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Perhaps more than any other South American
country, the mere mention of 'Brasil' to adventure seekers,
conjures up a kaleidoscope of amazing images. It is
a country blessed with a myriad of topographical &
environmental highlights ranging from the diverse eco-systems
found deep in the interior, to the glistening beaches
of Buzios & Ilha Grande. Here are to be found some
amazing 'Hidden Gems'.
The best known is the Amazon River basin - covering
almost half of Brasil total landmass. Within the Amazon
River basin 30% of the world's remaining rainforest
& an estimated 15000 species of animals, reptiles,
insects & birds dwell. The Amazon is the world's
largest river system & it provides a highway for
transport, commerce & tourism, where in much of
its immensity there are no roads or those that are there,
are impassable much of the year. Transport for visitors
is mostly undertaken in boutique cruise vessels.
Perhaps not as well known but certainly highly sought
after by adventurers & those seeking to observe
the animals, birds & river dwellers, is the region
known as the Pantanal. Located along the western boundary
of the country with Paraguay & Bolivia, the Pantanal
is an enormous marshland, famous for the abundance &
ease of observing indigenous animals, birds & reptiles.
It provides an excellent habitat for alligators ( caiman)
jaguars, anacondas, spider monkeys & gibbons. Equally,
it is home to large flocks of exotic parrots & tropical
birds, especially toucans & macaws. A three night
minimum is almost too short a time to gain a real appreciation
of this bastion of raw wilderness, let alone 'touch
& feel' its eco-systems.
For those travellers wishing to escape the urban sprawl
of the big cities such as Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro,
head east to the Atlantic coastline & the Buzios
Peninsula or Ilha Grande & you'll find in excess
of a hundred glistening white sand beaches. Ideal for
swimming, surfing or windsurfing, yachting, fishing,
scuba diving, hiking along linked trails that skirt
the coast, or perhaps seeking the treasures of a Pirate
history & that are supposedly buried here.
While we have dwelt in-depth on the world's largest
waterfalls, it is most worthy of drawing your attention
to Foz do Iguacu - the Iguacu Falls which are located
in the far south of Brasil & create the border between
it & Argentina. By far the best view of Iguacu Falls
three horseshoe shaped valleys is to be had from the
Brasil side, whereas the ultimate up-close experiences
are to be found on the Argentine side.
Most of Brasil can be visited year
round comfortably, with the exceptions being the south
where in December to February ( summertime ) it does
get very humid as well as having a distinctive 'rainy'
season from June to August. The rest of the country
enjoys temperatures in winter of 18C & in summer 27
- 30C with brief tropical rain throughout the year.
Summer is Brasil's most festive time - a time highlighted
by Carnaval which although mostly is focused on Rio
De Janeiro, is indeed celebrated across the country.
Carnaval begins at midnight on Ash Wednesday & continues
non-stop day & night for 5 pulsating days.
So for those seeking culture, history, soft adventure,
eco-styled experiences or adrenaline pumping pursuits,
mark Brasil as one country not to be missed on a journey
to South America. You'll certainly be much 'richer'
in life's experiences doing so.
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Angra dos Reis |
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Angra dos Reis
3 days |
2 nights
These brilliant white sand beaches extending
from Rio de Janeiro on Brasil's Atlantic coast have a right
to lay claim to being some of the world's best beach resort
locations.
We suggest if it's beaches you're looking for, there is no
real need to go further than to two hours drive from Rio de
Janeiro.
Angra Dos Reis is the closest resort, being an hour &
a half drive, southwest. It offers an array of wonderful white
sand beaches & lush subtropical vegetation extending down
to the ocean. There are 365 islands & more than 2000 individual
stunning beaches which make up the Angra Dos Reis region.
Like many colonial cities in Brasil, Angra Dos Reis was influenced
by the catholic church & within the confines of the cities
you will find convents, churches & monuments. It is a quaint
town which has added attractions beyond the magnificent beaches
& surrounding resort islands. Good restaurants, bars &
nightlife that is expected in a resort, abound.
The largest of the offshore resort islands is Ilha Grande
& for a complete layout of the peninsula & the offshore
islands, see the map & key below.
Day 1.
You will be transferred by shuttle from Rio De Janerio to
the beach resort hotel or accommodation of your choice. The
transfer will take approx 1 ½ hours.
After check-in, the remainder of this day is yours to wander
the quaint historic town & become acquainted with your
surroundings in this magnificent coastal cove setting. Dinner
is included in your accommodation tariff this evening. (D)
Day 2.
(B) After breakfast, take your own time as this is your day
to relax & enjoy the white sand beach or laze away the
day. Just be aware that the sun here has a lot of power so
a heavy sun cream is advisable if you plan on being outside.
Dinner is included in your accommodation tariff this evening
(D)
Day 3
(B) After breakfast & depending upon confirmation of scheduling,
your shuttle transfer will take you back to Rio de Janeiro
& your onward journey.
Note : additional days stay are available if booked in advance.
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Buzios Peninsula Beach Resorts |
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Buzios
Peninsula Beach Resorts
3 days / 2
nights
A pleasant two hour drive, 168 kms from Rio
De Janeiro takes you to the peninsula of Buzios where more
than 20 magnificent white sand beaches & crystal clear waters
of the Atlantic Ocean contrast with the exuberantly sculptured
landscape & exotic subtropical vegetation.
The climate is as if it is all year round 'summer' & the
water temperature is delightful & warm.
Originally settled by the European pirates & slave traders
who roamed these coastal niches hiding out from authorities
bent on their capture, the happy mixture of bloods prospered
& has made for a bustling picturesque fishing village, elected
one of the world's top 10 most beautiful locations.
This in recognition of its rustic charm, historical & colourful
past, architectural harmony, incredible natural beauty &
the sophistication of the boutiques, restaurants, bars &
shops that continue to enticed discerning visitors.
Whether it is 24 or 25 magnificent beaches around the Buzios
peninsula, who really cares ? Beach going & soaking up the
sun in pristine surroundings is the No 1 lure of the region.
The main beaches are Azeda Beach, Joao Fernandindo Beach,
Ferradura beach & Geriba Beach.
Each is interconnected by shuttle & taxis are plentiful.
If a perfect beach setting, surfing, snorkeling, swimming
or windsurfing or just pure relaxation is your passion, then
Buzios is definitely for you. For a detailed map of the Buzios
Peninsula, see below.
Day 1.
Your will be transferred by shuttle from Rio de Janeiro to
your choice of Buzio's Beach resorts & accommodation of
your choice. On arrival & check-in, the remainder of today
is yours to relax & check out this magnificent Atlantic
coastal region.
Day 2
(B) After breakfast the day & the beach destination choice
is yours to make. If you wish to explore the Buzios peninsula
there are local shuttle vehicles which make this possible,
otherwise, try out any of the many sporting activities that
are readily available - parasail, windsurfing, body boards,
surfing or swimming in the warm waters & many coves of
Buzios.
Day 3
(B) After breakfast & dependant upon confirmation scheduling,
you will be picked up & transferred by shuttle back to
Rio de Janeiro for your onward journey.
Note. Additional days stay are possible if booked in advance
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The spectacular scenic beauty of Brasil is highlighted
in its rainforest & fragile eco regions within the interior.
For most people, the very idea of an Amazon cruise conjures
up images of primitive tribes, wild animals, reptiles & basic
living away from civilization - but that is in fact, far from
the reality.
An Amazon cruise, whilst putting you in touch with pristine
natural wonders & wildlife, is one of relative comfort in
small, especially designed craft, equiped with modern comforts.
These traditionally regional vessels measure 50 feet in length,
feature only 10 air conditioned cabins with private shower &
bathroom. They have a dining area, sun deck with reclining chairs
& a well equiped kitchen.
The cruises are accompanied by a bilingual biological specialist
who will provide expert opinion & lectures.
Cruises vary in length from 3 days to 6 days & provide a unique
platform to transport you into the worlds largest ecosystem
where the impact of your having been is all but invisible yet
the memories, experiences & photographs you take away, are
sure to be indelibly imprinted for a lifetime.
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Enchanted Amazon River Cruises |
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Enchanted Amazon River
Cruises
Rio Solimoes Cruise 3
days / 2
nights
Departure from Manaus : Tuesday - returns
- Thursday
Day 1
Departing from the Tropical Hotel dock at 0900 on Tuesdays
& travelling down the Rio Negro we first pass through the
city of Manaus. You will get a perspective of the city markets
from the river as many small boats converge to load & unload
produce. Manaus, is a city of 1. 5m inhabitants & is located
1450 kms or 900 miles upstream on the Rio Negro, inland from
the Atlantic Ocean. It receives ocean going vessels up to
45000 tonnes & is the collection point & distribution
center for the river systems of the upper Amazon.
The first European settlers established a fort here in 1669
& by 1850 it had grown to become the capital of the province
of Amazonas. From 1890 to 1920 the' Rubber Boom' bought great
prosperity to the city. It was during this period the magnificent
Manaus Opera House was constructed. The best entertainers
from Europe & North America were bought to Manaus for
the pleasure of the 100 or so families who literally controlled
the economy.
Continuing after lunch, we cruise Janauaca Lake with the characteristic
floating houses, then you will receive a taste of what's to
come with your first canoe trip on the Igarape do Ipixuna
& your first real touch of the wilderness region. Afterwards
we continue on towards the Solimoes River through the Furo
do Paracuuba until we reach our overnight mooring.
Day 2
An early wake up & coffee & snacks will be served, before
a canoe trip to experience the awakening of the jungle - the
still waters, the freshness of the morning air & the bird
calls are all a part of the new day. This location is a maze
of channels, igapos & small lakes that provide a wonderful
opportunity to view birds & monkeys.
Once back on board the vessel, breakfast is served. Then,
for those who'd like to try their hand at fishing, the option
is yours to enjoy. Anything that is caught will add to the
evenings menu. Otherwise, take advantage of the knowledge
of our onboard resident expert biologist & gain a better
understanding of the ecosystem you are now experiencing.
Lunch is followed by an excursion to a small village called
Jatai after the Lake it is situated on. Here the native peoples
are considered subsistence farmers, grafting a living of small
holdings & fishing. Cruising on up the lake we come to the
overnight mooring spot & before dinner, head off in canoes
for a nocturnal spotlight excursion, seeking creatures that
are not usually observed during daylight hours.
Day 3
Here on the Solimoes River next to Barroso Island there are
wonderful giant water lilies to be seen. Prior to breakfast
a short excursion to see these lilies - called 'Victoria Amazonica'
- is undertaken. Then, after breakfast we dock on the other
side of the river & walk through the region called Igarape
Preto. Here, you'll see rubber trees, cocoa, banana, passion
fruit & papaya being grown. In addition, the indigenous
medicinal plants the local Indians use as remedies for a range
of ailments.
Taking motorized canoes, we continue up the Igarape channels
to what is known as the 'Enchanted Lake'- & area fully covered
with floating vegetation, aningas, embaubas, palms & endemic
orchids.
Then, we head back to the vessel & begin the journey to
Manaus, passing the meeting of the Rio Negro & Rio Solimoes
rivers. We will dock in Manaus at approximately 5.00pm.
Included Features
· Boutique vessel with 10 private cabins
· Air conditioned cabins with private facilities
· All meals while onboard ( 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches,
2 dinners )
· Non alcoholic beverages, coffees, snacks
· Side trips & canoe excursions as detailed in the
itinerary
· On board bilingual biological expert for interpretation
& lectures
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Rio Negro Cruise |
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Rio Negro Cruise 3 Days
/ 2 nights
Departs from Manaus : Friday -
returns - Sunday
Day 1
Leaving the Tropical Hotel Manaus dock at 0900 there will
be a briefing on our journey & general information provided.
Traveling on the Rio Negro until we reach Anavilhanas Archipelago
we pass through the narrowest part of this river which is
approximately two miles, then, have lunch before stopping
by the Rio Pagodao a Rio Negro tributary.
It is off on a canoe excursion into the heart of the lush
rainforest. You will see huge Carapanauba trees which are
specific to the region, with their interesting trunks. You
will get to walk in the forest for a close up experience of
the flora & fauna, insects & whatever animal & bird
species we encounter.
At the end of this walk, for those who wish to, a swim in
the waters of the Rio Negro where very often Dolphins are
seen. There are two distinct species in this part of the basin
- the Pink Dolphin & the Tucuxi Dolphin.
Mid- afternoon we depart to head on up the Rio Negro to moor
alongside the largest island that gave name to the region.
Dinner will be served followed by a canoe excursion with spotlights
to attempt to find nocturnal animals & creatures that otherwise
during the day are sleeping .
Day 2
It is likely you will be woken by the raucous cries of Blue
& Yellow Macaws as they leave their overnight roosts &
head off in search of food. This region, called Tres Bocas
meaning three mouths, has a large population of these beautiful,
endangered & highly protected species of parrots.
After breakfast, we depart to explore the channels of the
archipelago. Often in these still waters, the mirror image
created by the early morning sun on the black waters make
it difficult to determine which way is truly the right way
up when you get your photos developed, so perfect is the reflection.
After lunch we visit Novo Airao, a small town with some 1500
inhabitants. Wandering the town & the markets, you will
have the opportunity to purchase local wooden handcrafts that
the craftsmen specialize in. Late afternoon head back to the
vessel to relax before dinner.
Day 3
This morning you can sleep in somewhat before a leisurely
breakfast. Then we head off on the last days cruising through
many of the channels, islands & marshlands of the river.
We will stop on a particular island to relax under the palms
trees, have lunch & as warranted, a swim.
Leaving early afternoon, the vessel cruises back to Manaus
to arrive approximately 6.00pm.
Included Features
· Boutique vessel with 10 private cabins
· Air conditioned cabins with private facilities
· All meals while on board ( 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches,
2 dinners )
· Non alcoholic beverages, coffee & snacks
· Side trips & canoe excursions as detailed in the
itinerary
· On board bilingual expert for interpretation &
lectures
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© 2006 - Sundance Tours | All
rights reserved
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