The Brazil Travel Site

The Ocean Liner Cruise is Back In Style

If you’ve never been the type to take a cruise ship vacation, now may be the time to consider it. The cruise experience has changed considerably in the past decade and today there are cruises to fit every budget, lifestyle and interest. Cruising down to Brazil is an exciting way to see the eastern coastline of South America. Cruises stop at locations, such as:

• The Amazon Coastline: Full of animal encounters, regional festivals, exotic food (including local seafood dishes), crafts and music.
• Up the Amazon River (Manaus, Parintins, etc): Animal encounters, jungle adventures, piranha fishing, hammock swinging.
• Fernando de Noronha: Scuba and skin diving, amazing beaches, dancing at night, island ambiance.
• Bahia: Clear water, beaches, beach bars and cabanas, local food, music and dance, afro-brazilian culture, snorkling.
• Rio de Janeiro: Famous monuments, art & architecture, museums, nightlife, food galore, samba, non-stop beaches.

You get all sorts of time on-shore and plenty of choices that make cruising a real option for all types of travelers. It’s especially great for couples! Here are some cruises to look over from Cruise Vacation Center.

And here are some more cruises to think about…

Norwegian Cruise Line
Royal Carribean Cruise Line
Hawaii Cruises

photo credit

Food & Shopping in Minas Gerais

The interior state of Minas Gerais is one of Brazil’s greatest travel regions. It is rich in history and culture and offers a glorious look at some of the most Brazilian festivals, foods, and fashions. The area is mountainous with plenty of rivers and waterfalls and many of the old, colonial towns still look like they did in the 1700s during Brazil’s great gold rush, known as the gold cycle. These colonial towns are the heart and soul of the region and any trip here requires a visit to one or two of them, at least.

But first things first. Let’s talk shopping! This is one of the best shopping regions in the country and I’ve provided an overview of some great shopping areas and items in this article: Shopping Highlights in Minas Gerais.

Since most people begin their visits to Minas in the capital city of Belo Horizonte, I’ve also posted some B.H. restaurant listings and reviews, including a great spot for lunch (see Family Focusing on Food) and an elegant dinner option (see Vecchio Sogno).

Check back for more interesting additions to this section. If you have ideas of your own, send them to me in an email.

Boa viagem!

Advice from Brazilian Students on Coming to Brazil

“When you come to Brazil you should be very happy because Brazilians are good people and receptive. You shouldn’t take warm clothes because on the beaches the weather is very hot and the sea is good for swimming. If you go to Rio de Janeiro you have to be careful with assaults. You should go to the beaches and the historical cities. You have to go to parties because they are very exciting.”
(Jefferson, age 15)

Read the rest…

Praia do Forte in Cabo Frio

On the coastline of the drab and unimpressive city of Cabo Frio, is one of the most stunningly beautiful stretches of white sand and blue water in the Americas. You’ll quickly see why this coastline became famous as a tourist destination. Whatever you may think of the town of Cabo Frio, that long stretch Cabo Frio beach remains an amazing piece of work by Mother Nature.

Gondola to Pão de Açúcar in Rio de Janeiro

The best views of Rio de Janeiro and the entire coastline around it, are from the two view platforms of Urca and Pão de Açúcar, both part of the famous gondola ride. It’s worth going up once during the day and again after dark to see both aspects of the city.

Visit Brazil as a Volunteer

Want to travel the world as a volunteer? Are you interested in environmental and social causes? Would you like to see Brazil while working as a volunteer? Check out Volunteer Adventures for information on volunteer opportunities all over the world.

Details here..