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Brazil |
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| Brazil is a country of mythic proportions and for hundreds of years it has symbolized the great escape for visitors into a primordial, tropical paradise. Probably because of the movies, the country of Brazil has ignited the Western imagination like no other South American country. From the mad passion of the Carnaval in Rio to the immensity of the dark Amazon. |
Travel
Etiquette
Behavior and customs vary greatly from country to country. We
discuss the correct travel etiquette so that you won't be caught out.
TravelEtiquette was formed to offer a unique reference
point on essential etiquette advice and information for worldwide
travel. Our features and articles are written by professional
journalists and experts - who have a particular interest, or a
background in this area. So – know before you go. Visit
TravelEtiquette so you will know how to, as the old adage states, “When in Rome,
do as the Romans do.”
Getting To and Around in Brazil
Getting There
Varig, Brazil's
national airline, flies from many major cities in the world. There are frequent
flights to Rio from all major cities in South America. Other gateway airports in
Brazil include São Paulo, Recife (popular with German package tourists), and
Manaus, capital of the state of Amazonas.
Incredibly low airfares, Taca.com's e-speciales give you more time to enjoy your trip and relax at your destination. If your travel plans are flexible, we offer you rock-bottom prices to destinations across the 3 Americas!
Brazil has land borders with every other country in South America, with the exceptions of Ecuador and Chile, so while some travelers may bus in from Uruguay in the south, others arrive via the train, called the trem da morte (death train), from Bolivia. By river, many travelers take a slow boat down the Amazon from Iquitos in Peru or into the Pantanal via the Rio Paraguay from Asunçion.
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Getting Around
Flying within
Brazil has become more popular as it is becoming cheaper, thanks to recent
deregulation. Be sure to shop around for promotional specials. And, if you are
able, fly at night - many fares are cheaper at night.
Buses are the primary form of long-distance transportation in Brazil, except in the Amazon basin. Services are generally excellent and cheap. All major cities are linked by frequent buses. As an example, there's at least one every 15 minutes between Rio and São Paulo during peak hours.
There are very few railway passenger services in Brazil and rail services continue to be cut more and more throughout the country. However, for the real rail enthusiasts there are still some wonderful railway routes that remain in operation, including the Curitiba-Paranaguá run.
Although river travel in Brazil has decreased due to the construction of a comprehensive road network, it is still possible to travel by boat between some of the cities of the Rio São Francisco and along the Amazon.
| Rent a GPS for travel within
Brazil. Elegant and simple! Touch the screen and hear turn-by-turn
directions with street names as you enjoy your driving experience to major
metropolitan areas within Brazil. Customize your navigation method or route
to travel safely and stress-free.
Rio de Janeiro São Paulo (São Paulo, Barueri, Campinas, Campos do Jordão, Carapicuíba, Cubatão, Diadema, Guarujá,
Guarulhos, Itapevi, Itaquaquecetuba, Jandira, Jundia, Maua, Osasco, Santana de
Parnaiba, Santo Andre, Santos, São Bernardo do Campo, São Caetano do Sul, São
Vicente); Minas Gerais (Belo Horizonte, Betim, Contagem) Includes coverage
for Durtra (BR-116), Sao Paulo-Belo (BR-381) and Belo-Rio (BR-040) for
connection between covered cities. For additional information, click on
International GPS Rental |
Itaparica
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In Club Med Itaparica, amidst the tropical greenery
that is home to iguanas and shimmering colored birds, lies a Resort
combining African exoticism with South American exuberance. A glittering
array of activities, such as sailing, tennis and golf, await your days
on this island, which is just an hour's boat ride away from Salvador de
Bahia in the North East of Brazil. In the evenings, the fine sandy beach
is the ideal place for throwing yourself into the wild rhythms of the
samba or listening to a Bahian percussion group, before wandering back
to one of the comfortable bungalows dotted throughout the coconut grove.
Nestled in the shade of a magnificent coconut grove, the 334 bungalows are located along a river which runs through the Resort. They are in Brazilian architectural style which integrates seamlessly into the Samba atmosphere. A comfortable and stylish Club Room. Decoration made from exotic woods, with beautiful natural colors, you live your vacation in peace. In the heart of the coconut groves, with a view of the gardens and the lagoon. This accommodation is also available as 2 bedroom Club. Consider the advantages of a renovated Club room. Live your vacation to the rhythm of Brazilian music. For additional information, or to make a reservation, click on Club Med Information and Reservations |
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Rodovia Rio Santos
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74 miles to the south of Rio de Janeiro, the resort of
Club Med Rio das Pedras nestles amid lush greenery set at the edge of a long beach at the
heart of Brazil's second largest protected ecological reserve. The
resorts colonial style bungalows mingle in harmony with the surrounding
wildlife. The large seafront swimming pool lies next to the restaurant
where after a day of water-skiing or excursions*, a variety of buffets
await you at La Jangada. Here in this unique location, the live music
and warmth of the Brazilian welcome will sweep you away into another
world, where mountains, forest, river and ocean converge into one.
Private unsupervised beach of fine sand 2000 feet long, bounded by
impressive rocks forming little inlets. The beach is equipped with
loungers and showers. Many trees line the beach, offering shady nooks.
Gardens consisting of bougainvillea and hibiscus plants and many
fruit trees such as banana and lemon. Many water features and subtle
lighting enhance this landscape. Exotic surroundings in this Resort with colonial-style bungalows. The 320 rooms are divided into several Solares (group of buildings) in a splendid neo-colonial architecture. The rooms are all on the right hand side of the resort ( when you are back to the sea). A Club Room located away from the resort centre, benefiting from a view of the gardens and mountain. You also have the option of a Family room. Specially designed with families in mind, this offers your kids the chance to make the most of their vacation, and happy parents the time to completely unwind. Additional options include a Sea Club Room, situated close to the resort centre, next to the sea. In the heart of a buzzing resort, you are completely free to live your vacation to the full and be overcome with a sense of wellbeing. The Deluxe Room located in the central area of the Resort is comfortable, elegant and close to the sea. The Family Deluxe Room is particularly suitable for families. For additional information, or to make a reservation, click on Club Med Information and Reservations |
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Trancoso
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Trancoso, discovered by a Portuguese sailor in
1500, has remained pure and genuine. Tucked away in a coconut grove well
away from the tourist roads, the thatched roofs of the Club Med
Trancoso village's bungalows are like a relaxing haven perching on superb cliff tops. Down
below, a long sandy beach runs along the ocean's edge, a sight that can
also be enjoyed from the neighboring golf course. The place is teeming
with wildlife, with sloths clinging to the branches and multicolored
parrots setting the sometimes wild, sometimes peaceful pace of nature,
in a subtle Brazilian blend.
A beautiful public beach of fine sand (one of the best in Brazil),
about 8 miles long, with palm trees and other vegetation. The beach is
equipped with loungers, parasols, showers and a beach bar.
Gardens of tropical vegetation such as coconut palms and mango trees
with wide spaces of lawn. Many pools and subtle lighting enhance the
landscape. Perched on cliffs overlooking the sea, this sumptuous resort offers a new vision of Brazil, one of extreme refinement. Around you, a tropical green paradise stretches to infinity. At your feet lies a vast beach; a resort of 250 rooms all located in bungalows. The bungalows are 8 small 2-storey buildings divided into two quarters within a nature reserve. They are small brightly colored buildings with thatched roofing that blend well with the local beauty and ambience. The bungalows in the central quarter are the Ondas and Conchas, the garden bungalows are the Areias, Estrelas, Golfinhos, Cabalos and Peixes. The Club Room is a large room in a quiet location to enjoy the magic of Brazil at an unbeatable price. The Family Club Room, located in the heart of the gardens or in the resort central bungalows, between forest and sea; let yourself be transported by the magic of the place. Also available as two bedroom club rooms. In the centre of the Resort, the Deluxe Room bungalows located between the forest and the sea; let yourself be transported by the magic of the place. Also available as interconnecting units. For additional information, or to make a reservation, click on /strong> Club Med Information and Reservations |
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Dining
in Brazil
Dining can be an experience in Brazil and much of it is very good. Try some of the local cooking and have fun.
Here is what you might expect to pay for restaurant
meals:
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Budget: US$5-10 |
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Mid-range: US$10-20 |
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Top-end: US$20 and upwards |
Things
to See and Do
Hang gliding is popular and there are great
spots for hang gliding in Rio, especially around Pedra Bonita, near Pepino
beach.
Surfing is popular all along the coast. Waves are especially good in the southern state of Santa Caterina, but there is also plenty of surf close to Rio. Sailing is big in Búzios and off the larger resorts along the coast. Inland, the Rio Araguaia in Goiás and Tocantins is known as a fishing paradise.
There are excellent opportunities for rock climbing in and near Rio and in the national and state parks, and hiking is great along the coast.
Futebol (soccer) is the national obsession and if you can play the game or talk about it meaningfully, you'll become an instant hit.
www.SailingAdventure.com is a great web site where you can
discover the pleasure of sailing with full comfort and safety in the most beautiful places off the coast of Brazil. Visit heaven-like islands, bays and beaches and practice your favorite water sports in crystal-clear, warm waters. With maximum service and safety, you, your family and your friends will certainly appreciate relaxing and enjoying yourselves on board one of our fantastic, modern and comfortable sailboats. Choose the one you like best, with or without a crew.
When it comes to travel guides and other travel resource information, I personally prefer the travel guides and books put out by Fodor.
Click on Brazil Adventures for some interesting ideas on ways to see Brazil.
Home Exchanges in Brazil - Why stay in a hotel when you can live just like you would at home? Browse the most popular home exchange searches on the Digsville Home Exchange Club. Affordable holidays don’t need to be a risk - Join the Digsville Home Exchange Network. Click Here for more information.
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Commission
free foreign currency delivered to your door. Transfer money to over 150 countries with Direct FX. Simple,
secure and cost-effective money transfer service provided to you from
Getting Away and Direct FX.
Click here to order commission free foreign currency and travelers' checks. |
Incredibly low airfares, Taca.com's e-speciales give you more time to enjoy your trip and relax at your destination. If your travel plans are flexible, we offer you rock-bottom prices to destinations across the 3 Americas!
Rio De Janeiro Hotels - Make your reservations in a great hotel in Rio De Janeiro today and, even better, get great discounts by reserving through Getting Away! Click here for hotels in selected other worldwide locations.
| Book Hostels in Brazil Online You can also find a hostel almost anywhere in the world through Experience Paradise, a partner of Getting Away. |
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| You will enjoy your visit to Brazil if you know the language - or at least, some of the language. Visit the Getting Away Language Learning Center to find out how you can make your visit more meaningful. The Getting Away Language Learning Center will give you all of the information you will need to begin learning today! |
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www.SailingAdventure.com
is a great web site where you can discover
the pleasure of sailing with full comfort and safety in the most beautiful
places off the coast of Brazil. Visit heaven-like islands, bays and beaches and practice
your favorite water sports in crystal-clear, warm waters. With maximum service
and safety, you, your family and your friends will certainly appreciate relaxing
and enjoying yourselves on board one of our fantastic, modern and comfortable
sailboats. Choose the one you like best, with or without a crew.
- Located in Ipanema, 200 meters from two of Rio de Janeiro's most beautiful beaches (Copacabana Beach and Arpoador Beach), Colinas Residencia Hotel offers 24 single, double or triple rooms. Our spacious rooms are equipped with private bathrooms with hot water, towels and sheets, air conditioners, cable TV, telephones, in-room safes and refrigerators. There is a restaurant inside the building, a garage and private security 24 hours a day. We are near the best night life points and bars. Our friendly staff will help you to have the best vacation on the most famous carnival city in the world. We'll provide you with warm and pleasant service and we'll give you all the tips and travel info to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. We speak English, hablamos Español, nous parlons Française and falamos Portugues. We have a money exchange service, travel agency, car rental service and can purchase plane tickets and book city tours for our guests.