Manaus and the World Cup in Brazil

On the banks of the Amazon River, the city has inherited a rich past, through the rubber cycle, with its gorgeous Opera House and the Municipal Market. Getting into the Amazon rainforest, exploring its biodiversity, fauna and flora is not just a fantasy. From Manaus, by ship or boat, countless forest hotels can be reached which offer tourist experiences with a focus on adventure, contemplation and learning something new. In the month of June, in the neighboring city of Parintins, the spectacular folklore festival of Parintins takes place. It is a mixture of theatre shows, music and dance inspired by legends and the customs of indigenous tribes and Amazonian communities.

Opera House, wikipedia

Meeting of the waters between Solimões and Negro rivers, wikipedia

Feeding the pink dolphins close to a lodge in the Amazon rainforest

The Amazon championship has gained competitiveness over the last few years with the arrival of new clubs, which has divided local passions. Among the teams that have come out on top at the State level are Nacional, which owns the greatest number of titles, Fast Clube, São Raimundo and Rio Negro.

Arena Amazonia, photo by Bruno

For the World Cup, the expectations are high. The Amazônia Arena, constructed especially for the competition, substitutes the traditional stadium Vivaldão. The space, ready and prepared for various sports, has capacity for 42.3 thousand people, who will be able to watch four World Cup games in 2014 in the group stage, featuring an amazing one: England versus Italy, opening the works for group D. Portugal, United States and Switzerland are also relevant teams willing to challenge the heat in Manaus.

June 14^th –Saturday - 10:00pm - England x Italy (group  D)

June 18^th – Wednesday - 04:00pm - Cameroon  x Croatia (group A)

June 22^nd - Sunday - 04:00pm - United States x Portugal (group G)

June 25^th - Wednesday - 05:00pm - Honduras x Switzerland (group E)

The star Andrea Pirlo, one of the respected players of the Italian squad 

The famous and Ballon D'Or 2013-2014 awarded Cristiano Ronaldo

Eliana Souza - SPin Brazil Tours

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge (English)

The eco-chic Anavilhanas Lodge in Novo Airão, Brazilian Amazon

Inside Brazil by Eliana Souza

A country with the largest territorial extension in South America, with a large, welcoming and friendly population, enormous natural resources, varied climates and positioned in the market as one of the largest global economies, Brazil offers innumerable possibilities for fun, adventure, relaxation, and contemplation for visitors from other parts of the world.

Map of South America

Brazil has centuries of history, which is reflected in its roots and the behavior of its mixed population, originating from racial integration of Indigenous and the European Portuguese and later with black Africans. The ethnic spice increased with the later arrival of Europeans from other nations, Jews, Arabs and Asians, which influenced and enriched Brazilian culture with different values.

Composed of 27 states and one Federal District, where the capital Brasília is located, the country is divided in five regions: North, Northeast, Mid-West, Southeast, and South. In each one of them, you can find innumerable tourist attractions to take a breather.

Map of Brazil by regions

The Amazon is unquestionably the best representation of the North region. Explore the treetops, the untouched tropical forest, listen to the songs of native birds and wander around the winding rivers to explore Brazilian diversity which usually captures the attention of those who are looking to be one with nature.

The Amazon river - photo of wikimedia commons

In the Mid-West, the Pantanal, which is considered the largest swamplands on the planet, offers the opportunity to interact very closely to animals and birds on farms where you can learn about wildlife.

Onça, the Brazilian jaguar -  photo by British photographer Daniel Allen 

Sunset and jabiru flight - photo by British photographer Daniel Allen

Privileged by a ocean coast of more than 7 thousand kilometers, Brazil has dazzling beaches spread throughout the Northeast down to the South of the country. Bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and pleasant temperatures, many beaches are sunny all year round and others are still deserted. Lakes between the deserted areas of Lençóis Maranhenses, dunes in Natal and Jericoacoara, the cliffs on Canoa Quebrada, mangroves on Ilha Grande, reefs in Porto de Galinhas and Trancoso, waves for surfing in Joaquina and Fernando de Noronha, depths for diving in Ilha Bela and Angra dos Reis, wind for kite surfing in Tibau do SuI and so many others with fine, white sand are part of the unending list of beaches, fascinating for their characteristics.

One of the lakes of Lençois Maranhenses park - photo by wikimedia commons

Porto de Galinhas - photo by wikimedia commons

Fernando de Noronha- praia do Sancho - photo by  (wikimedia commons) 

Angra dos Reis - Ilha grande - photo by Eliana Souza

Ilha Bela - photo by Eliana Souza

In the Southeast, the most economically developed region of the country, the most prominent metropolises of the country are concentrated: São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, where visitors can enjoy a variety of cultural options, with museums and art galleries, theaters with shows, music and dance of all types, and even bars and restaurants with high-quality cuisine.

São Paulo - Aerial view of Ibirapuera park  - photo by Percival Tirapeli

São Paulo - State Art Museum - Pinacoteca - photo by Eliana Souza

São Paulo - Independence Park - Museu Paulista - photo by Eliana Souza

Rio de Janeiro - Mirante Dona Marta - photo by Neyla Bontempo

Rio de Janeiro - Copacabana beach and Morro da Urca - photo by Eliana Souza

Sugar Loaf and the tram - photo by Neyla Bontempo

It is in this area that you can see and dig up the Atlantic Forest, present on the coast and in the mountains in the countryside of the states, which opens opportunity for trails, climbing and other activities linked to ecotourism.

São Paulo - Trail at Botanical Garden - photo by Eliana Souza

São Paulo - Trail in the middle of the Atlantic Forest - photo by Eliana Souza

The magnificent waterfalls that form Iguassu falls, included as one of the seven modern wonders of nature, are in the south of the country on the border with Argentina. Boat trips where you can get close to the falls that reach up to 80 m in height depending on the time of year, or hike the trails in the park of primary forest that is still preserved, with endemic species that are unlikely ever to leave the memory of tourists.

Iguassu Falls - photo by Sandra Giannotti

Iguassu Falls - photo by Sandra Giannotti

The south is also home to deep valleys lined with araucarias, and it is home to five major canyons in the country, which are part of the Aparados da Serra national park.

Rio Grande do Sul - Aparados da Serra Park - Canyon Itaimbeizinho-

photo by Valdiney Pimenta (wikipedia)

Curitiba - Botanical Garden - photo by Thomas Koch Boras (wikipedia)

Florianópolis - Joaquina beach - photo by Herbert Viana

In the countryside of Brazil in historic and modern cities, you can see much on the various phases of development and culture in the city. The historic heritage can be admired in such locations as the cities of Ouro Preto, Olinda, Salvador and Paraty. In Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Brasília, other aspects can be explored together with more modern, urban scenes.

Ouro Preto: aerial view - from wikipedia

Salvador - historical center named Pelourinho - photo of wikipedia

Brasilia  - Brazil´s National Congress - photo of wikipedia

Brasilia - Palácio do Planalto, headquarters of the Executive Branch of the Brazilian Government,

located at the Plaza of the Tree Powers - photo of wikipedia

Paraty - historical center at the end - photo by Eliana Souza 

Rio de Janeiro - Selaron' stairs - photo by Eliana Souza 

São Paulo - Tomie Ohtake cultural center - photo by Eliana Souza

But still, Brazil offers much more. With happy people that like to have fun, the calendar is full of popular festivals. Beyond Carnival, which is most well known internationally and can be experienced in Rio de Janeiro, Olinda and Salvador, there are various celebrations that show many of its historical influences, its art and the beliefs of its citizens. The Parintis Festival, in Amazonas, the Círio de Nazaré in the state of Pará, the June festivals in the Northeast and Southeast, the immigration festivals in the southeast, and Oktoberfest in the South are some examples of the celebrations that involve the local population and visitors from all over.

Olinda - Group dancing frevo, popular dance in Pernambuco State -

 photo by Antonio Cruz / Agencia Brasil (wikipedia)

Amazonas - Parintins Folklore Festival - photo by Ricardo Stuckhert /Agencia Brasil (wikipedia)

São Luiz do Paraitinga - June festival - photo granted by City Hall of São Luiz do Paraitinga

Brazilian cuisine is one of the strong highlights on a trip to any part of the country. High quality meats and vegetables of various types, seasonings that go from mild to spicy, fruit of various aromas and colors, as well as sweets that make your mouth water are all part of a menu full of options that fit in any budget. Without even mentioning the famous caipirinha, the cocktail made from the national drink, cachaça, which is sent all over the world.

The famous Brazilian drink: caipirinha, made with cachaça - photo by Eliana Souza

São Paulo- fruits in the Food Market - photo by Eliana Souza

Popular Brazilian dish named feijoada, that is served with black beans, rice, different pieces of pork meat, slices of orange, kale and farofa, an essential complement made with toasted cassava or manioc flour

When you go home, you will be able to show your friends and family the souvenirs and keepsakes that you brought from Brazil, which could include handicrafts made of clay, ceramics, leather and other typical material, embroidery and lace made by hand, paintings and sculpture, or other finished goods that make the country famous, like clothing, bikinis and designer clothing. One of the most sought-after presents are Brazilian stones, which go from amethysts and aqua marine to rare and unique gems like imperial topaz and Paraíba tourmaline.

Brazilian stones - photo by Eliana Souza

São Paulo - Handicrafts in Embu das Artes

photo by Eliana Souza

Handicrafts and souvenirs- photo by Eliana Souza

Brazil is also world known for its soccer, which gave it the coveted title of world champion five times. In 2014, it will host the World Cup, one of the largest sporting events on the planet, which makes tourism for those passionate about sports to explore the cities where the games will be played and their surroundings from other angles.

São Paulo - Pacaembu stadium - photo by Eliana Souza

São Paulo - one of the rooms in the soccer museum - photo by Eliana Souza

Brazilian fans during an international game of Brazil - photo by Eliana Souza

It will be Rio de Janeiro’s turn to host the Olympic Games in 2016, an event that will make it possible for the visitor to taste the energy-filled atmosphere and the unequalled beauty of this South-American country.

Rio 2016 Olympics logo

 

No matter your age, gender, culture or style, Brazil offers innumerable destinations and trips to surprise you, sharpen your senses and conquer your heart. SPin Brazil Tours offers personalized services to accompany you in the most prominent scenes of Brazilian culture with safety, bilingual communication and privacy.

Come break into this corner of the world and live diversity at its essence!

Celebrate life in Brazil

The world meets in Brazil. Come celebrate life!

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September 14, 2012, 4:38 pm5 Comments

3 Experts, and Many Tips for Visiting Brazil

By SETH KUGEL

To supplement my seven rules for lowering the cost of a trip to Brazil, I asked three Brazil-based colleagues to come up with their own tips. They are Ricardo Freire, widely regarded as the dean of Brazilian travel bloggers; Fábio Peixoto, the editor of a Brazilian travel guide; and Kevin Raub, a Lonely Planet author who lives in São Paulo.
I’ve condensed and edited their tips, and in the first two cases, translated them from Portuguese.

Mr. Freire blogs in Portuguese at viajenaviagem.com and is working on an English-language site for foreign visitors to Brazil. Follow his travels on Instagram (@riqfreire). Here are his tips:
TRAVEL WHEN BRAZILIANS DON’T
International travel to Brazil is relatively minimal; the country as a whole receives about as many visitors per year as Cancún. That means the tourism industry is dependent on the enormous domestic market, which has a particular quirk: Brazilians all seem to travel at the same time. That’s during January and June school vacations, Carnival (Feb. 9 to 12 next year), and on national holidays that become long weekends no matter on what day they fall.
For the rest of the year, a majority of Brazilian destinations (with the notable exception of Rio) are nearly empty — even though in many cases the climate is actually better during the off-season. So plan wisely.
WAIT FOR THE MAGIC DATE
Jan. 10 is the magic date that the Brazilian summer stops being so expensive. Families have emptied their bank accounts to be on the beach during New Year’s and must begin to save for Carnival. Prices drop appreciably, and innkeepers and small-hotel owners are open to negotiations.
The best place to be is in Bahia state, in beautiful coastal villages like Morro de São Paulo, Barra Grande, Itacaré, Santo André and others that aren’t as expensive as upscale spots like Trancoso. You can combine that trip with a great excursion to Chapada Diamantina National Park (seven hours by bus from Salvador, the state capital).
FALL IN RIO
Southern Hemisphere fall, that is. In winter (July and August), Rio de Janeiro can actually get cold, so the ideal time to visit is in autumn, after Easter. May, with hot, dry days and cool nights, is the perfect time, with only one Brazilian holiday (May 1) drawing visitors. It’s also the perfect time for a side trip to the colonial town of Paraty, where things get rainy in spring and summer.
TAKE THE BUS
Upper-middle-class Brazilians won’t tell you this, because they can’t imagine themselves on an intercity bus. But the fact is that the Brazilian bus system works well, especially if you are traveling less than 200 miles. Alas, there is little information about bus trips online (and practically none in English) so your best bet is to go to the bus station where each company’s ticket booth has clear signs listing destinations it serves. A key word in Portuguese is “direto” (gee-REH-tew), which refers to a route with fewer stops. Keep your valuables close at hand (and gadgets in your pockets) in the stations.
USE THE PANAMA CONNECTION
The most convenient airline from the United States to Brazil is probably Panama’s Copa, which has a code-share agreement with United, meaning a customer can buy a ticket with one airline but end up flying on a plane operated by the other. You can reach seven Brazilian destinations via a usually brief connection in Panama City, allowing you to, for example, arrive in Manaus in the Amazon and return from Recife in the northeast.
INTERNATIONAL SITES ARE GAINING HOLD
Booking.com has expanded rapidly in Brazil, registering pousadas (inns) and small hotels in remote places, saving foreigners from the complicated system of reservations Brazilians have invented (involving wiring deposits to innkeepers’ bank accounts). Hostelworld works well for hostels, and Airbnb is also making inroads for apartment rentals.
***
Fábio Peixoto is the editor of the Brazilian guidebook series “Guia Quatro Rodas” which publishes the Viajar Bem e Barato (“Travel Well, Travel Cheap”) guide. Here are his tips:
GO AGAINST THE FLOW
With Brazil’s strong economy, a new middle class has emerged with access to many modern comforts, including travel. That means that in season, destinations are more packed than ever. Hotel prices can triple over New Year’s and Carnival, and it doesn’t help much to book in advance. Weekends and holidays during summer (December to March) are usually hellish in terms of prices, availability and traffic. A good strategy if you’re here then is to go against the flow: spend the weekends in the big cities and weekdays on the beach. In the northeast, rains can be heavy from April to July, so September and October are great times to visit.
SNACK TRADITIONALLY
A good tip to eat for less is to focus on traditional quitutes or small, traditional dishes. In Salvador, there are dozens of street stands where baianas (women in traditional white dress) sell acarajé — a black-eyed pea fritter stuffed with shrimp, a sauce called vatapá and vegetables — for about 6 reais ($3 at 2 reais to the dollar).
In Amazonian cities you can get tacacá, a soup of shrimp and jambu, a slightly anesthetic herb, for 10 reais. In São Paulo, pastéis de feira are fried pockets of dough filled with meat, cheese or heart of palm and sold at street fairs for about 3 reais. No matter where you are, look out for the word “rodízio,” or “all you can eat.” There are all kinds of rodizios, including pizza, Japanese food or grilled meats, the latter usually accompanied by salads and side dishes. It might cost you $20, but it will be the only meal you’ll need that day.
TO RENT OR NOT TO RENT
Renting a car in the big cities is synonymous with expense and stress. Parking is complicated, and you can pay 12 reais for one hour in some places. And guys called flanelinhas will try to charge you almost as much for “taking care” of your car even if you find free street parking. Instead, find alternatives: Rio’s and São Paulo’s subway lines are small but clean and practical for getting to tourist attractions; in the northeast taxis are relatively cheap. But outside major cities, say along the coast or in national parks, being without a car means making yourself dependent on tour groups, making car rental the more cost-conscious option.
HIT THREE ISLANDS
To step outside the typical tourist trail, try these three reasonably-priced islands: Ilha Grande (reasonably close to Rio de Janeiro, with beautiful beaches and cheap lodging); Ilha de Boipeba (paradise on Earth, a 30-minute flight from Salvador, cheap as can be, and many foreign-owned inns where English is spoken); and Ilha de Marajó (an Amazonian island in Pará state, where water buffalo and tropical birds outnumber people).
***
Kevin Raub is the coordinating author for Brazil of Lonely Planet’s “South America on a Shoestring.” Follow him on Twitter @RaubOnTheRoad. Here are his tips:
HOSTELS OR BUST
If you’re on a really tight budget, it is hostels only, and even then you are going to pay more than you are accustomed to in North America or Europe. I’ve found some good value spots like Favela Chic in Foz de Iguaçu (Iguazu Falls), where you can sleep in a converted van with a double bed for 50 reais as a single traveler. It’s unique as well as affordable. In Rio, my favorite is a new place called Oztel in Botafogo, where it feels like you are sleeping in an art gallery curated by an Andy Warhol fan. Aside from the sleeping in a dorm part, you’re getting a boutique hotel for the price of a hostel.
CONSIDER THE CAPITAL
Though Brasília has a reputation of being about as friendly to budget-conscious travelers as a wasp-nest piñata, Brazil’s fascinating capital can actually be done affordably. Accommodations are expensive, but hotels slash prices on weekends. From there, it takes a little will but there is a way: buses comb the city, so you can get anywhere for two reais, flipping the script on a city that was designed for cars. Almost all the main attractions (including many monuments designed by modernist architect Oscar Niemeyer) are free, and restaurants serve all budgets.
WILDLIFE OUTSIDE THE AMAZON
The Pantanal is one of Brazil’s best-value spots to visit. Not only is it amazing in its own right, but it’s much more affordable than the Amazon and you will see much more wildlife for your money. After a one-day drive down the Transpantaneira highway, you’ll be sick of caimans, capybaras, macaws and toucans. In the Amazon you’ll pay five times the price and you’re lucky if a pink dolphin swims by once a week.
ORDER HALF
You’ll probably want to skip the traditional feijoada buffets, which are terribly good but always pricey, and go instead for the “por kilo” or pay-by-weight restaurants. Also look for PFs, or pratos feitos, homey set plates of a main course, rice, beans and juice for under 12 reais, or the slightly pricier and fancier pratos executivos or executive plates. Take advantage of the normally infuriating fact that restaurant dishes are priced and portioned generously for two. Single travelers ordering a half-portion (meia-porção) will pay 60 or 70 percent the price, but a party of three can beat Brazilian restaurants at their own illogical math game, ordering one dish and walking away with stomachs filled and wallets still stuffed.
AVOID AIRPORT TAXIS
Most big cities (including Rio, São Paulo and Brasília) offer direct and efficient airport shuttles for under 40 reais, which can offer considerable savings. I walk almost everywhere in Brazil — it’s free and you get a much better feel for Brazilian joie de vivre. Rio, São Paulo and Porto Alegre all have efficient metro systems that get you within striking distance of your destination; just leg it from there, and don’t forget about city buses. In São Paulo you can get accurate point-to-point bus directions from Google Maps, avoiding pricey taxis.
(Disclosure: Seth Kugel is speaking, unpaid, though his costs are covered, at a travel bloggers’ conference Mr. Freire has organized in Rio de Janeiro later this month.)
Follow Seth on Twitter @frugaltraveler, and at facebook.com/FrugalTraveler

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This post has been revised to reflect the following correction:
Correction: September 17, 2012
An earlier version of this blog post included an incorrect description of the publishing schedule for the Viajar Bem e Barato (“Travel Well, Travel Cheap”) guide. It is published every two years, not annually. The post also included an incorrect cost for parking in some places. It is 12 reais, not $12.