Carnival in Rio is not just about the parade, there is SO much more…

Carnival street bands play music in the streets, revelers joining in, drinking and dancing away. All you have to do is to turn up and join in. It is all free.

Below, please find a list with a selection of the best Rio Carnival Street Bands, their 2009 Carnival route and schedule.

There are many more bands and processions besides the ones that we have listed – approximately 300 bands are expected to take to the streets at the up-coming Carnival.
The biggest band processions take place in Av. Rio Branco, Downtown (Centro). From Saturday to Tuesday you can see the greatest variety of street bands there, with traditional groups such as Cordão do Bola Preta, Cacique de Ramos, Bafo da Onça, to mention just a few. A visit at the end of the afternoon is always entertaining. This is where the “real” carnival takes place.

ZONA SUL

Banda de Ipanema
City District: IPANEMA
Parade: both Saturdays before Carnival and Shrove Carnival 17:00
Route: Praça General Osório, Ipanema Beach, Leblon

Simpatia é Quase Amor
City District: IPANEMA
Parade: One Saturday before Carnival and Carnival Sunday 17:00
Route: Teixeira de Mello and Vieira Souto – Posto 10 (Country Club)

Imprensa Que Eu Gamo
City District: LARANJEIRAS
Parade: two Saturdays before Carnival 16:00
Route: Mercadinho São José das Artes, Rua Gago Coutinho

Monobloco
City District: COPACABANA
Parade: Sunday after Carnival 9:00 am
Route: along Av. Atlantica

Rancho Flor do Sereno
City District: COPACABANA
Parade: Carnival Monday 18:00
Meeting: Bar Bip-Bip, Rua Almirante Gonçalves 50
Route: Av. Atlântica, along the beach

Suvaco do Cristo
City District: JARDIM BOTÂNICO
Parade: Sunday before Carnival 13:00
Meeting: from noon onwards at Bar Jóia (on the corner of Rua Jardim Botânico and Rua Faro)
Route: Rua Jardim Botânico, Praça Santos Dummont, in front of the Jockey Club

Bloco Que Merda é Essa?!
City District: IPANEMA
Parade: Carnival Sunday 14:00
Meeting: corner of Rua Garcia d’Ávila and Nascimento Silva
Route: Garcia d’Ávila, Vieira Souto to Arpoador

Bip-Bip
City District: COPACABANA
Parade: Carnival Saturday at 00:01am and Shrove Carnival at 11:59pm
Meeting: Bar Bip-Bip, Rua Almirante Gonçalves 50

Esse é o Bom, mas ninguém sabe
City District: COSME VELHO
Parade: Wednesday before Carnival 18:30
Meeting: Quadra dos Guararapes, Ladeira dos Guararapes

SANTA TERESA / DOWNTOWN

Céu na Terra
City District: SANTA TERESA
Parade: Carnival Monday 16:00
Meeting: Rua Dias de Barros, in front of the Bar do Serginho

Bloco das Carmelitas
City District: SANTA TERESA
Parade: Friday before Carnival 18:00 and Tuesday after Carnival 17:00
Meeting place: on the corner of Dias de Barros and Ladeira de Santa Teresa
Route: Dias de Barros, Alte. Alexandrino and Largo do Guimarães

Escravos da Mauá
City District: DOWNTOWN – Praça Mauá
Parade: Thursday before Carnival 19:00
Meeting place: Largo de S. Francisco da Prainha, close to Rua Sacadura Cabral
Route: Rua Sacadura Cabral, Praça Mauá, Av. Rio Branco, Rua Mayrink Veiga to Largo de Santa Rita, Rua do Acre, and back to Praça Mauá

Cordão do Bola Preta
City District: DOWNTOWN – (Cinelândia)
Parade: Carnival Saturday 16:00
Meeting place: Rua Sacadura Crabral, 373
Route: Rua Araújo Porto Alegre, Rua México, Praça Melvin Jones, Av. Nilo Peçanha and Largo da Carioca

DAY BY DAY EVENTS

RIO CARNIVAL 2009

Every Carnival Day

In the evenings – Popular Dances Cinelândia
20.00 Concerts start at Samba Land and in Lapa
23.00 Rio Scala Ball

Friday, February 20th
13.00 Opening Ceremony – the Carnival King (Momo) is crowned by the city mayor and receives the city´s keys
19.00 Children´s Samba Schools Parade

Saturday, February 21st
09.30 Street Band Cordão do Bola Preta (Downtown)
16.00 Banda de Ipanema meets at Praça General Osório, Ipanema
19.00 Official Costume Competition in Hotel Gloria
20.00 Street Band Competition in Av. Rio Branco, Centro (Downtown)
21.00 Parade of the Samba Schools in the Access Group
23.00 The Magic Ball at Copacabana Palace Hotel

Sunday, February 22nd
21.00 Parade of the Samba Schools in the Special Group

Monday, February 23rd
21.00 Parade of the Samba Schools in the Special Group

Tuesday, February 24th
16.00 Banda de Ipanema marches for the last time
21.00 Parade of the Samba Schools in Group “B”
23.00 Gay Costume Ball in Rio Scala

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

Like other Latin American countries, Brazil has its own set of rules set by a machismo culture that caters to an often-patriarchal system of power in many spheres of public life. However, this entry is not about ‘who wears the pants’ in Brazil, for this could be debated endlessly! This is more about what you can expect as a foreign woman traveling through the cities, towns, villages and beaches. Brazil is a wonderful country to visit, overall, and if the word machismo gave you a scare, don’t let it. Brazilians (men and women alike) are incredibly warm, friendly people who will for the most part; go out of their way to help you, and to share with you the richness of their culture. Machismo is less overt in Brazil than it is in many other Latin American countries; attitudes towards sex are quite liberal. As demonstrated on the beaches, Brazilians overall are comfortable wearing very little clothing, and they are not shy about admiring their own and other peoples’ bodies; this should not be mistaken for leering or jeering (though of course, trust your instinct and remove yourself from a situation that suddenly feels uncomfortable). Open your mind and heart to Brazil, but be smart about it, and you’ll be fine. Take a look at these tips, do some of your own research, and get ready for a wonderful experience.

Tip 1: Learn some Portuguese! If you speak some Spanish, you have a slight advantage because many words you will be able to figure out. However, the two languages can differ greatly, so take some time to learn some phrases, at least, and customary greetings. Also, learn some emergency phrases; write these down (including phonetic pronunciation so you don’t forget!) on a slip of paper that you carry with you. Very few people speak English in Brazil; it’s not only good for communication, but it will impress the locals if you can say some phrases in their language. Carry your hotel or hostel address (in Portuguese) on your emergency slip of paper, including the phone number.

Tip 2: Regardless of the situation, be confident. If you’re not feeling even slightly confident, fake it; this holds mostly true for walking around by yourself on city (or town, for that matter) streets. If you need to consult a map, pull yourself over, tuck into a shop, and then take a look. Walk like you know where you’re going, even if you suddenly realize you don’t know where you are. Ask directions in a shop or police station or to the nearest friendly person; this is one way to practice your language skills, make a new friend, and avoid the “big map pulled out on the street” situation, which marks you as an obvious tourist.

Tip 3: Dress like a local. Style and amount of required clothing for women will vary from city to town to countryside. What women wear in downtown, urban Rio will be very different than what women wear in steamy, laid-back Salvador. In general, the warmer the climate in Brazil, the fewer clothes the women (and men) wear. Try to blend in as much as you can.

Tip 4: If you are a blonde or a light-haired woman, and have light / pale skin, you will get some attention, especially in the northeastern parts of Brazil where there are significantly fewer pale-skinned people. You might receive some catcalls or whistles, but much less than in other Latin American countries. Women in Brazil flirt just as much as the men do; this is part of the culture, so don’t assume this kind of attention is an insult or some form of exploitation. Trust your instinct always, and get out of any situation that feels like it might be harmful or dangerous; but 99% of the attention you will receive will be good intentioned and complimentary.

Tip 5: Men and women kiss a lot in Brazil. Men will typically shake hands and pat each other on the shoulder; both men and women will kiss one (or both) of your cheeks upon meeting and departing, so be prepared to reciprocate. People also dance very close to each other; so if you find yourself on the dance floor, pressed up tight against a strange man, don’t be alarmed. But, of course, stay a bit on guard and respect your own comfort level.

Tip 6: Bear in mind that in any town of any size in Brazil, the area around the rodoviária (train station) is potentially a red-light district at night, so as a woman on your own, it’s not a good place to hang around. Transport terminals, however, are usually policed and fairly safe at all hours.

Tip 7: For both women and men, it’s not a good idea to carry your camera around your neck, or in any kind of flashy camera bag, for that matter. Try using a different bag that isn’t easily identified as a camera bag. Wear minimal flashy jewelry and don’t speak in a loud voice so that everyone around you knows instantly that you’re a foreigner. Carry just enough cash for the day (stash the majority of it somewhere safe on your body and carry only small bills or coins in your pockets); carry an ATM (VISA and MasterCard is accepted in almost all cities and towns) card but make sure you have the cancellation number handy in the event that your card is stolen. Don’t carry anything valuable with you on the beaches, and certainly, don’t leave anything valuable on the beach while you go swimming. If necessary, befriend someone and have them watch your things for you.

Tip 8: If you are traveling alone, it’s a good idea to stay at a hostel or another social overnight accommodation. Not only is it safer than staying all by yourself in a remote or secluded hotel room, but you’ll also meet people, and be able to find company for the late night dinners, parties or other festivities that might otherwise be a bit risky on your own. Neighborhoods can quickly merge into each other in cities and towns, so what was a very safe place to be on your own at night can easily become a dangerous place to be simply by walking down the wrong street. So avoid going out on your own late at night; if it’s unavoidable, be smart and strategize. Avoid taking the public buses all by yourself late at night, especially if you don’t know the lay of the land. Rather take a cab, show the driver the address, and negotiate the fare.

You will have a wonderful experience in Brazil if you can speak some of the language; if you stay smart, savvy and alert; and if you open your eyes, ears, and heart to the warm people around you. Empower yourself before your trip as much as you can (a little knowledge can go a long way), and once you’re in the country, learn some of the ground rules of the specific locations where you’ll stay. Most of all, enjoy your trip, and bring back good stories to keep in your heart and to share with people back home.

A monkey on the island of Itaparica

What remains on the island, however, is small town living. There is a peace, calm and deep beauty there. What you cannot find in Salvador is tranquility, or under-populated beaches. On Itaparica, you can stay in beautiful B & B’s and truly relax now that there is no longer the din of the city surrounding you. What you do hear are birds whistling, monkeys chattering, and the occasional peacock emitting its strange meow. You can hear children playing, capoeira music drafting out from studio open windows, and festivities livening up the town center. In downtown Itaparica, you can sit in the square, eat homemade ice cream (flavors made from Amazon fruits, even) overlooking the sea; you can leisurely dine at one of the restaurants lining the square. Afterwards, you can stroll along the beachfront paths, watching the lights blink on the water’s surface. If it’s beach time you’re seeking, there’s no better place than Itaparica. You’ll be lucky enough to watch the fishermen pulling in their day’s catch and capoeiristas practicing their fluid moves. Maybe the economy has slowed down here, but the romance has not!

A street in downtown Salvador, Brazil.

One of my favorite things to do in Salvador, Brazil, is to walk down the street. I know, it doesn’t sound rip roaring or even mildly exciting, but you just have to trust me when I say it’s a worthwhile experience. Salvador is a city of about 4 million (large in my grand scheme of things since I’m from a tiny town in Vermont, U.S.A.); so it’s not as though there is a shortage of places to go: beachfront restaurants with tables legs nestled in the sand and green coconuts on the menu; neighborhood restaurants spilling out into the street; city squares and centers decorated with capoeira performers or slow wandering tourists; museums, galleries and clubs. For me, however, it’s enough to take the local buses and get off when I choose to wander the streets. There’s a street called Avenida Sete de Setembro that runs the length of waterfront Salvador. When you walk from Praça da Sé, abutting the historic centre of Pelourinho, you can walk for what seems several kilometers, I’m sure. I’m not one to count steps or mark distances (I’ve always been bad with directions) but I do know that you can spend hours just looking at and feeling the atmosphere. And there’s so much to touch! Leather, for one; at one junction where Avenida Sete de Setembro meets another street, there’s a huge leather market. The thousands of shoes are strapped onto the stall fronts, dangling in pairs of men’s, women’s and children’s. As far as I understand, they are made by hand in outlying areas of Bahia. There are also black fur hats, white leather bags, and garments that have been dipped, carved and pierced. I bought a pair of leather thongs – probably one of the more “low fi” pairs available, but lovely, nonetheless. I waited in the sun, barefoot, while the stall vendor adjusted then readjusted the shoe strap to fit perfectly. He would slide the shoe onto my foot; look up at me, and in my broken Portuguese, I’d tell him sim or não for how the shoe was fitting. He would nod, take the shoe, and disappear behind one  of the stalls; I never saw which was his. But he’d reappear with the shoe, stretched or tightened, and we’d go through the routine again. The sandals fit perfectly now (as leather shoes do if given enough time on your feet.) When I wear them now, I remember the sound of the hard soles tap tap tapping along the cobbled streets of Salvador. The shoes make a different noise here, on more level pavement. After I bought those shoes that day, we carried on up the street, passing people wearing sandwich boards advertising political campaigns; shop owners leaning on the doorjambs of their shops; and men gathered in little groups around one of the cafezinho carts – little 4-wheeled contraptions pushed by the owner who sells little espresso shots of sweetened coffee from the row of tall, narrow bottles lining the cart. These carts are yet another of my favorite things to look for on the streets – red, yellow, green but all with black wheels, and each with a distinct style. There are indeed like roving cafés, providing momentary caffeine satisfaction and a pause in people’s journeys up and down the streets. I could suggest several restaurants, bars, museums, and galleries to visit in Salvador; but I would suggest your first activity is to find the nearest street curb along Avenida Sete de Setembro, and park yourself there long enough to watch the activity.

Yemanjá, goddess of the sea, in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil

If I told you to go to Brazil for your honeymoon, would you go? You should. If I told you to go to Brazil because you will never experience another country like it, would you go? You should. If I told you to go to Brazil because it might change your life, would you go? You should. It’s that simple! I could easily start any blog entry or travel update with this – let’s call it – hint. But never mind, even if you’re not getting married, and not necessarily seeking a lovely destination to celebrate your union to the one you love, nor are you really seeking a life-changing experience, Brazil will still call out to you. How? The most obvious, of course, is the mermaid who floats about in the seas off Salvador da Bahia, in the northeast of Brazil. Her name is Yemanjá, one of the orixás in Brazil’s candomblé religion. She is the queen of the ocean, patroness of the fishermen and survivors of shipwrecks, the feminine element of creation, and the spirit of moonlight. If you visit Salvador, you will see Yemanjá celebrated in statues and sculptures; in paintings and advertisements; and at the right times of the year (February and December, to name two), in festivals that take place in the sands next to the sea. My own experience with Yemanjá took place while riding the lancha (technically, the word means “launch” in Portuguese, but the small passenger boat has come to be known this way) from the island of Itaparica to Salvador city one late morning in September. I sat in the back of the boat, on a bench with my back to the sea; it is perhaps one of the best commutes in the world. Feeling the sun on my neck and the sea spray sprinkle my arm,

En route to the lancha, crossing the bay from Itaparica to Salvador da Bahia, Brazil

I didn’t mind the half hour journey. It surely beat driving or sitting in a taxi or riding a train. While I sat, I talked to my friend next to me, my head turned to the side so he could hear me. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a flash of light shimmer above the sea’s surface. I turned quickly to watch; a pod of three or four dolphins made a quick display, shooting out of the water and in less than a second, disappearing again. I pointed and made some sort of noise; a few other people turned and looked out over the sea; but there was only the churning water from the boat’s wake. I watched attentively, unfortunately ignoring my friend for the remainder of the ride. The dolphins never surfaced again. I began to wonder if, after all, maybe what I saw was something else. Maybe she was a silvery, ephemeral mermaid leaping out of the water, stretching in the sun, and observing her domain on the topside of the sea. I imagined that perhaps she wanted to meet me, greet me, and welcome me to Bahia; and to remind me, with that quick disappearance, that I should soak in the beauty around me because it could disappear in a flash. And it did disappear – I did leave Brazil; I no longer have that lancha commute and I no longer feel the sea spray on my arm as I journey across the bay. But the memory is solid, despite its watery nature! You must see and feel for yourself…go to Bahia and spend some time near the sea. And keep your eyes peeled for silvery flashes of light.

where I was in Bahia (the northeast corner of Brazil, jutting out into the Atlantic), I learned immediately that it was not some sort of curry or a sweet and sour dish. It’s a strange, haunting, beautiful instrument found throughout Brazil but especially in Bahia, home of the equally infamous dance called capoeira. In fact, the berimbau and capoeira are mutually dependent – the one requiring the presence of the other. If there were only one instrument to symbolize Bahia, I would say it’s the berimbau. Any scenario I can imagine (everything from a samba dancing in a town square to a honeymoon cabana on the beach) I can hear a berimbau’s rubbery, liquid notes as an underscore to these soundtracks.

An artist friend of mine who lived with me for the two months I was in Brazil learned how to play the berimbau. He is a musician from Bangladesh; a classical flute player and composer by trade; a fanatic musical instrument collector by night! The evening he arrived back at the house with an elongated, soft case strapped to his back, nearly the same height as he is, I knew there was a new instrument in the house. His eyes glittered, and despite the fatigue of the journey to and from Salvador from Itaparica

(the island where we lived) to fetch the berimbau and then wrangle it on the buses, kombis (mini van taxis that scoot all over the island) and the final boat ride across the Bay of All Saints, he looked overjoyed. He pulled the berimbau from its case, and gave us the briefest of demonstrations. It seems to require four hands where most of us are only equipped with two: you need to stretch your pinky to hold the thin, bottom brace while at the same time maintaining the proper and fluctuating tension of the string; and then at the same time, the other hand is playing the notes with a little basket on stick filled with beans or shells. The notes resound through the hollowed gourd at the base of the instrument, which rests against the musician’s belly. I have no desire to learn to play it myself; but I’m happy to listen every chance I get. It’s the music of Brazil that is the most haunting; the most mysterious; the most indicative of the vibrant blend of cultures that make up northeast Brazil: Indigenous, African, Portuguese, and others who have crept in over the centuries. Whether you’re in Brazil to explore the Amazon or bask in a h

oneymoon glow or learn to speak Portuguese and dance the samba, listen for the berimbau! You’ll know it by the twang and the rhythmic heartbeat notes that can be the soundtrack to your Brazilian experiences.

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.

1. Argentina – Beaches, Lakes and Glaciers
2. Brazil – Islands, Glamour and Cities
3. Peru – Hiking, Camping and Archaeology
4. Mexico – Beaches, Culture and Archaeology
5. South Africa – Beaches, Forests and Wildlife
6. Zanzibar – Islands, Heat and Simplicity
7. Mozambique – Beaches, Snorkelling and Seafood
8. Kenya – Islands, Dhow Trips and Dolphins
9. Bali – Islands, Luxury and Culture
10. Thailand – Islands, Culture and Fun

Argentina

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. Read more about Argentina and the tours on offer – Click Here.

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Brazil

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

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Peru

For the more adventurous holiday-maker who enjoys hiking, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a must. 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. To find out more about the Inca Trail and possible trips to Peru – Click Here.

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Mexico

30 years ago Cancun was no more than a sand bar, clinging to Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Today, Cancun is an exciting beach destination and gateway to the Mundo Maya, or Maya World. Enjoy the magnificent beaches, crystal-clear waters and elegant hotels, as well as the breathtaking nearby Mayan ruins, exotic wildlife and colonial towns. Some of the best diving and snorkeling can be found here! To read more about Mexico and explore the tours on offer – Click Here.

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South Africa

These days travelling abroad is becoming more and more out of reach, as oil prices rise and fuel surcharges take a heavy toll. Luckily we live in one of the most beautiful places in the world – South Africa! If you are looking for pristine beaches, lush forests and world-class snorkeling then we have just the tour for you. Click here to read more.

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Zanzibar

Zanzibar has emerged as one of the top honeymoon spots in Africa, and serves just as well for a wonderful beach getaway. Accommodation ranges from simple bungalows on the beach to exclusive lodges who cater to your every need. Zanzibar is a very affordable and fascinating destination to visit. To read more about Zanzibar in Tanzania – Click here.

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Mozambique

Mozambique is a very accessible place to visit, but it is not yet overcrowded with throngs of tourists, thus it is a truly romantic destination. The stretching beaches and inviting islands provide a welcome getaway from city life, and let’s face it, not much beats buying fresh fish off a fisherman before grilling it outside your beach hut half an hour later! To read more about Mozambique and view trip ideas Click here.

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Kenya

With pristine white sandy beaches and the warm Indian ocean, Kenya’s coast is a perfect place for a beach getaway, and still largely untouched by crowds of tourists. Our favourite Kenyan beach-spot has got to be Lamu, a stunning tropical island where you feel like you have just stepped out of the world as you know it, and into a new dimension where time slows down, people are friendly, and the sun shines all the live-long-day! To read more about Kenya and view trip ideas Click here.

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Bali

Bali is the largest tourist destination in Indonesia and is a luxurious, but surprisingly affordable, destination. Famous for its beautiful beaches, highly developed arts (including dance, sculpture, painting and music), Bali is a fascinating island to visit and will awaken your senses with the breathtaking scenery, such as beaches, mountains and surrounding coral reefs. Click here to read more about Bali and get some ideas for your holiday.

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Thailand

Beautiful, sensual, culture-rich Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for honeymooners, backpackers, and adventure-seekers alike. Offering some of the most amazing accommodation in the world, Thailand is one of our favourite destinations too! Click here to read more about Thailand and view some of our trips on offer.

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