Starting in the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro, we look down over Rio from the tops of Sugar Loaf Mountain and Corcovada. Our Brazil family tour then heads to Manaus and the Amazon, the worlds largest rainforest. Here we stay in an eco-lodge, and visit the Monkey Jungle, go piranha fishing, hike through the rainforest, and take a night canoe safari looking for caimans, as well as learning about the culture of the local people of the forest – the caboclos. The old colonial capital of Brazil is Salvador, one of the most vibrant cities in this huge country. Look out for the Baianas – local women in their traditional lace dresses, selling specialities of the delicious Bahian cuisine, and listen out for the sounds of the drums beating throughout the city. And finally we spend time at Praia do Forte, with its white sandy beaches lined with coconut palms, and natural marine pools. Here you can relax on the beach, or visit the Turtle Project, or enjoy other options such as whale watching, jeep safaris or the sea turtles by night.

Please note that bookings may incur a supplement for the included domestic flights depending on flight availability at time of booking.

Rio de Janeiro - City Tour - Corcovado, Sugar-Loaf Mountain.  Today after breakfast,we include a full day (6 hr) private city tour with a visit to the Corcovado and Sugar-Loaf Mountain.  

No visit to Rio is complete without a trip to the world famous statue of Corpus Christi on the Corcovado mountain, which can be viewed from almost anywhere in the city. Standing 100 feet high on the mountain, the statue commands the best view in town. We also visit Sugar-Loaf Mountain, again with amazing views down over the city.

If you have any free time, you may like to go to the golden beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, sunbathing and watching the locals in their element. You can visit the many market stalls along the waterfront areas at both beaches.  (B)

Amazon - Nature Hike, Caboclos, Piranha fishing. Breakfast is followed by a Nature Hike to learn more about the Amazon Rainforest.

Following lunch, there is time for a short rest, before we visit the home of local Amazonian residents (“caboclos”) with an opportunity for piranha fishing.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge. (B,L,D)

Fly Salvador. This morning we transfer to Manaus airport for our flight to Salvador. Salvador is the jewel in Bahia’s crown. It is Brazil’s third largest city and is magnificently set overlooking Bahia’s turquoise waters. One of the main attractions here is the historical area, bursting with stunning, colonial architecture. Pastel painted homes and houses in old rose; sherbet yellow and baby blue mingle with beautiful old churches.

We arrive late into Salvador and are met by the Local Guide who will accompany us to the hotel and check us into our rooms. (B)

Salvador. Today is a free day for you to explore Salvador further at your leisure. (B)

Praia do Forte. We have two days to relax at Praia do Forte. You can relax on the beach, or take part in various optional excursions. (2B)

You may like to visit the TAMAR Turtle Project. The beaches of Bahia are well-known as a breeding area for sea turtles. In order to save the sea turtles from extinction, the TAMAR project was created, with its main facility in Praia do Forte. At TAMAR sea turtles of all shape and size can be seen. TAMAR was set up in 1980 to preserve the sea turtles, who lay their eggs on the beaches and were in threat of extinction. TAMAR is one of the most successful preservation projects in Brazil, and Praia do Forte is now the headquarters of the extensive national turtle preservation project and receives funding from the World Wildlife Fund.

Other options include whale-watching schooner tours (July to October), horse riding, jeep tours, sea turtle by night outing (December to February), and Sapiranga Ecological Reserve Tour. There is plenty for everyone.

Details of some of the options are as follows:

- Jeep Tour Sapiranga and the Castle (4hrs) -  Transfer in a 4-wheel drive vehicle to the Sapiranga Ecological Reserve. We will begin with a 40-minute hike through this tract of first-growth rainforest vegetation and then continue on to the rapids of the Pojuca River for a relaxing dip or swim. The next stop is a visit to a traditional mill where farinha or manioc flour is produced. The tour ends with a visit to the ruins of the 16th century Garcia D´Ávila Castle. Return transfer to hotel.

- Pujoca River tour (4 hr) - 20-minute transfer in 4x4 or van to the Pojuca River. The group will ride a motorized canoe upstream for 20 minutes to the rapids, where we will float down using inner tubes. Next we will cross the river using 2 Tyroleans (aerial cables) that cross the river in 2 directions. After a swim in the river we will do a 15-minute hike through the Sapiranga rain forest preserve to the vehicles for the return journey to the hotel.

- Mangue Seco - (8-10 hrs) - Two hours travel to the northern most beach of Bahia, which was the setting for a Brazilian movie based on famous Bahian novelist Jorge Amado. There we cross the river in a boat (15 minutes ride) until Mangue Seco, where we go for a ride in a buggy over the white sand dunes.

- Imbassai Expedition - (3.5hr) - Transfer in a 4-wheel drive vehicle or van to the Imbassaí River near the tiny village of Diogo. There the group will board “Canadian canoes,” with a capacity for 3 people each. The group will then row downstream for about 40 minutes to a deserted beach for a swim in the sea. From there the group will continue rowing downstream for another 40 minutes approximately to meet the vehicles. This is an expedition in the true sense of the word to see firsthand this pristine stretch of the Imbassaí River with its beautiful white sand dunes and native vegetation. A surprise awaits travelers around every bend in the river. Return to resort in 4x4 vehicle or van.

- Whale-Watching Praia do Forte (4hrs) - Period - mid-July until end of October. The program begins with a short introductory lecture by a researcher (English/Portuguese) from the Humpback Whale Project. Then at about 10h00 the group will board a schooner for a 25-nautical mile ride to observe these magnificent sea mammals that migrate from the frigid waters near the South Pole to mate and give birth in the warm waters of Bahia. A biologist from the project will accompany the participants, providing information throughout the journey. Tropical fruits, mineral water and biscuits on board and medicine for sea-sickness is provided. We will return to land at about 14h30. 

- Sea-Turtle by night -  The sea turtle by night outing is possible from the months of December to February. The aims of this excursion are to help save sea turtles from extinction and to get to know more about the work of the world renowned Tamar Sea Turtle Project during the spawning season. The first step is to watch a video about sea turtles and immediately after the group will travel by 4-wheel drive vehicle to the beach to help biologists from the project release the newly hatched turtles into the sea.

Hotel Eco Atlantico

Praca dos Artistas

Mata de Sao Joao

Praia do Forte

Bahia

Brazil

Tel: +55 71 3676 1366

The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 6pm THE DAY BEFORE the scheduled departure date. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your crew and fellow passengers.

In addition the crew will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise TRAVEL AMAZING SOUTH AMERICA if you CANNOT attend this meeting.

All passengers MUST bring:
1. Passport.
2. Vaccination Certificate.
3. Travel Voucher.
4. Travel Insurance Policy.

It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your South America trip. Please consult your Travel Agent or relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs.

EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR.

Please note that clients travelling on SA6 Buenos Aires to Rio tours should be aware that Brazilian visas (if required) can take up to 3-4 working days to issue.  We strongly advise that you arrive into Buenos Aires at least 4 working days before your trip starts in order to ensure that you have sufficient time to obtain your Brazilian visa.

We for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.

Vaccinations:
It is necessary to obtain an International Certificate of Vaccination before travelling. This is a record of your injections and should be issued with your first inoculation. Make sure that after each injection your certificate is dated, signed and stamped.

Compulsory Inoculations:
Yellow Fever for Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru but only if arriving from an infected area.

Please refer to the Yellow Fever information under the Latest News section on our website. Yellow Fever vaccination is now recommended for parts of Argentina, Bolivia (if arriving from Paraguay or Brazil) and parts of Brazil. We srongly recommend that you consult your GP or Travel Clinic at least several weeks prior to departure to check current Yellow Fever vaccination requirements. Your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate should be carried with you at all times.

Recommended inoculations:
Yellow fever, hepatitis A, diphtheria, typhoid, tetanus and polio.

We also recommend:
- A dental check-up prior to travelling.
- That you know your blood group in case of emergency.
- That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your Travel Amazing South America at the time of your booking.

Medical Supplies:

We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit.  Below is a list of some recommended items:
Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills.
A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.

Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!

You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.

Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.

We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where this is possible.

Personal Effects:
Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Sewing kit, Sunhat/Sunglasses, Music cassettes /CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen.

NOTE: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.

Portugese is spoken throughout Brazil, but English will be spoken by some in the larger cities. You might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.

The Brazilian food takes you back to the days when the native Indians and Portuguese occupied the land. The Indians introduced sweet potatoes, cassava meal, corn porridge and preservation of meat by smoking or drying. While the Portuguese introduced dishes from North Africa which included coffee, dried fruits and pastries. They are using a number of staple dishes, such as "arroz" (white rice|), feijao (black beans) and farinha (flour). They are served in most restaurants and are served with side dishes which include chicken, meat and fish.

National Dish - Feijoada is considered by many as the national dish. It consists of stew of pork, sausage and smoked meat cooked with black beans and garlic, garnished with slices of orange. It is mostly served during the weekends.

Other popular dishes include:

Barreado: this is a mixture of meat and stew; it is cooked for 24 hours and served with banana and farofa.

Carangueijada: this is a whole cooked crab.

Caruru: This is an African dish that is made from ladies fingers (okra), onions, shrimp, peppers and oil.

Cozido: A Brazilian stew made from potatoes, carrots and vegetables.

There are a variety of international cuisines which are not so expensive. Eating out in Brazil is fun and the service is good.

Restaurants - Restaurants in Brazil are affordable and they are well known for the love of serving meat to clients and as a great place for socializing. Churrascarias are well known restaurants that serve meat to its customers. There are many ethnic restaurants, such as Indian, Japanese and Italian. These restaurants and are more expensive than the local Brazilian dishes. Other popular restaurants in Brazil are pay by weight restaurants, which are better known as Copacabana; you order your food and then wait for it to be cooked. Most of these restaurants serve traditional Brazilian foods. People prefer having meals at Copacabana restaurants which have a lot of customers, because this assures them the food is fresh.

Street Food in Brazil - You can find food everywhere in Brazil, in front of churches, beaches, squares and many more. Dishes that are served on the streets include fried beans which are served with different dishes, boiled maize and sweets that are made from coconuts. Visitors should be careful with what they eat on the streets since most street vendors are not that clean, though most of them are.Apart from the street food, Brazil also boasts of having street bars. The bars have become popular for the fruit juice they serve which is known as vitamins and are made up of mango and acerola, pineapple, milk and banana, orange and guava. The popular local beer cachaça is also sold on street bars.

Vegetarian food in Brazil - Brazil is not yet really into vegetarian food like other countries. There are a few restaurants that offer vegetarian dishes which include salads. Most vegetarians take fruits and vegetables, which are abundant in Brazil. Being a vegetarian is not very common in Brazil. so it is quite difficult to get a proper meal since most of the time the dish will include unwanted ingredients. The best option for vegetarians is to go to the pay by weight restaurants as you can create your own dishes from the buffet in self-service. A wide range of fresh food is prepared continuously and it's very easy to find something you like.

Alcoholic drinks - Beer drinking is not restricted and there are many to choose from. The beer is great and draught beer is called chopp. The local spirit is called cachaça, which not many visitors drink. The national drink is loved by many and is known as "caipirinha". It is a mixture of sugar, crushed ice and lime. Houses of spirits are famous beer restaurants which serve 8000 brands of cachaça. Most Brazilians love going to Cachacarias as they are commonly referred to. If you are not a beer lover, then you can take the Brazilian wine which is of high quality.

Soft Drinks - Brazil is among the world best coffee producers and most Brazilians love drinking it. The coffee is served hot in small cups. Most Brazilians have coffee, milk or tea at breakfast. The most common type of tea is Try chá mate which is green in colour and is considered as herbal tea. Since Brazil is home to many fruits, you'll find delicious fresh fruit juice everywhere. The most famous local fruit juice is made from milk and is known as vitamina and is available in most street bars. Other well known drinks include suco de maracujá, passion fruit, and suco de limão, lime and if you are in the North and Northeast, graviola, bacuri and cupuaçu are some of the drinks available. The best local soft drink is guaraná, which is made from Amazonian berries and is very delicious.

For better or for worse, tipping is an accepted part of everyday life and although it is always at your discretion, you will be expected to tip to reward service.

Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:

Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad. You can opt to use an International SIM Card.

Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers.

Blog – You can keep your friends and family updated by blogging about your adventures.

Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!