A remarkable 2 week journey of Brazil, filled with prolific wildlife, immense waterfalls and famous beaches. From the exuberance of Rio to colonial Paraty and the natural wonders of the interior, see first hand why there is no place in the world quite like Brazil. Wonders of Brazil Classic 2009 GAP 6 15 Max 15, Avg 10 South America Brazil Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Brazil Brazil Culture/History, Wildlife/Nature 15 2 Standard http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/brazil/brazil_pantanalanteater.jpg Arrive in Rio at any time. Explore the famous sandy beaches of Rio on this free day, or take in breathtaking views from the ‘Christ the Redeemer’ statue and Sugar Loaf Mountain. Head down the beautiful 'Costa Verde’ to the town of Paraty, considered one of the world's best examples of Portuguese colonial architecture. Spend your time exploring the cobblestone streets and cafés, enjoying a boat cruise or dining on fresh seafood. Depart Paraty in the morning and head to Sao Paolo before boarding a night bus to Iguassu Falls. Explore this tri-border region where Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet at the junction of the Paraná and Iguazu rivers. The falls themselves are comprised of 275 separate waterfalls over a 3 km area, with some over 80m (262.4 ft) in height. Spend the next two days exploring both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides of the falls. Incredible options include a Zodiac cruise into the heart of the falls or an up-close look at the falls by taking a motor boat right to the base of some of the falls. Night bus to Bonito, arriving around breakfast time on Day 9. Bonito is an outdoor lover's dream. Some of the many options here include snorkelling down the Rio de la Prata, swimming in lagoons or visiting macaw nesting spots. Explore the Pantanal, an immense wetland area famed for its abundant wildlife. Marvel at macaws, Jabiru storks, giant otters, anteaters, caimans and countless other species of fauna. Accommodation is basic as we stay in a large tent and sleep in hammocks.
After transferring to Campo Grande, we fly to Rio for one last night in paradise. Today is an arrival day. There are no planned activities so check into our hotel and enjoy all the city has to offer. Today is free to explore the many white sandy beaches that made Rio famous or take in the breathtaking views from the ‘Christ the Redeemer’ statue and Sugar Loaf Mountain.

"God made the world in six days, the seventh he devoted to Rio," so say the Cariocas, residents of this beautiful city. This is a densely packed city of over 9 million inhabitants, whose economic foundations lie in the cultivation of sugar cane and gold mining. Referred to as the “cidade maravilhosa” (Marvellous City), few cities enjoy such a dramatic setting as Rio. Brilliant, white beaches at Copacabana and Ipanema, deep blue waters of the Atlantic, the luminescent green of Guanabara Bay, the bare blue slopes of the Sugar Loaf combine to make Rio unique. Standing over it all, atop Corcovado (Hunchback), is the huge statue of Christ the Redeemer, the best place from which to appreciate the city. Superb panoramic views of the city and area can also be found from the top of the Pao do Açucar (Sugar Loaf), reached by cable car. Head to some of the famous beaches, and prepare yourself for an experience unlike anything else on Earth.

Although the Portuguese first sailed and entered the bay, it was the French who first established a settlement in the area, logging Brazil wood along the coast. Their first permanent settlement lasted a brief five years, when they were attacked and driven from the area by the encroaching Portuguese. A series of skirmishes ensued, with the Tomaio people allied with the French against the Portuguese.

In 1567 the Portuguese began construction of a fortified town to repel any invaders, naming it Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro. Amassing wealth with the gold rush of Minas Gerais, in the early 18th century Rio became Brazil’s most important city and a great temptation to the French who, in 1710, waged war against the Portuguese and held the city for a sizeable gold ransom. Again in the 19th century, under threat of Napoleon’s invasion, what remained of the Portuguese monarchy fled to Brazil where they set up court in grand style; many of today’s older structures date from this period.

The gold rush was followed by a coffee boom in the mid-1800s and the wealth generated led to the city’s initial modernization. Replacing Salvador de Bahía as the colonial capital in 1763, the city remained the capital until 1960, when it was replaced by Brasilia. Today, the city is a magnet for tourists who come to walk the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, and generally partake in the Carioca zest for life. Many ascend the Sugarloaf Mountain (Pao do Açucar), whose image is nearly synonymous with Rio and Carnival. Modern Rio is perhaps best known for the contrasting images offered by the favelhas (also spelled favelas; shanty towns), and the glitz and glamour preferred by the Samba schools and their Carnival celebrations.

Rio is definitely a tale of two cities: the upper and middle classes reside in the Zona Sul, the lower class in the Zona Norte. Favelas (shantytowns) cover steep hillsides on both sides of town - Rocinha, Brazil's largest favela, is in Gávea, one of Rio's richest neighbourhoods. Most industry is in the Zona Norte, as is most of the pollution. The ocean beaches are in the Zona Sul.

Rio is divided into a Zona Norte (North Zone) and a Zona Sul (South Zone) by the Serra da Carioca, steep mountains that are part of the Parque Nacional da Tijuca. These mountains descend to the edge of the city centre, where the two zones meet.
Head down the beautiful Costa Verde to the colonial town of Paraty, and spend the afternoon exploring the cobblestone streets and cafés. Our second day is free to enjoy island-hopping from beach to beach in the Ilha Grande Bay, snorkelling or a visit to a typical fazenda or farm to sample local cachaça.

Paraty is a lovely colonial town 125 miles from Rio de Janeiro on Ilha Grande Bay, Brazil's southeastern coast. It lies on the border between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo states, and is a favourite with those looking to ‘get away from it all’—Brazilians and visitors alike. Considered one of the world's most important examples of Portuguese colonial architecture by UNESCO, the historic centre is a well-preserved national historic monument, and today has been closed to vehicles to preserve its laid-back colonial ambience. During high tide the Portuguese cobblestone streets are partly flooded by seawater, adding to the fairy tale atmosphere.

Founded in 1531, the original settlement was on the opposite side of the river, where a church was erected to their patron "St. Roque." Around 1640 the Indians who used to live here were driven away and the town moved to where it stands now. The founders named it Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, with Our Lady of the Medicines as the patron saint, and they built the main church in her honour. Enlarged and remodelled over the years, the church is now the focal point of the annual Festa de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios on September 8. The festival has been celebrated for over 300 years since a wealthy and reverent benefactor, Maria Jácome de Mello, donated the land to the town for the church, requesting only an annual mass in return. The mass has grown into a procession of the wooden effigy of the Virgen though the town, adorned with gold and silver jewellery.

In the 1700's when the mines of Minas Gerais were pouring out gold, the perfect bay of Paraty was a busy port, the second most important in Brazil during the ‘Golden Century.’ The best pinga or cachaça (sugar cane liquor) of Brazil was produced here and the name Paraty became synonymous with the liquor. Later, coffee was brought from the valley of Paraiba to be shipped to Portugal, sparking another economic boom. In 1888 with the abolition of the slavery, Paraty became almost forgotten in time, and a large exodus left only a population of around 600, a considerable difference from the 16000 when the town was in its prime. In 1954 a road was opened linking the town to the inland through the valley of Paraiba, but it was not until 1973-75 with the opening of the highway BR-101 that Paraty’s rebirth as a tourist town began. Paraty was declared a national monument in 1966.

Paraty's bay is filled with over 65 tropical islands and dozens of beaches, each offering something different, and all covered with vegetation that remains lush and colourful year-round. The water of the bay is always the right temperature for swimming, diving and snorkelling. The national parks that encircle the town are filled with trails, wildlife and waterfalls. Hiking or horseback riding, for the sports minded, or a jeep or van tour are both excellent ways to appreciate this natural wilderness.

The local fauna and flora in Ilha Grande, a Nacional Patrimony protected area, are extremely diverse. The state park was created in 1971 and encompasses 4.500 hectares of wilderness. Mountain range, coastal, mangrove and prairie vegetation are all found here, along with an astonishing collection of bird life, including parrots, woodpeckers, Brazilian thrushes and saracuras. There are also different kinds of monkeys, squirrels, armadillos, pacas, hedgehogs and snakes, as well as endangered species such as the Alouatta Fusca, generally known as Bugio monkey. Head inland en route to the magnificent Iguassu Falls. Depart Paraty in the morning for Saõ Paolo, the fastest growing city in the world and the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, where we change to an overnight bus, arriving in Foz do Iguazu the following morning.
Spend the next two days plus exploring this tri-border region where Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet at the junction of the Parana and Iguazu rivers. However, the focus is undoubtedly the magnificent Foz do Iguaçu, or Iguassu falls.

In order to see the falls properly you need to view them from both the Brazilian and the Argentine sides: the Brazilian side offers the grand overview and the Argentine side a closer look. On the Brazilian side, we have the opportunity to visit the bird park filled with beautifully coloured local wildlife and enjoy a helicopter ride for a birds-eye view of the falls. On the Argentinean side we are able to get close enough to almost reach out and touch the waters from the many jungle walkways, but if that isn’t close enough there is the option of a Zodiac cruise into the heart of the falls. On day 8 we continue our journey north on a night bus into the Pantanal town of Bonito.

The torrential Iguassu River crosses the State of Paraná in Southern Brazil from East to West. A few kilometres before its junction with the Paraná River it forms one of the most splendorous natural beauties of the world: Iguassu Falls. Over 2.7 kilometres long and an average flow of 1.750 m3/s, this wonder is located in a very special place: the contrast between the green of the vegetation and the dark colour of the basalt rocks with whirring waters plunging from a 72 meter high cliff is magical. At Iguassu there are 275 falls in all, some over 80m (262.4 ft) in height, making these cataracts wider than Victoria Falls and higher than Niagara! It should come as no surprise that UNESCO declared the region a World Heritage Site in 1986.

Originally “discovered” in 1541 by the Spaniard Juan Alvar Nuñez, he named the falls Saltos de Santa María. The name we use today means “great waters” in the Tupi-Guarani tongue. The falls are protected by two National Parks—one in Brazil and another in Argentina. Tours utilise trails and catwalks adapted to the landscape of the area, and walking is easy for all ages; guided tours of the complex are available several times a day. The best time of the year to visit is from August to November, as during the rainy season from May to July flooding will likely prevent closer viewing from the catwalks.

Film buffs will remember that Iguassu was the site of several scenes from the film “The Mission.” Not far from the falls, the ruins of the Jesuit missions of the era can still be visited on a day trip. Also of interest in the area is Itaipú, the largest hydroelectric complex in the world. Experience an exhilarating optional boat tour or helicopter trip for a bird's eye view, or simply marvel at nature’s breadth and the roar of the falls.

At the end of Day 8 please be prepared for another night bus to Bonito. We leave Foz do Iguazu in the late afternoon travelling about 2 hours to Cascavel where we connect with our night bus, which will take us to Dourados in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. We arrive in Dourados in the early hours of Day 9 where we will be met and transferred for the remaining 4 hours to Bonito, arriving around breakfast time. Bonito, as the name (“beautiful”) implies, is a great place for nature lovers. Just outside the Pantanal area, this is water and jungle country with abundant colourful fish in the area’s crystalline rivers. Explore nearby underwater caves and waterfalls, go rafting or snorkelling down the crystal clear Rio de la Prata, visit macaw nesting spots, or simply spend a lazy day by the river. We make our way to the Pantanal, an immense wetland area famed for its profuse wildlife, where we take a two-day wildlife excursion to fully appreciate the area’s beauty and bounty. Accommodation is basic but unique - we stay in a large tent and sleep in hammocks.

Less well known outside of Brazil and South America, the Pantanal, a largely flat, wetland area about half the size of France, is still one of the best places in the continent for observing wildlife. This vast alluvial plain, seasonally flooded by the Paraguay River from October to March, is all that remains from an ancient inland sea which began to dry out 65 million years ago. Today it is an area rich in bird life such as macaws and Jabiru storks. With luck and appropriate weather you may spot capivara (capybara), howler monkeys, caiman, giant river otters, anacondas and anteaters.

The area is sparsely populated and what few roads exist are in poor condition. Most people use small airplanes, 4-wheel-drive vehicles and motorized canoes to get around, so expect some rough travel and more rustic accommodations while visiting the area. The area’s Transpanteneira, an elevated dirt road, which extends 145km’s (91 miles) from outside Pocone to Porto Jofre, becomes an island during the wet season.

Unfortunately, as in other areas, poachers continue to do damage, and official government resources to protect the zone are scarce. This, combined with corrupt officials and a lack of commitment on the part of the government, have resulted in widespread poaching; latest estimates indicate that anywhere from half a million to two million animals are killed annually in the Pantanal. After two nights in the bush we return to civilization.
From the state capital of Campo Grande, an internal flight takes us back to Rio for one last night in paradise. 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2239 2139 1359 1199 2939 1999 1569 2299 529.00 509.00 319.00 269.00 689.00 469.00 319.00 469.00 Local Payment 300 USD Accommodation Hotels (9 nts), Multi-share tented room with hammocks (3 nts), Night bus (2 nts). Departure Departs three times per month DepEnd Sat-Sat Group Leader Tour leader throughout, local guide while in the Pantanal. Group Size Max 15, Avg 10 Highlights Rio de Janeiro, Paraty, Iguassu Falls, Bonito, Pantanal Wetlands. Max Pax 15 Meal Budget Allow USD260 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. Meals Included All meals on Pantanal excursion. Min Pax 6 My Own Room Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops, with the following exceptions: Nights 11-12: Pantanal Recommendation Add a sailing trip along the coast of Brazil! - see code ZVRPT. StartFinish ex Rio de Janeiro Testimonial "The trip was amazing! One of the best time of my life! I loved Pantanal!!!" - Silje Rødven travelled on Wonders of Brazil Transport Public bus, night bus, internal flight. What's Included Visit to both sides of Iguassu Falls, 3-day wildlife excursion to the Pantanal A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Brochure Intro A remarkable 2 week journey of Brazil, filled with prolific wildlife, immense waterfalls and fabulous beaches. From the exuberance of Rio to colonial Paraty and the natural wonders of the interior, see first hand why there is no place in the world quite like Brazil. Checklist - Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- USD cash and travellers cheques
- Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
- G.A.P Adventures vouchers and dossier
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- Camera and film
- Reading/writing material
- Binoculars
- Cover for backpacks
- Pocket knife
- Concealable money belt
- Fleece top
- Windproof/waterproof jacket
- Small towel and swim wear
- 4 shirts/t-shirts
- Sun hat
- 1 pair of shorts
- 2 pairs of long trousers
- 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
- Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes
- Sport sandals
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Watch or alarm clock
- Water bottle
- Flashlight
- First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking). Departure Tax USD36 Detailed Trip Notes Dossier Disclaimer The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Dossier Intro A remarkable 2-week journey of Brazil, filled with prolific wildlife, immense waterfalls and famous beaches. From the exuberance of Rio and colonial Paraty to the natural wonders of the interior, see first hand why there is no place in the world quite like Brazil. Emergency Contact Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local contact in Buenos Aires. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so we may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

G.A.P Adventures Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel: Int. Dialing Code + 54 9 11 6 1477 660
From within Argentina
11 15 6 1477 660

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local contact in Buenos Aires, we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below:

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144.
Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.
Mobile: + 1 416 305 6139. Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Feedback After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G.A.P Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations
Free Online Trip Journals An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal. Group Leader Description This G.A.P Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. Health You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. For travellers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. G.A.P Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
PLEASE NOTE - Proof of the yellow fever vaccine is often asked for upon entry to the Pantanal region. Please make sure you have this for this trip. Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. Joining Hotel Rio de Janeiro:
Hotel Bandeirantes
Rua Barata Ribeiro 548
Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
Tel: Int. Dialing Code +55 21 2548-6252
Fax: Int. Dialing Code +55 21 2547 6703
Joining Instructions Galeao International Airport is a 30 to 45 minute drive from our joining hotel. There are many private taxi companies with booths inside the building where you can pay a set rate for a taxi to Copacabana (approximately $30 USD), thus avoiding the confusion outside the airport.

There is also an airport bus, called ‘Real’ (approximately $3 USD) which will drop you off at the place of your choice along the route. The closest point to the Santa Clara is at the corner of Ave. Atlantica and Figueiredo Magalhaes. You can flag down one of the many official yellow taxis in the street to get the rest of the way to the hotel (approximately $3 USD). There is a money exchange in the Banco do Brazil on the 3rd floor of the international Arrivals area, which is open 24 hours.

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day in which no activities are planned. Your Tour Leader will contact you at the hotel on Day 1 and make sure you are settled comfortably. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning. Your Tour Leader will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. Keeping in Touch If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
Laundry Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Local Flights All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This is the final payment of your tour price, paid locally. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our cost savings onto you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for Local Payment.
Meals Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G.A.P Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On truck trips in Africa, aboard the expedition ship Explorer or our Galapagos yachts, while trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. The above information applies to G.A.P Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Money Exchange Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money, a combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Travellers Cheques are hard to exchange in Brazil.

Please note that the cost of living in Brazil is higher than most South America countries. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Newsletter Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup
Optional Activities All prices are per person in US dollar amounts.

Rio de Janeiro:
Corcovado $25 (independently), Organized Tours $40-$60
Sugar loaf $25 (independently), Organized Tours $40-$60
Football game $10
Hang gliding $120
Samba and dinner show $70
Favela tour $35

Iguaçu Falls:
Bird Park $10
Boat ride, various tours $5 -$40
Helicopter flight over falls $70

Bonito:
Snorkelling:
Rio da Prata $50
Blue Lagoon Cave $25
Waterfalls tour $30
Rafting $20

Pantanal:
Horseback Riding $15


Our Commitment to Responsible Travel in Antarctica Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your GA.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Responsible Travel Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com
Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Single Travellers We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Spending Money Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Tipping It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G.A.P Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used. Travel Forum - The Watering Hole Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Trip Specific Safety Robberies may occur in Rio, so please use caution.
Don’t walk the streets at night and don’t take more than the bare essentials to the beach. Validity Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2009 - December 31st 2009. Visas All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.
We Want Your Photos If you've got some great photos form your G.A.P Adventures travels, then post them online in our community! You can share photos - and videos - with our travellers from around the world. Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/community to check out what other people have shared! We often have photo and video contests running too, so be sure to check our website often!
What to Take We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.
Your Fellow Travellers As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.