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

How To See Rio De Janeiro In Comfort And Style

With a World Cup now under its belt and an Olympics soon to follow, Rio de Janeiro has seen significant change in recent years and there’s never been a better time to visit. Referred to as the ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’ (or ‘Marvellous City’), Rio offers endless possibilities but to truly enjoy them – particularly if you’re a first-time visitor – it’s advisable to have an experienced, professional guide as you’ll get to see far more this way than trying to do it all yourself.

This is where Rio Cultural Secrets comes in. Founded by Embratur guide, Fabio Mendonça, the tour agency has two guides (Fabio himself and his business partner, Alan Denis) and offers private, exclusive tours of the city in executive cars. The big difference is in the personalisation of the tours – as a private tour, rather than as part of a large group, you won’t be rushed or in crowded transport; instead, your tour will be tailored to your own needs and there will be much greater flexibility.

Choose from traditional city tours, a walking tour of Rio’s historic centre, half-day or full-day tours or a favela tour, or simply speak to Fabio and Alan about your own particular needs whether they be visiting Christ the Redeemer, climbing the Selaron Stairs or taking in Sugar Loaf. They speak English well, are cheerful and will be happy to accommodate your needs.

They get the litle things right – turn up on time, are well-informed and consider the important details such as which attractions to get to before the masses. As registered tour guides, they even have inside knowledge on how to completely bypass the queues in some cases.

This attention to detail has meant that, in just two years, Rio Travel Secrets has forged partnerships with Sheraton Hotels and Windsor Hotels. It’s also worth cruise visitors comparing Fabio’s offering with those of their cruise line and considering the benefits – with the bus tours put on by the cruise lines, it’s often less personalised, much slower to get around and typically more expensive.

And at the time of writing, the company has 103 reviews on Tripadvisor – 93 ‘excellent’ and 10 ‘very good’ which probably goes some way to accounting for their success. Comments include “Fabio is a very cool guy, had loads of time to show us round and he was able to get us to the front of queues as a registered tour guide.” and “Fabio’s tour has, so far, been a highlight on our trip.”

Images: Shutterstock

Contributed by Paul Johnson www.aluxurytravelblog.com

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4 Of The Best Things To Do On A First-Time Trip To Brazil

It is one of the most exotic destinations on the planet. Even the name can send the rhythm of the samba coursing through the veins. Discover the beautiful beaches and quaint cobblestoned streets of Buzios. Journey to the heart of the Amazon rainforest and boat down its life-giving river. Live the Carioca (a Rio native dream) at the legendary Copacabana Palace Hotel. But how should the first timer tackle this vast biomass of a destination? We suggest a four-point plan of attack.

1. Take a hilltop recce over Rio

Start with a flight over the all-singing, all-dancing Rio de Janeiro. On day one take the rack-railway train to the summit of Corcavado, with the city unfurling like an enormous map. At the summit, under the 100 foot span of the outstretched arms of Christ the Redeemer, enjoy the stunning view of beaches and rainforest, city and sea, lagoons and mountains.

There’s lots to see although much of the city’s architectural heritage was razed in a frenzy of Sixties development. One notable exception is the Sao Bento Monastery, an oasis of calm in the midst of the general frenzy and, of course, the iconic Copacabana Palace Hotel overlooking the beach.

2. Get a taste of Brazil’s St Tropez

Brazilians do beaches, not to mention bikinis, like no other place in the world. Consider spending two or three nights in the resort town of Buzios.

This upmarket stretch of coast is billed as the St Tropez of Latin America. Home to charming cobbled streets and some fantastic bars and restaurants, it’s just two and a half hours’ drive from the city.

3. See the greatest flow on earth

And one final must see is arguably the southern hemisphere’s single most impressive natural wonder, the Iguacu Falls. The vast majority of the 275 individual cascades are in next-door Argentina but Brazil has the classic view of the grand two mile horseshoe and the opportunity to ride by inflatable through the frothy waters and right beneath the falls.

4. Go wild in rainforests and wetlands

From there you could go to Manaus, which sits in the middle of the tufted green carpet of the Amazonian jungle. You can do a trip on the river from here, perhaps with a night or two at a jungle lodge, and even go to the opera. Manaus has an incredible 19th-century jewel-box of an opera house, modelled on the one in Paris with chandeliers from Venice and tiles from Alsace.

Wildlife enthusiasts should definitely add a trip to the Pantanal to their itinerary. Half the size of France, this vast expanse of savannah and wetland is home to some 600 different species of birds, the elusive jaguar, caiman, monkey, anteater, capybara, anaconda, otter and river dolphin.

When to go: As a rule of thumb you will find good weather in Brazil from August to March, whilst June to October is the best time for the Pantanal.

Contributed by Nick Van Gruisen, Managing Director of The Ultimate Travel Company. www.aluxurytravelblog.com

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Travelore Tips: World Cup 2014: Staying Safe While Traveling In Brazil

MIGUEL SCHINCARIOL/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

View of the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo, on June 1, 2014, which will host the opening match of the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup between Brazil and Croatia on June 12.

As the World Cup's June 12 opening day approaches, frustration over the country’sunfinished stadiums and the rising tab for hosting the games has spilled over into street protests. If you're heading to Brazil for the games, here's what you need to know to deal with the crowds and any possible chaos.

Bruce McIndoe, CEO of Maryland-based firm iJet, which consults on security and risk management for the travel industry, will have a team on the ground during the games to assist clients with travel emergencies. In a recent chat with CN Traveler, McIndoe shared some advice for those flying down to Rio or Sao Paulo during the matches:

Make sure your documents are in order
U.S. visitors to Brazil need a visa, and under normal circumstances, you’d want to allow three weeks for processing. Now that the games are only two weeks away, you’ll likely have to fork over a hefty fee for expedited processing. Check in with your local Brazilian consulate for more information.

Keep your antennae up
"Petty theft will be rampant in this environment," McIndoe says. Pickpocketing is likely to be rife, he adds, "because for [thieves], it’s a great opportunity to make a buck…and you’re going to see more fleecing of tourists, jacking up of prices, and theft." He hastened to add he doesn't see violent crime being a big problem, but "the chances of someone going there and being a victim of petty crime is very high." Travelers should protect themselves by taking these precautions:

• Minimize what you carry on your person

• Don’t wear flashy jewelry, or, indeed, any jewelry

• Avoid carrying a lot of money, and use a money belt

• Use ATMs only at secure, indoor locations, such as your hotel or the airport

• Be careful about getting into taxis that weren’t arranged for you by a hotel or a restaurant; refrain from hailing cabs on the street.

"If someone backs you in a corner and says, 'Give me your money,' don’t hesitate" to hand it over, McIndoe says.

Avoid street crowds
Protests will likely continue during the games, and if you see large groups of people gathering, "Don’t gawk—just move away," says McIndoe. "You don’t need to be in the middle of this." While Brazil’s government has insisted it’s prepared and will have extra police and security on the job, crowds have already clashed with authorities in recent weeks.

Stay healthy
"Be careful of what I call the 'the micro terrorists,' such as bacteria and other invisible threats," says McIndoe. If you want to grab a snack off the street, make sure it’s peeled or cooked, and stay away from anything else. And review your medical coverage before leaving home; Consider purchasing extra coverage under a travel insurance policy. Get an international access number; an 800 number won’t work in Brazil. If all else fails, work with your hotel to get help; any reputable lodging should have access to a house physician. And make sure any medications you bring with you are properly labeled in case your bag is inspected upon arrival.

Getting around
If you have tickets to a match, allow lots of time to get to the venue. Expect congestion on the road as well as on public transportation. Airports in major cities are still undergoing a lot of construction, along with many of the stadiums. But still, McIndoe says, "If you are going to be moving around the country, we definitely recommend you fly on domestic airlines rather than trying to get there by road," he says. Among other things, motorists face additional threats, such as bands of robbers posing as police.

Contributed by Barbara Peterson, www.cntraveler.com

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