Travel to Brazil

Explore the Majesty of Patagonia by Land, Water, and Ice

2007-04-03T14:31:00.000-07:00

Intelligent Leisure Solutions, an Internet-Based Travel Solutions Company, Offers Luxury Cruise and Land Travel Package in Argentinean Patagonia

Argentina and Chile share one of the most famed and majestic wildernesses in the world, Patagonia. With 15 national parks and stretching over a surface area of over a million square kilometers, Patagonia is generally considered the area of South America south of the 40° parallel. South of the Strait of Magellan is known collectively as Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) and the Chilean Patagonia has three zones: the Lake Region, and Patagonia North and South, separated by the Southern Ice Field. This ice zone, which Chile and Argentina share, is the largest after the ice fields of the Arctic. Argentine Patagonia stretches from Buenos Aires to the southern tip of the country, ranging from the western Andes to the Atlantic Ocean in the east. Throughout Patagonia, visitors marvel at its untouched nature with deep valleys, volcanoes, lakes, forests and glaciers. Intelligent Leisure Solutions, an internet-based travel solutions company that specializes in Central and South America now offers the adventurous luxury traveler an exclusive 15 day / 14 night land travel and cruise package in Argentinean Patagonia (www.ils3.com/vacation-packages/south-america/argentina/cruise/54/summary/). The package begins with the sights and sounds of romantic Buenos Aires and then takes you deep within remote Patagonia for trekking to the bases of incredible summits, traveling throughout valleys, and exploring glaciers that offer access to magnificent landscapes. All this natural beauty and adventure is complimented by award-winning hotels nestled in the mountains and intimate luxury cruise ships serving as your home base to explore a fabled paradise.

The Argentinean Patagonia journey begins with the charm and passion of Buenos Aires, a unique city that mixes European elegance with Latin American passion. City tours take you to all the most famous and notable sights in the city, including the Colon Opera House. You will embark upon train and boat rides to explore the city and experience the romance and drama of the tango firsthand. After four night’s luxury accommodation in Buenos Aires at the five-star Alvear Palace Hotel, member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World group, the adventure moves southward to Ushuaia and the Tierra del Fuego National Park. There you will set sail in small cruise ships to traverse the Beagle Channel with one of the best views of the southernmost city in the world. Stops at Sea Lion and Bird Islands, as well as the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse punctuate the voyage with a final stop at the Magellan Penguin colony.

During your stay in Ushuaia, luxury accommodations are provided at the Tierra de Leyendas Hotel. On the sixth day of your journey, you embark upon a luxury cruise aboard the M/V Mare Australis, one of the premier cruise ships that serve the Patagonia region. For the next four days, you will travel through spectacular channels to visit the Cape Horn National Park, go for hikes near the Günter Plushow Glacier, and experience the wonders of Magdalena Island, home to an enormous penguin colony with over 120,000 members in different stages of development. After the cruise on the Mare Australis, you return to land and the Torres Del Paine National Park, which was declared Biosphere World Reserve by UNESCO in 1978, as well as El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park, known world-wide for the spectacular breaking of the ice. You will journey to Onelli Bay and go for a short walk through the forest where the Onelli, Bolados, Agassiz and Heim glaciers meet. During the hike you traverse beautiful landscapes with a variety of shapes and colors reflecting in the immense icebergs detached from Upsala Glacier. The glacier expedition continues to Spegazzini Glacier, remarkable for its high walls reaching 110 mt. Watch for condors soaring high above you as you hike throughout this incredible national park.

Throughout your journey, bilingual guides and professional Patagonia experts accompany you on your tours, giving you an educational and informative background for your sight-seeing. This 15 day / 14 night Buenos Aires and Patagonia package is the perfect balance of sophisticated luxury travel and adventurous exploration in a pristine paradise.

For more information on these Patagonian adventures, including photos, price quotes, availability information, and other details, visit Intelligent Leisure Solutions’ website, www.ILS3.com. Click on Vacation Packages, choose Argentina, then Patagonia, and click on the Southern Patagonia Glaciers Cruise and Land Travel Vacation Package link. Or you may call ILS and speak to one of their Patagonia travel experts, all fluent in English, in North America, 1-888-ILS3-COM (457-3266), in Europe, 44-20-7669-4493, or in Brazil, 55-71-3113-4205.

Intelligent Leisure Solutions is a web-based Destination Management Company (DMC) for Latin America that offers only luxury, custom-made trips from pre-selected destinations, accommodations, packages and tours to travelers and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Events) clients seeking differentiated travel experiences. Intelligent Leisure Solutions has been selected by the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism as an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. They are also Authenticated by the Tralliance Corporation and the .Travel Registry.

Experience the Evolutionary Wonders of the Galapagos Islands; The Ecological Trip of a Lifetime

2007-03-05T09:34:00.000-08:00

Internet-Based Travel Company, Intelligent Leisure Solutions, Offers an Unforgettable Cruise and Tour Package Exploring the Unique Ecosystems of Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands, 1,000 km off the coast of South America and part of the Republic of Ecuador, are often called a “laboratory of evolution” due the varying degrees of evolutionary changes found within the plant and animal species thriving there. Since Darwin famously documented the endemic species of Galapagos in the 1800s, adventuring scientists and travelers have flocked to the islands in order to explore, research, and help preserve their delicate and unique ecosystems. The islands’ intrigue and beauty have made them the location and subject for countless novels, Hollywood films, and science and nature documentaries. Intelligent Leisure Solutions, an internet-based luxury travel company specializing in Central and South America, now offers the adventurous traveler this environmental experience of a lifetime aboard the M/V Galapagos Explorer II, a first-class, 293-foot, 100 passenger, ocean-going cruise ship. Luxury accommodations aboard the M/V Galapagos Explorer II give guests the opportunity to relax and enjoy the many amenities of the ship while sailing through the breathtaking sea and landscapes of Galapagos. A typical day on the 8 day/7 night package begins with fun, informative lectures given by professional naturalists aboard the ship, followed by swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving to experience the marine life of the islands first-hand. After lunch, you set sail to a different location in the islands each day to explore on foot- trekking, bird, and other wildlife-watching, as well as excursions to the towns of the Galapagos province. Almost every moment of the trip is devoted to exploring and experiencing the wild, pristine paradise of the Galapagos Archipelago.

The Galapagos Archipelago National Park is made up of 13 large islands, 6 smaller ones and 107 islets and rocks, with a total land area of nearly 8,000 square kilometers. The islands are volcanic in origin and several volcanoes in the west of the Archipelago are still very active. The M/V Galapagos Explorer II takes you throughout the entire area with stops on nine of the islands where you are guided by bilingual professional guides. The adventure begins in San Cristobel Island with a visit to the Galapagos Interpretation Center in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos province. At the Interpretation Center, you will receive an educational

Galapagos Island Cruise, introduction to the diversity of the islands through exhibits on geology, evolution, human history and environmental responsibility, among others. You then travel to Española and Santa Cruz Islands to view indigenous wildlife, including sea lions, fur seals, pelicans and other Galapagos sea birds. On the third day of the cruise, you travel to Genovesa Island to the Prince Phillip’s Steps, a birding paradise. Watch for the Galapagos finches made famous by Darwin, Flightless Cormorants, Blue-footed Boobies, Masked Boobies, Whimbrels, Lava Gulls, and Night Herons, and many others as they breed on the islands. In the days that follow, you will sail to Bartolome, Santiago, Fernandina, Isabela, and North Seymour Islands for more bird and animal watching, snorkeling, swimming, and special expeditions to volcanic sites. The Galapagos Island cruise provides you with the once-in-a-lifetime experiences of snorkeling off of Fernandina Island to watch Galapagos iguanas feeding on underwater seaweed, coming into close contact with Galapagos penguins as they scurry about the islands, and silently observing giant turtles guarding their nests on the beaches.

The M/V Galapagos Explorer II is the newest and most elegant vessel cruising the waters of Galapagos, and guests can take advantage of the luxurious suite accommodations, international and Ecuadorian restaurant, boutique, library, solarium, piano bar, spa, swimming pool, and whirlpool services daily. All of the suites are exterior rooms and almost all have panoramic views of the ocean. Because of the smaller number of passengers, you experience unmatched luxury and intimacy on board and in the lecture and exploration groups as well. Medical services are available 24 hours a day and the special needs of all passengers are met with efficiency and care. The M/V Galapagos Explorer II is also an environmentally conscious vessel with recycling and responsible waste removal programs, as well as mandating small groups for tours in order to minimize the environmental impact tourism has on the islands. Photos and more extensive information regarding the M/V Galapagos Explorer II, full trip itineraries and price quotes for the cruise package, and the natural history, geology, and ecology of the islands can be found on Intelligent Leisure Solutions website, www.ils3.com. Click on the Travel Vacation Packages link, then choose South America, Ecuador, and then the Galapagos Cruise link. You can also contact Intelligent Leisure Solutions by phone to speak with their Galapagos travel specialists, all native speakers and fluent in English, in the United States, 1-888-ILS3-COM (457-3266), in Europe, 44-20-7669-4493, or in Brazil, 55-71-3113-4203 ext 24.

Intelligent Leisure Solutions is a web-based Destination Management Company (DMC) for Latin America that offers only luxury, custom-made trips from pre-selected destinations, accommodations, packages and tours to travelers and MICE (Meeting, Incentives, Conventions and Events) clients seeking differentiated travel experiences. Intelligent Leisure Solutions has been selected by the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism as an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. They are also Authenticated by the Tralliance Corporation and the .Travel Registry.

Cruise the Waters of Central and South America in Luxury and Style aboard Private Yachts

2006-12-04T06:29:00.000-08:00

Private Bareboat and Crewed Yachts, Motor Yachts, Sailing Yachts and Motor Sailers Now Available for Charter in South America and Central America through Internet-Based Luxury Travel Solutions Company, Intelligent Leisure Solutions

Chartering a private yacht to explore Central and South America’s lakes, rivers, and seas provides intimacy and opulence unmatched by large luxury cruise liners or other travel packages. Private yacht charters give you the flexibility and control to create a unique adventure on the diverse and majestic waters of Latin America through personalized and custom-designed itineraries to fit your luxury travel goals and specifications. Intelligent Leisure Solutions, a technology-based travel solutions company based in Brazil with offices in North America and Europe, is the first travel specialist to offer private yacht charters in Central and South America to the discerning luxury travel clientele in one convenient location, their website www.ILS3.com. ILS provides private bareboat and crewed yachts, motor yachts, sailing yachts, and motor sailers in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru in South America, and Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama in Central America. Each destination has a wide variety of boats available for charter, with additional information regarding capacity, size, speed, as well as photographs, all accessible through their website. Choose the Private Yacht Charters link on www.ILS3.com, then your Central or South American destination to access all the information necessary to reserve your charter.

Intelligent Leisure Solutions offers luxury travel services to an elite clientele who require the highest level of service, security and style. ILS caters to executives and dignitaries in all arenas, from Hollywood to Houses of Parliament. Their goal is to provide high-end travel services with personalization and privacy, going beyond what is necessary to create convenient, comfortable, as well as extraordinary experiences for the elite client traveling in Central and South America.

Intelligent Leisure Solutions acts as both a travel agency and tour operator to provide you with all the necessary luxury transportation services for your Central and South American excursion, whether you are planning vacation, business, or group travel. Complete information is given about each craft, and ILS arranges direct contact with the supplier to ensure reliable, efficient service. Chartering a private yacht in Latin America is as easy as visiting their website, selecting the country and the boat you are interested in, and completing a private charter request form. Your request will be met quickly and efficiently by one of ILS’s travel specialists, all fluent in English, located in North America, Europe, and Brazil.

For more information about private yacht charters and the wide variety of luxury travel services provided by Intelligent Leisure Solutions, visit www.ILS3.com, or call 1-888-IL3-COM (457-3266) in North America, 55-71-3113-4205 in Central and South America, and 44-20-7669-4493 in Europe to speak directly with a travel specialist.

Intelligent Leisure Solutions is a web-based Destination Management Company (DMC) for Latin America that offers only luxury, custom-made trips and services from pre-selected destinations, accommodations, packages and tours to travelers and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Events) clients seeking differentiated travel experiences. Intelligent Leisure Solutions has been selected by the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism as an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. They are also Authenticated by the Tralliance Corporation and the .Travel Registry.

Explore the Sights, Sounds, and Sensations of the Brazilian Amazon on an Amazon River Cruise

2006-11-24T13:10:00.000-08:00

Internet-Based Travel Company, Intelligent Travel Solutions, Announces the First Amazon Luxury Cruise Aboard the IberoStar Grand Amazon

The Amazon is the world's largest tropical rainforest, and it spans more than half of the Brazilian territory. Within the 4 million square km (2.5 million square miles) of the Amazon River Basin resides a wealth of life richer than any place else on earth, including 500 mammals, 175 different lizards, 300 other reptile species, tree climbers of every kind, and a third of the world's identified bird species, along with millions of species that remain undiscovered. The Amazon is home to countless species of fauna and flora, including endangered jaguars, howler monkeys, tapirs, pink freshwater dolphins, giant river otters, manatees, and an incredible array of tropical birds and plants. The growing popularity of eco-tourism and adventure travel has made travel to the Amazon rainforest accessible in the last few years, but until recently, there were few opportunities to travel on the river itself. Intelligent Leisure Solutions, an internet-based luxury travel company specializing in Central and South America, now offers three, four, and seven-night cruises along the majestic Amazon, Solimoes, and Negro Rivers aboard the IberoStar Grand Amazon cruise ship. Departing from Manaus, one of the largest and busiest dock areas in Brazil, the Iberostar Grand Amazon stops at several points along the Amazon jungle, and offers excursions on small boats to explore the dense and virgin rain forest. Bird-watching, trekking, fishing, photo safaris and cultural programs that highlight and help preserve indigenous cultures are only a few of the inclusive options offered in the cruise packages. You and other adventure seekers will come into close contact with endangered and exotic species of trees, plants, animals as well as the local friendly and hospitable river communities. All of this adventure combined with the luxury and comfort of a five-star hotel aboard the IberoStar Grand Amazon.

The journey begins in Manaus, Brazil, where the IberoStar Grand Amazon departs every Thursday or Sunday, depending upon your length of stay. Upon departure, you will be welcomed by the Captain as the adventure kicks off with a Brazilian-style cocktail party. Each morning, the knowledgeable staff aboard the IberoStar presents informative lectures on the flora, fauna, and cultures that you will encounter on the daily land excursions offered during the cruise. All land excursions are guided by professionals fluent in English and offer rare opportunities to get to know the life along the rivers. Entertainment and other services are provided on board the IberoStar Grand Amazon, as well as traditional Brazilian celebrations and barbeques.

For more travel information, full itineraries, as well as price quotes, visit Intelligent Leisure Solution’s website, www.ILS3.com, click on the Travel Vacation Packages on the top menu, scroll down to South America – Brazil then select the Cruises option on the left menu or click here to go directly to the IberoStar Grand Amazon Package. You can also contact Intelligent Leisure Solutions by phone to speak with their travel specialists, all fluent in English, in North America, 1-888-ILS3-COM (457-3266), in Europe, 44-20-7669-4493, or in Brazil, 55-71-3113-4205.

Intelligent Leisure Solutions is a web-based Destination Management Company (DMC) for Latin America that offers only luxury, custom-made trips from pre-selected destinations, accommodations, packages and tours to travelers and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Events) clients seeking differentiated travel experiences. Intelligent Leisure Solutions has been selected by the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism as an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. They are also Authenticated by the Tralliance Corporation and the .Travel Registry.

Luxury Travel in Central and South America Made Easier and More Personal Though Internet Technology

2006-11-14T12:20:00.000-08:00

Internet-Based Travel Solutions Company, Intelligent Leisure Solutions, Offers Personalized Central and South America Vacation Packages for the Discerning Traveler

Salvador, Bahia, Brazil--- Sept. 2, 2006--- Travel to both Central and South America has seen double-digit growth levels in the last two years due to important airline connectivity, improved communications infrastructure, and a sustainability mindset according to the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer published in June 2006. The majority of those travelers look first to the internet as their primary knowledge and services resource in planning their vacations. In response to the growing demand in travel to Central and South America and increased internet technology in the travel industry, Intelligent Leisure Solutions, an internet and technology-based travel company specializing in luxury travel to Central and South America, now provides the traveler with personalized and meticulously prepared travel packages designed to create unique cultural and leisure learning experiences in select destinations in Latin America.

Based in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, Intelligent Leisure Solutions offers vacation destinations in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, The Galapagos Islands, and Peru in South America, and Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama in Central America, primarily through their main websites, www.ILS3.com, www.DiscoverSouthAmerica.Travel and www.DiscoverCentralAmerica.Travel. They also have telephone numbers in North America, Brazil, and in Europe, where travel specialists, all native speakers fluent in English, can help you select unique vacations, packages, adventure travel excursions, honeymoon destinations, holidays, tours, hotels, lodges, resorts and flights. ILS provides its clients with much more than the conventional, pre-fabricated travel package. The company seeks to create sophisticated travel experiences for the person who, besides wanting the best in security, luxury and comfort, also desires to have a unique travel experience that reaches beyond the conventional facets of travel and tourism. All of the products and services offered by ILS have been visited and pre-selected by their team of travel experts. Their pre-selection criteria focuses on the quality of the product and service offered, as well as the charm, design, and the Latin American experience it transfuses to the client.

“We are a new generation of travel specialists for a new generation of traveler. Our clients are looking not only to relax and unwind during their vacation, but to also approach and understand new cultures and learn something from their experience. They return home rested as well as energized with new knowledge and stories to tell,” explains Intelligent Leisure Solutions Managing Partner, American Robert Phillips. His point is clearly illustrated on the testimonials page of www.ILS3.com. One client describes his vacation in the Brazilian Amazon as “an incredible experience,” detailing his accounts viewing “amazing wildlife,” as well as exciting night-time jungle treks to search for giant spiders in the rainforest. Providing personal attention and detail-oriented planning in preparing and customizing a vacation in exotic Latin American locales is Intelligent Leisure Solution’s specialty. They are one of the few travel companies that offers personalized, custom-made vacation packages to fit your specific travel needs and dreams.

For more information and to access the wide range of expertise and services available through Intelligent Leisure Solutions, visit their main website, www.ILS3.com, and through their entire series of online travel sites each with the regional flavor of the particular destination. Each site provides vacation packages, tours, travel tips, resort, hotel and lodge listings, reviews, photos and general travel information for destinations throughout Latin America. To begin your personalized vacation planning, fill out a Travel Inquiry Form for your destination on any of the websites, or call 1-888-IL3-COM (457-3266) in North America, 55-71-3113-4205 in Central and South America, and 44-20-7669-4493 in Europe to speak directly with a travel specialist.

Intelligent Leisure Solutions is a web-based Destination Management Company (DMC) for Latin America that offers only luxury, custom-made trips from pre-selected destinations, accommodations, packages and tours to travelers and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Events) clients seeking differentiated travel experiences. Intelligent Leisure Solutions has been selected by the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism as an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. They are also Authenticated by the Tralliance Corporation and the .Travel Registry.

Flexible, Creative, and Personalized Group Travel to Central and South America.

2006-11-06T08:45:00.000-08:00

Internet-Based Travel Solutions Company, Intelligent Leisure Solutions, Offers Luxury Group Travel Services in Central and South America.

Salvador, Bahia, Brazil---Sept. 3, 2006--- Organizing and planning a group travel event is always stressful, whether it be for your family and friends, business, school, or organization. That stress only multiplies if you are planning for travel in a place where most people don’t speak your language and travel services are limited. Intelligent Leisure Solutions, an internet and technology-based travel company specializing in luxury travel to Central and South America, provides personalized, flexible, and creative group travel and vacation packages to Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, Peru in South America and in Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama in Central America. Whether it be managed or unmanaged groups for family reunions, school or sports groups, incentive travel programs and awards, groups of friends, company site inspections, meetings, business trips, wedding parties, research visits, birthdays, church groups, class reunions, anniversaries, wine clubs, team building, convention planning or professional organizations, or any other group you could imagine, Intelligent Leisure Solutions can help you create an unforgettable experience for your group in Central and South America. To begin the simple process of planning group travel through their easy-to-navigate website, http://www.ils3.com/, click on the Group Travel button, choose the country you want to visit, and fill out a Travel Inquiry Form online to begin working with one of their travel specialists, all fluent in English, based in Brazil, North America, and in Europe.

Intelligent Leisure Solutions works as a tour operator as well as a travel agency. They offer different types of travel products through the simple process of online-booking their pre-selected accommodations (Pousadas, Lodges, High-Class Hotels, Spas and Resorts) and personalized, custom-made trips and vacation packages, as well as entertainment and leisure activities. Their team of travel experts consists of Latin Americans, North Americans and Europeans, all fluent in English, who have been living in Brazil for at least 5 years. What differentiates their work from other group and incentive travel companies is their personal attention, flexibility, creativity, but also their location in South America. By installing an office in one of their destinations, Salvador, Brazil, ILS travel experts can visit and pre-select all their destinations and provide the best and most up-to-date information about the services they recommend. Their pre-selection criteria focuses on the quality of the product and service offered, as well as the charm, design, and the unique cultural experience it transfuses to the client. They treat every client and their travel needs as individual cases, and their ultimate goal is to fulfill all expectations of the traveler while helping to facilitate an unforgettable experience in exotic locales throughout Central and South America. Through taking advantage of the latest technology available, ILS can creatively and efficiently customize your group’s travel experience regardless of group size, length of stay, or reason for travel.

For more information e-mail groups@ils3.com, check out http://www.ils3.com/, or call ILS in North America, 1-888-ILS3-COM (457-3266), in Europe, 44-20-7669-4493, or in Brazil, 55-71-3113-4205.

Travel Central and South America in Luxury and Convenience Aboard Private Aircraft Charters

2006-10-22T13:56:00.000-07:00

Private Jet, Helicopter, and Airplane Charters in Central and South America Available through Internet-Based Luxury Travel Company, Intelligent Leisure Solutions

Salvador, Bahia, Brazil---Sept. 5--- Traveling by air in Central and South America is essential in order to cover the vast and often uninhabited distances between destinations, but the increasing hassles and limitations of commercial flying can often make getting to and from your destination complicated and time-consuming. Private aircraft charters provide the necessary convenience, luxury, privacy, and security on the ground and in the air for your personalized vacation, business, or group travel in Central or South America. Renting private aircraft not only gives the luxury traveler more comfort and security, but offers you an exclusive and adventurous exploration of some of Central and South America’s most secluded locales. Intelligent Leisure Solutions, an internet and technology-based travel solutions company based in Brazil, now offers private jet, helicopter and airplane charters in and throughout Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru in South America, and Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama in Central America. Information about available aircraft for your Latin America destination and any other special requests for private aircraft charters can be easily accessed through Intelligent Leisure Solutions website, www.ILS3.com. Simply choose the Private Jet & Helicopter Charters link and then select your destination in Central and South America.

Intelligent Leisure Solutions offers luxury travel services to an elite clientele who require the highest level of service, confidentiality, security and style. ILS caters to executives and dignitaries in all arenas, from Hollywood to Houses of Parliament. Their goal is to provide high-end travel services with personalization and privacy, going beyond what is necessary to create convenient, comfortable, as well as extraordinary experiences for the elite client traveling in Central and South America.

Intelligent Leisure Solutions can provide every luxury transportation need for your travel experience in Central and South America, including first-class travel from your city of origin as well as arranging private aircraft charter throughout your stay. Their travel specialists help you custom-design your transportation needs based upon your schedule and travel goals. A wide variety of different models of jet, airplane, and helicopter charters are available in each destination, with varying capacities, speeds, and distances capabilities. Complete information is given about each aircraft and ILS arranges direct contact with the supplier to ensure reliable, efficient service. To request a private charter, make your aircraft selection and then fill out a Charter Request Form on www.ILS3.com. One of Intelligent Leisure Solutions’ travel specialists, all native speakers fluent in English based in North America, Brazil, and Europe, will then provide you with a price quote and any other information to begin the booking process.

For more information about private aircraft charters or the wide variety of luxury travel services provided by Intelligent Leisure Solutions, visit www.ILS3.com, or call 1-888-IL3-COM (457-3266) in North America, 55-71-3113-4205 in Central and South America, and 44-20-7669-4493 in Europe to speak directly with a travel specialist.

Intelligent Leisure Solutions is a web-based Destination Management Company (DMC) for Latin America that offers only luxury, custom-made trips and services from pre-selected destinations, accommodations, packages and tours to travelers and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Events) clients seeking differentiated travel experiences. Intelligent Leisure Solutions has been selected by the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism as an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. They are also Authenticated by the Tralliance Corporation and the .Travel Registry.

2006-04-14T12:39:00.000-07:00

Salvador Carnival Package (7N)

Travel to Salvador, Bahia, Brazil and Experience its world famous party with this 8 Day / 7 Night Carnaval Travel Vacation Package andTour that includes Accommodation at the Tropical Hotel da Bahia, City Tour, Transportation and much more.

With this package you will visit one of Brazil's most popular destinations - the beautiful Salvador, and experience a typical Bahian Carnaval, Brazil's greatest celebration party. Salvador is known for its rich history, culture, and unexplored nature. This truly African Brazilian city will awaken your senses with its exquisite culinary flavors and the rhythm of its electrifying music. The Bahian Carnaval is a celebration of life that one cannot miss.

Salvador Carnaval Vacation Package (7N) Includes:

- 7 nights at the Tropical Hotel da Bahia (from February 24th to March 3rd, 2006). This hotel is located in Campo Grande, the Carnaval's epicenter, and near Salvador's best attractions - the Historic Center, the Pelourinho, churches, shopping mall, theaters, the Mercado Modelo, and Porto da Barra.

- Transfers - Salvador Airport / Tropical Hotel / Salvador Airport

- Typical Brazilian buffet of feijoada (beans stew) for lunch served by the pool area

- 5 nights of Hotel Camarote party access (from February 16th to 21st, 2007)

Optional: "Abada" - typical Bahian carnaval costume that gives access to privileged Bloco street party in Salvador.

For more details on this Bahia Carnival Package or for other Brazil Travel Services contact www.ils3.com.

2006-04-10T12:12:00.000-07:00

Top 30 Brazil Hotels
Recently published in Brazilian Top Travel Magazine - Viagem - April 2006

1 - Copacabana Palace Hotel - Rio de Janeiro, RJ
2 – Blue Tree Park Hotel– Natal, RN and Ocean Palace Hotel - Natal, RN
3 – Serrano Hotel – Gramado, RS
4 – Unique Hotel – São Paulo, SP
5 – Grand Hyatt Hotel – São Paulo, SP and Ouro Minas Palace Hotel - Belo Horizonte, MG
6 – Laje de Pedra Hotel - Canela, RS
7 – Maksoud Plaza Hotel – São Paulo, SP
8 – Atlante Plaze Hotel – Recife, PE and Parque da Costeira – Natal, Rn
9 – Fasano Boutique Hotel – São Paulo, SP and Tropical Tambau Vacation Hotel – Jao Pessoa, PB
10 – Lê Meridien Hotel – Rio de Janeiro, RJ
11 – Casa da Montanha Hotel – Gramado, RS and L-Hotel – São Paulo, SP
12 - Emiliano Hotel – São Paulo, SP and Marina Park Hotel – Fortaleza, CE
13 - Serra Azul Hotel – Gramado, RS
14 - Catussaba Hotel, Salvador, BA and Seara Praia Hotel – Fortaleza, CE
15 - Hilton Hotel – São Paulo, SP and Mar Hotel – Recife, PE
16 - Recanto das Águas Hotel – Balneário Camboriu, SC
17 - Bahia Othon Palace Hotel – Salvador, BA and Blue Tree Village Hotel – Bonito, MS
18 - Ariau Jungle Towers Lodge – Amazon
19 - Melia Hotel – Maceio, AL and Ritz Lagoa da Anta Hotel, Maceio, AL and Sofitel Hotel - Salvador, BA

For more information on these Brazil hotels or for reservations contact www.ils3.com.

2006-04-06T11:19:00.000-07:00

Jalapao Adventure Off-Road Package (6N)

Travel to Jalapao, Tocantins, Brazil and Experience its natural beauties with this 7 Day / 6 Night Jalapao Adventure Safari Travel Vacation Package and Tour that includes a 4x4 truck specially developed for this tour, 4 nights with all meals at the Safari Camp; Trekking, Sand Boarding and Cannoeing Tours, Transportation and much more.

You will enjoy Jalapao and its greatest natural beauties during this 7 days and 6 nights Jalapao Adventure Safari Package. Using a 4x4 truck specially developed for this tour, you will be in contact with nature and discover the amazing Serra Geral Mountains .This package includes 2 nights with breakfast at the Pousada dos Girassois in Palmas, - the capital city of the State of Tocantins, 4 nights with all meals at the Safari Camp, located on the edge of Rio Novo River, transportation in/out airport to pousada and tours in Jalapao.

In the very heart of Brazil, surrounded by the gigantic Serra Geral Mountains, with pure and crystalline rivers, paradise beaches, very primitive natural environment, this region is one of the last where Mother Nature is and will be kept intact: Jalapão - TO.

Located in the eastern side of this newly born Brazilian state, with an area of 34.113 Km, is still to be fully known and understood. Despite of being called "Jalapão desert", it's more like an Oasis, with huge rivers, falls, springs and plenty of wild life. Using a 4x4 truck specially developed for trips in areas like the ones we described, we assure comfort and security: comfortable seats, air conditioner and some exclusive and creative items, like windows that can be fully opened, 8 places on the roof of the vehicle that can be used to see the places being crossed, or to take that unforgettable photo, as well.

Jalapao Outdoor and Adventure Safari Vacation Package (6N):

Accommodation:
-2 nights at Pousada dos Girassois, in Palmas and 4 nights at the Safari Camp.

Tours:
-"Mirante da Serra" with a spectacular view of Jalapão.
-The Sand Dunes.
-Sand board.
-Trekking.
-Canoeing.
-Panoramic view at the Mirante Mario de Fumo.
-Visit to the Cachoeira da Formiga and Poço do Fervedouro - where it is impossible to drown , due to its very special natural conditions.
-Cachoeira da Velha and Cachoeira da Sucuapara.

For more information on this Brazil Travel Vacation Package visit

Latin America Travel Services Latin America Vacation Packages - www.ils3.com

2005-07-20T14:23:00.000-07:00

Discover Brazil Proudly Offers:

Our Amazon River Cruise

Discover Brazil is proud to introduce and offer our clients an unmatched Amazon River Cruise experience through the heart of the mystic Amazon basin. Brazil with all her abundant natural beauty has the Amazon Region as the crown jewel travel destination within her expansive borders.

Discover Brazil´s exotic Five Day / Four Night luxury cruise aboard the IberoStar Grand Amazon ship places you in an atmosphere that allows you to enjoy the best of two distinct worlds. The onboard amenities our clients have come to expect from luxury cruises make relaxing enjoyable and interesting while the off ship soujourns up tributaries into local river communities bring you in contact with the rich eco-system that differentiates the Amazon Region.

This cruise which begins and ends in Manaus City traverses the powerful Amazon River and will tickle your five senses from the time you board to the time you conclude your cruise adventure. You will hear the sounds of the jungle, smell and taste local foods, see natives within their communities and feel native artistic wares ((change this)).

The crew aboard the IberoStar has daily programs to fill your days and nights while you are in their experienced care. Programs include various entertainment activities featuring music, dancing with orchestra and ecological classes on local fauna and flora to enhance your off ship field trips. Guests traveling on this Amazon River Cruise will have the opportunity to experience all of the following excursions and activities that are of interest.
· Motorboat rides to: Lago do Risco, Lago de Santa Rita do Raman, Island Santa Cruz, Lemon Igarape
· Party ´Festa dos Bois´
· Archeological grounds visit
· Indian craftsmanship instruction
· Piranha fishing
· Guaraná fields visit
· Folkloric Show ´The Legend of the Guaraná ´
· Onboard daily themes include: Amazon Forest, Ecosystems, Local habits and
Folklore, and Amazon fishes
You will also see first hand the incredible mixing of waters from the dark Rio Negro and immense Rio Dolfin that come together just outside of Manaus City to form the Amazon River in a manner that must be experienced first hand.

Discover Brazil is dedicated to providing select travel services to destinations within Brazil. With offerings of over 100 pre-qualified, quality approved packages Discover Brazil is rapidly becoming the tour operator of choice for Select Brazilian destinations. Our travel consultants are available to answer any questions you may have regarding our Amazon River Cruise or any other package we offer. All our packages and destinations are available for you to review at www.discoverbrazil.com. If you have any questions or require additional information please feel free to contact our dedicated team of consultants. They may be reached at 1-800-495-8211 or by email at customerservice@discoverbrazil.com

2005-07-12T07:15:00.000-07:00

Groups, Incentive Travel, Meetings, Events, Conventions and more…
DiscoverBrazil can help you with all your travel needs to Brazil and South America. Whether it be:
------* Groups of Friends,
------* Family Reunions,
------* School Groups,
------* Incentive Travel Programs and Awards,
------* Company Site Inspections, Meetings, Business trips, etc.,
------* Weddings and Wedding Parties,
------* Research visits,
------* Church groups,
------* Meeting and Event Planning,
------* Team Building,
------* Convention Planning,
… we can help you create an unforgettable experience.

Specific to Incentive Travel Programs and Awards
Incentive Travel (see at bottom of page)
1) What is Incentive Travel (*)
-----a) Group Travel
-----b) Individual Travel
-----c) Target Audience
-----d) Program Types
----------i) Open-ended programs
----------ii) Closed-ended programs
----------iii) Multilevel programs
2) Reasons for Incentive Travels (*)
3) Planning an Incentive Travel (*)
-----a) Step by Step Guidelines for Organizing an Incentive Travel Program
-----b) Check list for Organizing Incentive Travels
(*)”Incentive Travel Buyer Handbook”, Travel and Performance Group, Edition September 2003

Incentive Travel and “DiscoverBrazil”
1) Discover Brazil and Incentive Travel
-----a) Our Strategy
-----b) Product Selection Criteria
-----c) Responsible Suppliers Policy
-----d) Our Goal
2) Brazil and South America as Incentive Travel Destinations
3) Differentiation of “DiscoverBrazil”
-----a) Variety of Services
-----b) Differentiated and Personal Service
-----c) Quality Guarantee
-----d) Key Value
-----e) Best Services and Prices
4) Examples of Creative Services Offered
-----a) Ilha Fiscal Island in Rio de Janiero, Brazil
Carnaval Luau Dinner Show
Latin Dance Dinner Show with Orchestra
-----b) Wedding Party at Iguassu Falls
-----c) Percussion Class with Olodum at the “Corcovado” (Christ Statue) in Rio de Janeiro
-----d) Northern Brazil Highlights
-----e) Southern Brazil Highlights
5) Examples of Products Offered
-----a) Specialty Tours for Incentive Travel Awards
----------i). Amazon Cruise, Lodges, Adventures
----------ii). Boat & Sailboat, Charters, Cruises
----------iii) Culture, Language, Dance, Culinary
----------iv). Fishing
----------v). Nature, Adventure, Jeep, Off Road
----------vi). Parties, Events, Holidays
----------vii). Spiritual Growth, Wellness
---------viii). Wine Tours
-----b) Incentive Travel to Rio de Janeiro - Brazil
----------i). Rio de Janeiro (4D/3N)
----------ii). New Year Celebration in Rio de Janeiro (5D/4N)
----------iii). Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro (6D/7N)
-----c) Incentive Travel to the Iguassu Falls - Brazil & Argentina (3D/2N)
-----d) Incentive Travel to the Amazon - Brazil
----------i). Amazon Package (4D/3N)
----------ii). Amazon Cruise Package (5D/4N)
-----e) Incentive Travel in Bahia - Salvador, Praia de Forte – Brazil (4D/3N)
-----f) Incentive Travel to Machu Picchu - Peru (4D/3N)
-----g) Incentive Travel to Buenos Aires - Argentina (3D/2N)
-----h) Incentive Travel Brazil Packages (8D/ 7N)
6) Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Events Department

Incentive Travel (*)

1) What is Incentive Travel
An incentive travel program is always paid by an organization or a company. It is a prize offered for top performance by a company to employees, service providers or clients. Employees or clients are rewarded with an Incentive Trip for having met a specific target or achieved a specific goal that the offering company has set.

a) Group Travel
Collective experience that provides a platform for participants to bond, network, learn and foster relationships in a unique environment. Traditionally, this is the format most commonly used by organizations.
* Once-in-a-life-time-opportunity: Group incentive travel is the ultimate form of recognition. Not only do attendees get to go to experience a fabulous destination with their colleagues, they also get personal recognition from their senior management. Plus, the trip involves activities and events that they probably could not duplicate on their own. The motivational staying power of this experience is high.
* Promote camaraderie: The positive environment allow attendees to celebrate their accomplishments with theirs peers and key executives, establishing a level of relationship that it difficult, if not impossible, to experience in the office environment.
* Offers possible learning Opportunities: Having a target audience in one place allows companies to maximize dollars spent on such efforts.
* Maintains Momentum for Future Incentive Strategies: At the completion of a group travel program, participants are likely to talk about their experience to colleagues. These success stories can create interest for future incentives as well as motivate those individual who didn’t qualify to work harder the next time around.

b) Individual Travel
* Ease of use: Individual incentive travel programs give recipients autonomy. Program participants can celebrate the accomplishment on their own time, without the restrictions of other people or mandatory events.
* Celebrate with friends and family: Often, individual incentive travel awards are designed to include the award recipient and another person of their choice, giving the travel experience more significance.
* Fits all lifestyle: Sports enthusiasts, spa lovers, or wine connoisseurs – no matter what your target audience prefers, chances are that there are individual incentive programs designed to meet their interests. Offering an award that meets specific needs is easier and easier, as more specialized packages become available in the marketplace.

c) Target audience
Incentive travel Programs can be directed to different audiences with different purposes:
* International sales people
* Employee recognition
* Dealer’s distribution
* Non-sales employee
* Consumer or client promotion

Important factors about your target audience you should consider before organizing an Incentive Travel Program:
* Demographics: Characteristics about the level of sophistication and expense necessary to motivate your audience.
* Lifestyle: People have different needs and wants concerning a destination.
* Relationship: internal and outside salespeople, employers, distributors, service representatives, consumers – all potential incentive targets have different levels of interest in the successes of you program
* Variety: consider offering a range of choices within your award mix. Offer a range of destinations, accommodations and lengths of stay.
* Timely: The sooner the award is delivered the more likely it is your winners will remember they are being rewarded for a particular behavior or achievement performed on behalf of your company. Travel awards for a year long incentive should take place as soon as the results have been verified, preferably in the first quarter of the following year. Individual travel certificates should be delivered within 72 hours of when they are won

d) Program types:
You can differentiate between two types of programs:

Open-ended programs: All participants who achieve a predetermined level of performance can take part in the program.
* Standard: Participants earn a predetermined number of points for every sale they make
* Qualified: Participants earn points only after reaching a minimum goal
* Retroactive: Similar to a qualified program, but the payoff includes credit for sales leading up to the minimum goal
* Escalating: the more you sell, the more you earn
* Bid-and-make: participants set their own goals and are rewarded for achieving them
* Team bonus: participants receive bonus awards if everyone on their team reaches the goal

Closed-ended programs: Only top qualifiers can participate.
* Lucky squares: make a sale and write your name in a square. Winning squares are picked at the end of the week
* Pick 10: every tenth sales earns an entry in a sweepstakes drawing for the trip
* Make your own odds: earn a chance to win for every sale
* Only the top win: the top 50 achievers qualify for the travel award
* Hit-and-win or buy-in: the top 50 achievers get the award; those who reach at least 50 percent of their goal can pay a premium and buy their way into the trip
* Unequal thirds: Participants are divided into three groups and the top 20 performers in each group qualify for the award.

Multilevel programs: Participants win increasing levels of reward based on their performance with higher tiers tying into higher performance.

2) Reasons for Incentive Travels:
There are several reasons for companies to use Incentive Travel Programs:
* Increase market share
* Win new customers
* Promote a specific product
* Pump up productivity
* Boost morale
* Build customer loyalty
* Maintain business to business relationships
* Incremental sales gains during the qualification period
* Increase the percentage of audience that participates
* Percentage of audience that met goal

3) Planning an Incentive Travel Program
To maximize the motivational impact of the Incentive Trip, you should create a central theme of the campaign to keep it on every ones´ mind. Since the theme will appear on all collateral materials it should be fun, engaging, and universal. Whatever the theme, all graphics and written content should reinforce a positive message as well as promote the incentive travel award for maximum impact.

a) Step by Step Guidelines for Organizing an Incentive Travel Program
Start your communication blitz by understanding the 5 areas of greatest importance:
1) the Program Launch (create excitement)
2) the Qualification Period (create periodic summaries of the incentive program’s progress; the shorter the program the more frequent the communication mailing should be))
3) Mid-Program Motivation (send special e-mails or promotional e-mails to the participants; personalize all incentive-related letters with an executive touch)
4) Award Delivery (send a product that serves as a reflection of the achievement and the program directly to the incentive winner; highlight their contribution in a company newsletter or e-mail memo)
5) Post-Program Assessment (evaluate potential improvements for future programs; recognition doesn’t end at the completion of an incentive program it should be ongoing)
Remember, promoting an incentive is about generating excitement throughout the program, so be creative.

b) Check List for Organizing Incentive Travel Awards:
Selecting the right activities and destinations is one of the most complex tasks in constructing an effective incentive travel program.
Consider some of the following items:
1) Destination: Research the general features of destinations, to guarantee enough variety at the incentive destination so that the trip will suit each particular incentive traveler.
2) Features and Amenities: Any destination that you consider should have a well-developed travel infrastructure: a competitive selection of air carriers, hotels, ground transportation companies, and other travel related vendors.
3) Natural Attractions: Beautiful weather is something to look for, as are clean beaches, forests, or other ecological wonders that will arouse the interest of the incentive group
4) Nightlife: A world-class selection of restaurants, cafés, and bars always creates a buzz among participants. Theater and musical performances are key for some groups.
5) Historical Attractions: Landmarks, museums, and famous institutions, such as forts, castles, and historic sites might have special group tours, and they make unique venues for meals or meetings.
6) Shopping: Make sure it’s appropriate for the spending levels expected from attendees. Score a bonus if the kind of shopping is unique to the destination.
7) Local Culture: Consider location-specific cuisines, indigenous music, dancing or art, and special events like a Samba dance shows in Rio de Janeiro, a soccer game in a Brazilian stadium or a Capoeira dance show in Salvador. All these things count as valuable cultural selling points.
8) Sports: Diving, boating and hiking are just a few of the sports participants favor for incentive trips. Discover the physical activities that attendees value most and look for ways to not just satisfy but inspire them with potential destinations.
9) Spas: They have become an often requested amenity, appealing to both women and men. Ask for marketing materials and testimonial to find the right local spas.
10) Gaming: This is a selling point for many groups but a turnoff for a select few. Make sure there are entertainment alternatives for group members who choose not to gamble.
11) Cruise: Incentive travel buyers can take their qualifiers to sea in one of three ways: full-ship charter, half-ship charter, and as a group. Cruising provides a desirable novelty for many qualifiers and often offers more for the same money on sea than on land, thanks to cruises’ nearly all-inclusive pricing.

2004-07-15T15:11:00.000-07:00

Brazil-Travel

2004-07-10T08:26:00.000-07:00

Travel Information About Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is the name for both the State and the City. Within the State of Rio de Janeiro DiscoverBrazil has selected Rio de Janeiro the City, Buzios, Paraty and Itaipava as sub-destinations we sell.

Rio de Janeiro, was discovered on January (Janeiro) 1, 1502 by Portuguese navigators who mistook the entrance of Guanabara Bay for the mouth of a river (Rio). Sixty years later because French traders in search of pau-brasil (Brazilwood) were routinely 'visiting' the area the Portuguese crown established the city of Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro. After 2 years of bloody conflict the French were expelled and settlers began to cultivate the surrounding fertile lands. In the beginning of the 18th century the city's importance and population increased immensely as it became the main shipping port for gold and diamonds that came from Minas Gerais. In 1763 the colonial capital of Brazil was transfered from Salvador, Bahia to Rio. In 1808, as Napoleon's armies began the invasion of Portugal, the decision was made to transfer the monarch and his court to Rio de Janeiro, where he would remain until 1821. During this time Brasil was elevated in status from a colony to United Kingdom with Portugal. With the advent of Independence Rio became the capital of the new empire. The city prospered economically, and by 1891 it had a population of over 500,000 inhabitants ranking it one of the largest cities in the world. As the city grew in prominence mountains were removed, bay water reclaimed, and skyscrapers constructed.

With the inauguration of Brasilia in 1960, Rio de Janeiro ceased to be Brazil's capital. Even today discussion is rife concerning whether Rio was improved or hurt by the transfer of the government. In any event, this second largest city in Brazil is still a major cultural capital and, to some extent, its 'emotional' capital as well. Rio de Janeiro has a majestic beauty, with built-up areas nestled between a magnificent bay and dazzling beaches on one side and an abruptly rising mountain range, covered by a luxuriant tropical forest, on the other. This unique landscape makes Rio one of the most beautiful cities in the world, justifying its title of 'Marvelous City' (Cidade Maravilhosa). Rio's cultural life is intense and varied. Perhaps at no time is the city's festive reputation better displayed than during the annual carnaval which enlivens the city for 3 solid days with music, singing, parties, balls, and desfiles (street parades of brilliantly-costumed dancers performing the samba.) Economically it is a service industry center, a key financial center, and the producer of foodstuffs, building materials, electrical equipment, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and textiles. But it is in the pursuit of leisure that Rio is outstanding. With its world famous beaches free to all (such as Copacabana and Ipanema), its splendid bay, one of the loveliest in the world, and its wonderful climate, a blend of summer and springtime, Rio de Janeiro is a city that lives in and for the sun. Its population is around 5,750,000 inhabitants.

If you would like further information about Rio de Janeiro please click on the links below:

Rio de Janeiro History
Rio de Janerio Culture
Rio de Janeiro Natural Aspects
Rio de Janeiro Cuisine
Rio de Janeiro Weather
Rio de Janeiro Travel Tips

If you would like further information about Rio de Janeiro sub-destinations please click on the links below:

Information About Rio de Janeiro the City
Information About Buzios
Information About Paraty
Information About Itaipava

2004-07-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

Travel Information About Bahia, Brazil

Enchanted by exuberant nature and rich heritage, the state of Bahia offers a myriad of experiences. From virgin beaches to the most historical center of Brazil in Salvador, its capital, Bahia presents an abundance of locations to explore. Salvador, Praia do Forte, Chapada Diamantina (which includes Lencois and Mucuge), Morro de São Paulo, Itacaré, and Porto Seguro (which includes Trancoso and Arraial D'Ajuda) will delight the inquisitive mind and will make your spirit soar to new heights.

Salvador became the first capital of Brazil in 1549, when the Portuguese court sent Tomé de Souza as the country’s initial governor-general. The city has a wealth of beautifully restored colonial architecture and according to legend; Salvador has 365 churches, one for each day of the year. It has the reputation of being the center of Brazilian culture and with its racially mixed population of 2.2 million, Salvador is Brazil’s third largest city and capital of the state of Bahia. The religion and mysticism that are so much a part of Bahian life are represented by Catholicism, brought over by the Portuguese and Candomblé, the pulse of the city, which came over with the slaves from Africa. They also brought with them Capoeira, a mix between dance and martial art, which is practiced all over the city and the state. Carnival here is one of the biggest in the world, encouraging active participation with thousands of people dancing in the streets, traditionally enjoying their one last fling before Lent. The city is constantly alive with the sounds and rhythms of samba, axé, pagode, MPB, and African drum beats. Salvador is blessed with one of the best cuisines in the country and also with marvelous beaches.

If you would like further information on Bahia please click on the links below:

Bahia History
Bahia Culture
Bahia Natural Aspects
Bahia Cuisine
Bahia Weather
Bahia Travel Tips

If you would like further information on Bahian sub-destinations please click on the links below:

Information About Salvador
Information About Praia do Forte
Information About Chapada Diamantina
Information About Itacare
Information About Morro de Sao Paulo
Information About Porto Seguro

2004-07-10T08:10:00.000-07:00

Travel Information About Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

With crystalline waters and an exuberance of corals, dolphins, lobsters and colorful tropical fish, as well as wonderfully preserved beaches and virtually no pollution, Fernando de Noronha is a paradise for divers, surfers and all nature lovers. This beautiful and peaceful island is part of a volcanic archipelago of 21 islands which lie 345km off the northeast coast of Brazil. For years, a military outpost off-limits to visitors, this unspoiled island was declared a Marine National Park in 1988 and is now protected by IBAMA (the Brazilian Institute for the Environment). To preserve the unspoiled environment, only 420 tourists are allowed on the island at any one time, guaranteeing empty beaches and tranquility for the visitor at all times, as well as the opportunity to commune with nature.

The islands were discovered in 1503 by the Portuguese explorer Amérigo Vespucci and were for a time a pirate lair. In 1738 the Portuguese built the Forte dos Remédios, later used as a prison in this century, and a church to strengthen their claim to the islands. A few scattered remains of the early fortifications still exist. Apart from the thousands of migratory birds that stop off at the island on their way south, the waters surrounding the island are filled with hundreds of playful dolphins, turtles, multi-colored fish, corals, sponges and other marine plants. It is no wonder, therefore, that Fernando de Noronha is the best place for scuba diving and snorkelling in Brazil. As well as excellent underwater activities, Fernando de Noronha is also the mecca for Brazilian surfers who come to ride the 2 meter waves (sometimes reaching as high as 5 meters) on the sandy beaches facing Brazil´s Atlantic coast. The best surf beaches are Cacimba do Padre, Bode, Boldró, Conceição, and Meio.

Riding, mountain biking and walking to some of the remoter beaches are also popular. There are interesting natural rock sculptures at the Baía dos Porcos beach, a waterfall at Praia do Sancho during the rainy season and a heavenly natural swimming pool among the rocks at Praia do Atalaia. The Morro do Pico is the highest point on the island at 321 meters (1,053 ft) and offers a splendid view of the archipelago, especially at sunset. The island has warm and pleasant temperatures of around 26°C (79°C )all year round, with a refreshing rainy season from February to July. The best time for diving is from April to November, when the waters are crystal clear and the surfing season runs from December to March.

If you would like further information please click on the links below:

Fernando de Noronha History
Fernando de Noronha Culture
Fernando de Noronha Natural Aspects
Fernando de Noronha Cuisine
Fernando de Noronha Weather
Fernando de Noronha Travel Tips

2004-07-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

Travel Information About Iguassu Falls, Brazil

Iguassu Falls are considered to be one of the seven wonders of the modern world and are the most overwhelming and spectacular waterfalls in South America. The falls are over 3km wide and 80m high and their beauty is unsurpassed. They are also one of, if not the major natural attraction in Brazil. At the heart of this immense body of water is the Devil´s Throat, where 14 separate falls join forces, pounding down the 90meter (350ft) cliffs in a deafening crescendo of sound and spray. Situated on the Rio Iguaçu, the border between Argentina and Brazil, the falls lie 19km (12miles) upstream from the confluence of the Rio Iguaçu with the Rio Alto Paraná. Bridges connect the Brazilian city of Foz do Iguaçu with the Argentinian town of Puerto Iguazú and the Paraguayan city of Cuidad del Este.

The Iguassu falls are situated in the middle of the national park - Parque Nacional Foz do Iguaçu that is divided between Brazil and Argentina. The Brazilian National Park was founded in 1939 and the area was designated a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1986. Due to the high humidity caused by the spray from the falls the park is very rich in superb flora and fauna.

The Itaipu dam, on the Río Paraná 12 km (7.5miles) north of the falls, is the site of the largest single power station in the world, built jointly by Brazil and Paraguay. It came into operation in 1984 and produces enough electricity to power the whole of Southern Brazil and much of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Minas Gerais.

The Jesuits set up missions among the Guaíra indians in this region in the early 17th Century. These missions flourished until they were violently attacked a few decades later by the slave-hunting bandeirantes from São Paulo and were forced to move further south within Brazil and across the border to Argentina and Paraguay.

Although geology research proves that the Iguassu falls were formed over 100 million years ago due to massive volcanic eruptions, the falls are steeped in myth and legend according to ancient native Indian beliefs of the tribes that lived on the borders of the Iguaçu River. One such legend among the Caingangue indians tells of the creation of the falls as a result of a tragic love story involving the daughter of an indian chief.

The best time of year to visit is August-November, when there is least risk of flood waters hindering the approach to the catwalks.

If you would like further information please click on the links below:

Iguassu History
Iguassu Culture
Iguassu Natural Aspects
Iguassu Cuisine
Iguassu Weather
Iguassu Travel Tips

2004-07-09T19:50:00.000-07:00

Travel Information About the Pantanal, Brazil

Mato Grosso is the third largest state in Brazil with more than 900,000 km2 and within area are found three great and distinct eco-systems: Savannah or Scrubland, dominates the whole of the Brazilian Central Plateau and adjacent areas; the Amazon Forest, situated in the north of the state, where one of the largest indigenous reserves of the country is situated - the Xingu National Park - and, finally, to the southwest of the state is found the immense sedimentary plain part of the Silver (Platina) Basin, the Matogrossense Pantanal, a fascinating ecological sanctuary.

Cuiabá, the capital of the state founded at the begining of the 18th century as a consequence of mining, is located at the geodesic center of South America. Strategically positioned at the convergence of three biosphere (Savannah, Amazon and Pantanal), makes it the best starting point for expeditions to any of these fantastic and fascinating worlds.

The Pantanal of Mato Grosso is an extensive plain of approximately 230,000 km2 and its area occupies territory of Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay in the heart of South America. This sedimentary plain is still undergoing geological formation and so is influenced by its two cycles. During the wet season (November to April), the region is flooded as a consequence of the overflowing of its numerous waterways (rivers, lakes and streams) which form the Silver Basin: this is the time of an explosion of colours in the rich flora. The animals, especially the mammals, look for 'capões' - wooded mounds- where they shelter during this period. In the dry season (May to October), the region presents small lakes, many of which are perennial, which constitute the food source for a great variety of animals including migratory birds form various parts of the Planet. Approximately 700 species of birds; 100 of mammals; 80 of reptiles; 240 of fish as well as a great number of invertebrates still not classified, constitute the richest variety of fauna to be found in the Americas.

On the edge of the Brazilian Central Plateau stands the mystical Chapada dos Guimarães, a region of peculiar topography, at an altitude of 650m. Rock formations of various geological era and fossils of marine deposits from the Devonian Period, as well as reptiles from the Mesozoic Period, illustrate the various geolocial phases this region has been through.Situated at a point equidistant from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and being the watershed between the Amazon and Silver Basins, the region was used by the paleoindians during their wanderings through South America, leaving various marks as well as the remains found in the archeological sites. One of the most majestical emergent rock formations in the World is today the source of various rivers which, descending in waterfalls, find their way into the Pantanal.

If you would like further information please click on the links below:

Pantanal History
Pantanal Culture
Pantanal Natural Aspects
Pantanal Weather
Pantanal Travel Tips

2004-07-09T19:41:00.000-07:00

Travel Information About the Amazon, Brazil

The legendary Amazon is one of the planet’s enigmas. The world’s largest river basin, 2.5 million square miles (6.5 million square kilometers), but also the planet’s greatest rainforest, the Amazon is a vast open-air greenhouse of global evolution and unsolved mysteries whose true potential remains largely unknown and untapped. It is possible to fly for hours over the Amazon region and see no break in the carpet of greenery except for the sinuous curves of the region’s rivers. Though it is not the longest river in the world, there can be no doubt that the Amazon is the world’s greatest river. At the end of a 6,570 km (4,080 mile) journey that begins in the Peruvian Andes, the river’s massive mouth discharges a fifth of all the world’s freshwater into the Atlantic, permeating the saltwater over 100 km (60 miles) from the shore. The Amazon River dominates Brazil, yet Brazilians are only just beginning to discover it. The world’s largest rainforest, spanning more than half of the Brazilian territory, is where a tenth of the world’s 10 million living species make their homes. Within the Amazon Basin resides a wealth of life richer than any place else on earth, including 500 mammals, 175 different lizards, 300 other reptile species, tree climbers of every kind, and a third of the world's identified bird species. Millions of species remain undiscovered. Two of the best places to see some of this incredible wildlife is at the Uakari and Amazonat lodges.

Although the indigenous people of the Amazon have resided in this region for centuries long before the European Conquistadors ever set foot in Amazonia, the adventurer first credited to have voyaged down the river Amazon was Francisco de Orellana in 1542. The region’s treasures - minerals, oils, animal skins, precious stones, gold, emeralds and eventually petroleum - have, over centuries, attracted many international explorers to this vast region and its natural resources and raw materials, important to Western civilizations, have been exported in great quantities over the years. Today, the growing awareness of the importance of the rain forest - both locally and globally - and the development of novel approaches to managing tropical forests provide reasons for hope that this incredible region will be maintained as one of the true vast natural paradises of our planet.

The Rainforest supports many communities of indigenous people whose livelihoods and culture depend on the sustainability of the forest. Millions of species of insects, animals, plants, and other organisms that inhabit this tropical wilderness are of extraordinary value to the indigenous communities and colonists that inhabit the region. The most famous among the plants is guaraná. Known for its high caffeine content, the guaraná beverage provides energy and helps to reduce hunger. Ayuasca is another famous plant, which is used in spiritual awakening and ceremonies conducted by the Shaman. A key role in many indigenous cultures is played by the local shaman, or medicine man. The Shamans, or Pajés (as they are known in Indian language), are not only the medicine men of the tribes and villages, but are also sorcerers and spiritual guides.

The music, dances, legends and myths of the Amazon are an important part in the local people’s culture. The involving rhythms of the Carimbó, siriá and lundu dances are very seductive, physically and spiritually. During the entire year, it is possible to attend and to participate in popular festivals, such as the Boi-bumbá, Marujada and Çairé. From north to south the rhythms show new colors and steps in accordance the History of each area. The people from this land carry in their blood the taste for lively dancing in the streets, and sensual hot rhythms.

The Amazonian cuisine is among one of the richest and most authentic in Brazil. The typical dishes use only natural and organic products, picked from the purest sources found in the Amazon flora and fauna, unique to any other place in the world. Eccentric names such as tucupi, tacacá, maniçoba, pirarucu, açaí, cupuaçu, bacuri and guaraná correspond to foods, fish or fruit which are irresistible from the first bite. Amazonian cuisine has survived the ages practically unchanged and those who venture to discover its many marvels will be deliciously surprised by the wonderful flavors it beholds.

Travelling to the Amazon is an experience that should not be missed and one that must be part of your journey to Brazil.

If you would like further information please click on the links below:

Amazon History
Amazon Culture
Amazon Natural Aspects
Amazon Cuisine
Amazon Weather
Amazon Travel Tips

2004-02-03T18:42:00.000-08:00

Consular Travel Visa Requirements for Travel to Brazil.

When coming to Brazil, you must be sure that your passport is valid for at least six months after the date of entry. Check with your local Brazilian embassy or consulate whether or not you require a visa to enter the country.

Visa Not Required
Consular visas are not required for stays of up to 90 days by tourists from Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, Uruguay, The Vatican and Venezuela.

Visas Required
US and Canadian citizens, Australians and New Zealanders and people of other nationalities not mentioned above require consular visas to enter Brazil.

Foreign tourists may stay a maximum of 180 days in any one year. 90-day renewals are easily obtainable from the local Polícia Federal. All visa related problems are under the jurisdiction of the Federal Police, which has an office in every major airport.

2003-12-10T17:28:00.000-08:00

Amazon Expeditions with Time Magazine “Hero of the Planet Year 2000” - Dr. Marc van Roosmalen

The Amazonat Jungle Lodge is offering in addition to her standard programming combined land/water expeditions in which the guests will stay part of the time at the lodge and part of the time in a regional boat.

In addition the Lodge is working exclusively with the worldwide re-known primatologist (Time Magazine; “Hero of the Planet Year 2000”) Dr. Marc van Roosmalen.

Dr. van Roosmalen, discoverer of numerous plant, bird and fauna species is organizing with the lodge exciting educational expeditions to the region of his discoveries.

It is in these regions that Dr. van Roosmalen himself will show the visitor recently discovered numbers of tree species not yet known to science; five bird species (i.e., Thryothorus and Microcerculus), and several large-bodied mega fauna elements, among them 7 monkey species (including the second smallest monkey in the world called ‘dwarf marmoset`), two peccaries, one deer, one tapir, a new species of manatee, and even a new dolphin (Inia).

Depending on the season, several of the new species can be observed in and along the river or from observation towers mounted in the middle of the forest.

Moreover, Dr. Van Roosmalen located a number of the deepest and finest known terra pretas, anthropogenic fertile soils manufactured by prehistoric Indians and abandoned at first contact with colonists and Indian invaders hundreds of years ago. During the summer (July-December), unique artistic rock carvings can be admired along some rocky riverbanks.

For more information about these 10 to 14 day expeditions, contact the Amazonat lodge.

2003-12-10T17:12:00.000-08:00

Amazon Jungle Lodges

I had always been told that if you wanted to see wildlife do not go to the Amazon. That the jungle was so dense that you could never see the wildlife and that the wildlife was mostly nocturnal. Well, I recently decided to venture into the Jungle, after a conference in Manaus, and was pleasantly surprised.

I spent 2 days at the Uacari lodge and saw more wildlife than I had ever in my life - Pink dolphins, piranhas, monkeys, huge fish, and vast quantities of birds.

I then ventured over to the Amazonat lodge, which in 2 hours drive from Manaus and had some incredible interpretive tours with a local Indian guide. The guide showed us fluorescent fungus that lit up the jungle at night, the huge Amazon tarantula coming out of its hole in the ground, took us fishing for piranhas and many other large river fish, and even made me a blow gun just like the Indians use.

Definitely worth the trip.

2003-12-10T11:40:00.000-08:00

Travel Information About Brazil

Describing Brazil in a few words is a magnanimous challenge, as it is a deliciously complex and extensive country. Brazil is certainly carnival, soccer, samba, beaches, beautiful people, exotic fruit and sumptuous dishes. Additionally, it is ecosystems, mountains, rivers, canyons, rain forests, jungles, swamplands and waterfalls. Above all, Brazil is arguably the world's greatest melting pot of cultures.

Brazil is many countries, landscapes, cultures, ideologies, histories and stories. One finds strong traces of European, African, Asian, modern North American and indigenous Indian heritage. What differentiates Brazil is that these varied influences have fused to create the contemporary Brazilian culture. If you would like further information please click on the links below:

Brazil History
Brazil Culture
Brazil Natural Aspects
Brazil Cuisine
Brazil Weather
Brazil Travel Tips

The fifth largest country in the world, both in land area and population, it occupies more than half of the South American continent and borders almost all of its countries, with the exception of Ecuador and Chile. Furthermore, Brazil and its more than 165 million people share:

- the largest rainforest in the world, the Amazon;
- the worlds richest swampland ecosystem, the Pantanal;
- the spectacular waterfalls of Iguassu Falls;
- the island archipelago and diving paradise of Fernando de Noronha;
- the culturally and historically rich state of Bahia with its many sub-destinations - Salvador, Praia do Forte, Chapada Diamantina (including Lencois and Mucuge), Itacare, Morro de Sao Paulo and Porto Seguro (including Trancoso and Arraial D'Ajuda); and
- the worlds most sensual cosmopolitan destination, Rio de Janeiro - the State with its sub-destinations - the City of Rio de Janeiro, Buzios, Paraty and Itaipava.