Although you may be tempted to spend as little time as possible in the hotel – there are so many extraordinary things to discover in Rio – there are a few that might make you change your mind! Here are some of the best from Latin Routes that will ensure your holiday to Brazil is as comfortable as it is unforgettable. Santa Teresa This incredible luxury hotel sits on what used to be a coffee plantation in the beautiful region of Santa Teresa, a cultural and historic centre of Rio de Janeiro itself. Every effort has been made to maintain the buildings original charm and sophistication, and it is now considered one of the most beautiful hotels in not just Rio, but South America as a whole. With a clever use of materials such as woods, banana tree fibres and glass, the Santa Teresa has a peaceful, tropical ambience quite…
In a unique location at the foot of the famous Sugarloaf Mountain, overlooked by the majestic sight of the statue of Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro is not just the host of the 2014 World Cup, it is also a centre for Brazilian culture – a thriving city with thousands of wonderful and unique things to experience. What are you waiting for! The Area With lush green mountains on one side and crystal clear blue waters on the other, Rio de Janeiro is one of the most fascinating and culturally diverse places in the world. An economic powerhouse in Brazil, its rich history has led to it being one of the most visited places on the planet. Featuring some of Brazil’s most iconic and recognisable landmarks (including the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer) as seen in countless photos, films and TV shows. Past the spectacular surface is an even more fascinating cultural underbelly….
Having established the area as one of the most beautiful in Brazil, this week we’ll be looking at some specific beaches and some of the hotels you might be interested in staying at! Malhada Beach, Jericoacoara Described as one of the most secluded and peaceful beaches in Brazil, Malhada Beach is a stunning highlight if you’re visiting the area. Golden sand, azure skies and a warm, inviting sea are all part of the package when visiting this remote area. Voted one of the 10 best beaches on Earth by the Washington Post, this is an ideal location for yourholiday to Brazil. What’s more, we’ve got the perfect hotel for you to stay in.The Chili Beach Hotel is a small luxury hotel located right on the Malhada Beach. Comprised of just 7 rooms, this hotel follows a tropical beach design with luxurious furnishings and contemporary touches to make your stay that little bit more comfortable….
Brazil is a country famed for its beautiful sandy beaches, permanent sunshine and zest for life. However, there are a few lesser-known spots on the map that really stand out – Northeast Brazil is certainly one of them. Hidden away from the crowds of the Copacabana, this area has some stunning beaches that will make your holiday to Brazil one you’ll never forget. First, let’s find out more about Northeast Brazil… The Area Home to some of the most dramatic and beautiful coastline in all of Brazil, the Northeast is also a haven for long sandy beaches and crystal blue waters – the perfect place to escape the trials and tribulations of city life. The area is made up of a number of major cities, each with something new to offer you. Recife, Olinda, Sao Luis and Fortaleza all have a rich history worth exploring, along with fascinating historical centres to give you an insight into the…
Spending the day investigating the outstanding beauty of the Iguazu Falls is certainly a fantastic experience, but its location in the heart of the Iguazu National Park means that finding a place to stay should be tricky, right? Think again! Here are some of the hotel highlights of the area. Das Cataratas This is surely one of the most show-stopping and luxurious hotels in all of South America. Das Cataratas is a beautiful Portuguese Colonial residence located incredibly close to the Iguazu Falls themselves, on the Brazilian side of the border. With 193 beautiful, well-equipped rooms, fantastic facilities and a stunning outdoor pool, this hotel is designed to afford you the ultimate relaxation experience. Featuring a state-of-the-art Spa with a wide range of treatments, a plethora of exciting outdoor experiences and some incredible wildlife inhabiting the surrounding jungle, your holiday to Brazil will surely be an unforgettable one. The hotel’s unique location is a standout feature – guests staying at Das…
One of our travel writers, Richard Yates has been at Rio Carnival this week and reports on his experience of the Sambadromo. The beat is incessant, the rhythm infectious; welcome to Samba time in Brazil! You can’t help but join in, unless your feet are nailed to the earth; even staid cool Englishmen move, if only a little, a gentle shake here, a loose hip there. I certainly had no real knowledge of what ‘Carnival’ meant here. I understood it took place over four days before Ash Wednesday and involved everyone, but imagined street parades with floats and dancers and extravagant costumes. Back when it started in 1823 it might have been, but now it is more, much more ….. Firstly there are the Blocos, street parties where seemingly anyone who can create a stand for a DJ and/or a singer, order the beer, simply has to wait for the…
The excitement is building in the bustling city of Rio de Janeiro, as the world-famous Carnival is just a few days away! Beginning on the 28th February, the celebrations will continue for 4 days including the Monday and Tuesday, which are national holidays in Brazil. Today we’ll be running you through a few hotels you might want to consider if you’re planning on joining the party. Since the seasons are reversed in South America, February is one of the hottest times of the years. With temperatures set to reach 32 degrees on Friday, proximity to Brazil’s famous beaches is a priority. With so many to choose from, this is no easy task! Pousada La Chimere, Buzios Located in the heart of Buzios well within walking distance of Bones, Azeda and Armacao beaches, this traditional, stylish hotel is a rustic alternative well worth considering. However, this certainly doesn’t mean you’ll have to compromise on comfort. The interior is…
It’s that time of year again! Brazil’s finest dancers, costumes and partygoers will come together over one spectacular weekend to celebrate before the beginning of lent. The Party The festivities have grown enormously over the years, having started with just a small street parade in 1823. It is now known universally as the biggest carnival in the world, with upwards of a two million people expected to hit the streets of Rio de Janeiro over the 4 day celebration between 28th February and 4th March. With a number of celebrities, including YouTube sensation PSY rumoured to be attending this year, 2014 looks to be bigger and better than ever. Interestingly, of the total 5 million of so people that will be present over the 4 day weekend, around 500,000 will be tourists. This number has been steadily increasing for years, since the inception of the ‘Sambadrome’. This stadium-like construction is formed of two…
If our previous suggestions weren’t enough to make you drop everything and book the Valentine’s holiday of a lifetime, then these surely will! With February 14th looming large in the minds of many, Latin Routes are here to clear the air and help you on your way to an unforgettable day. So you’ve decided on a romantic trip for you and your significant other? Well South America is certainly the place to do it. Earlier this week, we had a look at the spectacular views of the Iguazu Falls in Argentina and the peaceful serenity of the Chilean Winelands. However, there are a couple of other places to bear in mind if you really want to impress… Peninsula Valdes, Argentina A wildlife hotspot like no other, Peninsula Valdes is the place to visit if you’re looking for some of the world’s most fascinating and beautiful animals. Although home to a wide variety of species, including the rare Argentinian Grey Fox,…
It’s that time of year again, and the biggest party on Earth is set to kick off on Feburary 28th. Dancing, samba, fireworks, music and excitement are all integral parts of what makes Carnival in Rio de Janeiroone of the most spectacular events on the planet. Earlier in the week we investigated what Carnival is and how it works. Today we’ll be looking at the setting for this monster party – Rio de Janeiro itself. The City As one of the most-visited places in the Southern Hemisphere, you would be forgiven for wanting to spend more than just a few days in this beautiful city. A bustling metropolis, Rio is famed for both its diversity and its energy – from the many bars and restaurants that line the Copacabana to the samba schools packed with locals and visitors alike, there is never a dull moment in this thriving city. The Corcovado Rio’s skyline is likely…
