Brazil

The best way to explore the Amazon is by boat, and the new Amazon Clipper Premium,which commenced sailing in 2005, is our recommended vessel. Large enough to offer spacious cabins with lower beds, but small enough to dock at remote spots and cruise to hidden locations due to the shallow draft of only 3 feet, the Amazon Clipper Premium is the perfect size for a comfortable cruise on the Amazon.At 32 metres long, she accommodates 32 guests in 16 air-conditioned cabins, all with lower beds and private facilities. Public areas on the boat include a window-lined dining room to seat all passengers at one leisurely sitting, an entertainment deck with a large airconditioned lecture room with library/bar facilities, a bar with plenty of comfortable seating and a gift shop. Also on this deck are two whirlpools and shower facilities. During the cruise, you will experience trips on outboard-powered canoes along small creeks to see life on the flooded plains, rubber trees, lakes with giant water lilies,watch the birds, visit the local inhabitants and walk in the forest, always accompanied by expedition guides. Other activities include fishing for piranhas, night trips to see nocturnal animals, and visits to markets and the local houses on stilts.

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For those passengers who want to visit the Amazon region, but don’t necessarily want to join a cruise,we can recommend a stay at the excellent Amazon EcoPark, just 30 minutes by motor launch from Manaus. Located on the banks of the Taruma River, a tributary of the Rio Negro, it is ideal for a short visit to the rainforest. Accommodation is in one of 60 rooms housed in 20 rustic bungalows. Rooms are cooled by fans and airconditioning and have private bathrooms with hot water showers. The Lodge has a panoramic open-air restaurant and there is also a bar and lounge area. In addition to catering to tourists the EcoPark is a scientific and educational complex and houses the Amazon Primates Rehabilitation Centre.

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Stretching for nearly 7,500 kilometres the Brazilian coastline is as varied as it is vast. From the swamps, mangroves and river channels of the north it follows a course that takes it through a diverse range of twists and turns that include dunes and lagoons, the fabulous beaches of Rio and the southern coastal plains, where the towering mountains reach down to the very ocean itself.

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Brazil’s rich colonial heritage spanned a period of some 300 years, producing a mix of European, African and Native American influences that provided a fascinating mix of cultures. From the grandiose architecture of Salvador, Brazil’s first capital to the monasteries of Olinda and the gold mines of Minas Gerais, we find an enthralling wealth of reminders to Brazil’s beguiling colonial past.

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Traditionally the driest and most culturally diverse of Brazil’s regions, the northeast was the first area of the country to be discovered and colonised by the Portuguese. Today its arid landscapes still echo with the reminders of its colonial past, with European and African influences very much in evidence, especially amongst the vibrant streets of Salvador and Olinda. It is also an area rich in scenic beauty, with some of the most spectacular beaches and dunes in the world. Straddling the equator is the largest marine-fluvial island on the planet in Marajo Island. A quite staggering diversity of birdlife inhabits the island, including flamingos, parrots, toucans and the stunning scarlet ibis, and the added bonus of alligators, monkeys and large anacondas in residence makes this a fascinating destination.

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Part of Rio’s enduring attraction is its famous beaches where the city comes to play and relax. Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon have become synonymous with fun in a city that could have invented the term. The most famous stretch of ocean front is Copacabana, over 3 km long where the Cariocas come to play ball games and show off their bodies, whilst on Leblon and Ipanema Rio’s elite bask in the glory of this stunning setting.

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Rio’s annual extravaganza – the most famous of them all – attracts thousands of people from all over the globe. The origins of the carnival are unclear, but most agree that it started as a pagan celebration in ancient Rome or Greece. This overwhelming event is held in the run up to Lent, starting on Saturday and ending on Shrove Tuesday, or Mardi-Gras. The carnival is set to take place between the 13-16 February 2010. Most of the hotels have a minimum stay of at least 4 nights and booking early is recommended. We would be happy to discuss an itinerary incorporating the carnival, or the Champions Parade which takes place on the Saturday after the main carnival.

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A must-see in Rio is Brazil’s most famous landmark, the statue of Christ the Redeemer which has dominated the skyline since 1931, from where there are stunning views of the city, its beaches and beyond. Another famous landmark is Sugar Loaf Mountain, nearly 400 metres high and reached by two cable car rides. For spectacular views of both landmarks and the city in general, why not take a short helicopter flight – truly an unforgettable experience.

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Managed by Orient Express Hotels, Rio's most traditional and luxurious hotel was opened in 1923. The impressive, stucco-fashioned landmark building is legendary for its style, fine cuisine and service. The hotel overlooks the famous Copacabana Beach and has 226 rooms, a large outdoor swimming pool and a choice of restaurants, including Cipriani, one of the finest Italian Restaurants in South America.

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The colonial style Das Cataratas Hotel is the only hotel actually situated in the Iguassu National Park on the Brazilian side of the spectacular Iguassu Falls and is only a few hundred metres from the falls themselves. The hotel has 200 spacious and well-equipped rooms, a choice of restaurants and a large outdoor swimming pool.

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This centrally-located hotel is a restored convent dating back to 1586. The newly renovated property has 79 bedrooms, a swimming pool, spa and fitness centre, two restaurants, coffee shop, library and music room. The property also has its own museum and church.

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Ouro Preto is a delightful colonial city which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated alongside the Saint Francis Church, the Pousada do Mondego in the centre of the old city is a charming 18th century inn. There are 24 rooms with impressive furnishings and art works. There is also an art gallery and an exhibition of precious gems, jewellery and antiques.

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The Pantanal is Brazil’s foremost destination for viewing wildlife. You will see land animals such as deer, ocelot, wild boar and several types of monkey, the emphasis undoubtedly on the sensational birdlife – 650 species including the world’s largest concentration of wading birds – storks, egrets, ibis, roseate, spoonbills, jabaru and many more. The Pousada do Rio Mutum is situated in the region of Barao de Melgaco, within one of the most beautiful areas of Pantanal. This region of the Pantanal is distinguished by an unusual variety of landscapes integrating hills, lakes, rivers and grassy plains. Accommodation is in one of 16 air-conditioned chalets with private bathrooms with hot and cold water. The restaurant offers a wide variety of regional and international dishes and other facilities include a swimming pool and bar.

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Situated about 35 miles north of Salvador overlooking the ocean, the Praia do Forte Eco Resort and Thalasso Spa is set amongst 200,000 square metres of gardens and coconut groves. The hotel has 4 pools, a choice of bars and restaurants and a water sports centre offering snorkelling, fishing, windsurfing and kayaking. Praia do Forte is Brazil's first resort strongly committed to ecological tourism and environmental conservation. Many cultural activities aimed at combining those purposes are offered to guests as leisure alternatives.

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Popular with our clients for many years, the Rio Internacional Hotel offers spectacular views over the world famous Copacabana beach. The hotel has 113 rooms all with a modern decor and we recommend the Ocean Front Rooms with their large windows. The hotel has a rooftop pool, restaurant and private beach service. The price of a 7 nights in an Ocean View Room with flights from London starts from £1495 per person sharing. Please ask for details.

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