Brazil
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ELCOTOUR |
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COUNTRY MAP
(Map by kind permission of the CIA Official Website)
General Information
| Government |
Federal Republic |
| Capital |
Brasilia |
| GMT |
There are 4 time zones in Brazil. The time in most of Brazil visited by foreign tourists is three hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-3). This is true of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Brasilia, Bahia, Minas Gerais etc.
Daylight savings time in Brazil is usually mid-October to mid-February and is GMT-2 – dates vary each year and are announced during September. |
| Online Weekly Weather |
www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day/brazil |
| Yearly Weather Climate |
www.weather.msn.com/brazil |
| Airports |
The International Airport in Rio de Janeiro is called Galeao Airport (GIG) and sometimes referred to as Antonio Carlos Jobim Airport. Domestic and international flights use this airport.
There is also a small airport in the centre of Rio near the downtown business areas called Santos Dumont Airport, for flights from Sao Paulo (Ponte Aereo) |
| Average Flying Time from London |
11 hours or 13-14 hours via Sao Paulo with change of plane |
| Passport & Visas |
www.worldtravelguide.net/country/14/passport_visa/South-America/brazil.html |
| Health and Medical information |
www.worldtravelguide.net/country/14/health/South-America/brazil.html |
| Public Holidays |
www.worldtravelguide.net/country/14/public_holidays/South-America/brazil.html |
| Currency |
Real (BRL) |
| Currency Converter |
www.oanda.com/convert/classic |
| Language |
Portuguese (official and most widely spoken language); note - less common languages include Spanish (border areas and schools), German, Italian, Japanese, English, and a large number of minor Amerindian languages. |
| Electricity |
220-240v, 50 Hz, AC. |
| Population |
191,908,598 (July 2008 est.) |
| Total Land Area |
8,511,965 sq km |
| Coastline |
7,491 km |
| Driving |
On the right |
Company
The secret of success in the travel industry has a magic ingredient - people. Elcotour, your favorite incoming partner in Brazil, is proud of its experienced management and highly-motivated teamwork. Personalised service, high quality, speed and creativity are also part of the comprehensive service which we offer you. Tour groups - congresses, cruise ships, technical visits and incentive trips - all are handled with the same streamlined efficiency.
Our Commitment to Professionalism
We are travel professionals with a professional approach to everything we do. When you contact us, you may expect only rapid answers, with professional advice that is based on our 25 years of operations in Brazil. This experience enables us to assist you with planning, programme improvements and many other options which are available in our market. We want you and your clients to get the best possible value for their budget. Our professionalism means that we ensure a top quality product at the right price using a regular team of multilingual top-guides, contracting safe and reliable transportation and using a huge network of proven local agents in cities and locations throughout Brazil. The numerous clients with whom we have worked over the years have recognized this philosophy and have benefited from it, resulting every time in successful groups and repeat business for all of us. Our aim at all times is to offer our clients the best top quality value and services.
Ask now for a tailor-made quotation and see how creative planning can trim your costs and boost your sales.
Destination
BRAZIL
Exotic - exciting - different - pulsating - friendly - rapidly developing and singularly beautiful - that is Brazil. From the primitive Amazon rainforest to the romance and beauty of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is a non-stop assault on the senses, a land of dazzling colours and uninhibited pleasures. Mystical, alluring, raucous and always inviting, this country of samba and Carnival is an all-year party of explosive joy and spontaneity. Its hundreds of tropical beaches, from the chic to the secluded line the world’s longest coastline. The fabled Amazon cuts through the vast jungle covering, African and European cultures mixed in the swaying rhythms of Bahia. Baroque churches climb above colonial towns in the central highlands while nearby stands Brasilia, a monument to the future. And, of course, there is Rio - simply one of the most beautiful and sensual cities in the world.
RIO DE JANEIRO
Known as the “Marvellous City”, Rio de Janeiro is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. A beauty that comes from its natural tropical environment where mountains, forests, beaches, lagoons, vegetation and the South Atlantic blend to form one dramatic back-drop as this incredible landscape rises from the sea. With its warm climate, it is the perfect destination throughout the year.
Rio de Janeiro lies between mountains and the sea and is renowned for its stunning geography and luscious tropical vegetation and climate. The centre of Rio on the coast is a series of curving bays and beaches - Copacabana, Ipanema, Flamingo and Leblon - where you can find the best hotels, restaurants and nightlife. Famous over the years for the development of samba and other world-famous Brazilian rhythms and songs, favourite sightseeing routes include taking the train to the top of Corcovado, the Statue of Christ that overlooks Rio, the cable car to the top of the Sugar Loaf Mountain, a city tour to appreciate the history and colonial past of Rio and day trips to the tropical islands and beaches near the city or to the former capital of Petropolis just one hour from Rio up in the cool of the mountains.
For sports fans, there are opportunities for golf, tennis, sailing, swimming and even hang gliding and ultra lights!
Rio by night is a must and there are restaurants offering all kinds of Brazilian and international food and the famous “revolving” barbecues where you can eat as much as you like before sampling the delights of a typical Brazilian samba show or going to one of the smaller jazz and folk nightclubs.
Example Programme
Short Summary for an Incentive Trip to Rio
Day 1
Arrival in Brazil - transfer from airport to the hotel for lunch and time to relax in the afternoon.
Sunset golden cocktail at Sugar Loaf Mountain. A fantastic opportunity to admire the sunset from the summit of the Sugar Loaf and enjoy a golden Caipirinha cocktail.
Evening: Dinner at Porcao Rio, a barbecue restaurant in Flamengo with views of Sugar Loaf and downtown.
Day 2
Jeep tour to the Corcovado and Tijuca Forest - a day for exploring Rio’s ecological treasures! Drive by jeep to Corcovado before continuing on up to the statue of Christ the Redeemer.
Corcovado is one of the “musts” of any visit to Rio. The route passes along Rio’s beautiful beaches and round the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon to olde-worlde Cosme Velho and its historic mansions. Travel on to Tijuca Forest – the largest “city forest” in the world. Lunch at Os Esquilos, a colonial style restaurant set in the middle of the rainforest. Return to hotel mid-afternoon.
Evening: Informal dinner and dancing at Lapa district.
Day 3 - Tropical Island Schooner Cruise
Drive through the fields and plantations on the way to the fishing village of Itacuruca before boarding a “saveiro” schooning vessel for a relaxing cruise on the green waters of Sepetiba Bay on the way to the tropical Bernardo Island. Stop along the way for a swim before enjoying a tantalising buffet luncheon on the Island. After lunch, explore the island, take a swim or play beach soccer or volleyball before the refreshing cruise back to Itacuruca.
Return to Rio for dinner at Marius for seafood buffet.
Day 4 - Horse racing and a visit to Maracanã Stadium
A visit to the world-famous Maracana football stadium followed by a 3-course lunch at the Photochart Restaurant at the Jockey Club before the start of the afternoon’s racing.
Farewell gala dinner at Zozô located at the foot of the Sugar Mountain, Zozô offers you the beauty of the “Marvellous City” with the appeal of the Carioca locals and irresistible cuisine. The restaurant has a sophisticated Brazilian décor with a huge 200 year old Mango tree in the middle of the restaurant and a glass roof which can be opened if weather permits. The restaurant offers an “all you can eat” service. You can choose between the four classic ways of cooking a barbecue on an open fire (the conventional barbecue, grill, parrilha and whole meats roasted on a split) together with side orders and a delicious salad and dessert buffet.
Day 5
Departure. Transfer to airport with English-speaking guide.
Optional enhancements
During the transfer from the airport, a mulatto girl will be asking for a ride. Once onboard, the girl surprises the group as she is really a Samba dancer complete with sparkling bikini serving “batida” - a typical Brazilian drink!
Whilst enjoying cocktails at the Sugar Loaf, guests can take a helicopter flight, lasting about 6 or 7 minutes - an exciting way to see astonishing panoramic views of the city.
Welcome Lambada presentation - 2 couples perform this rhythmic Brazilian dance.
Samba trio and mulatto girls playing on schooner on the way to Bernardo Island.
Suggested Sightseeing
In Rio de Janeiro - Famous sights and tours of the city
Sugar Loaf Mountain
Tour of the city and Botanical Garden and visit to Sugar Loaf
Panoramic helicopter ride
Sunset cocktail at Sugar Loaf
Corcovado – the statue of Christ the Redeemer
Visit to Corcovado by cogwheel train
Sugar Loaf and Corcovado flight exchange
Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
Jeep tour to Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and helicopter flight to Corcovado
Lunch at Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas and visit to Sugar Loaf Mountain
Cobal market
Tijuca Forest
Jeep safari to Tijuca Forest
Jeep tour to Corcovado and bike rally through Tijuca Forest
Canopy adventure in Tijuca Forest
Maracana Football Stadium
Rio Jockey Club
Boat Trips /Tropical Island Visits
Bernardo Island
Regente Feijó Island
Lunch at Point de Grumari and sunset cruise to Regente Feijó Island
Macuco Safari Boat Ride
Sunset cruise on Guanabara Bay
Sightseeing and excursions in and around the city
Colonial tour of the city and Santa Teresa district
Hippie market
Full day tour to Niterói
Petropolis – a trip through time!
Burle Marx Gardens
Museums of Rio
Fly down to Buzios!
Cidade do Samba
Beach and Leisure Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Sporting activities
Football on Copacabana beach
Beach volleyball
Bike Gymkhana
Trekking
Hang gliding
Water sports
River rafting
Sailing regatta
Scuba diving
Jet skiing, windsurfing, surfing…
Leisure activities
Golf
Tennis
Shopping
Jogging
Rio’s beach culture
Iguazu excursions and leisure activities
Iguazu Falls
Brazilian side of the Falls
Argentinean side of the Falls
Devil’s Throat (Argentina)
La Gran Aventura (Argentina)
Lunch at Arenal de Apepu on San Martin’s Island (Argentina)
“The Mission” adventure (Argentina)
Grand Macuco Safari (Brazil)
Helicopter flight over the falls (Brazil)
Peninsula Forest Circuit (Argentina)
A night in the Argentinean rainforest at Yacutinga Lodge (Argentina)
Guarani Indian Roots (Argentina)
The Paraguayan National Park of Porto Bertoni (Paraguay)
Itaipu Dam (Brazil)
Golf at Iguazú Golf Club (Brazil)
Theme Party Ideas for Incentives
Carnival night in a private villa or off-site venue
Rio de Janeiro offers a number of beautiful colonial houses, perfect for a private farewell Carnival night for groups of all different sizes. The major 5 star hotels in Rio de Janeiro can also offer suitable venues for large groups for banqueting and events. Private Carnival nights can be arranged in a private room or as a tropical party by the swimming pool.
Carnival night starts with a tropical drinks cocktail reception with batidas, caipirinhas, wine, fruit cocktails, fruit juice, soft drinks and mineral water, as well as hot and cold canapés. We recommend a samba trio or band along with two mulatto girls to entertain during the cocktail hour.
A 4-course dinner will be served and a 4-piece band will play international and Brazilian music during dinner. The Carnival Show will begin right after dinner. Truly a unique opportunity to experience the best Samba sound of Brazil with typical percussion instruments and gorgeous mulatto dancers. Over 30 Samba stars take to the floor for a breathtaking carnival show, followed by a parade of the brightest and best of this year’s costumes. The show lasts 45 minutes and everyone joins in for the Grand Finale complete with streamers.
Casa das Canoas
Set within a beautiful and well-tended tropical garden, Casa das Canoas is a private house in colonial architectural style, decorated with typical Brazilian antique furniture and objets d’art with an intimate and refined atmosphere. Built on the land of an ancient farm in the Tijuca forest, it is the favourite venue for Rio’s cultural and social events and offers the perfect structure for all types of parties. The service is excellent, making this the perfect venue for a private function. The ideal group size at Casa das Canoas is 80 pax with a minimum of 50 pax.
For a farewell Carnival night the house will be decorated with typical Brazilian flair using imaginative floral centrepieces and clever lighting to create just the right mood. Lit torches will light up the driveway as the group arrives.
For further details and a great selection of pictures please go to www.casadascanoas.com.br
Mansão das Heras
Mansão das Heras is set in spacious grounds surrounded by the luxurious Atlantic Forest of the Tijuca National Park with centennial trees, brooks, grottoes and waterfalls. The main house – the owner´s residence - was built in 1828 by William Gilbert Ginty, an English engineer, contracted by the Viscount of Mauá to build the Rio de Janeiro Gas Company.
Today, the mansion and its 315,000 square metres of grounds belong to the Quattroni family. Looking at this special place, it is hard to believe that the mansion was nearly torn down in the 19th century to make way for the plantation of coffee trees.
The perfect venue for a farewell dinner, the property offers 2 salons, support rooms, a business centre, swimming pool, tennis court, lawn with more than 1,600m² providing ample space for a marquee set-up, parking area for 200 cars and a heli-point. www.mansaoheras.com.br
Porcao Rio’s
Located in Flamengo, Porcao Rio’s is one of Rio’s renowned barbecue restaurants with a fabulous view of downtown Rio and of the Sugar Loaf. www.porcao.com.br
A welcome caipirinha drink will be served upon arrival at the restaurant before proceeding to a separate area where the Macumba will take place. The origins of Macumba began centuries ago in Africa when it was believed that certain individuals could communicate with the spirits. It is still celebrated today – similar to our New Year’s Eve – and features priests dressed in bright and colourful costumes. The show consists of 20 participants with 03 "atabaques" - traditional Afro/Brazilian percussion instruments. They will perform the Macumba songs with seven players representing the "orixas", the "macumba" deities, and 10 "filhos de santo", the so-called god's horses who "receive" the gods.
Each client will receive a flower and to bring good luck to the group flowers will be scattered in the sea as an “offering” to the sea-goddess – "yemanja". The ritual takes approximately 20 minutes and requires a total of 11 participants. Torches, flowers and fruit are also part of the ceremony. For something a little different, why not ask the guests to dress all in white as the locals do. Dressing in white is thought to attract positive energy!
After the presentation, guests are invited to an informal "all you can eat" barbecue consisting of a wonderful variety of different cuts of the finest meat served "rodizio" style – directly from the skewer on to the guest's plate as in the south of Brazil. There is also a buffet of unbeatable salads and a variety of Brazilian hot side dishes.
For something a little different ...
Crazy evening transfer
At the hotel entrance hall, clients will be informed by their guides that unfortunately the coach has broken down and a replacement vehicle is on its way. Just a few minutes later, coaches arrive playing a CD of lively carnival songs and completely decorated with colourful balloons and streamers.
Entertainment during the cocktail hour
Upon arrival at your chosen venue a Samba Trio will be playing and two Mulatto Girls will greet the group dressed in enchanting and impressive carnival costumes. The girls perform the samba during the cocktail hour and there will be plenty of opportunities to take souvenir photographs and to study these fabulously intricate costumes close-up.
Photos Galore!
Now that digital photos are so easy to use and unquestionably a fantastic way to impress the team, we will have a photographer with a digital camera and computer on the ready, shooting photos of the group during the Gala Night. As soon as the evening is over, a CD-ROM will be prepared with some 500 photos of the group to be given to your client to take home.
Carnival dolls
Each table centerpiece will be decorated with an individual Carnival doll. The dolls are miniatures of the colourfully dressed "porta-bandeira" - the samba school lead dancer dressed in lavish clothes. The dolls also make a perfect gift to be given to guests as a souvenir of the Carnival night.
Carnival costume
An out-of-this-world stunning carnival costume will be displayed for souvenir photographs and close-up study. For a large group we would recommend a collection of half a dozen different costumes.
Themed Party Ideas in Iguasu
Argentinean side of the falls
Full moon champagne cocktail at Devil’s Throat
Three Frontiers Torch-lit Dinner
Surprise gala dinner in the jungle at Aripuca Tree House
Brazilian side of the falls
Evening tour to a casino in Paraguay
Dinner and show at Rafain’s Churrascaria
Fiesta Gaucha gala dinner at Rancho Brazil
A Few Extra Touches
Plane with a banner
As the guests enjoy the views a plane will fly by displaying a banner with a message for the group.
Help for the street children of Rio’s favelas
The group will be met at the summit by a group of children giving away stamped postcards of the statue of Christ. The boys and girls will sing the famous “Girl from Ipanema” surprising the guests by forming the client’s company name with each child wearing a t-shirt corresponding to their specific letter! At the end of their song, the children will give out carnival necklaces and whistles. A small contribution can be given to each child.
A rally in the forest
Turn the jeep tour into a challenging rally! We will divide the group into teams and set a series of challenging tasks along the way through the forest. The prize for the winning team will be a bottle of Brazilian champagne.
Pirate attack!
On the way to Regente Feijó Island samba dancers in pirate costume will “attack” the group’s schooner and take our guests hostage. The ransom will of course be to join in the samba party that follows. To add to the fun a samba trio will provide the entertainment on board and during dinner on the island.
Or…
… Be mystic, you are in Brazil!
After dinner on the beach, fireworks and the sound of drums will start the Macumba presentation – an introduction to the mystic voodoo ritual from Brazil! Its origins began centuries ago in Africa when it was believed that certain individuals could communicate with the spirits. Today’s celebration is similar to our New Year’s Eve with fireworks. It also features priests dressed in bright and colourful costumes.
As a symbol of good luck to our group, flowers are scattered in the sea as an “offering” to the sea-goddess "Iemanja". The ritual takes 20 minutes with eleven participants.
After the Macumba Show there is time to enjoy the warm rhythm of Olodum and guests will be invited to take part and dance. Olodum is a well known rhythm played with percussion instruments and the dancing is typical from Bahia in northern Brazil. The Olodum performance lasts for 30 minutes with a total of 15 musicians and dancers.
A sunset farewell to Rio
A farewell cocktail on the way to the airport is a great way to end your stay in Rio and the timing is perfect for evening flights back to Europe. Guests will be transferred from the hotel to the marina where they will embark on a short cruise of the bay at sunset. They will disembark at Ilha do Governador and board the waiting motor coach for onward transfer to the airport. Luggage will be taken separately from the hotel direct to the airport.
In Santa Thereza
A taste of Brazilian cachaça in Santa Teresa
Cachaça is a form of sugar cane brandy and the all-important ingredient in Brazil’s Caipriniha. We will stop at the home of a Brazilian cachaçaproducer in Santa Teresa. A warm welcome will start with a brief video showing how cachaça is manufactured. After the video, there will be a tasting of different cachaças served with light snacks.
Or…
Qualé Mermão! What’s up brother! A Capoeira demonstration
The group will have the opportunity to view a Capoeira demonstration. Capoeira is a typical martial art/ballet form from Salvador – it was originally the martial art used by slaves in self-defence against their masters and it has evolved into a beautiful skilful dance.
Following the tram ride, the group will arrive in the picturesque square, Largo das Neves. There is samba in the air and music coming from one of the bars. Our guide will suggest we get closer to enjoy the music… A group of men and women are playing music and having fun when suddenly a quarrel starts with the “capoeira” players. One of the men is attracted to a girl sitting in another corner - he does not know she is engaged to a capoeira player and the capoeira “fight” begins!
At the end of the “match” there is a lot of laughter as the guests discover they have been tricked into a Brazilian celebration! A great moment to remember and lovely photos to take home!
Or…
Samba surprise onboard the tram
The perfect way to introduce our guests to the Carnival rhythm! On the tram ride up to Santa Teresa, some locals will ask for a ride. The guide turns to the group … and why not? All of a sudden the new arrivals begin to play the samba whilst two mulatto girls will give out a percussion instrument called a “bandeiro” as a gift to the guests.
Santa Teresa to remember…
The group arrives in Largo das Neves square where they will come across an artist painting from one of the ateliers found in Santa Teresa. On closer inspection the painting is a lovely T-shirt with scenes of the district. Guests will be offered a T-shirt as a souvenir.
Welcome Gifts
- Jewellery – precious and semi-precious stones.
- Coffee kit.
- Caipirihna kit.
- CD with Brazilian music.
- Personalised Brazilian football shirt.
- Brazilian flip-flops (Havaianas)
- Car licence plate.
Convention Centres
Convention Centres in Rio de Janeiro
Rio Convention Centre
100,000 sq m of space with full support with shopping and restaurant facilities.
Sheraton Hotel
Meeting space of up to 1500 sqm
Sofitel Hotel
10 meeting rooms and up to 2000 pax capacity for meetings
Windsor Barra
Largest meeting room in Rio with 2500m2
Other major hotels have conference and meeting space options.
Convention Centres in Iguazu
Bourbon Cataratas Hotel has convention facilities with capacity for up to 6000 pax.
Rafain Palace Hotel and Convention Centre has 18,000 sq m of space
There is no “official” Convention Centre in Iguacu.
Specialist Groups
- Sports Tours – football, cricket, rugby, bowls, golf, sailing, rowing.
- Horse Racing.
- Farming and Agricultural.
- Aviation Historians.
- Film production companies.
- Nature and bird-watching.
- Product launches.
- Charity Groups.
- CSR groups.
Must Do's
- Sunset cocktails on Sugar Loaf Mountain with helicopter ride
- Jeep Rally up to Corcovado ad Tijuca Forest
- Visit a Samba School
- Join the world's biggest party at the Rio Carnival
- A day at a Tropical Island