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Brazil was ‘created’ in the 16 th Century when Pope Julius II made an arbitrary geographical division of South America and gave the land to the East of this line to the Portuguese and the Western ‘half’ to the Spanish in the Treaty of Tordesillas, that was signed after Pedro Cabral’s discovery in 1500.
Portugal, being a small nation that relied on commerce and good relations with others, rather than being on a ‘Conquest’ mission, started trade with this massive colony and Brazil became known for the mass production of raw materials, particularly wood (from where its name is derived i.e. pau Brasil) sugar and coffee. Slaves were brought from Africa to work on the sugar plantations and they have left an indelible mark on Brazilian culture, especially the language.
Over the last two centuries further waves of migration from Germany, Italy, Poland, Japan and numerous other nations have turned Brazil into a veritable ‘melting pot’ and this results in a fascinating ethnic mix, diverse and tasty cuisine and many assimilated customs. As you walk down the street there, you can see people with physical characteristics from all continents, and accordingly no matter which corner of the globe you hail from, you will blend right in, even if you haven’t mastered the lingo.
Some of the features planned
- Rio de Janeiro – the marvellous city as it is known in Portuguese is a pulsing, alluring city. Beautifully located on the Bahia de Guanabara, its highlights include Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado (Statue of Christ), Maracana Soccer Stadium, Rio-Niteroi Bridge the Sambadrome and nearby Novo Petropolis - once home of the Portuguese crown as they sought refuge from Napoleon.
- Brasilia – the most ‘unBrazilian’ city in the country and yet the capital. A planned city, now fifty years old it is full of fascinating architecture and contradictions between what was intended and what was achieved by the city planners in Brazil’s hey days of the sixites.
- Manaus/Amazon Jungle Lodge – 5 days/4nights, in a spectacular eco-lodge in the Amazon jungle. Daily excursions by boat and land to enjoy this region’s unique flora and fauna including fresh water dolphins, piranhas, caymen and tropical birds such as the blue macaw and Brazil’s national bird the toucan. All meals provided while at the lodge. We will also visit Manaus to see the opulent Opera House and witness the birth place of the mighty Amazon river, just 10 km East of the city.
- Salvador, “Carnival City” – The capital of Bahia state, Salvador is where we will really experience the great influence and presence the African people; this is reflected in the local cuisine and customs. Our visit will be timed to include the Yemanjá Festival on Feb 2. One of Salvador’s famous festivals, the Yemanja Festival is when the locals pay homage to their Goddess of the Sea and release thousands of floating offerings to her from the numerous beaches around the city.
- Florianopolis – Travelling to Southern Brazil, we will encounter the influence of the European migrants in this breathtaking beach city. Located on an island, Florianopolis has 42 beaches, each with a distinct neighborhood and personality surrounding it, so truly it offers something for everyone - innumerable parks, natural reserves, squares, large lagoons, sand dunes, and much more.
- Curitiba/Ilha do Mel – Curitiba is one of Brazil’s most progressive cities and we’ll spend a night there before taking a breathtaking train ride down to the Atlantic Coast. From here we will sail to the ecological paradise of Ilha do Mel (Honey Island). There are some lovely walks to be done here and more beautiful beaches to enjoy. Good surf beaches on one side of the island and some interesting forts from yesteryear to explore.
- Iguassu Falls – An absolute must see, and we’ll take you to both the Argentine and Brazilian side of the falls as well as visiting a tropical bird park, take in a cultural cabaret, visit the most important Hydro dam in South America (Itaipu) and still have time to do some duty free shopping in Ciudad del Este (Paraguay).
Trip Style
An adventure-styled holiday visiting each of Brazil’s five different regions to give you an appreciation of the country’s amazing diversity.
- Services and facilities: these will differ greatly depending on whether we are in a city, at the beach, on an island or in an Amazon jungle lodge. Overall, accommodation will be Star**+ to Star***, with bed and breakfast and private facilities the norm. At the Jungle Lodge, all meals are included.
- Transport: to maximize your time in Brazil we will cover the longer travel days using internal flights. There will be some public transportation by bus, train and ferry as well as private van, bus and river boat services. Although there will be walking opportunities, day walking is not a focus of this trip.
- Weatherwise: Brazil essentially enjoys a warm tropical climate and as we will be visiting in the Summer time expect temperatures in the 20s and 30s, however on occasion they may reach the 40s. The jungle region will be more humid than the coastal regions, although any showers are likely to be short and sharp.
Group
Minimum of 13 + leader, maximum 17 + leader
Trip Data
Once finalised the price will include flights AKL/AKL (flight related taxes not included), hotels - breakfasts, all meals during at the Jungle Lodge. 5-7 domestic flights within Brazil, land transports/sights/activities as per the final itinerary.
This trip will be lead by Eileen Cameron, the new member of the Grassroots team. Eileen has lived in Brazil and travelled there extensively. She speaks fluent Portuguese and is passionate about the country and its people.
Code Number:
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BA 91 |
| Departure (ex Auckland): |
18 January 2009 |
| Estimated Price: |
$11,350 - flight dependent |
| Minimum Number: |
13 |
| Days: |
29 |
| Trip Status: |
Closing 30 November |
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