Amazon Adventures

Brazil

Buzios

Just 105 miles from Rio de Janeiro, a pleasant 2-hour trip takes you to the peninsula of Búzios, whose more than 20 magnificent beaches and crystal-clear water contrast with the exuberantly sculptured landscape and exotic vegetation, which a prodigal "Mother Nature" has privileged with a wonderful year-round summer. Originally settled by European pirates and slave traders, this happy mixture of many bloods prospered and became a picturesque fishing village, elected one of the 10 most beautiful areas in the world, famous for its unique combination of rustic charm, architectural harmony, incredible beauty and sophisticated boutiques and restaurants frequented by discerning visitors who come from all over the world to savour its magic.

Búzios has a very active nightlife, with shows, nightclubs, parties, restaurants and bars for all tastes. By the way, the Búzios nightlife is a feature in itself. The central point is Rua das Pedras, a charming and eclectic street, where it is common to run into famous people and hear foreign languages all over the place. That is where you really notice the number of foreigners that are in the city. Rua das Pedras is the center for bars and restaurants. This is where it all happens.The street is a little over 1200 feet long, but it is charm laden from one end to the other. If it were not for this street, Búzios certainly would not be the same. Restaurants serve dishes will all the gastronomic accents. Charming bars with live shows - some facing the ocean - invite you in to sit and appreciate the action. Art galleries, stores selling national and international brands, many pretty people sun tanned from the beach all year long complete the scenery.

2008 Sample prices per person in US$, including regular roundtrip transfers from Rio, 3 nights lodging with breakfast: (other accommodations and more or less nights are available) and either schooner or catamaran ride (see descriptions below table)

Hotel	room type	Single	Double	Triple
Casas Brancas
24 Mar - 14 Dec.	deluxe	$916	$477	$424
	stan. garden	$712	$375	$335
	stan. seaview	$799	$418	$374
Byblos
15 Mar - 15 Dec.	standard	$505	$271	$246
	deluxe	$628	$332	$299
Colonna Park
10 Apr - 23 Dec	standard	$553	$321	291
	deluxe	$618	$443	306

Prices will change for holidays and other dates. Private transfers available at extra cost.

Several vessels leave from Armação Beach, downtown, normally in the morning and early evening for rides that go by several beaches and islands in Búzios. The rides take between 2 to 5 hours, depending on the ride you choose.

During the schooner tours, tropical fruits, juices, soft drinks and caipirinhas are served, and there are also stops for swimming. During the course you will go by beaches such as Azeda, João Fernandes, Canto, Virgens, Amores and Tartaruga.

Rides on a Glass-bottom Catamaran - The only boat in Búzios with a glass bottom, the catamaran visits several beaches and islands with stops for swimming. This is for groups of up to 18 people. The boat, fitted with all safety equipment required by the Brazilian Navy, has a bathroom, fresh-water bath and a bar. The ride takes 3 hours and leaves twice a day, once in the morning and again at the beginning of the afternoon.

Casas Brancas is a hip and charming Boutique - Hotel, nestled in the hills overlooking the stunning bay of Búzios, just two hours from Rio. With 32 individually decorated rooms and suites, the Pousada boasts an elegant Mediterranean architecture, an exclusive multilingual staff, and a refined and laid-back atmosphere. Bask in the warm glow of the setting sun, stretch, and unwind. You've found paradise. In each and every corner of the Pousada, small details provide a relaxed ambiance, inviting you to do nothing without feeling guilty. Fall asleep reading a book on the terrace of Casas Brancas or explore over 20 exotic beaches with crystal clear water… Chill out to the mellow sounds of Bossa Nova and a breathtaking view of the bay. Our seafront restaurant, Café Atlantico, offers extraordinary international cuisine, as well as typical Brazilian recipes. The Pousada is located only five minutes by foot from Rua das Pedras (main street), where boutiques, restaurants, bars and live music mingle with fishing boats lined up on the beach. Not leaving aside the fascinating nightlife…Casas Brancas also offers swimming pool overlooking the bay, Internet station with free access, and private parking.

Colonna Park - Colonna Park Hotel offers a superb setting, straddling the hill between the beaches of João Fernando (the most happening beach in town) and João Fernandinho. Rooms in this sprawling Mediterranean-style mansion are spacious and elegantly furnished in cool tones of white and blue. All feature pleasant sitting areas. Forty-eight of the 63 rooms provide an ocean view. 2 restaurants; bar; outdoor pool; sauna; game room; service; massage; laundry service

Byblos - With a beautiful view of Armação beach located just 3 minutes from downtown, you can enjoy a pleasant walk along the Bardot path to Rua de pedras (Stone street), the Buzios hotspot. The lodge is also close to other beaches such as Ossos, Azeda, and Azedinha. Byblos has 10 deluxe rooms with a view of the sea,each equipped with 20 inch TV, air conditioning, mini-fridge, sound system with 3 different types of music, telephone, in-room safe and some with balcony.and 9 standard with a view of the garden each equipped with 20 inch TV, air conditioning, mini-fridge, sound system with 3 different types of music , telephone, in-room safe and balcony).