Climate
Most of Brazil lies immediately to the south
of the equator. Generally, the climate runs
from comfortably tropical along the coast,
with the Northeast always a little hotter
(but with nice coastal breezes), and cooler
temperatures to be expected south of Rio June
- September. The Amazon can be hotter and
more humid, but it is not insufferable. More
rain occurs during December - March, but the
region can be visited at any time of year.
Financial Matters
The rampant inflation of yesteryear is gone,
and the economy is robust, with a new currency,
the Real, intended to trade at one and one-half
to the US dollar; the actual rate of exchange
is published daily in the newspaper. Cash
and travelers checks can be exchanged at most
hotels, banks and airports. Most major credit
cards are accepted throughout Brazil. Prices
in Brazil are hard to characterize, with some
higher and some lower than in the US. In general,
things tourists would buy (taxis, restaurant
meals), are the same or lower-priced than
in the US.
Electricity
What we refer to as "house current" - 110
volts AC - is not always found in Brazil.
220-volt lines are found in many hotels in
Rio. The 5-star hotels usually provide "hardwired"
hair dryers. If you have electric appliances,
bring the necessary converter as well as an
adapter kits for electric outlets.
Language
Brazilians speak Portuguese, but Spanish is
widely understood. English is spoken by most
staff at the major hotels, all tour guides
and at airport information booths.
Tipping
Although arbitrary, we recommend $5-$7 per
day for your tour guide. In restaurants, tips
are usually included (10% service) on the
bill.
Water
For your comfort and safety, we recommend
you drink only bottled water. Most hotels
have "frigo bars" that stock water and beverage
at an additional charge. You can and should
buy water from the lodges and riverboats if
traveling in-country.
Clothing and
Equipment
Basically, clothing should be of light cotton
or poplin suitable for tropical climates.
The dress in the cities, especially Rio, is
"sophisticated casual".
Some churches included on our tours do not
allow shorts. Travelers to the Amazon or Pantanal
should see the detailed packing list, following.
Medical Matters
There are no inoculations required to enter
Brazil from the USA. A Yellow Fever inoculation
is required for passengers entering Brazil
from Peru, Bolivia, Columbia or Ecuador. For
travel to Brazil, especially in the Amazon
or Pantanal regions, we suggest you consult
your doctor or the Center for Disease Control
in Atlanta at (404) 332-4559.
Security
In Brazil's cities, the crime rate is down,
and crime specifically against tourists is
not as prevalent, as say, Jamaica or St. Thomas,
USVI. However, as almost anywhere else in
the world, it is important to be aware of
security. Do not wear jewelry, expensive watches
or carry a lot of cash. Use the safety deposit
boxes most hotels provide for your passport,
ticket, jewelry and money, and carry only
a little cash with you. Don't leave items
unattended on the beach.
Insurance
An insurance form has been sent to you. We
highly recommend travel insurance for ALL
clients to cover accident, illness or lost
baggage. New options allow for last minute
cancellations with pre-existing conditions
covered. See the flyer for details.
Airline Procedures
and Tips
For international departures, plan to check-in
at least THREE + hours prior to flight time;
for domestic flights, one/two hours prior.
It is imperative that you reconfirm any on-going
or return flight on your itinerary as soon
as you arrive. Your guide or hotel staff can
assist you with this.
A departure of between $3-$8 is charged at
every Brazilian airport upon check-in. An
international tax of approximately $18 will
be charged upon leaving Brazil. These taxes
may be paid in Real or US$.
Due to recent events in the U.S. airport security
will be very high. Carry-ons as well as your
person may be scrutinized and checked several
times. Plan on being at the airport at least
THREE hours prior to departure. Have all your
identification, tickets, and documents handy
and in order upon arrival at the airport.
Baggage
The airlines will strictly enforce a two-bag/80
pound limit per pax. If you are going on an
Amazon jungle trip, you will have to store
your big suitcases with the operator that
comes to take you to your lodge or boat (he'll
return them to you on the way out!), and bring
with you only one small duffel or knap-sack
per person. South America Way luggage tags are being
sent to you; please attach them to your bags
Recommended Reading
There are a few excellent guidebooks on Brazil.
We recommend Fieldings, by Pamela Bloom for
a very personal, good overview on Brazilian
culture, lore and mores. Also informative
is The Lonely Planet Guidebook. For fiction,
anything by Jorge Amado provides excellent
insight into the Brazilian soul.
AMAZON & PANTANAL
PACKING TIPS
Travelers going on lodge or riverboat programs
in the Amazon or Pantanal regions of Brazil
have a specific set of needs to consider:
Clothing
Think about what you would pack for a week
at summer camp in August, and you will have
what you need: Tee-shirts, shorts and sandals
for lounging around the lodge or while on
a boats; perhaps long khaki or light cotton
long pants with sneakers and socks for jungle
walks; consider a cotton sweater or light
windbreaker for an occasional cool night.
Hats (tropical style or even basic baseball-style)
are good to absorb sweat.
Generally speaking, pack light: you will not
need as many changes of clothes as you think.
However, we do recommend TWO pairs of shoes
(light "Keds-type" canvass style) to wear
interchangeably should one pair get wet. Similarly,
pack one more pair of socks than you think
you might need.
Important: Bring several plastic bags to store
wet/dirty clothes and to keep dry clothes
dry.
Rain Gear
It will probably rain when you are in the Amazon
rainforest. Most locals don't worry too much
about getting wet, and neither should you when
on a jungle walk. Nevertheless, you may want
to bring a poncho for times when caught by a
surprise shower while out in a canoe.
Gear
You don't need a lot, but we do recommend
that everyone take the following basic items:
 Binoculars
for wildlife spotting
Durable camera
and lots of film
Good pair
of sunglasses to deal with glare
Strong, protective
sunscreen
Small flashlight
to get around camp at night
Insect repellant
and a lotion like "Skin So Soft" by Avon (mosquitoes
are fierce only at sunset), plus cortisone
for bites & itches
Sufficient
supply of your basic toiletries and medications
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