Magazine COMM 4332

TRAVELER

B R A Z I L

Why

IN THIS ISSUE

4 WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT

BRAZIL

8 Q & A

6 HOW TO PLAN YOUR TRIP TO BRAZIL

10 SHOPPING

SÃO PAULO

THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS

THE 8

NATURAL WONDERS OF BRAZIL

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT BRAZIL: AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME

Not only does Brazil have beautiful architecture and wonderful sights, it also has an energy that flows through the streets, no matter what day it was. That is why people love visiting Brazil. In Brazil, wild Amazon adventures can be coupled with stimulating city sights and leisurely beach escapades.

Traveling to Brazil will give you a glimpse into th fascinating culture, food, music, and dancing found in Brazil. It’s really an experience of a lifetime.

The best time to visit Brazil is between November and March. These are the warmest months across the country, with temperatures between 88°F and 91°F. You’ll also be able to enjoying New Years Eave and/or the Carnival celebrations in the warm weather on the beach.

The most famous and popular destinations Sao Pauo and Rio de Janeiro. The capital of Brazil is Brasilia, and with 11 million plus people, Sao Paulo is its largest city. Sao Paulo Brazil is also one of the largest cities by area and population in the southern hemisphere.

Brazil is, of course, is also home to over 60% of the Amazon Rainforest. The Rainforest itself has some 5.5 million kilometres in total size within 8 different countries. The Rainforest also has much wildlife and some species that even still have yet to be discovered. The very sad thing about this habitat is that by the year 2020, it is estimated that 50% of the Brazilian wildlife will become extinct!! It is so bad that since 1970, over 500 square kilometres have been lost in this beautiful forest.

Praia do Cassino in Brazil is the world’s longest beach and it’s definitely something you have to see while traveling in Brazil. The beach is located 4 hours south of Porto Alegre in Rio Grande do Sul and it’s 158 miles long. Learn more about this gorgeous beach plus others in this post from The World Bucket List about the 10 longest beaches in the world. If you enjoy wildlife, then Pantanal is a must see. This is a wetland found in Mato Grosso do Sul, considered as the largest in the world, it holds a diverse group of wildlife. In fact, it has been recorded to be even more biodiverse than the Amazon.

You can wade through its water via a boat and meet some of the animals living in the area while doing so. Animals such as the Jaguar, Capuchin Monkey, Tegu Lizard, Caiman, and Parakeet are just some of the animals that might pop up during your tour. Other activities include horseback riding, hiking, and fishing. One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Iguazu Falls might even trump Niagara Falls with its sheer size and power.

The Iguazu is found right at the border of Argentina and Brazil, and although you see different sides of the falls from either side, it is still a sight to behold. In the middle, where the falls gushes its water into, is a place called Devil’s Throat, the widest cleft in the world. Its highest point is measured at 269 feet.

Salvador, Bahia.

However, I think its biggest attraction is the fact that if you go on tours around the Iguazu Falls, regardless of where you are, Argentina or Brazil, it will take you some of the most iconic spots of the country. Although, the waterfall landscape alone is worth the price of admission.

If you like a different urban life than the one you are accustomed to, then going through the trouble to get a visa will be especially worth it when you visit Sao Paolo. It is one, if not, the biggest urban city in Brazil and the third largest in the world. It is one of the most modern too.

It has a night life that will keep you awake enough to enjoy each one. On the other hand, it also features some of the most beautiful museums and art, in different venues.

You could say that one of its best highlights is Ibirapuera Park which also boasts a museum of its own, but also, the Japanese influence of the country is highlighted in the park, and that should always be part of your itinerary considering that Sao Paolo has the largest Japanese population outside of Japan.

A landmass known for its diamond rush in years past, Chapada is now one of Brazil’s sought after trekking and hiking places. It is an outdoor haven for trekking enthusiasts. Other than hike, the park also has natural swimming holes that boasts clear, pristine waters.

Some of the more favorite spots are Ribeirao do Meio, Sossego Waterfall, and the Fumaca waterfall. Of course, it also features some diving spots such as Gruta de Pratinha and Poco de Milu. It might just be Brazil’s biggest landmark, and one of the most recognizable tourist spots for those who visit Brazil.

The Christ the Redeemer statue overlooks the entirety of Rio de Janeiro as it sits atop Corcovado Mountain. the people of Brazil who welcomes their visitors with open arms, always. There are several ways to reach the top. If you love to trek, then walking through the rainforest for 2-3 hours is not bad.

Brazilian Carnival, the biggest holiday celebration.

Panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro.

“The energy that Brazil normally has is amplified, and this reflects how lively Brazil can be.”

HOW TO PLAN YOUR TRIP TO BRAZIL

VVisit the natural beauty of the falls at Iguaçu, meet the locals at Copacabana beach see one of the Seven Wonders of the New World, Christ the Redeemer, learn how to dance the samba, enjoy a barbecue, and cool off with a caipirinha and be able to cruise around some of the largest jungles in the planet, Pantanal and Amazon. Brazil offers it all for any travel style – from solo travelers to a family vacation trip of a lifetime, to adventure travelers, to one of the best routes to backpack in South America.

Brazil is a very vast country, and because of its size, it is impossible to travel around and get to visit many places on your first trip. You will need good planning and longer than a week to visit1-2 states.

Brazil is the largest country in South America and the 5th largest country in the world, with a population of 212 million people (2.75% of the total world population). Brazil might be the largest country most of the world doesn’t know a whole lot about. Brazil’s economy ranks 1st in South America, 2nd in the Americas, and 8th in the world.

You need a valid passport for at least 6-months from the date of entry is required by all nationals referred below. A visa to Travel to Brazil is not required by all nationals of EU countries for stays of

TAKE NOTES

LANGUAGE

The official language in Brazil is Portuguese. English and Spanish are not widely spoken.

CURRENCY

The currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real, and the U.S. Dollar is not accepted.

CELL PHONE

Brazil is one of the most expensive countries to visit in South America, but because of the exchange rate, when converted, prices are still very affordable.

The best time to travel to Brazil on a budget is in the off-season. If you travel outside of Christmas or Carnival, flying to Brazil can be quite affordable.

If you are visiting more than one state, I recommend flying instead of traveling by bus or car. The distances are long, and flying will save you time and allow you to visit more locations in less time.

Prices and options will vary a

Your international cell phone will work in Brazil. You’ll want to pick up a local SIM card and get a local calling plan.

vary a lot, depending on what area of Brazil you are visiting and what time of the year you are visiting. The good news is that because of the exchange rate, the prices will be very affordable when converted.

Brazil is one of the few destinations on Earth that is warm year-round. Because of its tropical landscapes, there are several climatic extremes.

CREDIT CARD & ATMs

A credit card is widely accepted in Brazil. ATMs can be easily found in commercial areas, but they may be closed at night for security reasons.

WI-FI IN BRAZIL

You can get Wi-Fi service in Brazil pretty much everywhere. Normally the hotels, restaurants and shopping malls offer free internet service.

TIPPING

It is not customary to tip in Brazil.

Q &A TRAVEL, CULTURE AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES IN BRAZIL: WITH ALICE MORAIS FROM VIAJECER

With the result of changing perceptions altering the demands of the travel industry, Viajecer, a tour operator in Brazil, meets these needs through providing an excellent combination of transformative and sustainable trips with social elements, culture, nature and history to increase travelers’ level of awareness about the places they are visiting. Viajecer’s proposal is ‘to travel differently’ and by providing a large variety of experiences to several different orientations of travelers, everyone is able to maximize their enjoyment of the destinations and escape from the traditional/mainstream travel itineraries, which are usually provided. Our team at Ravel were so happy to interview Alice Morais, the CEO of Viajecer, to gain better understanding of Viajecer’s operations and experiences but furthermore their vision for the future, to continue growing while the travel industry begins to bloom again!

“I have seen that you have a background in advertising and communications - I am just therefore curious 1 as to how you got into your current role as CEO and why do you enjoy this field of work that you are doing?”

“I have been working within the communications and advertising industry for a long time - about 15 years and my experience of working with travel professionally began 3 years ago. I have continuously loved it and have felt a lot of passion for this field of work which is why I decided to create Viajecer in 2020. I believe I have a different vision about travel and tourism, moreover there needs to be more importance placed on the initiatives of sustainability”. 2

“Viajecer builds sustainable and transformative trips with social activities, culture, history and nature to increase people’s levels of awareness. In your opinion, how important do you think it is to include all these different senses in a trip? Are there more people willing to try out all these different things and aspects during their travels?”

“I think travelers need to understand their host, and to appreciate who they really are. Through the travel we provide we can show what there really is

offer and see, especially with cultural aspects.”

“There is an area called Xingu, an indigineous territory. There are 16 different ethnical groups in this same area and they all speak different languages. I think if people could visit here and experience these different ways of living, they will see and appreciate different ways of life and how others live.”

3“Due to the pandemic, traveling has slowed down and declined. But do you think that prior to this there was a real concern with the effects of over tourism and too many travelers in destinations causing issues such as pollution, overcrowding and damaging nature?”

“With regards to sustainability there is a very different vision now. Also about ecotourism as we

Alice getting her face painted as a tribe tradition.

are working with ecotourism and during the pandemic we were able/ managed to get around the effects of the pandemic in different ways. But I think the pandemic did successfully bring a different view to people about nature and our surroundings”.

4

“Out of the different trips and travel opportunities that Viajecer has completed and done, which out of all the cases has been really important/ something that you would recommend?”

“These people have a different way of living and from experiencing their culture I am also able to see life with a different perspective. There are a lot of things to learn from these people, from aspects such as their contact with nature or even just their way of life which is a lot simpler but this is okay”. “I think we created an idea that we need a lot of things in our life to support us.”

overcrowded and full of tourists which in some cases might cause the areas to lose their identities furthermore in some cases the destination might not be able to properly deal with the pure amount of visitors. And yet instead there are still so many beautiful places and regions that are still not known or visited which are just as beautiful and unique as the traditional destinations in Brazil. These other places ought to be promoted and advertised to allow people to visit and explore them which would benefit the communities here whilst also drawing away some crowds from the overcrowded destinations that are simply too full.”

6“Now that the pandemic is slowly starting to decline, what do you think the future of travel will look like? What are your visions for Viajecer’s future?

Alice got her body painted as a tribe tradition.

5“Following your efforts in Paranaguá, there has been a great visitation plan for tourists for 2022 and also the production and distribution of a web series with 3 episodes. Can you confirm that your publicity and promotion of these places greatly improves the tourism in these areas?”

“After visitation the content is captured through video and photos which is put together for promotional purposes.”

“Regions such as Paranaguá have a large variety of cultural experiences on offer such as museums but they are not so visited. According to Alice; “we have to increase the promotion of places that are not so known yet”. In comparison there are so many places and areas in Brazil which are

“I think travel will be more and more conscious and there will be a greater focus on nature as more people want contact with nature during their travels. I am happy with this as I think the rise in conscious tourism is a wonderful thing, so I think this kind of travel opportunities will increase in popularity. I also believe there might be more exchange opportunities within the country - such as exchange of cultures and knowledge between the citizens of Brazil, “For exchange opportunities there are lots of platforms and social media to allow this to happen. Our generation is very

dependent on technology and being online and so we ought to do something with this - to use all this technology and connections to our use. We are lucky to have all this and we should use it to our advantage”.

Little kid poses for pictures with Alice.

THE BRAZILIAN STYLE

YOUR BRAZILIAN BEACHWEAR

Beach Shorts $20

Beach Shorts $20

Beach Shorts $20

Havaianas $45

Havaianas $45

Havaianas $45

Bikini $40

Bikini $40

Bikini $40

Sunglasses $45

Sunglasses $45

Sunglasses $45

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN GOING TO THE BEACHES IN BRAZIL

“IN MUCH OF BRAZIL, THE BEACH ISN’T A PLACE YOU GO FOR A FEW HOURS ON VACATION. IT’S A LIFESTYLE”

Cariocas have developed a very sophisticated cultura de praia with habits and codes worth taking note of if you want to blend in. You might think you know your way around the beach, but if you’ve never been prepare to be surprised.

The beaches in Brazil aren’t just beaches, they are also gyms, playgrounds, restaurants, and shopping centers. There’s a lot more going on than you’d expect, and if you’re not ready you’ll likely find yourself both overwhelmed and overpacked. Here’s what to expect on your first visit to a Brazilian beach.

When you start feeling hungry, there’s no need to start packing up- the food will come to you. When you walk onto the beach and sit down at one of the plastic tables facing the ocean, you are actually sitting down at a restaurant that operates a stand towards the back of the beach. Soon a waiter will arrive with a menu, and you’ll open a tab.

Sometimes these stands are connected to certain hotels, which comes with the perk of being able to charge the food to your room.

In much of Brazil, the beach isn’t a place you go for a few hours on vacation. It’s a lifestyle. I was warned ahead of time that Rio in particular has a strict beach etiquette and rules that had to be heeded — luckily when it comes to all things sand and sea, I’m a quick learner.

Despite wildly overscheduling my trip and visiting in autumn, when Brazil’s beaches are lightly buzzing but not overblown with people, I managed to hit the beach in Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Buzios, and Jericoacoara. Here are a few of the rules I learned along the way — the rare kind that are more fun to follow than to break.

The frumpy schlep of coolers and chairs and endless beach supplies is a major faux pas in Brazil. A towel in particular is considered a horror-inducing no-no. A canga (the Brazilian term for a sarong), some cash, and maybe a volleyball are basically the only acceptable items to take anything else you need can be supplied on the sand.

TIPS BEFORE GOING TO THE BEACH

• Don’t wear a bathing suit from home; purchase one on location. Rio’s cutting-edge bikini and sunga (the male version of a bikini) styles are light-years ahead of the rest of the world, and prices are generally affordable.

• Do wear flip-flops (Havaianas are the coolest) to and from the beach and don’t wear shoes.

• Don’t bring a towel to the beach. Cangas are lighter, de rigueur, and are sold all over the beaches. For more comfort, rent a chair.

• Don’t schlep food or drinks to the beach. Rio’s beaches are well-serviced with food and drink vendors.

• Don’t go swimming if a red flag is flying; Rio’s beaches have strong currents in places. Only go in the water where locals are already swimming.

Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro.

Vendor at the beach selling Brazilian Iced Tea.

THE 8 NATURAL WONDERS OF BRAZIL

The extremely large country of Brazil offers visitors unique and exciting opportunities to explore natural beauty unlike anywhere else in the world. Brazil is full of towering waterfalls, the infamous Amazon River, the world’s largest and diverse wetland and other natural wonders. From the incredible white sand dunes connected by brilliant blue lagoons to the enchanted sunken pools that are full of startlingly clear waters; there is no shortage of breathtaking beautiful things to see. From giant anteaters to pumas and jaguars, to colorful birds and brilliant flora we encourage you to escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy cities of Brazil and discover the best eight natural wonders of this gorgeous and amazing country.

MARAGOGI BEACH

Located 177 miles away from Maceió, the city of Maragogi is certainly the most desired beach in Alagoas and the reason is crystal clear: the waters of Maragogi are among the clearest and most beautiful of Brazil! Its coastline has a total of 10 beaches, being the beach of Peroba the northern limit and the beach of São Bento the southern limit of the municipality. The beach of Maragogi is where the center of the city is located and it’s a place where you can find everything. It’s where you find bars, restaurants, shops, tourist agencies and also the place from where you can hire buggies and boat tours.

IGUAÇU FALLS

Iguaçu Falls is comprised of 275 stunning individual drops with unique and endangered species of flora and fauna.

Walk out on the long bridge over several waterfalls that allow visitors not only to stand above the falls but to have several more in front of them. All part of the experience; prepare to get wet as the falls thunder around you.

Keep your eyes open for howler monkeys, toucans, jaguars, pampas deer and brilliant colored birds. Iguaçu

Maragogi Resort located in front of the beach that allows guests to enjoy and explore Maragogi.

Falls, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world.

“One of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls borders the countries of Argentina and Brazil”

PANTANAL WETLANDS

The world’s largest wetland and diverse eco-system is a natural wonder that must be explored on any trip to Brazil. Travel to this area between July and October when the water starts to evaporate, lakes have turned into ponds with copious amounts of fish and animals are in abundance. Be prepared to leave your cell phones at home as most of the lodges offer little connectivity to the outside world. Pantanal Wetlands have remained under-developed due to the annual floods and only a handful of large scattered ranches that have grazing cattle exist in this area often called “South America’s Wild West”. Giant anteaters, pumas, giant river otters and so many other species co-exist with light human use in this unique eco-system.

LENÇOIS MARANHENSES

Blindingly white in color, huge sand dunes tower over rain-made lagoons in this fascinating National Park that brings visitors from all over the world. Not the easiest natural wonder to get to on our list but perhaps the most unique as this otherworldly landscape goes on as far as the eye can see.

During July is the best time to visit as the lagoons are full of crystal sparkling blue or green waters depending on which one you visit. Relax, swim and walk barefoot amongst one of the most unbelievable landscapes on the planet. Avoid the touristy acWtivity of joy riding up and down the dunes in an all-terrain vehicle as it’s prohibited because of the danger it poses to the animals that call this place home. Instead go back in time and enjoy the sand under your feet as you walk among the ever changing dunes.

Relax, swim and walk barefoot amongst one of the most unbelievable landscapes on the planet.

Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses

The Pantanal is one of the most biologically rich environments on the planet.

POCO ENCANTADO AND POCO AZUL

Poço Azul and Poço Encantado are one of the most important attractions of Chapada Diamantina in Bahia.

Poco Encantado aka the Enchanted Well is a sunken pool nestled in a cave with crystal clear water and visibility unlike any other. From April to September the sun is at the perfect angle to shine through the natural window and hit the water; create a stunning blue effect. The unbelievably clear water allows visitors to view the ancient rocks and tree trunks that line the bottom. Visiting this fragile eco-system is a favorite experience amongst visitors to the Chapada Diamantina National Park region.

ENCONTRO DAS AGUAS

Poco Azul is very similar to the Enchanted Well with one defining difference. Poco Azul offers visitors the chance to swim in its startling blue waters amongst ancient trees that have sunken into the pool. The contrast of golden rocks with the crystal blue waters will delight you.

This regions offers two of Brazil’s most spectacular caves and these natural wonders are a must visit.

The ‘Meeting of Waters’ is one of the main tourist attractions in Manaus, Brazil. For a total of six kilometers the Rio Negro and the Solimoes River run side by side without mixing. The Rio Negro boasts dark black colored water that runs at 2km an hour with a temperature of 28 degrees Celsius. Whereas the Solimoes River is a lighter sandy color and flows between 4-6km an hour and has a temperature of 22 degrees Celsius. The difference in speed, temperature and water density is how this unbelievable phenomenon is explained.

You will have to travel almost four miles downstream to see where these two rivers actually meet to form the Amazon River. A full day cruise down the Rio Negro will take you to where the rivers meet and provide you with the most spectacular views as well as a fun-filled day on the river.

The ‘Meeting of Waters’ in Manaus, Brazil.

FERNANDO DE NORONHA

If you don’t live in South America you likely haven’t heard of Fernando de Noronha, and even if you do live here; the chance to visit this island is likely just a pipe dream. If you happen to be one of the few lucky visitors here get ready to explore a breathtaking eco-wonderland. Fernando de Noronha is actually an archipelago of 21 islands and islets in the Atlantic Ocean located 354 km off the Brazilian coast and has a maximum capacity of 460 visitors at one time. The top two beaches in Brazil reside here; Praia do Leão

and Baía do Sancho which offer excellent swimming and snorkeling. Divers will delight in the crystal clear waters which house over 200 species of fish, five species of sharks, sea turtles and the incredible spinner dolphins. Snorkeling at Praia da Atalaia is a special experience if you have the chance. This unique tidal pool only allows 100 visitors a day to its shallow pool. The breathtaking scenery, beautiful landscapes and the exclusivity of this natural wonders catapults Fernando de Noronha to the top of our must see list.

THE AMAZON

The very life spring of the planet; larger than the next eight largest rivers combined, responsible for the air we breathe, the water we drink, the Amazon River is truly a natural wonder. With so many options of starting points, length of trip, and method of travel; there is an experience for everyone. Towering trees sunk into the water, monkeys swinging from branch to branch and an abundance of activities; The Amazon begs to be explored.

Whether you visit it in the rainy season and silently glide through the flooded forests in a canoe or you visit in the dry season with sunny skies and the opportunity to take long hikes; there really is no bad time to come. The Amazon offers experiences such as tree climbing, piranha fishing, caiman spotting and experiences with local rubber-tapper communities. Jungle lodges offer visitors a chance to sleep in the jungle, explore the area on survival trips. The river boat excursions offer the chance to chug along the waters and experience the river from a different point of view.

The Amazon rainforest, also called Amazonia.

SÃO PAULO:

THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS

São Paulo is known as the city that never sleeps and not for nothing. There are many entertainment options for you to enjoy. The city is the most populous in Brazil! Known as “land of drizzle” it is also the place for business and the perfect opportunity to get to know a very diverse culture.

If you never thought of São Paulo as a tour ist city, you should start thinking about an idea. The truth is that the great metropolis of the country offers several programs for all tastes and at any time, even at dawn! São Paulo is not the only city in the world to be called the “city that never sleeps”,.

Speaking of the Brazilian city, São Paulo is a stronghold of business during the day, passing by Faria Lima is to come across well-dressed people running from one side to the other all day. At the end of the day, you can see how the bars fill up for happy hour and people from all walks of life and tribes mingle on the sidewalks of the city.

Theaters, galleries, exhibitions abound and there is always something to do in São Paulo, the city that never sleeps. There is no shortage of options to take a different tour in São Paulo. Still, we’ve gathered a few below so you can get to know them better.

It has sports, gastronomic and even shopping activities. These are things that for people from São Paulo may be routine, as they are used to it, but for those who are new and want to explore the city, it is very worthwhile.

After all, who has never heard about Avenida Paulista and its leisure options on Sundays when it is closed to car traffic. Or even Ibirapuera Park, the Liberdade neighborhood and, of course, shopping on 25 de Março Street.

Panoramic of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Public transport in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

“Brazil’s biggest city has long attracted migrants and dreamers, making it a great place to explore the country’s kaleidoscopic variety of regional cuisines and musical genres.”

VISIT RIO DE JANEIRO

If it’s your first time in Rio, you can’t pass up relaxing and people-watching along the shores of Copacabana or Ipanema. But don’t spend all of your time at the shore; the Marvelous City has more spectacular natural beauty to offer with sites like Tijuca National Park and Sugar Loaf. Venture into charming neighborhoods like Santa Teresa and Lapa, to get a real taste of what it means to be a Cariocas (native Brazilians born in Rio de Janeiro).

From the world-renowned beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema to the towering Christ the Redeemer and picture-perfect Sugarloaf mountain.

To ttake to go deeper into Rio’s sites, culture, and history. Whether you heard this name in a song or seen pictures of the unique black and white wavy sidewalk patterns, Copacabana is known by many as a lively and festive neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, known for

apartments, restaurants, nightclubs, shops, and so much more. Most famously, it is also known for the iconic Copacabana Beach – a 2 ½ mile long, curved beach where both locals and tourists flock every day, to enjoy some sun, swim, and beach volleyball.

Exploring the neighborhood via bike tour is a great way to see the area, and to be able to sneak into its quieter streets, and unique corners not usually seen by many. Make sure to also check out the symbolic Copacabana fort.

Escadaria Selaron, Rio de Janeiro.

Pao de Acucar, Rio de Janeiro.

“Idyllic beaches, epic mountains, and world-famous landmarks are just a few of the sights that stun each visitor when they set foot in Brazil’s original capital city, Rio de Janeiro.”

Contemporary Brazil is a vibrant blend of diverse landscapes, ethnicities, cultures and religions. Unity is expressed through shared language

(Brazilian-Portuguese) and attitudes such as collectivism, saudade, and esperança.