After more than 14 hours of flying to Manaus, we had finally reached the heart of the Amazon! However, our journey had just begun, as Lydia and I were met at the airport for our 30-minute transfer to the port, then we swapped to travel by boat to cross the famous ‘Meeting of the Waters’; the stunning natural phenomenon where the waters which make up the Amazon river meet. After another road transfer, we boarded our final mode of transport to reach Juma Lodge – an incredible hour-long boat journey which sped through flooded canopies, then wide expanses of the Amazon where we could hardly make out the other bank of the river! We arrived at Juma, a remote and idyllic lodge set on stilts and made up of walkways and individual bungalows. Friendly monkeys roam along the walkways, while caimans sunbathe in the river beneath your feet and iguanas…
I had been living in Rio for just about 6 months when I landed in Santiago and it was like a breath of fresh air. Having become accustomed to a very Brazilian way of life where there was noise and bronzing bodies everywhere I turned, Chile’s capital is by comparison calming and modern with wide open streets and the easy atmosphere of a place that is entirely comfortable in its own skin. With a cosmopolitan make up, I had amazing Asian food and just spent a few days wandering around the old colonial squares and travelling up the funicular to the top of San Cristobal hill to catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Andes in the distance. After a few days of finding my Chilean feet I jumped on a bus to Valparaiso, a beaten-up port town about an hour and a half away. Rough around the edges,…
Rosy Lee is one of our travel specialists. In her latest blog, she shares some of her experiences from her time in Brazil. Frantically waving my parents goodbye, I stood clutching a tattered pillow. I gripped tightly my one-way to Rio, the dream about to come true. I was terrified. Finding solace in this piece of upholstery, I vowed we’d cross continents together. Tear filled eyes welcomed the kind words of a stranger, “It will be your biggest adventure”. I couldn’t have picked a better place to start. A metropolis, brimming with energy and bursting with colour. A city with rhythm and vibrancy from dusk to dawn. I was drained of fear upon arrival, the explorer in me ignited. Before long, I joined locals each evening on Ipanema to marvel at the sky. A shimmering orange descended on gaping rocks, it signalled the time for fiesta. Swarming into town, cariocas…
Brazil is home to tons of incredible and exotic wildlife from the flora and fauna of the vast Amazon Jungle in the West to the sea creatures of its long Atlantic coastline over on the East coast.The Brazilian coast is an increasingly popular holiday destination due to its natural beauty and unique wild inhabitants, particularly the magnificent sea turtle. There are five species of sea turtle found off the shores of Brazil and for a long time now their populations have been in decline. Thankfully, in the 1980’s a wonderful initiative named Tamar-ICMBio was set up with the sole purpose of protecting these beautiful and gentle creatures. Two years after its establishment in 1980, Tamar’s first research station was constructed to help monitor breeding grounds and sea turtle activity, which is a constant necessity in order to produce reliable findings. How does Tamar help the endangered Sea Turtles? Today, Project Tamar has twenty-two research…
It’s that time again! Who else is hungry? This week I will be teaching you about the good old South American empanada (and its closest relatives). The Lowdown In Argentina the empanada is a firm favourite for filling a rumbling belly, adults and kids alike. The typically savoury snack (if you need a visual, it resembles a small Cornish pasty) dates back centuries and was originally brought over from Galicia, Northwest Spain where it was invented as a portable lunch for workmen. I have to say that a visit to Argentina is not complete until you have tried a locally baked (or deep fried) empanada with any of the various fillings. The flavoursome pastries are most commonly stuffed with either ham and cheese, spinach and ricotta, minced beef or shredded chicken and accompanied by chopped onion and a mixture of spices. A plate of warm empanadas is ideal shared as…
Traditional Brazilian Cooking at its Best Being such an enormous country, it’s to be expected that Brazil should have an equally enormous plethora of culinary delights. The country’s cuisine aptly reflects the diversity and richness of its culture, from African-inspired seafood in the Northeast to succulent slow-cooked meat dishes of the gauchos in the Interior. Today my recipe of choice is ‘Moqueca’, a personal Latin American favourite and a dish that has been cooked by the Brazilian people for at least 300 years. The sea-food stew derives from both the Northeastern state of Bahia as well as the neighbouring Southeastern state of Espirito Santo, with the latter variation known as Moqueca Capixaba. With its use of salt-water fish or shell-fish and fusion of African and European flavours, I personally believe that when it comes to Brazilian gastronomy the Moqueca is as traditional as it gets. Recipe: 1kg skinless firm white…
Southeast Brazil is known for its affinity with nature. Greenery, the deep blue sea and golden, sandy beaches combine to give you the ultimate experience in relaxation. The city of Florianopolis is also available to explore along with the beautiful surrounding area. However, some of the hotels e have on offer might make you think twice about leaving at all… Ponta Dos Ganchos, Santa Catarina Located on a private peninsula in Santa Catarina, 40kms from Florianopolis, this tropical hideaway is certainly a luxury retreat. As exclusive as it is beautiful, it is located amongst secluded beaches and stunning rainforest. The highlight, however, is the view from your window – under unbroken blue skies lies an incredible vista out over the sea, with the mountains framing the horizon. The hotel itself features 25 cabana-style bungalows (some of which have plunge pools for you to relax in) and a range of facilities…
An incredibly beautiful region with close links to nature, Southeast Brazil is known both as an area to relax in, but also has no shortage of nightlife to keep you occupied in the evening. A great idea if you’re looking to escape the trials and tribulations of city life without sacrificing the small luxuries associated with it. The Area The majority of the beaches in the Southeast region of Brazil are based around the beautiful city of Florianopolis, a unique city situated mainly on an island but linked to the mainland by a network of bridges. This city has a lively feel and is well-known as a party town, but also has areas that cater for those looking for peace and quiet, as well as over 40 secluded, sandy beaches for all to enjoy. Florianopolis is also known as one of the best places for surfing in the whole of Brazil, with consistently good…
With such a rich and diverse stock of things to do and see, a comfortable and secure base is essential for getting the most out of your holiday to Argentina. With a wide variety of lodges available – from simple and rustic to luxurious and lavish, we have your every need covered. Here are just a few that we think might interest you… Anavilhanas Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is a luxurious and boutique lodge deep in the Anavilhanas National Park in the heart of the Amazon. Located on the banks of the Rio Negro, the nearest city of Manaus is just 180km away. The lodge aims to bring you as close to the adventures of the amazon as possible but still combined with distinguished service and comfort. Featuring 20 exclusive suites arrange in cottages or individual bungalows, throughout the rainforest. Each room has air conditioning, luxurious beds, private bathrooms and a private balcony or terrace…
One of the most fascinating and beautiful areas of Brazil, the Pantanal is not just a wildlife-spotter’s paradise, it is also home to some of the most peaceful and elegant eco lodges available for you to stay at. With the bustle and excitement of the World Cup in full swing, the Pantanal offers a brief sojourn from the trials and tribulations of populous city life. Refugio Ecologico Caiman Considered one of the best ecotourism resorts in the Pantanal, the Refugio Ecologico Caiman is locaed in the town of Miranda on the edge of the Southern Pantanal in Mato Grosso do Sul. 236kms from Campo Grande, this resort combines a working cattle ranch with both conservation and tourism. With a strong ecological focus, amazing scenery and some unparalleled opportunities to spot rare wildlife, there’s no downside to this incredible location. Refugio Ecologico Caiman has accommodation in two small lodges – Cordiheira and Baizinha – which are sprawled across the vast…
