Accomodation
Mid-range modern beachfront hotel in Copacabana, Rio. Small, smart, pousada-style guesthouse in Buzios with well equipped rooms , private bathroom and air-conditioning.
Transport
2 road journeys, 3 hours each.
Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 25 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by the latter on their return.
Included excursions
Jeep tour in Rio – Corcovado Mountain and Santa Teresa District. Samba school parade grandstand seats with transfers to and from your hotel.
Summary of nights
9 days, 8 nights: Rio 5; Buzios 3.
Included in the journey price
• Services of our team of experts in our London office.
• Services of Journey Latin America local representatives and guides.
• All land transport.
• Accommodation as specified.
• Meals as specified.
• Excursions as specified.
Not included in the journey price
• Insurance.
• Tips and gratuities.
• Meals other than specified.
• Optional excursions.
Optional excursions
There are a number of half-, full-day or longer excursions or activities you may wish to consider in order to customise your holiday to cater for your interests. Please contact us to discuss these further or to add them to your itinerary before you depart. A selection of these:
• Second night’s entry to the Carnival Parades
• Cable car ride up Sugar Loaf Mountain
• Cycle tour of Rio’s beaches
• Visit the Maracana soccer stadium
• Walking tour of historic Rio
Currency
The unit of currency in Brazil is the 'real' (plural reais).
Daily spend
A budget of around US$40-$70 per day should cover the cost of not-included meals, drinks, local transport, tips and the odd souvenir. Prices of meals and drinks in standard restaurants are more or less the same as in Britain, perhaps a bit cheaper.
How to take it
Cash machines are available in Rio and Buzios, and so taking a debit or credit card with a PIN number is the most convenient way of withdrawing money while on your trip, and in most shops and restaurants you can also pay by card. Banco do Brasil, HSBC and Bradesco take international cards.
However, since cards can get lost, damaged, withheld or blocked, you should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds. We recommend that additionally you take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance), which you can exchange into local currency. Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused. You can take sterling, but the exchange rate is not always competitive or even available, restricting the number of places where you can change money.
Tipping
Tips are expected and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 - 12% in restaurants.
Insurance
Travel insurance is essential.
Details of our recommended policy can be found on our
Insurance page.
Airport taxes
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually included in the ticket.
Journey grade
There are no long days of travel on this trip.
This holiday is suitable for adults and older, worldly-wise teenagers. You will need plenty of stamina to get the most out of Carnival!
If you have a disability or other special requirements, please call us.
In the summer months of December to March the weather is extremely hot and humid, you might wish to bear this in mind.
Climate
In tropical Rio December to February are the hottest and most humid months, with temperatures reaching 40°C, and rain which usually falls in brief, heavy showers.
Clothing and special equipment
For day-to-day wear you should take light, loose-fitting, breathable clothes. (Of course, especially in Rio at Carnival, the locals will often opt for tighter, or more scanty garments!) Comfortable shoes are important for walking and sandals are perfect for hot weather. For the parade, again something loose fitting will be best, plus protection if rain is forecast – showers can be very heavy.
A sun hat, sun block, insect repellent and sunglasses are essential.
Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts.
Vaccinations
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following; typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. For specific requirements you must consult your GP.
As of 2018, visitors to Brazil travelling on our holidays should be protected with a vaccination against yellow fever, and carry the corresponding certificate. In April 2013, the World Health Organisation Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation concluded that a single primary dose of yellow fever vaccine is sufficient to confer sustained immunity and lifelong protection against yellow fever disease, and that a booster dose is not needed.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
Visas
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
APIS and ESTA - important flight information:
ESTA - if flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your application to
ESTA online
This costs $14 per person. This must be done by you personally.
Passports must also be machine-readable (MRP). Avoid locking suitcases if transiting the USA, as their customs authorities retain the right to break into them.
APIS - Many countries now oblige airlines to provide additional information about passengers prior to the flight departure. This Advance Passenger Information (APIS) must be supplied to us promptly in order to issue tickets and avoid fare increases. We will provide the airlines with the relevant details if we are booking your international flights. If the information is not provided you may be denied boarding.