The Newest Attraction In Brazil Is The Nossa Senhora Aparecida Cave

Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Brazil, Bonito—an acclaimed ecotourism jewel—is set to unveil an enchanting new wonder: the Nossa Senhora Aparecida Cave. Recently opened to eager explorers, this captivating subterranean realm will be lovingly overseen by Bonito's city hall for the next 20 years, paving the way for innovative and sustainable tourism ventures in the vibrant region of Mato Grosso do Sul.

Surrounded by lush native vegetation in a pristine protected area, the cave invites adventurous souls to immerse themselves in nature and embrace the local spirituality that permeates the air. This visionary project harmoniously blends environmental stewardship with thoughtful access for travelers, enriching Bonito's already staggering array of natural marvels.

Soon, this hidden gem will beckon all those with a thirst for discovery, transforming Bonito into an even more enchanting destination for nature enthusiasts and wanderers alike!

Traveling To Brazil Has Never Been Easier, Visa-Free For Americans Starting June 17th

Summer is right around the corner, but you still have plenty of time to plan the perfect Brazilian adventure! This is a great time to take advantage of the current exchange rate (over $4.0 Brazilian Reais to one Dollar) and enjoy the end of visa for Americans, starting June 17^th. You are sure to find great deals and travel on a budget at this time of the year in Brazil, since it is actually winter there. Prices fall up to 50% around many Brazilian destinations during the low season with several direct flights from major US cities. 

When planning your trip, it is important to make sure that you don’t miss out on those once in a lifetime experiences. You will be happy to discover that when you visit Brazil, you can check out places like the Jardim Botânico, Christ The Redeemer Statue and Sugar Loaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro for free or for little cost. And they are definitely worth the money! 

Here are five destinations with direct flights from the US that you can visit and get your money’s worth, while lounging at an idyllic beach or exploring tropical vibes! 

Salvador

Brazil’s first capital and the capital of the State of Bahia State, Salvador is known as an important cultural and historical center for Brazilians. The city is listed as one of Brazil’s UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage Sites and it is also a foodie’s paradise. 

Top Five Budget Friendly Things To See in Salvador: 

Igreja and Convento de São Francisco – The 18^thcentury buildings are part of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World. The Architecture is the greatest representative of the baroque style in Bahia. 

Pelourinho –The Neighborhood located in the city’s historic center was the initial point of the city’s economical development in the 16th century. Since 1985, it is recognized by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. 

Mercado Modelo–The site has more than 200 shops with souvenirs from Salvador and Bahia, and many kiosks serving regional Bahian food. 

Museu de Arte Moderna da Bahia (Solar do Unhão) – The solar is an architectural complex which houses the Museum of Modern art, a pier, a distillery and a slave quarters. It’s a popular tourist sight with a sculpture garden.

Igreja do Senhor do Bonfim – The most famous church of Salvador. Though it’s a catholic church, it also incorporated some aspects of Candomblé, a religion based on African beliefs. Outside the church you can find the multicolored remembrance ribbons with “Lembrança do Senhor do Bonfim da Bahia” written on them, which should be tied in the arms of visitors in front the church. 

Rio de Janeiro 

The city that needs no introductions is always ready with open arms to welcome new and returning visitors. It would be easy to simply layback, relax and enjoy any of Rio’s many marvelous beaches. Perhaps learn how to play footvolleywith the friendly locals, or join a samba jam by the beach. 

Top Five Budget Friendly Things To See in Rio:

Parque Nacional da Tijuca – An immense conservation area that crosses the city from north to South, and includes several attractions such as the Floresta da Tijuca (the largest urban forest in the world), and Vista Chinesa – a viewpoint in oriental style located 380 meters over the city.

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas – A great recreation area, encircled by a 7.2m walking and cycling path. Visitors can hire a Bike along the east side of the lake, as well as paddle boats. The area has holds also many restaurants and kiosks that serve drinks and food. 

Forte de Copacabana – Opened in 1914 in the eve of World War I, the Fort has privileged views and an amazing café – The ‘Cafe do Forte’ with outstanding Brazilian pastries and cakes. 

Sunset at Arpoador – Arpoador rocks, located in the end of Ipanema Beach, is the perfect spot to watch the sun going down beside the Two Brothers peaks. 

Santa Teresa Neighborhood – One of the most picturesque districts in Rio, it is home to numerous ateliers, bars, and restaurants that endow a bohemian atmosphere to its streets. 

Manaus

Located in the heart of the Amazon Forest, Manaus has some of the most amazing buildings, built using fine materials imported from Europe, thanks to the Rubber Boom in the early 1900s. One of the highlights is the Amazonas’ Theater, chosen by Vogue magazine as one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world.

Top Five Budget Friendly Things To See in Manaus:

Centro Cultural Palácio Rio Negro – a former residence of one of the rubber barons, it’s now the seat of the Government. It’s one of the finest examples of Amazonian Belle Époquearchitecture. 

Centro Cultural dos Povos da Amazônia – It offers one of the most important ethnographic collections from Brazil, as well as documents, copies of popular art, and a library focused on the indigenous and riverside population. 

Museu Amazônico – A permanent exhibition occupies the upper floor of the building, with displays of indigenous and pre-indigenous cultures. 

Centro Cultural Usina Chaminé – An old sewage treatment plant, built in classic style, that is now one of the most important cultural venues in the City. The building houses the Pinacoteca do Estado art collection. 

Centro de Artesanato Branco e Silva – This is the principal center for regional products from fruits to locally made baskets, and the amazing local cuisine. 

Brasília

Designed by urbanist Lucio Costa and architect Oscar Niemeyer, Brazil’s current and third capital (after Salvador and Rio) is the city with the largest heritage area in the world, and it is also listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site. 

Top Five Budget Friendly Things To See in Brasilia:

Catedral Metropolitana de Brasília–Designed by the Architect Oscar Niemeyer, the cathedral has stained glass window on the roof of the nave with sixteen pieces of fiberglass in shades of blue, green, white and brown painted by the artist Marianne Peretti. 

Espaço Oscar Niemeyer – The space was designed by Oscar Niemeyer in 1988, and has a permanent exhibition showing works by the architect. 

Congresso National – During the visit it is possible to learn more about the artistic and cultural heritage of the National Congress and to learn how it operates. 

Palacio do Planalto - The Presidential Palace is the headquarters of the Federal Executive and the President’s office. It was one of the first buildings constructed in the capital. The Palace has also an amazing art collection.

Lago Paranoá – It was artificially created as part of the construction plan for Brasilia, a heaven for water sports. The Bridge JK, built in 2002, in steel and concrete arches, crosses the lake. It ha a pedestrian walkway and is accessible to cyclists. 

São Paulo

São Paulo is the largest city in South America and the third largest city in the Americas. Known as the Latin American capital of events, the city has an abundance of hotels for all budgets and tastes, as well as plenty of things to do.

Top Five Budget Friendly Things To See in Sao Paulo:

Centro Cultural São Paulo – A multidisciplinary cultural space, the Center has three large libraries, a comic book library and an area for temporary exhibitions and cultural presentations. It’s one of the most traditional sites in the city. 

Instituto Cultural Itaú –- The site hosts dance, music and theatre performances, as well as themed exhibitions. 

Museu do Futebol (free of charge on Thursday) – Located under the grandstands of the Pacaembu Stadium, the star of this museum is the favorite national sport. The history of Brazilian soccer is shown in interactive multimedia pieces. 

Catedral da Sé – One of the five largest neo-gothic temples in the world, the cathedral was inaugurated in 1954. Opposite to the church there is the Marco Zero (the city’s geographical center). 

Mercado Municipal – The most traditional gourmet attraction of the city is located in an imposing building in downtown, with stained glass windows. You can find Brazilian fruits and vegetables, and the space has a gastronomy space in the mezzanine where you can taste the famous mortadella sandwich and the codfish cakes. 

About Brazil Tourism:

With its spectacular beaches, lush rainforests, rich culture, exotic cuisine and exciting nightlife, Brazil is one of the most compelling countries to visit today. Travelers are invited to explore Brazil’s incredible geographical diversity – from the wetlands to the beaches. With a beautiful, tropical climate, Brazil is an easily accessible, exotic get-away for couples, families and business travelers.

For more information, please consult our website: VisitBrasil.com

Travelore News: Brazil Waives Entry Visa Requirements For US Citizens

This new measure may generate up to 25% increase in flow between destinations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Brazil is open for you! The Brazilian Government announced on Monday, 18th, that Brazil would allow visa-free entry for citizens of The United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan, effective in 90 days (June 17th). Until then, the current e-visa will be required. Citizens of those countries wishing to visit Brazil will no longer need to apply or pay for a visa. They will be able to stay in Brazil for 90 days from the date of first entry in the country, extendable for an equal period, provided that it does not exceed one hundred and eighty days, every twelve months, counted from the date of the first entry into the Country. These developments come as part of a series of measures that Brazil has taken to facilitate visitor access to the country. Last year, the government launched an e-visa platform through which travelers could apply for visas with more efficiency and ease. Brazil has already seen extremely positive results with an increase of about 35% in the visa application in less than a year since implementing e-visa. These four countries are considered strategic for the development of tourism in Brazil. According to the Foreign Ministry, in 2017, 169,910 visas (either for business, tourism or transit) had been issued to citizens of the four countries. With the implementation of e-visa, the number rose in 2018 to 229,767. “This is one of the most important achievements of the Brazilian tourism industry in the last 15 years and we are confident that it will be extremely beneficial to the country," said Marcelo Alvaro Antônio, Minister of Tourism. "This decision of the Brazilian government proves that we are living a new moment and that tourism is being seen as a vector of economic and social growth of the entire nation. This is the first step; we still have much to celebrate,” explained Minister Antônio. "The United States was very receptive to the issuance of electronic visas. The World Tourism Organization says that when adopting an electronic visa, visa issuance increases by 25%, so we have exceeded that mark," said Teté Bezerra, president of Embratur (Brazil’s Tourism Board, a federal agency and part of the Ministry of Tourism). Now, with a strong Dollar and dozens of daily flights, experiencing Brazil is just a matter of desire and grabbing a plane. From the Amazon in the North to the wines in the South; from the exotic Pantanal in the Midwest to the lush beaches of the Northeast; amazing cities like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Salvador and hundreds of hidden gems are just a few hours away. About Brazil Tourism: With its spectacular beaches, lush rainforests, rich culture, exotic cuisine, and exciting nightlife, Brazil is one of the most compelling countries to visit today.  Travelers are invited to explore Brazil’s incredible geographical diversity – from the wetlands to the beaches. With a beautiful, tropical climate, Brazil is an easily accessible, exotic get-away for couples, families and business travelers.   For more information, go to VisitBrasil.com

10 Travel Safety Tips For Rio

With breathtaking beaches, friendly cariocas, and year-round sunshine, Rio was truly an amazing place to hold the Summer Games. Like any metropolis, it has its challenges.  How can you stay safe? 

Sharon Schweitzer, an international etiquette expert, author and founder of Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide, who is also a frequent international traveler herself, says travelers may apply some common sense tips to enjoy travel to Rio.

1.      Meaning of Color: Considering the current political crises, certain colors have explicit meaning; red is associated with Rousseff’s party. Yellow and green (Brazilian flag) are the oppositioncolors. Avoid these colors.

2.      Get around safely: Travel by bus is popular in Rio. The bus doesn’t stop automatically; hail with your hand or pull the cable above the window to notify the driver. If you don’t speak Portuguese, it’s best to plot your route in advance so you know exactly when to get off. When taking a taxi, use a map to be aware & don’t just assume you’re being taken to the right spot. Use EasyTaxi, an Uber-like app, for increased safety.

3.      Health Precautions: Ask for bottled water at restaurants, decline ice in drinks, and stock up on large water bottles your hotel room. With the current Zika epidemic, protect yourself by wearing bug spray. Mosquitos are a fact of life in Brazil; they’ll be at the hotel, restaurant, and the Games.

4.      Currency: Brazil uses the Real, currently exchanged at $0.25, don’t carry more than needed. Have multiple modes of cash access (debit, credit cards) in case of loss or theft. Avoid random ATMs. Only withdraw from a guarded bank or hotel ATM during daylight hours.

5.      Don’t be flashy: Leave the nice jewelry, watches, cameras and electronics at home; if you must carry them – conceal them in your bag held close to your body. Why make yourself a target for a crime of opportunity?

6.      VISA/Passport: Brazil has extended a visa waiver for up to 90 days from June 1 - September 18 to promote visitors from select countries. Check the website for qualifications.Lock your passport in the hotel safe, and carry a copy at all times with a driver’s license, military or student ID card.

7.      Be aware of surroundings. Walk in populated areas, especially at night, and notice who is around you at all times. Walk confidently (don’t look lost, even if you are!) and use the buddy system, ideally with a local. Avoid areas with few people. If a group approaches, cross the street or go in to a store. Be aware of pickpockets; keep valuables in a concealed waistband, shoe, or closely guarded bag.

8.      Drugs & Alcohol: Don’t do drugs.  While a local might get away with smoking pot, and even offer it to you, police are stricter with non-locals. Stings are common. Just like at home, when alone, decline drink offers from strangers and don’t leave your drink unattended. These are common set-ups for theft. Avoid being over-served, especially at night or alone, which can leave you vulnerable to crime.

9.      A samba culture, not salsa: You aren’t likely to be harassed; but Brazilians samba, not salsa or merengue.

10.    Favelas: Rio is infamous for its favelas, a complex subject not to be feared or avoided outright. On the one hand, it’s true that favelas can be dangerous for travelers to wander through; on the other hand, favelas are home to people from where much of Brazil’s beloved culture – samba, capoeira, funk – are and were created. For as much crime, violence and drugs you will also find community activists, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Understanding the favelas before you go will help you comprehend their complexity as you jump around Rio during the Games.

http://www.protocolww.com/

T-Mobile Users Get Free High-Speed Data At The Rio Olympics

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T-Mobile just made it way easier for its users to navigate Rio and the Olympics.

Bonus: the offer also applies to family members of Olympic athletes.

Heading to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro this August and worried about rationing your international data plan to cover Snapchat and Instagram? If you're a T-Mobile customer, you're GTG. From August 1, U.S. customers will have free unlimited access to the carrier's high-speed 4G LTE network in Brazil.

Brazilian tourism isn't the first destination to benefit from T-Mobile's travel-friendly plan. The carrier already offers high-speed roaming benefits to its American customers going to more than 40 countries, mostly throughout Europe, including the United Kingdom, Denmark, Italy, Russia, and Turkey.

For Olympic athletes' families, T-Mobile will sweeten the deal with free high-speed service as well as free Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge handsets and Samsung Gear 360 cameras from August through October.

“If a member of your family qualifies for the biggest global sporting event on the planet, your damn phone bill is the last thing you want to worry about,” John Legere, president and CEO of T-Mobile, said in a statement. “We’re going to make it simple for our customers—and families of the U.S. team—to enjoy the Games, stay connected and share every historic moment with those they care about.”

To qualify for free international high-speed data roaming, T-Mobile customers will need to make sure they're on the carrier's Simple Choice Plan. Families of Olympic athletes competing in the games can email RoamFreeInRio@t-mobile.com to inquire about qualifying for this year's perks—make sure to include your name, the name of the athlete you're related to, and the dates you'll be in Rio de Janeiro in the body of the email.

As preparations ramp up for the Opening Ceremonies, there are still plenty of tickets to premium events to be had. It's not too late to plan a last-minute trip to Rio this summer! Here's our guide to what to see and do in town, how to avoid mosquito bites and protect yourself from Zika, and everything you need to know about getting to and from the summer games. Looking for some celeb inspiration? Here's Ryan Seacrest's Olympic travel plan download.

Written by Poppy Garland

 www.cntraveler.com

Guide To Visiting Rio For The Olympics, From Safety To Samba #Rio2016,

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In this April 26, 2016 photo, the sun rises behind Sugar Loaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.... Read more

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — With the Olympics just a few weeks away, Brazil faces a litany of problems: an economy in freefall, the Zika virus and a political crisis with an impeached president. But for those brave — or foolhardy — enough to make the trip, Rio de Janeiro is a city rich with potential rewards. Broadcasters have already deemed the city's backdrop for the Summer Games the most telegenic ever. But no matter how good this teeming seaside metropolis — where the urban jungle and the literal jungle meet — looks on TV, footage simply can't compare with the experience of actually being here.

Here's a Q&A on tips for visiting Rio, from staying safe to samba parties:

A: With an estimated 85,000 police and soldiers patrolling the streets during the games — twice the security contingent in London in 2012 — Olympic and local officials have insisted Rio will be "the safest city on earth" during the Aug. 5-21 games. Still, violent crime is a fact of life in this city, starkly divided between haves and have nots, so it's best to keep a low profile.

For Cariocas, as Rio's 6 million residents are called, low-key dressing is de rigueur for both safety and practicality. Havaianas, the Brazilian flip-flop brand, are Rio's uncontested footwear of choice. And the city's golden-sand beaches make board shorts and T-shirts, or hot pants and tank tops, a uniform for rich and poor alike. (While Rio's Southern Hemisphere winters tend to be mild, thermometers can dip in August into what Cariocas consider the bone-chilling depths of the mid-60s, so pack a sweater or light jacket.)

Watches and jewelry not clearly made from plastic are best avoided, as is using cellphones in public or conspicuously carrying camera equipment. Electronics are extremely expensive in Brazil, and a smartphone can cost several months' worth of salary for locals, so it's best to keep them under wraps.

If you do get mugged, don't react or fight. Hand over your possessions calmly and without hesitation. It's only money and/or stuff. And no matter how much of a pain the ensuing nightmare of card cancellations proves, it's not worth getting injured.

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Q: Do people speak English?

A: In a word, no. Outside Olympic venues and high-end hotels and restaurants, most Cariocas only speak Portuguese, though they might know a few words of English or Spanish. On the other hand, most people are eager to help foreigners and will resort even to pantomime to get their point across.

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Q: What's for dinner?

A: If you go to one of the myriad "churrascaria" (shoe-hass-car-EE-ya) all-you-can-eat Brazilian barbeque joints, the answer is meat, meat and more meat. Roving waters brandishing spits stacked with cuts of prime beef, lamb chops, pork sausages and even wizened black chicken hearts will insist on refilling your plate till you verge on bursting.

For vegetarians or those recovering from a meat overdose, options are limited. Best bets include corner juice bars offering a cornucopia of freshly squeezed tropical fruit juices, as well as acai (ah-sa-EE) — a deep purple Amazonian palm berry that's frozen, blended and served slushy.

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Q: Is there public transportation?

A: The city's metro line is being extended to serve the beachfront Leblon neighborhood and reach the far-western Barra da Tijuca neighborhood, where Olympic Park is located. But the project is behind schedule and may not be finished in time for the games. Buses are confusing, packed, dangerous and generally best avoided. Cabs are plentiful and decently reliable — just make sure your cabby turns headlights on after dark. (Many won't.)

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Q: Besides sports, what is there to do in Rio during the games?

A: Plenty. And the good news is, the best things in Rio are free.

Rio was hard hit by the recession, with the economy shrinking last year by 4 percent, sending unemployment and inflation soaring. The nosedive of the local currency, the real, has made Rio much cheaper for visitors spending dollars or euros. But the cost of hotels and restaurants can still be shocking. Savvy travelers can staunch the bloodletting by taking advantage of the city's many free attractions:

—Sugarloaf Mountain: The sheer granite outcropping that presides over the waters of the Guanabara Bay will no doubt prove a breathtaking backdrop for the Olympic sailing races. But rather than just ogling the iconic rock, why not hike it? A guide is necessary to scale the Sugarloaf itself, but its stumpier twin, the Morro da Urca, is doable without help. A mud path winds through tropical vegetation to a summit with peerless views over the city's dense patchwork of towers, hillside "favela" slums and mist-enshrouded rainforest.

—Sunset at Arpoador: Take in the sun's spectacular nightly performance as it sinks into the Atlantic from atop the Arpoador rock formation in between Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches. The crowd there raucously applauds the glittering show, night after night.

—Pedra do Sal: Experience a "roda de samba," or live samba music, at the birthplace of Brazil's most famous musical genre. Monday nights bring hordes of aficionados to this former slave market in the Gamboa region of historic downtown for an open-air dance party.

—Centro: Rio's beaches tend to steal the thunder, but the Centro downtown region, where the city got its start 451 years ago, is a treasure trove of colonial-era churches and historic monuments. Perhaps the most stunning among them is the Mosteiro Sao Bento, a Baroque church and working monastery where monks perform Gregorian chants during Sunday Mass. Get there early to snag a seat. Also in Centro is the Portuguese Royal Reading Room, a 19th century gem of soaring jacaranda hardwood bookshelves and stained glass windows, tucked into the newly rehabilitated Praca Tirdentes.

By JENNY BARCHFIELD