Brazil is a country of many mixings. This mixing of colors, races, beats and flavors is waiting for new explorers willing to know the true essence of a strong, happy and hospitable people.
Brazil's landscape is as diverse as the people who inhabit it. Few tourists venture far from Brazil's spectacular beaches but a trip into the interior reveals a different Brazil, one with a great deal to offer the visitor. As well as the world's biggest rainforest in the Amazon, Brazil boasts many wilderness areas including the wildlife-rich wetlands of the Pantanal, the canyons and caves of the Chapada Diamentina, and the Mata Atlântica (Atlantic forest), which runs for much of the length of Brazil's coastline.
Brazil Travel Guide
Full Name
Federative Republic of Brazil
Former Name
None
Capital City
Brasilia
Government Type
federative republic
Area Size
8,511,965 sq km
Time Zone
UTC/GMT -3 hours
Climate
Located mainly within the tropics, Brazil's climate has little seasonal variation. Southern Brazil, however, has a subtropical temperate weather, occasionally experiencing frost and snow in the higher regions. Precipitation is abundant in the humid Amazon Basin, but more arid landscapes are found as well, particularly in the northeast.
Geography
Brazil is characterized by the extensive low-lying Amazon Rainforest in the north and a more open terrain of hills and low mountains to the south — home to most of the Brazilian population and its agricultural base. Along the Atlantic coast there are several mountain ranges, at the top altitude of roughly 2,900 meters. The highest peak is the 3,014 meter Pico da Neblina (Misty Peak) in Guiana's highlands. Major rivers include the Amazon, the largest river in the world in flowing water volume, and the second-longest in the world; the Paraná and its major tributary, the Iguaçu River, where the Iguaçu Falls are located; the Negro, São Francisco, Xingu, Madeira and the Tapajós rivers.
Languages
Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, French
Culture
The Brazilian culture is a Latin American culture of a very diverse nature. Its chief early influence was Portuguese culture, due to strong colonial ties with the Portuguese empire that spread the Portuguese language, legal system and other cultural inheritances. Other important influences came from other parts of Europe, the Native South American people (such as the Tupi), Africa and Asia creating a diverse multicultural and multiethnic society. The core culture of Brazil is rooted in the culture of Portugal. Italian, German and other European immigrants came in large numbers and their influences are felt closer to the Southeast and South of Brazil. The Amerindian peoples influenced Brazil's language and cuisine and the Africans, brought as slaves, largely influenced Brazil's music, dance, cuisine, religion and language. Brazilian Carnival (Portuguese: Carnaval) is an annual celebration held 40 days before Easter and marks the beginning of Lent. Other regional festivals include the Boi Bumbá and Festa Junina (June Festivals).
History
Following three centuries under the rule of Portugal, Brazil became an independent nation in 1822. By far the largest and most populous country in South America, Brazil overcame more than half a century of military intervention in the governance of the country when in 1985 the military regime peacefully ceded power to civilian rulers. Brazil continues to pursue industrial and agricultural growth and development of its interior. Exploiting vast natural resources and a large labor pool, it is today South America's leading economic power and a regional leader. Highly unequal income distribution remains a pressing problem.
Travel Information
The national airlines are TAM (KK) and VARIG (RG)). Brasilia International (BSB) is 11km south of the city. Buses run regularly to the city centre (journey time - 30 minutes). Taxis are also available (journey time - 15 minutes). Facilities: Left luggage, first aid, snack bar, post office, banks/bureaux de change, bar, restaurant, shops and car hire. Rio de Janeiro (GIG) (Galeão) is 20km north of the city. Public buses operate 0530-2330 to the city (journey time - 40 minutes). There is an airport shuttle bus which stops at all major resorts and hotels, running every hour. Taxis are also available. Facilities: Left luggage, banks/bureaux de change, duty-free shops, a pharmacy and a small 24-hour hospital, restaurant, snack bar, car parking, tourist information, post office and car hire companies. São Paulo (GRU) (Guarulhos) is 25km northeast of the city. An airport bus runs every 30 minutes (journey time - 30 minutes). Taxis are also available. Facilities: Left luggage, duty-free shops, banks/bureaux de change, pharmacies, restaurants, snack bar, post office and car hire. The main port is Rio de Janeiro, which is used by many international cruise ships. Other popular ports include Manaus, Fortaleza, Recife, Salvador and Vitória. Passenger services are limited but Grimaldi Freighter does offer sailings from Europe. Most major international cruise lines sail to Brazilian ports. Rail travel is not a really a viable way of getting to or from Brazil, but there is the Trem da Morte (Train of Death) route between Santa Cruz in Bolivia and Corumbá in Brazil, which is popular with backpackers travelling to the Pantanal. Contact Ferroviaria Oriental for more information. It is possible to drive or travel by bus to Brazil from all surrounding countries. Entry points include the border with Argentina at Foz de Iguaçu, the border with Uruguay at Jaguarão and from Santa Elena de Uairén. There are plenty of bus routes from surrounding countries, and it is possible to travel to Brazil from Montevideo (Uruguay), Buenos Aires (Argentina) and as far away as Santiago (Chile). International bus companies include Pluma and Crucero del Norte.
Accommodation
Accommodation varies according to region. First-class accommodation is, by and large, restricted to the cities of the south and is generally expensive. There are also a number of pousadas, small, privately run hotels that are less expensive than the major hotels.
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by all nationals of the EU, Australia, Canada and USA except the following: nationals of EU countries (except nationals of Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta and Romania who do require a visa) for touristic and business stays of up to 90 days; transit passengers continuing their journey to a third country by the same or first connecting flight, provided holding onward documentation and not leaving the airport. Nationals not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Validity is 90 days from date of issue. Tourist visas can be used for multiple entry within the period of validity. For an extension of the (up to three months) tourist visa, apply in Brazil, although this is always at the discretion of the Brazilian immigration authorities. Apply to consulate or consular section at the embassy. Passports valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all nationals referred to above. All non-Brazillian nationals under 18 years of age, when not accompanied by both parents, must have a birth certificate (an original or authenticated photocopy). This must be in English, French, Portuguese or Spanish, otherwise an official translation must be presented as well. When travelling alone or with one parent, a declaration from the absent parent(s) must be presented authorising the journey and giving the name and address of the person in Brazil who will be responsible for the minor. In the case of divorced or deceased parents, papers attesting to full custody must be presented. All travellers must be in possession of onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
Getting Around
There is a shuttle service between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, a regular service from São Paulo to BrasÃlia, and a shuttle service from BrasÃlia to Belo Horizonte. There are air services between all Brazilian cities. At weekends it is advisable to book seats as the services are much used. TAM and VARIG operate domestic routes. No-frills airlines include GOL and OceanAir. Ferries serve most coastal ports. One company, Barcas S/A, operates ferries between Rio de Janeiro and Niterói, and between Angra dos Reis and Ihla Grande. River transport is the most efficient method of travel in the Amazon Delta. The ferry between Belem and Manaus is a popular route, and is served by a number of different companies. Brazil has roads ranging from very good paved highways to pot-holed, dusty tracks. Federal highways crisscross the country between major cities. Coaches are by far the easiest and most popular way of getting around Brazil. Main routes include São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro, Recife to Salvador and Florianopolis to São Paulo. There are many operators including Expresso Brasileiro and Auto Viação 1001. International car rental companies operate from major airports and main city centres. Drivers are generally required to be at least 21 years old. There are extensive bus services in all the main centres, often with air-conditioned express executive coaches running at premium fares. Rio and São Paulo both have two-line metros and local rail lines, and there are trolleybuses in São Paulo and a number of other cities. In most cities taxis are identified by red number plates. Fares are inexpensive, costing a little more with taxis with air conditioning and better comfort. Taxis are metered and passengers should insist that the meter is turned on.
Health & Safety
A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for those travelling to rural areas and parts of Sao Paulo and Parana. Those travelling from infected areas require a yellow fever certificate. Typhoid and Hepatitis A immunisation is also recommended. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria are prevalent and insect protection is strongly advised. Chagas disease, caused by a parasite, is widespread in rural areas of Brazil. Tap water is heavily treated resulting in a strong chemical taste; bottled water is, however, freely available for drinking purposes. Milk in rural areas is not pasteurised. Travellers are advised to take along medication for travellers' diarrhoea. Hospitals in the major cities are fairly good, but medical costs are high and medical insurance is strongly recommended. Brazil is politically stable with no natural enemies and no terrorist activities. In metropolitan areas, however, petty crime is a fact of life. Rio in particular is regarded as one of the most crime-ridden cities in the world and, although violent crime is generally limited to the slum areas, foreigners are advised to take precautions. Visitors should not attempt to visit slum areas unless on a guided tour. However violent crime is on the increase due to the establishment of drug and criminal gangs around Rio and Sao Paulo. Muggings, often involving firearms, are high and visitors should avoid wearing jewellery and expensive watches, dress down and conceal cameras. Valuables should be deposited in hotel safes. The threat of personal attack is lower outside the main urban centres, but incidents do occur, and women should be aware that sexual assaults have been reported in coastal holiday destinations. Beware of unofficial taxis and those with blacked-out windows and be particularly careful on public transport in Rio, Recife and Salvador.
National Holidays
1 Jan - New Year's Day. 20 Jan - Founding of Rio de Janeiro. 25 Jan - Founding of São Paulo. 19-21 - Feb Carnival. 6 Apr - Good Friday. 8 Apr - Easter Day. 21 Apr - Tiradentes. 1 May - Labour Day. 7 Jun - Corpus Christi. 7 Sep - Independence Day. 12 Oct - Our Lady Aparecida, Patron St of Brazil. 2 Nov - All Souls' Day. 15 Nov - Republic Day. 24 Dec - Christmas Eve. 25 Dec - Christmas Day. 31 Dec - New Year's Eve.
Currency
Brazilian Real (BRL)
Electricity
110/220v AC
Working Hours
Office hours: Mon-Fri 9.00am - 6.00pm.
Emergency Numbers
911
