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BRAZIL TRAVEL TIPS
A collection of important information that can make your trip more enjoyable.

Here you will find the most important informations about Brazil
Brazil General Information	Brazil Communications	Brazil Tipping
Brazil Entry Requirements	Brazil Health & Insurance	Brazil People
Getting Around Brazil	Brazil Security	Brazil Climate & Clothing
Brazil Customs Regulations	Brazil Currency/Money	Brazil Sports & Activities
Brazil Tips Before Traveling	Brazil Shopping	Brazil Time Zone

Brazil is an excellent choice all year around. You can check the weather according to your preferences. Summertime in Brazil starts in December and runs through to February. Many Brazilians are on vacation at this time, so make your reservations early enough in advance to avoid any hassles. Remember, Carnival, which occurs the week leading up to Ash Wednesday each year (either February or March), is the festival no one should miss!. If you have a plan to travel Brazil, take a moment to brush up on the travel tips that will help you be more prepared for travel anywhere in The Islands of The Brazil.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

Language: The official language is Portuguese, with different regional accents characterising each State. Spanish, English, Italian, French and German are also spoken, particularly in tourist areas. Four linguistic roots survive in the indigenous areas: Gê, Tupi-guarani, Aruak and Karib.

Electricity: Brasília and Recife 220 volts AC; Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo 127 volts AC or 220 volts in larger hotels. Plugs are of the two-pin type. Most hotels provide 110-volt and 220-volt outlets, transformers and adaptors.

GEOGRAPHY: The land, although not flat, is not known for mountains of which there are a few but not very high. There the altitude is greater, the climate is much more comfortable. It is wise in the tropics, particularly the Amazon and its tributaries, to be wary of mosquitos. The country takes up nearly half of South America and borders on 9 other countries.

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BRAZIL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Travel Visas: When coming to Brazil, you must be sure that your passport is valid for at least six months after the date of entry. Check with your local Brazilian embassy or consulate whether or not you require a visa to enter the country.

Visa Not Required: Consular visas are not required for stays of up to 90 days by tourists from Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, Uruguay, The Vatican and Venezuela.

Visas Required: US and Canadian citizens, Australians and New Zealanders and people of other nationalities not mentioned above require consular visas to enter Brazil. Click here for more Visa informations

Foreign tourists may stay a maximum of 180 days in any one year. 90-day renewals are easily obtainable from the local Polícia Federal. All visa related problems are under the jurisdiction of the Federal Police, which has an office in every major airport.

Getting there and getting around: Most of the American and European airlines fly into and out of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro daily. There are various domestic airlines within Brazil, the principal ones being Varig, Tam, Vasp and Gol; Varig also has the most extensive network of domestic flights. Booking the best flights to suit your schedule is a service that Discover Brazil provides. Transfer services in air-conditioned vehicles, taxis, bus services and car rentals are also services we provide.

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GETTING AROUND BRAZIL

Flying within Brazil isn't cheap, but the huge size of the country makes taking at least a couple of flights almost a necessity. Shop around at travel agents for promotional specials; otherwise, if you plan to take more than a couple of internal flights, a Brazil Airpass is a money-saver. Domestic departure tax is 4.50-5.00, depending on the airport, and is often included in the price of your ticket.

Except in the Amazon Basin, buses are the primary form of long-distance transport for most Brazilians, and services are generally both excellent and inexpensive, with all major cities linked by frequent buses. Conversely, there are very few railway passenger services in Brazil, and the trend to cut more and more services continues; however, enthusiasts should not despair, as some wonderful railway routes 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, where road travel is generally not a practical option.

Driving around Brazil is, ahem, an experience: it's anarchic and spectacularly dangerous, particularly at night, when many drivers prefer not to use their lights. Though a convenient way to get to many parts of the country, driving should only be undertaken by those with strong nerves, tidy documents and adequate insurance. It goes without saying that cycling is even more dangerous than driving; don't try it.


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BRAZIL CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

NOTE: Consult your nearest Brazilian Consulate for more updated informations.

Traveler's Luggage: The definition of personal baggage for customs purpose applies only to the traveler's personal effects intended for consumption or use by the traveler, including those items necessary for the conduct of his or her business, but in any case compatible with the circumstances of his or hers trip.

The following goods are excluded from the definition of personal baggage:
1) items that are perceived to be for commercial or industrial use, on account of its quantity, nature or variety,
2) motor propelled vehicles (including cars, motor bikes, etc.), airplanes, motor boats of any kind, all motor propelled water vehicles, as well as motors for use on boats
3) cigarettes and alcohol produced in Brazil for the export market alcohol, and cigarettes and its derivatives, whenever the traveller is under 16 years old items purchased at a port of entry's duty free shop

On arrival, all travelers must produce for Customs a completed and signed Accompanied Baggage Declaration form.
For children under 16 years, one of the parents or legal guardian will sign the Accompanied Baggage Declaration (if traveling alone, the child will not be required to produce the Accompanied Baggage Declaration, but will have to comply with customs regulations)
Items purchased at a port of entry's duty free shop shall not be included in the Accompanied Baggage Declaration; its entry status will be determined by separate legislation (in general, the shop managers will provide some guidance in this area)

On arrival, all travelers must proceed to the "Goods to Declare" line, whenever bringing any of the following items:
animals, plants, seeds, food or medicine subject to sanitary inspection, arms and ammunition items eligible for the regime of temporary admission, items that do not qualify as personal baggage motor propelled vehicles, boats and motors for boats, as well as airplanes.

Tax exemption: The following items included in the personal baggage (as per concept above) of an international traveler will benefit from duty exemptions:

Items made in Brazil.

Foreign items admitted under any of the following circumstances: with a proof that they had originally left Brazil as baggage, with a proof that they originally left Brazil to be repaired abroad, with a proof that they are replacements, under guarantee, for goods previously imported books, magazines and newspapers, clothes and toiletries, other goods up to the limit of U.S. $500.00 (for flight or maritime arrivals) or U.S.$150.00 (for land or inland waterway arrivals). A 30-day interval between trips is required in order to renew this exemption.

Items included in the personal baggage of a non-resident can benefit from a temporary admission regime (no duties are applied for a specific period). Items for consumption and/or gifts are not eligible (the U.S.$500.00 or U.S.$150.00 limits, as specified above, will apply).

Temporary admission procedures include: Listing of item(s) in the Accompanied Baggage Declaration form and presentation of item(s) to Customs' control at the "Goods to Declare" line upon arrival, proof of residence status abroad (a Brazilian national will be required to produce a permanent visa) whenever the nature, value of quantity or the goods are deemed not compatible with the circumstances of the trip, the payment of a guarantee deposit.

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BRAZIL TIPS BEFORE TRAVELLING

Check with the nearest Brazilian consulate in your area for visa and vaccination requirements before traveling. If you are a US citizen, you will need a visa to get in, so please be well informed of the requirements well in advance of your travel.
Brazil does not require you to have any vaccinations to enter the country; however, if you are planning to travel to the Amazon region, a Yellow Fever inoculation is advisable. Make sure you plan this in advance because the vaccine only becomes effective after 10 days. Consult with your local doctor whether or not you should take anti-malaria medicine.

All banks and money exchange houses will change traveler’s checks and foreign currency. It is wise to carry some cash in case you want to go out of the major cities and towns. Generally, Master Card, Amex, Diners and Visa are accepted. Traveler’s checks are accepted at hotels, banks and tourist agencies. (A number of banks including Banco do Brasil accept foreign cards in their ATM machines).
It is advisable to always carry smaller bills, as restaurants and shops rarely have change for large bills. If you are sending your little ones alone or accompanied only by your spouse, please make sure you have a written authorization from the non-accompanying parent or legal guardian granting permission to travel. This document must be translated into Portuguese, notarized and authenticated by a Brazilian consulate, and you will need to show it to the airport authorities when you leave Brazil and go back home with your kids. Take out medical and travel insurance (offered by Discover Brazil). Make sure it covers all eventualities especially evacuation to your home country by a medically equipped plane, if necessary. Take clothes suitable for the climates you are planning to visit. Take sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Don’t wear expensive items such as jewelry, and be discreet with cameras, like in any major city around the world, don’t tempt thieves. Drink plenty of water when you’re in Brazil (tap water is unsafe to drink).
Electricity can vary within cities. Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo use 110 volts AC, Bahia (Salvador) and Manaus 127 volts AC, in Brasilia and Recife 220 volts AC. Most hotels do provide 110-volt & 220-volt outlets or adaptors. Check with your hotel which voltage is used in your room to avoid damaging your electronic equipment.

If you want to dial internationally, it is necessary to dial 00 – 21 – country code – city code – phone number. For local calls within the city, just dial the telephone number. Between Brazilian states you need to dial a carrier code (021, 031, etc) then the state code and the phone number.

Brazil uses the metric system, Celsius temperature, and military or British time. Visitors will find that Brazilians are very friendly people - easy to approach, respectful of visitors and always willing to help if possible.

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BRAZIL COMMUNICATIONS

Telephone: Full IDD services are available for the whole country and abroad. Country code: 55. Outgoing international code: 00. Embratel is one of the main telecommunication services in Brasil (.br). Offices of Embratel are in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Rio’s airport provides 24-hour telecommunication services. Public telephones take telephone cards (cartões telefônicos) most of which cost R$20. Some older telephones may require metal discs (fichas), which can be obtained from cash desks or newspaper kiosks. International calls from Brazil are expensive: to the UK, the rate is approximately US$3 per minute, to the USA and Canada it is approximately US$2.50 per minute. 25 per cent cheaper calls can be made daily from 2000-0500.

Mobile telephone: US-style analogue and digital networks exist. There are many different network providers, including TCO and Americel . GSM 1800 networks have recently been established. Main operators include Oi .

Fax: Facilities are available in the main post offices of major cities and some 5-star hotels.

Internet: ISPs include Terra . Hotels generally provide Internet access to guests. Internet cafes can be found in main towns and cities, and there are often Internet booths at airports. In smaller towns, public access is sometimes available at post offices.

Telegram: International telegram facilities exist in many cities but are heavily taxed.

Post: Services are reasonably reliable. Sending mail registered or franked will eliminate the risk of having the stamps steamed off. Airmail service to Europe takes 4 to 6 days. Surface mail takes at least 4 weeks. Post office hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1300.

Press: The only English newspaper is The Brazil Herald in Rio de Janeiro. Also in Rio de Janeiro there is an English-language publication, the Rio Visitor, which gives tourist information. The Brazil Post is a global news service providing information on the latest stories and current affairs in Brazil . International magazines and newspapers are also available throughout the country.

Radio: BBC World Service and Voice of America can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online.

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BRAZIL BUSINESS PROFILE

Economy: Brazil has the world’s 10th-largest economy. Agriculture remains the largest sector in terms of employment and Brazil is the world’s second-largest exporter of agricultural products, principally coffee, sugar, soya beans, orange juice, beef, poultry and cocoa. Sisal, tobacco, maize and cotton are also produced. Orange juice and coffee are key export earners. There is also a substantial industrial sector, concentrated in machinery, electrical goods, construction materials, rubber and chemicals, and vehicle production. The country also possesses large mineral reserves including iron ore – of which Brazil is the world’s largest exporter – bauxite, gold, titanium, manganese, copper and tin. Plans to develop Brazil’s potentially vast oil and gas resources will serve to reduce the country’s large current energy import bill but face opposition both at home and abroad on environmental grounds.
After difficulties throughout the 1980s, as the economy adjusted to new liberal economic policies, Brazil recorded a fairly strong economic performance during most of the 1990s. Industrial efficiency and financial management were improved while the government bolstered its coffers through a programme of privatisation. However, little of this money was directed towards investment and Brazil has suffered the consequences of years of under-investment in infrastructure and public services. In 1994, the government introduced a new currency, the Real, to replace the Cruzeiro. Despite several bouts of serious speculative attack – the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the 1999 Mexico financial crisis and in the run-up to the 2002 election – the Real has survived with the support of several bail-outs from the IMF and World Bank, which have, as ever, demanded austerity measures in return. The Lula government, which took office with a series of radical social programmes at the beginning of 2003, was soon forced to make budget cuts. Its main target has been the country’s costly pension system, which is now being overhauled.
The economy has recorded slow growth – below 2 per cent – during the last two years. Inflation remains stubbornly high but not unmanageable, at 15 per cent. Brazil’s principal trading partners are the USA, Japan and Germany, as well as its fellow members of the newly formed southern Latin American trading bloc, MERCOSUR. Brazil also has important trading links with a number of Arab countries, notably Saudi Arabia.

Business: Business suits are worn when meeting senior officials and local heads of business, for semi-formal social functions and in exclusive restaurants and clubs. Exchange of business cards is usual. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1800.


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BRAZIL SOCIAL PROFILE

Food & Drink: With the intense mixture of nationalities which make up Brazil, food is an international feast. Some of the main dishes which should be experienced are: 'cosido' - huge meat and vegetable stew or 'caruru' - a meat stew of herbs and spices in oil. If you like sweet things, you'll love Brazilian desserts which tend to be very sweet. Restaurants - particularly in the larger cities - represent all tastes. Coffee is rich and dark and served in small cups which may be a relief because of its strength. Beer is quite good. The popular brand is called Antarctica with Pilsner and Brahma also considered well. There is a sugarcane brand called 'cachaca' which is very good and quite potent. Imported beverages are expensive. Soft drinks are different and worth trying.

Nightlife: The best entertainment occurs in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. In Rio, the major clubs do not present their main acts until after midnight, and the daily paper gives current information; small clubs (boites) provide nightly entertainment throughout the city. São Paulo nightlife is more sophisticated, with greater choice; the shows tend to start earlier.

Special Events: There are a number of lavish festivals throughout the year in Brazil, the two most notable being Bahia’s Carnival just after Christmas (from December to March) and the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro (February/March), widely regarded as the most spectacular and extravagant in the world. The following is a selection of special events occurring in Brazil in 2005; further details of other special events may be obtained from the Brazilian Tourist Board (EMBRATUR) (see Contact Addresses section):
Feb 3-8 Bahia Carnival. Feb 4-8 Carnival, Rio de Janeiro. Feb 5-6 Carnival, São Paulo. Mar 21-25 Holy Week Processions, Ouro Preto. May 21-30 Festa Do Divino Espírito Santo. Jun 27 Rio de Janeiro Pride. Sep 8 Festa de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. Sep 18-26 International Fishing Festival, Cáceres. Oct 24 Formula One: Brazilian Grand Prix. Dec Carnatel (carnival out of season); Natal, Rio do Norte.

Social Conventions: Handshaking is customary on meeting and taking one’s leave, and normal European courtesies are observed. Frequent offers of coffee and tea are customary. Flowers are acceptable as a gift on arrival or following a visit for a meal. A souvenir from the visitor’s home country will be well received as a gift of appreciation. Casual wear is normal, particularly during hot weather. In nightclubs, smart-casual (eg blazer, no tie) is acceptable. For more formal occasions the mode of dress will be indicated on invitations. Smoking is acceptable unless notified otherwise. The Catholic Church is highly respected in the community, something which should be kept in mind by the visitor.

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BRAZIL HEALTH & INSURANCE

Standards for hygiene and public health in Brazil are generally high (with the exception of small, often remote rural communities that visitors are unlikely to come across). Before leaving, however, please check with your doctor or with the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) for specific advisories, as information is constantly updated. Use common sense when eating on the street or in restaurants.

Vaccinations -- Before going check your vaccinations and get booster shots for tetanus and polio if required. Children ages 3 months to 6 years of age may be required to show proof of polio vaccination. One vaccination that is definitely required for Brazil is yellow fever. Outbreaks are sometimes reported in the Amazon, the Pantanal, Brasilia, or even Minas Gerais. Make sure you get an international certificate of vaccination as Brazilian authorities sometimes require proof of vaccination for people going to or coming from an affected area. Travelers who have been to Columbia, Bolivia, Ecuador, French Guyana, Peru, or Venezuela within 90 days prior to their arrival in Brazil are also required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination. Please keep in mind that the vaccine takes 10 days to take effect.

Dengue Fever -- Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes. It's unfortunately common in Rio de Janeiro. It's characterized by sudden onset high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, nausea/vomiting, and rash. (The rash may not appear until 3-4 days after the fever.) Proper diagnosis requires a blood test. The illness may last up to 10 days, but complete recovery can take 2 to 4 weeks. Dengue is rarely fatal.

The risk for dengue fever is highest during periods of heat and rain, where stagnant pools of water allow mosquitoes to breed. Though it strikes most often in poorer communities, the disease of late has infiltrated Rio's more affluent neighborhoods. There is no vaccine for dengue fever; symptoms can be treated with bed rest, fluids, and medications to reduce fever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol); aspirin should be avoided. The most important precaution a traveler can take is to avoid mosquito bites in dengue-prone area. Try to remain in well screened or air-conditioned areas; use mosquito repellents (preferably those containing DEET) on skin and clothing, and sleep with bed nets. For up-to-date information on the status of dengue fever in Brazil, consult the Centers for Disease Control website (www.cdc.gov) before departing.

Other Health Considerations -- If traveling to the Amazon or the Pantanal, a malaria prophylaxis (usually pills that you take daily) may be recommended as well.

Drinking Water -- The tap water in Brazil is becoming increasingly safe to drink. However, as a result of the treatment process it still doesn't taste that great and may leave your stomach upset. To be on the safe side, drink bottled or filtered water (most Brazilians do). However, you can certainly shower, brush your teeth, or rinse an apple with the water.

Brazilian Pharmacies -- If you do wind up with traveler's tummy or some other ailment (upset stomach, diarrhea, sunburn, or rash), Brazilian pharmacies are a wonder. Each has a licensed pharmacist who is trained to deal with small medical emergencies and can make recommendations for treatment. The service is free and medication is fairly inexpensive. If you take medication that may need replacement while in Brazil, ask your doctor to write out the active ingredients of the prescription, as many drugs are sold under different trade names in Brazil. Many drugs available by prescription only in the U.S. and Canada are available over the counter in Brazil. While this is incredibly convenient, the downside is that Brazilians are the world's biggest pill-poppers who will happily "prescribe" drugs for themselves or their relatives or friends at the slightest whiff of sickness.

AIDS and Other STDs -- According to recent U.N. statistics, Brazil has the dubious honor of ranking third in the world for total number of people with HIV infections. An estimated 20% of those cases are women. Though condom usage is becoming more accepted -- thanks in part to the examples shown in a number of popular nighttime soaps on TV -- the unfortunate reality is that some people still won't use them, and AIDS and other STDs are still being spread. So be careful and be safe -- always insist on using a condom. Though condoms are readily available in Brazilian pharmacies, it's best to bring your own; brands are more reliable in North America and Europe. To purchase condoms in Brazil ask for camisinha (kah-mee-zeen-ya -- literally a small shirt, it's the commonly used term for condom).

Other Health Considerations -- The Brazilian sun is very strong, particularly in summer (the North American winter, when most travelers from above the equator are quite pale). Sunscreen of at least SPF 15 should be applied frequently. Tourists rarely encounter snakes and are even more rarely bitten. You'll find ticks most everywhere in Brazil but the only place I considered them a nuisance was hiking in highland areas like the Chapada Diamantina inland from Salvador (see chapter 8) or the Chapada Guimarães near Cuiabá. Thankfully, few if any reports of tick-related diseases exist in Brazil. If a tick does latch its parasitic head onto you, remember to a put a match or cigarette close to the tick's rear before you squish it; this will withdraw its head from your skin.

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BRAZIL SECURITY

Travel in Brazil is generally safe, although, as with most cities, there is a problem with petty crime. This is particularly the case on public transport, where pickpocketing is rife. Tourist areas are also subject to higher rates of crime. If you are subject to a robbery or mugging, do not resist. Take sensible precautions such as carrying the minimum of cash and valuables around.

Some parts of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo are unsafe, especially after dark, and you should ask your hotelier for advice about places to avoid.

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BRAZIL CURRENCY/MONEY

Currency: The Brazilian Real (R). There is a strong attempt to place the Real at par with the US$. However, the last devaluation places it realistically at about 1.8 to the US$. US$ is often accepted, but it is best to have Brazilan Real handy.

Money Exchange: The banks, hotels and "Cambios" usually have the same rates. Beware of difficulty in using travelers checks which are often troublesome when you want to cash them in other than hotels.

Credit Cards: Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diners Club. Even street vendors seem to take them here, but always check in advance


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BRAZIL SHOPPING

Brazil offers excellent shopping opportunities, particularly for leather goods such as shoes, belts, purses, and wallets. Clothing is also very affordable and often of good quality. Styles follow the opposite seasonal calendar so those visiting Brazil in the Northern Hemisphere winter can stock up on an excellent summer wardrobe. Sizes follow the European numbering (36, 38, 40, and so on) or are marked P (pequeno = small), M (medio = medium), and G (grande = large).

It is impossible to go anywhere in Brazil for more than a few days without coming across one of the H.Stern and Amsterdam Sauer stores selling gemstones and jewelry. Brazil does indeed have a phenomenal variety of stones, and these stores are worth a visit as they offer the largest selection of top-quality stones and jewelry. Both have their flagship stores in Rio de Janeiro. CDs of Brazilian artists are best purchased in the large cities where prices are more competitive, ranging from R$12 (US$4) for certain promotional series to R$35 (US$12) for a full-priced CD. Illegal bootleg recordings of the same artists are widely sold at markets and street fairs. Regional crafts vary from woodcarvings to textiles to jewelry and leather products. Buying locally will guarantee the best selection and prices. Though it's not like Egypt or Southeast Asia, a little bit of haggling is acceptable, particularly with street vendors. Even in stores one can ask for a discount when buying more than one item or when paying cash. Shops will often advertise prices "a vista" -- this means cash purchases only and can be 10% to 20% cheaper than when paying by credit card.

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BRAZIL TIPPING

A service charge is included at most restaurants but it is recommended to leave some loose change. Those who should be regularly tipped are barbers, hairdressers, porters, guides and cloakroom attendants.

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BRAZIL PEOPLE

Brazil has the largest population in South America and is the fifth most populous country in the world. The people are also diverse in origin, and Brazil often boasts that the new “race” of Brazilians is a successful amalgam of African, European, and indigenous strains, a claim that is truer in the social than the political or economic realm. Portuguese is the official language and nearly universal; English is widely taught as a second language. Most of the estimated 150,000 indigenous peoples (chiefly of Tupí or Guaraní linguistic stock) are found in the rain forests of the Amazon River basin; 12% of Brazil's land has been set aside as indigenous areas. Some 90% of the population is at least nominally Roman Catholic. There are more than 50 universities in the country.

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BRAZIL CLIMATE & CLOTHING

Climate: Varies from arid scrubland in the interior to the impassable tropical rainforests 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, April to July in the northeast and November to March in the Rio/São Paulo area.

Clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens with waterproofing for the rainy season. Warm clothing is needed in the south during winter (June to July). Specialist clothing is needed for the Amazon region. Warm clothing is advised if visiting the southern regions in winter time. The sunlight is extremely bright and sunglasses are recommended.

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BRAZIL SPORTS & ACTIVITIES

Jungle treks: The Amazon rainforest is the world’s largest biological reserve. It contains one-third of all living species on the earth and is crossed by 10 of the world’s 20 largest rivers, including the River Amazon (the largest river in the world). The usual base for trips to the Amazon is the city of Manaus, where numerous tour operators can arrange anything from standard day trips to month-long expeditions to more remote areas. It is best to hire a local guide (trips without guides are only allowed on certain trails). During the rainy season (February to April), the flooded rainforest can be explored by boat or canoe. Several jungle lodges and hotels offer ecotourism packages, though many of these tend to be expensive. River cruises to the so-called ‘wedding of the waters’, where the clear waters of the Rio Negro meet the muddy Amazon, are popular. For information on wildlife, see the Resorts & Excursions section.

Hiking and climbing: The best time for hiking and climbing is from April to October. Rio de Janeiro is the centre of Brazilian rock climbing: over 300 climbs can be reached within 40 minutes from the city centre. There are many great hiking trails in the national parks and along the coastline. The Iguaçu Falls on the Parana River near the junction of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay is one of the world’s greatest waterfalls, with 275 cataracts. Boat trips to the falls from Rio are available and take 2 days. Good aerial views can be enjoyed from a helicopter tour of the falls that can be booked on location.

Watersports: Brazil is one of the world’s top surfing destinations. The best places to surf in Brazil include Joaquina Beach (near Florianópolis in Santa Catarina state, which hosts the annual Brazilian surfing championships); Saquarema (in Rio state); Búzios (a chic resort area on the Cabio Frio Peninsula); Itacoatiara; and a string of beaches near Rio de Janeiro. There are hundreds of beaches along the coastline suitable for many types of watersports, some of the best being at Buzios; Angra (on the Costa Verde, which is fairly uncrowded, with access to hundreds of offshore islands); Fortaleza; Niteroi (near Rio, with three good beaches); and Itamaraca Island (north of Recife). Diving can be practised in Fernando de Noronha (a small archipelago off Brazil’s north eastern coast in Pernambuco state, where a strict environmental protection programme allows a maximum of 420 visitors at a time); Angra dos Reis (a seaside village in Rio de Janeiro state, part of Ilha Grande Bay, with possible diving trips to 300 surrounding islands); Bonito (located in the fairly untouched and undeveloped Panatal region); Recife (the ‘birthplace’ of Brazil, offering excellent diving in the vicinity); and Parcel Manoel Luís. Diving clubs are located all along the coastline. For further information, contact the Brazilian Tourist Board – EMBRATUR (see Contact Addresses section).

Golf: Rio de Janeiro’s spectacular location makes for a number of dazzling golf courses. The Gávea Golf & Country Club, located beneath the massive Gávea rock and next to São Conrado beach, has an 18-hole course; non-members are not allowed at Itanhangá Golf Club has a 9- and an 18-hole course, located near Barra da Tijuca beach.

Carnaval and music: Such a Brazilian cultural anomaly that it deserves a section by itself. Carnaval is held 4 days before Ash Wednesday each year and lasts from 4 days in the South, to 2 weeks in northern cities such as Salvador and Recife. Brazilians themselves remark that the Recife and Olinda celebrations are the most distinctive but it is cities like Rio or Salvador that receive the most foreign visitors. However in every town and village in Brazil, Carnaval is a time to celebrate and the visitor will see processions and blocos in every region during Carnaval time.
Accommodation is traditionally prepaid in 4- or 5-day blocks and overland travel during Carnaval is notoriously difficult, although always entertaining!

Music: Brazil is the perfect place to sample the samba, bossa nova or lambada and the major cities, particularly Rio de Janeiro, are full of cafes with live music and dancing. Gefieiras are samba parlours where visitors can either watch or join in. In Rio, many gefieiras are located on the south side. The Copacabana beach, where parties are staged nearly 24 hours a day, is also a good location for sampling some Latin American entertainment. An exciting way to experience the genuine samba is by attending a rehearsal at the escolas de samba (samba schools), which open their doors to visitors a couple of months before the beginning of Rio de Janeiro’s carneval. Bandas, the non-professional equivalent of the samba schools, are also a good place to practice. Tickets for the carnival go on sale 2 weeks before the beginning. The best costumes and most spectacular samba parades can be seen at the Sambódromo (Sambadrome), a stadium on Rua Marquês de Sapucaí, where 14 samba schools parade on Carnival Sunday and Monday; the parades go on for 24 hours and tickets should be bought well in advance. It is possible for visitors to take part in a parade. 1 week of preparation should be allowed and hotels can often make all the necessary arrangements. During carnival, foreign visitors should be alert to pickpockets and not carry more money than needed.

Football: A good way to experience the Brazilian Maracana Stadium, the largest in the world.

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BRAZIL TIME ZONE

Brazil spans several time zones:
Eastern Standard Time: GMT - 3 (GMT - 2 from third Sunday in October to third Saturday in March).
Western Standard Time: GMT - 4 (GMT - 3 from third Sunday in October to third Saturday in March).
North East States and East Parà: GMT - 3.
Amapa and West Parà: GMT - 4.
Acra State: GMT - 5.
Fernando de Noronha Archipelago: GMT - 2.

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