Brazil Travel Guide

The delicious Brazilian churrasco (barbeque)

noreply@blogger.com (Beto Byron) — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 20:38:00 +0000

BRAZIL TRAVEL GUIDE

BRAZILIAN BARBECUE - CHURRASCO

When the churrasco (barbeque) was first introduced in the gaucho Pampas – which covers part of Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina – it was not like the one we know today.

At that time, around the 17th century, people were not worried about commercializing beef like today; what mattered was the animal’s hide and fat. For such, they used to have ‘vacarias’, which was when large numbers of cattle were killed in order to remove what really had commercial value at the time.

After that, the ‘vaqueiros’ (cowboys) would carve out the easiest piece of meat to remove and roast it in a hole opened in the ground, seasoning it with the ashes from the fire. This can be considered the most remote origin of the churrasco (barbeque).

As time went by, the number of people that enjoyed this novelty began to increase; its preparation was improved and the meat was handled more hygienically. Little by little the churrasco (barbeque) became one of the most famous and liked dishes in the gaucho region. In the 1960s, the rodizios (the serving of a variety of meats at the table) became the main attraction in the State of Rio Grande do Sul menus, especially in restaurants located along the side of the roads, which are basically truck stops – the ones who disseminated the novelty to the rest of Brazil.

This new churrasco (barbeque) modality (rodízio) consisted of serving all tables at the same time; the waiters would come around with several skewers of different types of meat, offering it to whoever wanted the cut, and as much as they wanted. Today, this practice is found throughout the country, and it is loved by admirers of good roasted meat.

Together with the traditional cuts of beef, items such as chicken, pork, sausages, chicken hearts as well as other types of wild meat like boar and alligator, were incorporated to the churrasco (barbeque). Today, a modern churrascaria (restaurant where churrasco is served) works with at least 10 different varieties of meat, besides all the side dishes – salads, rice, beans, manioc flour and much more - making it one of the most popular dishes in the country. At present, Brazil is the world’s largest meat producer.

The Brazilian herd consists of 165 million heads of cattle, losing only to India, which has 245 million. However, Brazil has the largest commercial herd because in India the cow is considered sacred and, thus, cannot be consumed. Brazil’s meat consumption, which is 34.5 kilos per capita per year, ranks among the 10 largest in the world. In Rio Grande do Sul, churrasco (barbeque) is still part of the deep-rooted gaucho culture. In other parts of the country the dish acquired special peculiarities according to the region where it is prepared.

However, the place does not matter; what matters is that the Brazilian churrasco (barbeque) is mouth-watering and it has become a national passion. As a matter of fact, today we can find an enormous number of churrascarias (restaurants) anywhere in Brazil. Nowadays, our churrasco (barbeque) has acquired international fame.

There are many Brazilian churrascarias (restaurants) spread around several parts of the world, and they are a success, in countries like the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Italy, Switzerland, England, Macaw, Singapore, and Thailand. It is Brazilian culture permeating the world through its delicious culinary.

SALVADOR BAHIA BRAZIL TRAVEL VIDEOS

noreply@blogger.com (Beto Byron) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 01:30:00 +0000

Salvador - BAHIA - BRAZIL TRAVEL VIDEOS

The city of Sao Salvador da Baía de Todos os Santos was founded in 1549. But since the first years of the XVI century, after the Portuguese discovered new lands, the place where the urban area was later erected had been known already. It called the attention of sailors in that bay that the place was so favorable for the anchorage of ships. In that same year, Salvador became the first capital of Brazil until 1763, when the colonial administration was moved to Rio de Janeiro. During that period, the city played an important strategic role in the defense and colonization of the territory. That is why the Portuguese tried to erect a fortified city on top a hill.

The construction of the new metropolis followed well-defined plans that may be recognized in the urban space that nowadays is occupied by the Historical Center -main public and religious buildings were protected in the higher part of the city. Even though, Salvador underwent the Dutch occupation for some months in 1624. A new attack of the same Dutch in 1638 was not successful. Invaders were repelled immediately.

The Salvadorian population (in Portuguese, Soteropolitena, adapted from the Greek soteropolis, "city of salvation", according to Aurélio dictionary) is formed by the same mixture of ethnic groups that mark the base of the Brazilian people -Blacks, Indians and Europeans. In Salvador, the biggest port for entering slaves brought from Africa since the middle of the XVI century, the African cultural influence always prevailed. It is noticeable in religion, arts, food, and in many other aspects of the life of Salvadorian people. Religious syncretism is mainly expressed in candomblé (Brazilian voodoo), which mixed rites brought from Africa by slaves with Catholicism. Churches in Salvador receive followers of candomblé, like in Nossa Senhora do Bonfim, where every year women from Bahia dressed in typical costumes and do the cleaning of the steps.

In candomblé grounds with ceremonies open to the public, it is possible to help babalorixás, ialorixás and iaôsto (fathers, mothers and daughters of the saints) invoking, by means of dances and singing, orixás, entities that personify the forces of nature. Other symbol of the African culture in Salvador is capoeira. Original from Angola, it was used by slaves as a form of defense and attack. Nowadays is a very popular combination of fight and dance. Capoeira members swing from side to side and hit acrobatic blows using mainly their legs.

Meanwhile, the other members surround them in a circle and sing accompanied by percussion instruments like berimbau, agogôs and atabaques. Walking along the Historical Center, especially through old alleys and squares of Pelourinho neighborhood, is to observe constructions of the XVIII and XIX centuries: old big houses formerly belonging to sugar barons, beautiful baroque churches and majestic public buildings that serve as stage for the people who preserve its cultural roots and take them to the streets, sharing them with visitors. Capoeira, acarajé, patuá, candomblé, atabaque, moqueca, bobó and berimbau are some of the words that manifest the cultural riches of Salvador and that may be better understood by simply answering a question that is part of a song by one of Brazil's greatest composers, Dorival Caymmi: "have you been to Bahia yet?"

And it is also on the streets that Salvadorians make their parties. Salvador lives every year an intense calendar of popular events. Mostly in the period between New Year's Eve and Carnival, the city becomes venue of great celebrations, which reveal the deep religious feeling and happiness of its inhabitants. Salvador has its cosmopolitan side. One of the most sought-for Brazilian destinations by tourists from all regions in Brazil and abroad, the city receives visitors with a diversified network of accommodations that is constantly modernizing.

It is possible to opt between high-quality hotels and charming posadas set up in historical old houses. And together with its restaurants and street-stands that serve delicious regional delicacies, the visitor finds places of superior international gastronomy -French, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, among others. Besides a modern airport, the city has infrastructure for events and conventions.

VIDEO - TRAVEL TO RIO DE JANEIRO

noreply@blogger.com (Beto Byron) — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:00:00 +0000

BRAZIL TRAVEL GUIDE

VIDEO - TRAVEL TO RIO DE JANEIRO

Do you want to fall in love??? So it's just see this video and you are gonna be amazed by the natural beauty of this city that is one of the most beautifull cities in the world.

Know Rio de Janeiro by this 8 minutes video with a brazilian bossa nova soundtrack to let you calm down, and contemplate all main tourist attraction places in Rio.

Rio is also very famous by the samba schools in Carnival that happens in February every year.

Copacabana, Leblon, Barra da Tijuca, and Ipanema are the most famous beaches to know.
Tom Jobin has immortalized Ipanema with the world famous song Girl From Ipanema.

The Brazilian Portuguese is the language spoked by people and the word SAUDADE is one of the most famous and beautifull to people that speaks english cause there is no exact translation for this word in english...It means something like "miss" but not the same...

When you are in Rio, dont forget to try a drink called Caipirinha, made with lemon juice, suggar and cachaça (brazilian liquor made with cana) or Vodka.

Brazil Travel Guide - Dive in Bonito Mato Grosso do Sul

noreply@blogger.com (Beto Byron) — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 11:20:00 +0000

Brazil Travel Guide Videos

Video Dive in Bonito Mato Grosso do Sul - Rio Formoso (Formoso River)

In this video, we can see how clear are the waters there, and how that different kinds of small and big fishes are passing between divers!!! It's a really awsome place that all of us have to know before die!!! :)

ECOTOURISM IN BONITO - MS

noreply@blogger.com (Beto Byron) — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 13:05:00 +0000

BRAZIL TRAVEL GUIDE

ECOTOURISM IN BONITO - MS

A fantastic location, away 257km from Campo Grande (MS), Bonito is a small town which has been built upon the tourism industry.It's a paradise of waterfalls, calm and transparent rivers full of fishes in many colours (like Rio Formoso, Rio do Peixe, Rio da Prata) and wild life protected, such as the incredibly blue Lagoa Azul (a lagoon located inside a cave).

Tourism attractions in Bonito

Bonito is one of the main ecological destinations in Brazil. Bonito has a rare combination of crystaline rivers and lagoons, caves and forests. There is a huge variety of colorful fishes, which can be observed very closely.Places to visit:Gruta do Lago Azul (Grotto of Blue Lagoon).

This is a calcareous cave, with stalactites and stalagmites. The cave was found in 1924, and since 1978 it was declared National Heritage.Inside the cave, 340 meters from the entrance, there is the Blue Lagoon; the Blue Lagoon is 70 m deep and 120 m wide, with waters incredibly blue.Best epoch to visit the Groot is from November to January, from 8h30 am to 9h00 am; during this short time frame, the sun rays reach the entrance of the cave, illuminating the interior.Notice: access is forbidden for children under 5 y.o. There is an entrance fee of R$ 25 (2005).Floating.

The rivers of Bonito have a high concentration of calcareous; this has two effects useful for nature admirers: it facilitates the boyance and gives the water a high transparency (up to 30 meters, in some points).The practice of floating consists in, wearing mask, snorkel and neoprene suit, to float on the surface of the water while being carried by the stream.

The vision is of rare beauty: colorful fishes (piraputangas, dourados, pintados, piaus) and the rich underwater flora.Shops and tour operators rent water proof cameras.Best period for practice of floating is between June and September, the dry season, when the waters become more crystaline.Diving. Bonito is the main destination in Brazil for diving in rivers and lagoons (for diving in sea water, Fernando de Noronha is more popular).

There are specific points for people with different levels of experience (basic, advanced, certified).The flooded caves, like Abismo Anhumas and Gruta do Mimoso, are exclusive for the more experienced divers. For beginers, there are introdutory courses on the rivers da Prata and Formoso.In any case, the diving trips must be intermediated by tour operators; equipment is available for rent.There are several other activies in Bonito, all related to eco tourism.

The parks around the city have trails for trekking, usually ending in a waterfall or other landscape to be admired. Many caves and lagoons are also visited by trekkers. There are shops offering products crafted by the indians of the tribe kadiwéu, who live in the region.

BRAZIL TRAVEL GUIDE - RIO DE JANEIRO

noreply@blogger.com (Beto Byron) — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 02:21:00 +0000

BRAZIL TRAVEL GUIDE

Rio de Janeiro

Known as the “Wonderful City”, Rio de Janeiro offers attractions that have rendered the city international fame. Who has never heard about carnival in Rio, the most amazing popular party in the world?

Or who has never heard about Sugar Loaf Mountain and the statue of Christ Redeemer? Or about the beautiful beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, that have inspired musicians from all over the world?

Or, also, who has never heard about the Tijuca National Park – the largest urban area natural preservation area in the Country? Rio is all that. And much more. The city was the Brazilian capital until 1960 – when Brasilia, the current capital, was inaugurated. Because it was the capital, concentrating much power, the city’s architectonic traces include luxurious and imposing constructions – that sheltered the nobility and other important personages of those times.

Since the city’s weather is hot and pleasant all through the year, Rio does not depend on seasons to attract visitors. Its attractions can be appreciated any time of the year. Whoever visits Rio soon finds out that his/her agenda is always full – that is the pride of the local population. There is always something to be done in the city, from exhibitions, theater plays, dance and music shows to sports events for all tastes – such as free flying, much appreciated by all those who enjoy strong sensations on board a hang glider floating above the most famous landscapes of Rio.

But the Wonderful City has yet a wide range of other attractions to offer, such as cultural centers, numberless museums, churches, famous confectioners’, old streetcars and beaches – many beaches. Far from the beachesBesides the millions of visitors that thrive for the landscapes and natural beauties and the wide range of culture and history offered by this especially Brazilian city, a different type of tourist has been increasingly attracted to Rio in the last few years: the business tourist.

The capital of the State of Rio de Janeiro is also one of the greatest business centers in the Country, being constantly chosen to host important national and international conferences, congresses and meetings.

BRAZIL TRAVEL GUIDE - CURITIBA PR

noreply@blogger.com (Beto Byron) — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 16:14:00 +0000

BRAZIL TRAVEL GUIDE

CURITIBA - PARANÁ

Curitiba is a world example of town planning, education and environment. There are over 30 parks and woods with complete infrastructure for recreation and sports practice. A city of eclectic culture and strongly influenced by Italian, German, Polish and Ukrainian immigrants, from which the majority of the population is descendent. This fact is soon noticed when one arrives and observes the architecture, the gastronomy and the local habits.

Basic information

The climate is hot-temperate. Average temperature in the summer – between the months of December and March – is 21ºC.

Events

Theater FestivalIt happens annually, always in the month of March.Christmas of LightEvent with choir presentations, Christmas Crib contests and decorated homes open for visitors in December. There is an exclusive bus stopping at the main attractions. For further information, call: +55 (41) 3352-8000 .

City facts

CuritibaState: ParanáRegion: SouthPopulation: 1.587.315 inhabitantsAREA CODE: (41)DistancesAraucárias: 25kmTijucas do Sul: 59kmFlorianópolis: 310kmSão Paulo: 408kmPorto Alegre: 711km (via BR-116) and 760km (via BR-101)Rio de Janeiro: 858kmBelo Horizonte: 1.011kmBrasília: 1.392km

Accommodation / Restaurants

When it comes to gastronomy, the city is strongly influenced by Italian, German, Polish and Ukrainian immigrants, from which the majority of the population is descendent. The restaurant options are therefore varied and cater to the most exigent tastes. As for hotel options, the city is also very well served, from cheaper and cozier options to sophisticated luxury hotels.

How to get there

By Air: The city Airport receives flights from all Brazilian capitals.By Road: A city privileged in ways of transportation , Curitiba is crossed by many federal highways: BR-116, BR-376/101, BR-277, BR-476 and BR-153.

Services

Tourism Information: +55 (41) 3352-8000

Afonso Pena International Airport: +55 (41) 3381-1515

Bus and Train Station: +55 (41) 3320-3000

Clínicas Hospital: +55 (41) 3360-1800

Related links

http://www.curitiba.pr.gov.br

http://www.curitiba-parana.com

http://www.curitibainterativa.com.br/

http://www.viaje.curitiba.pr.gov.br/

http://www.guiacuritiba.com.br/guiacuritiba.htm

http://www.festivaldeteatro.com.br

http://www.curitiba-parana.com/mapas-curitiba-parana.htm

http://www.parques-curitiba.com/

Attractions

Botanic Gardens

Curitiba’s trademark, created to resemble French gardens, rolls out its flower carpet to the visitors right at the entrance. The greenhouse, with a metallic structure, has botanic species that are national reference, and also a water fountain.

The native forest is filled with paths for hiking. The Botanic Museum attracts researchers from all over the world. There is a space for exhibitions, library and a theater.

It is located at Eng. Ostoja Roguski Street, s/n°. Opens from 6am to 9pm, during summertime; and from 6am to 8pm during the rest of the year.

German Wood

The wood has various features to celebrate and promote the German traditions. There are 38 thousand square meters of native forest, which was part of the old farm from the Schaffer family. The replica of an old wooden church, built in 1933 at the Seminário neighborhood, with neo-gothich decorative elements, shelters a concert hall called Bach’s Oratorium.

Other attractions are the John and Mary path, which tells the Grimm brothers tale, a children’s library, the Philosophers Tower, a wooden observatory allowing a panoramic view of the city and the Ocean Ridge, and the German Poetry Square, with a reproduction of the Casa Mila façade, a German building from the beginning of the last century, originally located in the city center.

It is located at Niccolo Paganini Street, corner with Franz Schubert – Vista Alegre (Jardim Schaffer). The Wood opens daily from 6am to 8pm; the Library, from 9am to 5pm; Story Time on Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm.

Barigüi Park

With an area of 1.4 million square meters, it is one of the biggest parks of the city and definitely the most visited. Not only the city residents and the tourists seek rest in the park. Guinea pigs, night herons, white herons, skunks, crown sparrows, song-thrushes and dozens of other native animals make Barigüi their home.

Among the features available in the Park there are: barbeques, kiosks, cycle and model airplanes tracks, multi-sports courts, gym equipment, car park, restaurant, playground, Automobile Museum, Exhibition and Convention Center, Steam Train Station and the Environment Municipal Council headquarters. It is located at BR-277 – Rodovia do Café, Km 0 – Bigorrilho.

Barreirinha Park

Regarded as the most beautiful park of the city, one can appreciate araucarias, cinnamon, bracatingas, Paraguay tea plants and other native species. The green area, serving as an important regulator of the air quality in the region, is used by students and university teachers in practical Botanic lessons.

The Municipal Forest, next to the park, has a scientific and educational role – it is responsible for the research and production of vegetable species. Among its features there are woods with over 200 thousand square meters of typical vegetation, children’s library, playground, rustic cabin, snack bar, barbeques and car park.

It is located at 6010 Anita Garibaldi Avenue – Barreirinha. Opens daily, from 6am – 6pm.

Gutierrez Wood / Chico Mendes Memorial / Dolls TheaterImplemented in the wood on the 22nd of March, 1989, the Chico Mendes Memorial pays homage to the amazonian rubber extraction leader, who was killed in Xapuri, Acre. It comprises 18 thousand square meters of green area, with paths and a natural spring, supplying 1,350 liters of mineral water hourly. It is home to the Amazônica School and the Dadá Dolls Theater. It is located at Albino Raschendorfer Street, s/n°. – Vista Alegre. Opens daily, from 6am – 6pm.

Pope’s Wood

Polish immigration memorial, inaugurated on 13th of December, 1980, following the visit from Pop John Paul II to Curitiba, on the previous July. The area of 46,337 square meters was part of the dispossession involving the old Estearina candle factory.

The seven log houses composing the memorial are a live rememberance of the faith and battle of the Polish immigrants, with objects such as the old cart, the sour cabbage pipe and the image of the patron saint, the Black Virgin of Czestochowa. In Curitiba, the Polish immigration started in 1871. It is located at Wellington Oliveira Vianna Street, s/n°.- Centro Cívico. Opens daily from 6am – 8pm; Memorial Tuesday to Sunday, from 9am to 6:30pm.

Portugal Wood

Homage to the Portuguese-Brazilian bonds, this space is highlighted by a track following a small brook, where one can see drawn on tiles excerpts from famous Portuguese language poets, as well as a tribute to the great Portuguese navigators and their discoveries. It is located at Ozório Duque Estrada Street, s/n°. – Jardim Social. Opens daily.

Municipal libraries, located at schools or public places, with a reference collection of five thousand books inspired by two ancient landmarks: the library and the lighthouse from Alexandria. The modular building, with a metallic structure, has a height of 17 meters and 98 square meters of built area.

The internal division is simple: the ground floor – where the books are, a hall and a spiral staircase, leading to the top of the tower, where there is a lair, covered with a metallic vault and above it a rooster.

The Farol das cidades, the only one of its kind, is different from the others because of its collection, made of videos and CD-ROMs, equipped with computers and connected to the Internet and to the City Hall geoprocessing, with free access to the population. It is located at João Gava Street, s/n° - Abranches. Opens from Monday to Friday, from 9am to 9pm, and on Saturday, 9am to 1pm.

Jerusalem Fountain

Pays homage to the 3,000 years of Jerusalem. The construction in concrete and masonry has a height of 14.5 meters and was designed bythe architect Fernando Canalli. At the top there are three bronze angels, of approximately 600 kilos each, sculpted by the artist Lys Áurea Buzzi, representing the three main monotheistic religions in the world, who believe in the existence of angels and for which Jerusalem is a sacred city: Christianism, Judaism and Islamism. It is located at Sete de Setembro Avenue, corner with Arthur Bernardes Avenue – Seminário.

BRAZIL TRAVEL GUIDE - INFORMATIONS-ABOUT-BRAZIL

noreply@blogger.com (Beto Byron) — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 13:40:00 +0000

BRAZIL TRAVEL GUIDE - INFORMATIONS ABOUT BRAZIL

Very few tourist destinations can offer such varied options as Brazil. Its natural beauties, the enormous popular festivities and the countless protected environmental reserves are valuable attractions that astound the foreign tourist when it comes time to choose a vacation destination.

Everyone has already heard about Rio de Janeiro, Carnival, the Amazon or the country’s paradisiacal beaches.

Recent surveys carried out by Embratur (Brazilian Tourism Institute) show that the most sought after Brazilian location is Rio de Janeiro. Also called the Marvelous City, this capital of the state of Rio de Janeiro has some breathtaking scenery and is also home to the largest popular festivity in the world:

Carnival. The grandiose celebration, which gathers thousand of merrymakers every year to dance and watch the Samba School parades, attracts a significant number of foreign visitors to the grandstands and box seats that line the Marquês de Sapucaí Avenue.

Carnival is also present in the schedules of several other Brazilian cities, attracting the interest of a great many foreigners who visit Brazil. São Paulo follows Rio’s example, and it too puts on some lively Samba School parades; in Pernambuco, the merrymakers in Olinda and Recife, who dance in the streets in costumes, following music groups on floats and maracatus, and carrying the famous gigantic dolls from the region are the ones who stand out; in Salvador, capital of Bahia, the fun is provided by trios elétricos, mobile stages that pull thousands of people along behind them to the sound of the axé music from Bahia until sunrise.

The country’s beautiful beaches and natural wonders also call people’s attention and attract 35% of the tourists, according to surveys carried out by Embratur. With a coastline that extends more than seven thousand kilometers, Brazil has the privilege of being able to offer several leisure options in this segment. Among the most visited beaches in the country, we have the famous beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, along the Rio de Janeiro coast; Joaquina, in the south of the country, famous for holding national and international surf championships; Praia do Forte, along the north coast of Bahia, headquarters for the Tamar Project for the preservation of sea turtles; and the wonderful beaches in the Fernando de Noronha archipelago.

And one cannot forget about Ecotourism, the segment that has attracted most new followers over the past few years. According to data from the Ecotourism Society, average annual growth has been between 10% and 15%. Those interested in this type of traveling total 5% of the entire world tourist flow, or approximately 35 million people. And Brazil is one of the destinations with greatest potential in this segment, since it has one of the world icons for ecology and biodiversity: the Amazon, located in the north of the country, with around 5.5 million square kilometers. It is estimated that the forests alone in the Amazon region have 60% of all life forms on the planet – more than half of which are still unknown to science.

BRAZIL TRAVEL TIPS - FORTALEZA - CEARA

noreply@blogger.com (Beto Byron) — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 11:07:00 +0000

BRAZIL TRAVEL TIPS - FORTALEZA - CEARÁ

IRACEMA BEACH

Famous for being the poets and intellectuals’ favorite beach, Iracema beach is a portrait of the city’s wild side. There are some important houses conserved by the state and county. A sidewalk has recently been built up to the Englishmen Bridge, where you can take a good hike. It’s a straight beach, limited by breakwaters, with strong waves, dark coarse sand.

There are hotels and lodges next to the beach. Distances: from Beira Mar - 0 km From downtown – 1km Bus lines: Grande Circular I and II, Circular I and II, Top Bus, Praia Circular

Credits: Fortaleza Convention & Visitors Bureau

Brazil Travel Tips - Fernando de Noronha

noreply@blogger.com (Beto Byron) — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 02:18:00 +0000

Brazil Travel Tips - Fernando de Noronha

With many paradisiacal beaches, very rich flora and fauna and incomparable landscapes, Fernando de Noronha is on the top of the list among the most visited and admired locations sought by tourists from Brazil and from all over the world. The archipelago's good environmental conditions have called the attention of environmentalists from the whole planet, so much so that the islands were granted the title of World Heritage of Humanity, granted by Unesco, in 2002.
The Archipelago was visited for the first time around the year 1503, by Americo Vespuccio. It was invaded by French and Dutchmen, until the Portuguese, at last, took possession of it.

Many historical sites show traces of these last colonizers: Vila dos Remédios, Vila da Quixaba, Parque de Sant'Ana and the ruins of the São Pedro do Boldró, Sto. Antônio, and N.Sª da Conceição Fortresses. With 21 islands, Fernando de Noronha stands over an area of 26 km². The main island, with that same name, is the only inhabited one, and the largest of all - it has 17 km². Part of it is occupied by the Fernando de Noronha National Marine Park, considered since 1988 an Environmental Protection Area (APA), with some 8 km². The purpose of that park is to protect the local fauna, flora and remaining natural resources.

The park includes also all secondary islands. Its total area extends over 112,7 km², including its perimeter, with 60 km. It offers five predefined trails that may be visited after previous authorization given by Ibama (the Brazilian Environmental Protection Agency).

The Archipelago hosts a population of approximately 2,100 people.

Tourism is developed in a sustainable manner, offering the opportunity for a balanced encounter between men and nature in one of the most important ecological sanctuaries in the world. Noronha offer good infrastructure to service tourists: bank agency, police station, post office, tourism information office, hospital, Internet access, military police forces, a port, weather information, hotels and inns. In some inns, visitors have the chance to cohabit with local inhabitants, who have turned their humble houses into familiar or charming inns.

Flora

The predominant vegetation in Fernando de Noronha is composed of species typical of the Brazilian Northeastern arid vegetation, which loose their foliage during the dry season. In general, the local vegetation includes higher trees and bushes on the flatter surfaces. Between March and July, the island's vegetation is more exuberant, however during this period the possibility of heavy rains is considerably greater.

Fauna

In Fernando de Noronha there is a wide number of natural pools that allow for direct contact with the rich and exotic local sea fauna. The islands' waters are full of fish, sponges, algae, shellfish and coral reefs, among which the most abundant one in the archipelago, Montastrea cavernosa.

At the Baía dos Golfinhos (the “Dolphins Bay”) belvedere, “rotator” dolphins can be observed in their natural environment. One of the most beautiful scenes in the island can bee observed every day during sunrise, when groups of dolphins enter the bay, into an area of calm and protected areas.

Sea turtles may also be seen from November onwards, as they group on the water surface, when adult males compete for female partners, thus stating that specie's period of reproduction in the archipelago.

The National Center for the Conservation and Care of Sea Turtles - better known as the TAMAR/IBAMA Project - since 1984 employs every effort to protect female turtles, eggs and reproduction locations and is constantly evaluating their population. These animals are protected according to the Decree that has established a prohibition on the capture, fishing and molesting of all species of turtles in Brazilian waters.

The archipelago also hosts endemic species, animals brought about by man and, also, some migratory species.

BRAZIL TRAVEL TIPS

noreply@blogger.com (Beto Byron) — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 16:47:00 +0000

BRAZIL TRAVEL TIPS

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!

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. 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 Brazil-Discover provides. Transfer services in air-conditioned vehicles, taxis, bus services and car rentals are also services we provide.

Tips before traveling

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 Brazil-Discover).

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.

SAO PAULO - BUSINESS IN BRAZIL

noreply@blogger.com (Beto Byron) — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 21:44:00 +0000

Tourists from all over Brazil and foreign countries come to Sao Paulo each year, attracted to this capital whose economy is the size of Argentina’s. It is considered the number one consumer market in Latin America.

It is also the center of all business decisions in the private sector and its influence is significant not only for Brazil’s growth but also to the growth of the entire continent, starting with the Mercosur.

The metropolitan area of Sao Paulo is surpassing the mark of 20 million inhabitants. It is the 10th industrial city of the globe and it has a decisive influence in the construction of a new and modern cycle, comparable to that of first world countries.

Today the city where Brazil’s Industrial revolution began and prospered, grows in the service sector, following the worldwide tendency of the great international centers.São Paulo, the city of concrete and big business, also has a lot of tourist attractions. The estimate is that the tourism sector creates 200 thousand jobs, generates US$ 8,2 billion in revenue and pays US$ 425 thousand in taxes.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that Sao Paulo is all about work. The city offers excellent leisure and cultural options for both day and night. Let’s check out now a bit of what this metropolis offers.

Credit: Anhembi Turismo e Eventos

Brazil Beaches

noreply@blogger.com (Beto Byron) — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 03:10:00 +0000

Brazil beaches are year round useable [except for the southern part of the country] with 4,578 miles of coastline packed with foot-friendly sand. Beware travelling Brazil in the summer holiday Dec-Feb [school holidays and Carnival time], when domestic transportation and accommodation can be expensive and difficult to find.In summer, Dec-Feb, temperatures can reach 40C. Best March-May and Sept-Nov.

Generally sand is white and fine, the sun shines, prices are low and people are pleasant. The water, however, is the Atlantic Ocean, so will often be rough, with strong currents, a steep drop off and not very warm, unless protected by a reef. Careless tourists drown regularly!

Around Rio de Janeiro:

Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro

The world's best city beach with 4km of surprisingly spotless wide white sand. Relatively cheap, with friendly, lively locals. Plenty of accommodation, restaurants and outrageous night clubs. A great place for volley ball, and is the home of 'futevolei' [foot volley ball], too. Fun for people watching especially if you favour huge bottoms.

The down side is that you have to be cautious about thieves : use common sense - no watches, jewellery, or cameras.If you like a little more sophistication go next door to Ipanema.

Ipanema and Leblon, Rio de Janeiro

Home of the bikini and tangas- tiny bikinis- Ipanema and Leblon are adjacent and slightly more chic and relaxed than nearby Copacabana. There is a family-friendly ambience and even a meeting area for mothers and babies. Soft white sand and cool blue water.

Buzios, 100 miles [160kms] NE of Rio

Originally a fishing village Buzios is now a small and still unspoilt town on a peninsula crowded with 22 fine beaches and not a lot of people top use them. Buzios came to fame when France's famous beauty, Brigitte Bardot, hung out there in the 60's.

Angra dos Reis, Costa Verde [between Rio and Sao Paulo]

If you want to escape from Rio, Costa Verde is a good destination. Costa Verde [Green Coast], is one of the most scenic stretches along the 175-mile coastline between Rio and Sao Paulo, where tropical forest spread down to the ocean, with broad bays, golden sandy beaches and small fishing villages.

There are some good resort hotels, villas, trendy restaurants and clubs. Angra dos Reis [Kings' Cove] is the best beach of the area and one of the most untouched beauty spots in the country.

Santos Beach Gardens, south of Sao Paulo

The town of Santos, 45 miles from Sao Paulo, has a beautiful 4 mile beach garden, reckoned by locals to be the largest garden in the world. It stretchs from Ponta da Praia, ferryport from another well-known beach resort called Guaruja, to Sao Vicente, the oldest town in Brazil.

Far north of Rio de Janeiro, north east Brazil:Salvador, Bahia State

A beautiful, vibrant colonial city with excellent beaches on both sides.

Ilha de Tinharé, Bahia state

The seashore on this little island off the coast of Salvador is one of the prettiest in Brazil.Neighbouring beaches, Ondina and Rio Vermelho, host Salvador's most expensive resort hotels, while Rio Vermelho has some of the city's best bars and music.Going north along the Orla Marítima are many restaurants, clean white sand, and in the north, the Lagoa de Abaeté, a black freshwater lagoon.

Praia do Forte resort, Bahia State

Praia do Forte, to the north of Salvador, is an old fishing village reconfigered as a laidback, downmarket resort. It has more than 8 miles of superb sandy beaches and natural pools and is surrounded by thousands of square miles of wild nature. Among the many cheap and cheerful little hotels is Brazil's first eco-resort, Praia do Forte EcoResort - delux but low key - lurking by the best sandy bit in the area, and offering various eco tourist programmes such as bird-watching, and rainforest walking. 1.5 hours from Salvador.

Natal, Rio Grande Norte State

Natal, inelegant, but 'the city of the sun' sees more than 300 days of sunshine a year and has some of the best stretches of sand in South America, including good lively city beaches - but beware the surf.Just out of town the seaside get better with the prettiest area being Ponta Negra bay[ 10km away], and Pipa beach [80km away] - so lovely that dolphins visit regularly to admire it.In addition Rio Grande do Norte has a more than 40 other great beaches, in particular Pirangi, Jacuma, Maracajaú, Galinhos. And by the way, wild buggy rides over the huge dunes seem to be a big attraction in this area.

Fortaleza, Ceara State

A mediocre city beach but hundreds of miles of superb wild coast either side of it, with dunes, palms, wild water and not much else.

Jericoacoara, Ceará State [300km west of Fortaleza]

Jericoacoara, increasingly fashionable in Brazil, has spectacular sunsets from the sand-dunes overlooking the little developed beaches. It is also known as an excellent place for windsurfing and horse-riding along the sands.

The Most Visited Places in Brazil

noreply@blogger.com (Beto Byron) — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 02:49:00 +0000

The most visited places in Brazil includes Fernando de Noronha Island, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo (the two bustling megacities of the south-east), the more relaxed city of Salvador in the northeast, or the old colonial towns of Ouro Preto and Olinda. For natural beauty, try a visit to Iguacu Falls. If you have the chance the best time to visit is Carnival. There is nothing in the whole wide world like Carnival in Rio. Brasilia, the capital city of the country, is known by its great architecture. It is a planned city.

The most up-and-coming resort in Brazil is now the small friendly Praia de Pipa, in the NE of the country; serviced by international airports at Natal and Recife, this small town is popular with both Brazilians and foreign tourists.

The laid back attitude of the open and friendly locals make this a welcome change to some of the more recognised but less safe and inviting destinations.

In Southern Brazil you can visit the state of Santa Catarina, which is visited every year by people who prefer not too crowded spots like major cities or places where all tourists go. Small beaches like Mariscal, Garopaba, Taquaras or Estaleiro beach are not too far away from medium size cities, so they provide all necessary structure, but at the same time still conserve their natural enchantments. Praia do Pinho (close to Balneario Camboriu - the most important touristic spot in southern Brazil) is the paradise for naturists as it is the first official nude beach in Brazil (http://www.praiadopinho.com.br). Many options of adventure activities such as rafting, diving, fishing, trekking are aso available in this beautiful region.

This picture above is from Rio de Janeiro, Flamengo beach at night, with the world famous mountain SUGAR LOAF behind.

BRAZILIAN TRAVEL GUIDE

noreply@blogger.com (Beto Byron) — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 16:13:00 +0000

Welcome to BRAZIL TRAVEL GUIDE!

Brazil, is a vast and beautiful country, the largest in South America, with many tourist options. Modern cities, sunny beaches, cruises along the Amazon river, colonial towns, and breathtaking waterfalls are among the many prime tourist destinations Brazil is an urban country, with two out of every three residents living in a city.

The Northeast, the least developed area, reflects what remains of its Spanish and Dutch past. Its main towns such as Recife are modernized, but most of the inhabitants in outlying areas live in primitive conditions. The weather ranges from very dry to extremely wet. The Southeast, the most developed and populated area, has a more pleasant climate from tropical to temperate and allows for cultivation of wonderful produce for export. This area is home to such exciting cities as Rio de Janeiro.

With a temperate climate, the South has over the years attracted Europeans who live on small farms, much as they once had in their homelands. The area includes the magnificent Iguassu Falls on the border between Argentina and Brazil, plunging 269 feet into Iguacu River.

The West, almost entirely uninhabited, is home to the savanna and marshland with prime wild animal viewing, known as the Pantanal. Finally, the immense Amazon Basin is a wonderland of endless jungles and a gigantic system of rivers hosting incredible wonders of the plant and animal world, many found nowhere else in the world.

Major events and holidays:
New Year's Day, Jan. 1

Epiphany, Jan. 6

Carnaval, week preceding Ash Wednesday in February or MarchGood Friday (date varies) Easter (date varies)

Tiradentes Day, Apr. 21Labor Day, May 1

Corpus Christi (May or June)Independence Day, Sept. 7Our Lady of Aparecida Day, Oct. 12

All Souls Day, Nov. 1

Declaration of the Republic Day, Nov. 15

Christmas, Dec. 25