even after the meeting is over it is considered rude to rush off. Entertaining is common, either at a restaurant or someone's home, again with the emphasis on building personal relationships. Punctuality is flexible, except when meeting at a restaurant, when tardiness is considered impolite, and a small gift or flowers for the hostess is common when invited to a home. Business suits are expected, especially for first meetings. Portuguese is the dominant language, and although English is widely spoken in business an interpreter might be required. Business cards, as well as written documents, should be printed in both English and Portuguese. Business hours are 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday.
Communications: The international access code for Brazil is +55. The outgoing code depends on what network is used (e.g. 0014 for Brasil Telecom), which is followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001444 for the United Kingdom). The area code for Brasilia is 61, but the access code to make a call within the country from another area also depends on what network is used (e.g. (014)61 for Brasil Telecom). GSM 900and 1800 mobile phone networks cover the main cities, and phones are available to rent. Internet cafes are widely available. Every town has a central telephone office called a Posto Telefonico, from where long distance calls can be made, and public phone booths are everywhere, operated by phone cards. For cheaper calls, visitors can connect to an operator at home and place a credit card or collect call. Sending mail overseas is expensive, but the postal system is generally reliable and airmail usually takes up to a week.
Duty Free: Travellers to Brazil can enter the country with goods to the value of US$500 without incurring customs duty. These include 400 cigarettes or 25 cigars, or 250g of tobacco; and 2 litres of alcoholic beverages. Restricted items include fresh produce and plant and animal products. Strict regulations apply to temporary import or export of firearms, antiquities, tropical plants, medication and business equipment.