Tag: holidays to Brazil

Focus on: The Amazon Rainforest

January 28, 2021
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Amazon, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru

Stretching over 2 million square miles, entering nine different countries and holding over half of the world’s rainforest, the Amazon is the largest and most biodiverse rainforest on the planet. Stretching from its mouth at the Atlantic Ocean all the way to the Peruvian, Colombian and Bolivian borders, the area is best explored via a cruise along the length of the Amazon River. This is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience, and will surely be the highlight of your holiday to Brazil. The Area The main gateway to the Amazon is the bustling city of Manaus. This is an ideal base for your exploration of the surrounding area, and a great place to start your trip and/or cruise. While this city is an experience in itself, the real treat lies deeper into the rainforest – either join one of the many Amazon River Cruises available or stay in a fantastic Eco Lodge…

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Saving Sea Turtles in Brazil with Project Tamar

September 10, 2014
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All News, Brazil

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…

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Closed Door Restaurants: The Local Dining Experience

September 9, 2014
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All News, Argentina

For unique foodie experiences head to Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo On my last couple of visits to Buenos Aires my time was limited, so naturally I wanted every meal to count, I wanted it to be great, not just good. I talked to nearly every local I knew to get their restaurant recommendations and I found that on almost everyone’s list was a closed door restaurant. Although they are not a new phenomenon I noticed that there is still a buzz about town for the mysterious puerta cerrada, as it’s known in Argentina. After the economic crisis of 2001, these home-grown businesses became an entrepreneurial trend, and one that has spread to other cities such as the gastronomic hub of Sao Paulo. In my opinion these off-the-beaten-track culinary experiences offer more than the average restaurant. Firstly, the food is just like home cooking, made by passionate and friendly locals…

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Caroline’s Cookbook: Empanadas

August 15, 2014
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All News, Argentina, Brazil, Chile

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…

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Caroline’s Cookbook: Moqueca Baiana

July 14, 2014
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All News, Brazil

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…

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The Amazon Rainforest: Where to Stay

June 27, 2014
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All News, Brazil, News, World Cup 2014

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…

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Carnival Next Friday

February 27, 2014
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Brazil, News

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…

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Rio Carnival Approaches!

February 24, 2014
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Brazil, News

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…

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Rio Gets Ready for Carnival

February 6, 2014
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Brazil, News

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…

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Brazil’s Most Spectacular Events

August 23, 2013
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Brazil, News, World Cup 2014

Brazil has an international reputation for its show-stopping events and with the World Cup approaching, here are some of the annual highlights from Brazil. Reveillon Best spent on Copacabana Beach, these New Year’s celebrations are among the most spectacular in the world. Fireworks launched from boats just off the beach illuminate the millions of people gathered. This is followed by singing, drinking and dancing into the small hours – a once in a lifetime experience. Carnival Held between the Friday and the Tuesday leading up to Ash Wednesday, marking the end of Lent, this Carnival is like nothing else in the world. In the bigger cities such like Rio and Sao Paulo, large public processions are organised by samba schools in the area. These spectacular parades are a riot of colour, dance and music, drawing massive crowds not just from Brazil, but around the world. Semana Santa With the largest…

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