Pangea: Travel Registry

Events for 2009 in: Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, Ecuador, Brazil, Peru, Columbia, Venezuela

This is a Calendar of events in Bolivia,Guyana, Suriname, Ecuador, Brazil, Peru, Columbia, Venezuela throughout the coming year 2009 including cultural & gastronomic festivals, conferences and roundtables, spectacular tourism land and water exhibitions, pageants and exhibitions tourism fairs and sporting events …. as well as much much more

JANUARY 2009

01 January 2009 -New Years Party Surifesta

Where: Suriname - Paramaribo

• The Famous end of year Surifesta of Suriname is held every year on New Years eve. The Surifesta Foundation is the organization that is the lobby group for the festivities concerning “Owruyari” (the end of the year parties and New Year’s Eve). Festivities and end of year Calendar are well known to all in Suriname and people wait in eager anticipation for this exciting event
  The Surifesta Foundation organizes some of these big activities regarding the end of the year celebrations as well. Some of these activities that are held yearly are: The Surifesta Kick Off Party; a “Kawina Festival”

16 - 18 January 2009- 9th Annual Napo River Festival

Where: Ecuador - Tena

• Organised by the Ecuadorian River Institute this Event is used to raise awareness of the Napo River watershed and the importance it has in the daily life of Ecuador. “This unique gathering seeks to educate the public about watershed issues, preserve cultural traditions, and promote sustainable forms of development and resource management”
• The Napo river is of vast importance as last major tributary of the the Amazon River in Ecuador that remains free-flowing and has minimal contamination and development in its headwaters
• This is a free event which hosts a variety of contests includint: Flip -rafting, Inner Tube Racing, Kayak Rodeo, A massive downriver Float and much more … of course!
• http://www.kayakecuador.com/default.htm

20 January 2009 - Saint Sebastian Festivity

Where: Brazil - Canutama AM

January , a month when all over Brazil events and festivals are held to pay homage to Saint Sebastian (San Sebastian)  who was the patron saint of Pipa. Festivities take place over 3 days and planning begins 4 months before. On the day of celebration, street stalls, bingo and of course crazy Brazilian bands come out to perform at their best.

• The Story:It all started when the patron saint of athletes, soldiers and the guardian of love, showed compassion on Pipa at the beginning of the last century .

  Mr Antonio Pequeno, one of the respecters of local tradition, tells a story his grandfather, (of the same name) and who had been the church warder since its construction, told him. In 1919 a Spanish ship came by, headed for Para, leaving in its wake the dreaded influenza – the plague! Wherever it went it left a trail of death. Dona Chica, of the velho Castelo family had a small statue of Saint Sebastian and decided to pray for Pipa - to keep the plague away.

  If her prayers were met she promised to inaugurate a church in the saint’s name and make him patron of the village. Once this promise was made not a single inhabitant more caught the dreaded disease. In the 40’s building of the church was started and later, the artist Agnaldo Simoneti, who often visited, made two statues of the saint. One is on the altar of the church and the other was placed on a rock in the sea to show the saint that many people, both on land and sea have faith in his protection

27 January - 1 February 2009 - 8th World Social Forum

- Highlighting the Amazon’s Diversity

Where: Brazil, Belem - PA

An open platform for discussing alternative paths to sustainable development. This is an annual meeting held by members apposed to globalisation. The meeting tends to be in January when its “great capitalist rival” the World Economic Forum is meeting in Switzerland.

FEBRUARY 2009

01- 05  February  2009 -Carnival of Manaus Samba Schools and Carnaboi Parade

Where: Brazil - Manaus AM

03 - 05 February 2009 - Carnailha

Where: Brazil - Parintins AM

04 February 2009 - Aniiversary of the Fort of Sao Jose de Macapa

Where: Brazil - Macapa RR

9 - 15 February 2009 - Scucmbios Challenge 3rd Edition

Where: Ecuador

12 February 2009 -  The Route of the Amazon

Where: Ecuador - Fco. de Orellana

20- 22 February 2009 - Carnival

Where: Suriname

20- 24 February 2009 - Carnival in the Middle of the World

Where: Brazil - Macapa RR

21 February 2009 - Election of the World Ecotourism Queen

Where:Ecuador - Tena

21 - 23 February 2009 - 2nd World Ecotourism Fair

Where: Ecuador - Tena

23 February 2009 - Mashramani

Where: Guyana - Georgetown

Rio de Janeiro, as the City of Carnival, offers a selection of Carnival balls you really should not miss. You won’t have to spend a fortune to have a great time. Tickets to most balls will cost you around R$30 to R$50 ($15-20) and are available on the door. Exceptions are the two most famous ones in the luxury hotels Copacabana Palace and Gloria. Other great balls are in Rio Scala. Clube dos Caiçaras and the Hard Rock Cafe’s Kid’s Folia also organize animated costume balls for adults and children. There are more theme balls city-wide e.g. balls for singles etc.
Costumes are not mandatory, with the exception of a few balls. Putting on one will help you get in the right mood and will make the night even more special, though. Bear in mind however that Rio is the capital of Carnival and costume standards are very high.
A true Carnival ball features live music and samba rules the floors. The percussion groups are full of vigor and can be just as loud as vast loud-speakers in a night club.

The Magic Ball at Copacabana Palace Hotel
Saturday, February 21st, from 23:00
This legendary ball is not just the high point of the night but also the most famous Carnival ball; the natural choice for glamour and sophistication. Luxury costume or black tie/evening dress is required, and a number of international and local VIPs are always among the guests. All tickets include buffet dinner and free bar.
There are different tickets for the individual dining rooms. All tickets provide access to all ballrooms.
Tickets for the Golden Room include a seat at a table of 6, 10 or 12 people.
Tickets for the Noble Room include a seat at a table of 10 or 12.
Standing tickets do not offer a table seat; however, good weather allowing, there will be tables on the balcony.
Golden Room: from R$1,950.00 (approx. R8800.00)
Noble Room from: R$1,300.00 (approx. R5800.00)
Standing: R$1,000.00 (approx. R4500.00)
Box: R$2,750 per person (approx. R12 400.00)
Venue: Copacabana Palace Hotel, Avenida Atlantica 1702 - Copacabana
Tel: (+55 21) 2545 8790

Official Costume Competition in Hotel Gloria
Saturday, February 21st
This is a very traditional Carnival event in Rio with the best, biggest and most original costumes of the year (mainly the so called destaques). It offers you the chance to see the best costumes of the principal samba schools before the Samba Parade, at close hand. There are also entrants with costumes only made especially for this event.
It is a big night with app. 900 people attending and it takes place in the halls of Hotel Gloria, one of the best and smartest hotels in Rio. The presentation is very theatrical. The huge and dazzling costumes represent historical characters or any chosen theme, according to the imagination of the gentlemen, ladies and drag queens who participate in the event. They compete in 4 categories: the sumptuous, the original, drag queen and soul.
You do not have to wear a costume; you can just go and see the competition.
Venue: Hotel Gloria, Rua do Russel 632 - Gloria
Doors open at 18.30 and the competition starts at 19.00. It finishes at about 22:30.
Admission: R$50.00 - free ticket delivery within the city of Rio
Tickets are on sale at the hotel or at Rua Senador Dantas 117 / Room 2009 - Centro (Downtown) or call and reserve on 2267-1692 / 8804-9484 (Senhora Nilce-only Portuguese spoken).

Ball Masque 2009
Friday, February 27th, 22:00-05:00
Live music taking turns with a DJ and the drummers of Imperatriz, one of the best Rio samba schools. This will be its third year and this time the theme is ‘Moulin Rouge’ .
Dress formal or wear a fancy-dress.
Venue: Hotel Sofitel, Av. Atlântica 4240 / Level E - Copacabana
Admission: R$370.00
Table seat per person: R$500.00
Prices include free buffet and drinks
Tel: (+55 21) 2525-1206 (Alexandra-English spoken 9:00-18:00)

SCALA BALLS

In its 20th year, the Scala nightclub offers thematic dances every night during Carnival, having the grandest indoor carnival parties of the city. The venue is big and very well-known.
Venue: Rio Scala, Avenida Afrânio de Melo Franco 296 - Leblon
Tel: (+55 21)2239-4448 / 2511-4140 (only Portuguese spoken)

You will find standard tickets for most events on the door even on the night, just do not arrive too late.
You are advised to buy tickets for the Gala and the Gay Costume balls 3-5 days in advance. Reserve tables and boxes 3-5 days in advance on the above number.
Table prices per table seating 4 people.
VIP box prices are per person and include unlimited alcoholic drinks (except whiskey) and free buffet with sushi, fruit and snack bar.

Thursday, January 19th
Mangueira Carnival Ball
It is a good opportunity to experience the music and atmosphere of one of the most traditional and well-known samba schools (Mangueira) without having to visit its rehearsal space. The School will have it all - its drummer group, its principal samba dancers and the flag bearer and her escort. It is a true and real samba night; you can dance all night or just watch and enjoy the crowd. This is a traditional event which happens every year.
Admission: R$40.00
VIP box seat: R$160.00
Table: R$300.00

Friday, February 20th
Red and Black Ball
This night celebrates and is dedicated to the world-famous Rio football team, Flamengo, with the red-and-black striped flag. It is one of the most popular nights.
Admission: R$80.00
VIP box seat: R$190.00
Table: R$600.00

Saturday, February 21st
Ball of the Marvelous City
The night celebrates and is dedicated to the city of Rio de Janeiro.
Admission: R$80.00
VIP box seat: R$190.00
Table: R$600.00

Sunday, February 22nd
Gala Ball
This is the biggest ball in the series with some special guests.
Admission: R$40.00
VIP box seat: R$160.00
Table: R$300.00

Monday, February 23rd
Ball of the ´Beer´
A new event in the series. Unlimited and free beer all night. Live music by a Carnival band taking turns with a Rio DJ (Mc Marcinho).
Admission: R$50.00
VIP box seat: R$160.00
Table: R$300.00

Tuesday, February 24th until 7:00 am
Gay Costume Ball
It is probably the most famous night in the series. A truly exotic collection of characters take to the two floors and a grand entrance is de rigueur - the ball is broadcast to the whole of Brazil. A flamboyant crowd with lots of drag queens and their admirers.
It is very popular with all folks not only gay boys and girls.
Admission: R$80.00
VIP box seat: R$200.00
Table: R$700.00

Updated January 2009

Current time in Venezuela:

Venezuela lies at the top of South America, nestled between Colombia, Brazil and Guyana - with the Atlantic Ocean above it. One of our favourite destinations, Venezuela offers some truly unforgettable scenery such as South America’s largest lake and third longest river, the highest waterfall in the world (Angel Falls) and breathtaking landscapes.

The Orinoco Delta is a vast, intricate labyrinth of waterways weaving through a simmering jungle to carry the waters of the Orinoco to the Atlantic Ocean. The Orinoco branches off into over 60 caños (waterways) and 40 rivers which diffuse through 41,000 square kilometers of forested islands, swamps and lagoons. Between the rainforest of the Amazon Basin and the watershed of the Orinoco River is a rugged wall of remote mountains and deep, heavily forested canyons protected by the Canaima National Park. Many of the mountains have precipitous rock walls that rise to over 1800 meters (6000 feet) where they end in an almost perfectly flat top. These formations are known by their Indian name: Tepuis. The most famous of these tepuis is the Auyan-tepui, from which plummets the world’s highest waterfall - Angel Falls. The waterfall is more than twice as high as the Empire State Building and three times higher than the Eiffel Tower. The eastern part of Canaima National Park is known as the Gran Sabana, a special landscape of clear rivers, waterfalls and endless Tepuys which tower above rolling Savannah and forest

The Llanos are an incredible place to see wildlife. Apart from more than 300 species of birds (including scarlet ibis, hoatzin, screamers, soldier storks, spoonbills and many more) you may be lucky enough to spot jaguars, ocelots, anteaters, honey-bears, capybaras and alligators, in an environment still relatively undisturbed by man. The caribbean islands off the coast of Venezuela include Los Roques and Margarita - two beautiful destinations offering sandy beaches and turquoise waters, with great nightlife for the younger travelers.

When to go

Venezuela has two seasons - wet and dry. The dry season is better for traveling, although if your main attraction is the waterfalls they are most impressive just after the rains, and are sometimes impossible to get to by boat during the dry season. The dry season runs from late November to early May, and the wet season runs through the rest of the year. Peak season is over Christmas, Carnaval (February - lots of fun!) and Easter (March), and over these times you have to book accommodation early to avoid disappointment.

Notable Events in Venezuela for 2009

Visa and Health Requirements for Venezuela

Visa - none required for South African passport holders when going on holiday, but you must apply for a DEX 2 card at the airport you fly to Venezuela from. The DEX 2 card allows you to stay in Venezuela for 90 days.

Vaccination - Yellow fever is compulsory if coming from/stopping over in an infected area; Polio, Tetanus, Hepatitis A and Malaria Prophylaxis are recommended.

Current time in Ecuador (Quito):

Situated in the jagged Andes, this tiny country is a great base to explore the colourful culture of the local people, world-famous tropical beaches, eye-opening wildlife reserves, ancient sites, and also the Amazonian jungle. In fact, some of our favourite eco-lodges are based in the Ecuadorian Amazon rather than in Brazil. Ecuador is also the gateway to the Galapagos Islands, so we suggest combining the Amazon and the Galapagos for a truly memorable trip.

The high seasons for visiting are December to January and June to August, but the weather is pretty fine all year round and there is no need to put yourself through the crowded tourist season unless you have to.

Contact us today for a personalised itinerary and quote

When to go

Ecuador changes between just two seasons - wet and dry, but the when and where do vary depending on how high you are! In the highlands it’s dry from June to September and over December, but the wet season is not unpleasant as it is usually sunny until late afternoon before a rainstorm. It is rainy all year in the Oriente, July and August being the wettest and September to December the driest - canoeing is great in the wet season. On the coast it’s wet from January to May, but again with sunny mornings. December, January, June and August are the most popular months for beach-goers, and accommodation is booked up fast.

Notable events in Ecuador for 2009

Visa and Health Requirements for Ecuador

Visa - none required for South African passport holders for holidays up to 3 months long. However, they must be in possession of a 6-month valid passport and onward ticket.

Vaccination - Yellow Fever is compulsory; Cholera, Typhoid, Polio, Tetanus, Rabies and Malaria Prophylaxis are recommended.

Updated January 2009

Current time in Chile (Santiago):

Stretching down alongside Argentina, and wedged between the Andes mountains and the Pacific ocean, Chile offers over 6,000 miles of coastline, crystaline lakes, and towering mountain ranges. The unusually long shape of the country results in a large range of climates, from the world’s driest desert in the north, Mediterranean weather in the centre, to a snowy Alpine climate in the south, with glaciers, fjords and lakes.

Currently, Chile is one of South America’s most stable and prosperous nations and makes for a wonderful holiday - be it a self-drive, skiing package, or a fishing trip through the beautiful lake district.

Contact us for a personalised itinerary and quote

When to go

Starting at the top of Chile the rainy season is in summer (December through March). Santiago and the middle of Chile are best seen in Spring (September to November) or autumn (March and April). Traveling further south the lake district is lovely in summer, and the Atacama Desert is great year-round (although temperatures are extreme, as with most deserts!). Winter is a snowy wonderland for skiers and the resorts are buzzing from July to September.

Notable events in Chile for 2009

Visa and Health Requirements for Chile

Visa - none required for South African and British passport holders for holidays up to 3 months long. However, you must be in possession of a 6-month valid passport and onward ticket.

Vaccination - none required

Updated January 2009

Updated January 2009

Current time in Peru (Lima):

For the more adventurous holiday-maker who enjoys hiking, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a must. Beginning in Cusco you will take a 3 night walking journey through the mountains above the Urubamba river, following the route of an old Inca road leading to the city of Machu Picchu. This journey will take you through some of the most spectacular sceneries of natural beauty, surrounded by mystery and filled with a rich history, all ending in one of the new wonders of the world - Machu Picchu.

The Inca Trail routes range between easy 2 day hikes and some more challenging 7 day treks.

Contact us today for a personalised itinerary and quote

When to go

The best time to do the Inca Trail is when the weather is mostly dry and sunny - from May to September. The winter months of June, July and August are particuarly cold at night (dropping to -1°C), so bring that extra-warm sleeping bag with you!

Notable events in Peru for 2009

Visa and Health Requirements for Peru

Visa - none required for South African passport holders on holiday for up to 90 days. However, visitors must have a return or onward ticket and sufficient funds to support themselves while in Peru.

Vaccination - Yellow Fever compulsory; Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Malaria Prophylaxis are recommended

Updated January 2009

Click here to view Brazil tours on offer
Click here to view Amazon tours on offer

Currently, Brazil is one of the most accessible countries in South America when travelling from South Africa – but this is definitely not the only attraction! Sun, sea, and sand kaleidoscope together as Brazil. It is South America’s largest country and is, perhaps, its most mythical.

Brazil ignites the imagination like no other destination. With a coast pushing out into the Atlantic, Brazil stretches to contain all within: rainforests and mountains, remote villages and pulsing cities, legends and myths, music and dance. It is the land of capoeira and Carnaval; it houses the world’s largest rainforest (the Amazon) and one of its largest cities. Brazil is a land of extremes: beauty, poverty, wealth, and heat. It is not for the faint-hearted. For those who are passionate, clever, and eager to live each day with an appetite for adventure, pleasure, and intoxicating beauty, Brazil is not to be missed. You must travel here at least once in your life!

Flying in directly to Sao Paulo, it’s just a short flight or bus ride to Rio de Janeiro, the bustling, samba-ing, partying, ocean-edge city! Rio is also the doorway to two of our favourite little island getaways – Ilha Grande and Paraty.

Perhaps in a completely different trip to Brazil, you have to visit the Amazon Jungle, and spend some time travelling up the east coast.

When to go

The Amazon region experiences heavy rain between January and May, making it near impossible to get around. The same goes for the Pantanal, travel is always best in the dry season. December to February (summer) is when most Brazilians travel, so prices soar and availability can be tough to get. However, it does mean that the atmosphere is very festive! Brazil’s low season months are May, June and August, the cheapest and least-crowded times to visit.

What to do:

• Dance and experience the urban pulses of São Paulo and Rio
• See the big city sites: cable car, trams, favelas, and winding streets
• Explore the atmospheric cities of Salvador and Recife in the secret Northeast
• Visit Amazonia - cruise through the rainforest and fish for piranhas
• Lounge on the world-famous beaches along Costa Verde and Ilha Grande
• Take a boat-ride beneath the magnificent Iguazu Falls
• Taste Brazil’s famous rum at a Cachaça distillery
• Dance samba in Carnaval

Where to go in Brazil

• Amazonia
• Costa Verde
• Fernando de Noronha (the Forbidden Island)
• Fortaleza
• Iguazu Waterfalls/Iguaçu National Park
• Ilha Grande
• Natal
• Paraty
• Porto de Galinhas
• Recife
• Rio de Janeiro
• Salvador da Bahia and the Northeast region
• São Luis
• São Paulo

Notable events

Visa and Health Requirements for Brazil

Visa - none required for South African or British passport holders on holiday. However, visitors must have a return or onward ticket and sufficient funds to support themselves while in Brazil. Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months when entering Brazil.

Vaccination - Yellow Fever compulsory; Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Malaria Prophylaxis are recommended.

Updated January 2009

Click here to view the Argentina Tours on offer

Being the second biggest country in South America (the first being Brazil), Argentina has a lot to offer and is one of the most loved destinations in the world. It’s a country you can keep visiting, as there are so many varied things to do and no way to do them all in just one trip.

The fertile plains of the Pampas spread over the center of the country, providing Argentina’s agricultural wealth. The serene Patagonia area in the bottom half of the country is a truly beautiful destination, offering glassy lakes and top-notch fishing in summer and world-class skiing in winter. The subtropical flats of the Gran Chaco lie in the north, and the rugged Andes mountain range run along the western border (behind which you’ll find Chile).

Whether you’re after the sultry tango, an exciting local soccer match, or a quiet retreat to the country, Argentina is a fantastic destination and has something to offer everyone.

When to visit Argentina

As Argentina offers such a variety of climates from top to bottom, it is possible to visit during any season. It does get fairly hot and sticky during the summer, so it is usually more pleasant in spring and autumn (September to November and March to May). If you’re after a skiing holiday the peak months are July and August (August is more preferable to couples traveling without kids).

Notable Argentina events in 2009

Visa and Health Requirements for Argentina

Visa - none required for South Africans when going on holiday. Travelers do, however, require a passport valid for 6 months from date of entry and a return air ticket. Passengers on emergency or temporary travel documents do require a visa.

Vaccination - none required

Peru’s incredibly rich and compelling archaeological heritage and its great natural beauty–remarkable even in a continent renowned for its exotic vistas–draw tens of thousands of visitors each year. Almost all make a stop at Lima, which is Peru’s cultural and business center. Lima runs at a slower pace than many South American metropolises; its rhythm is more traditional, and its people reflect a steadier, calmer constitution. Lima’s unusually amenable inhabitants give the metropolis the feeling, at times, of a cluster of smaller towns.

Lima’s physical atmosphere is slightly dreamlike, mostly because of the garua–a mist that settles over the city between May and October. Under its blanket, Lima’s inhabitants meet at the penas (bars offering folk and Creole music), shop at the open marketplaces, and dine at Lima’s celebrated restaurants. Several museums display and preserve Peru’s golden past, including most notably the internationally famed Museo Nacional de Antropologia y Arqueologia.

South of Lima, long white beaches washed by the cold waters of the southern Pacific stretch away in an uninterrupted string, backed by row upon row of huge, brilliant white sand dunes. In contrast to the tourist beaches of warmer climes, these shores have few amenities other than small restaurants and cafes. One of the best of these remote beaches, as if to confirm its tranquillity, is known as El Silencio. Like Lima itself, these beaches seem to exist in an eddy of time, pleasantly removed from the relentless pace of more frequented destinations.

Cusco -South America, is known all around the world for its special beauty and the incredible archaeological ruins of Muchu Picchu.

This is the town hikers depart from in order to go on the Inca Trail.

Cusco/Cuzco- “the old imperial Inca capital, which was both the administrative and the religious centre of the empire. Seized by the Spanish in 1533 after the murders of the Incas Huascar and Atahualpa, many of the original Inca buildings were destroyed and their stone used to construct palaces and churches for the invaders. Much of the city was also burned during the rebellion of 1534.”

Cusco porudly carries the title of “Archeological Capital of the Americas” because there is no other place on the continent where you can easily experience such an amazing culture as that of the Incas in such beautiful surroundings.

The contrast between native and western cultures, between history and the present makes Cusco especially attractive to foreigners visiting Peru