South Brazil Travel Blog

Florianopolis Gay Carnival 2012 - where to stay?

2011-12-05T16:07:00.009-02:00

Florianopolis is the 3^rd major destination for gay tourists in Brazil and a favourite summer destination for Brazilians & South Americans.

During Carnival - from 17th to 22nd February, in 2012- Florianopolis is second only to Rio in the preference of Brazilian and South American gay men. In recent years major label parties and mega clubs moved their parties to Florianopolis helping to make it a big contender to be the biggest and hottest gay Carnival in Brazil.

As it becomes more and more popular, you need to book your accommodation in advance. Choosing where to stay is a critical decision, since traffic is heavy during the long bank holiday and parties happen in different locations. Here go some tips:

Praia Mole beach is the hub, both at the sand stretch in front of Bar do Deca during the day and at the themed parties of The Week club, packed with gay visitors from all over the world. The choice of accommodation and restaurants, however, is limited.

Downtown you have all the Gay & Lesbian clubs and bars favoured by the locals, as well as the street parties and traditional Carnival events such as Samba Schools Parade and the Pop Gay festival, a very camp Carnival costumes competition for drag queens. The drive to Praia Mole gay beach can be long, though.

A good compromise is to stay in the bohemian Lagoa neighbourhood, located between downtown and Praia Mole. There you will find more mid-range accommodation options and good restaurants and cafes within walking distance. If traffic is bad you can walk to Praia Mole (4 km away) and in the evening you can use direct public transport to town, avoiding the worse of the traffic.

Brazil Ecojourney s offer 5 to 7 nights packages in gay-friendly accommodation, including meet & greet by a knowledgeable guide, return transfers and a welcome information pack for the local gay and lesbian scene. They can also purchase tickets for the best parties.

Please consult prices & availability - info@brazilecojourneys.com

Porto Alegre - a new gateway to Brazil

2011-06-15T19:15:00.005-03:00

This week, TAP, the Portuguese airline, operated the first non-stop flight between Europe and South Brazil.

The 4 times a week flights between Lisbon and Porto Alegre , capital of Rio Grande do Sul, open a new entry point to Brazil and to a region that has been largely overlooked by most visitors to the country.

The most southern State in Brazil is well-known for its gaucho culture, the pampas and the Jesuit Missions but it has more to offer.

Porto Alegre, the capital of the State, is the entry point for the attractive wine region- an easy 2 hours drive- and also the best access to the dramatic canyons of the Aparados da Serra and Serra Geral National Parks- a 3 hours-drive through a newly built dual carriage way.

From Porto Alegre, there are direct flights to some of Brazil best natural attractions, such as Iguazu Falls, the beautiful beaches of Florianopolis and to Curitiba, starting point of the most scenic train ride in Brazil and the gateway to the World Biosphere Reserve of the Atlantic Rainforest.

In the next few blogs we will highlight Rio Grande do Sul's attractions and how Europeans can easily combine a visit to South Brazil to an itinerary to Argentina and Chile, places that also have daily direct flights from Porto Alegre.

Special Day trips in/around Florianopolis

2011-01-25T20:37:00.005-02:00

Most people come to Santa Catarina for the beaches or the parties and end up not seeing the diversity that the region has to offer in terms of nature, culture and gastronomy.

Brazil Ecojourneys offer trips that showcase this diversity: you can choose to visit an Old Azorean Villages or a German town, to taste oysters or drink a local Bier.

On our trips you also get to know places in an active way: rafting, trekking, surfing or biking can be an enjoyable part of your holiday

Azorean Villages & East Coast
Fish market, Lagoa da Conceição and East Coast

Immigrants from the Azores Archipelago settled along the Santa Catarina Coast during the 17th Century. In Florianopolis they founded small villages around the island where they survived from small-scale farming and cottage fishing. They left an important cultural inheritance in terms of architecture, culinary, folklore and a very particular accent that still keep alive expressions from Old Portuguese.

Some of the villages they founded, the “Freguesias”, still have examples of the simple but charming architecture they brought to the island. These communities, with their peaceful atmosphere, are also ideal places to try the delicious local seafood.

Naufragados Beach and Oyster farms of Ribeirão da Ilha

Florianópolis in recent years became the centre for oyster production in Brazil. The old Azorean fishing village of Ribeirão da Ilha is one of the main areas for oyster farming on the Island. We combine a trip to one of the local farms with a short trek to one of the most beautiful beaches on the Island to make a full day trip of light adventure and gastronomic experience.

Deutsch Santa Catarina

South Brazil, in special the northern part of Santa Catarina State, received a large influx of German immigrants in the middle of the 19th Century. In the region known as the European Valley, a number of small villages still retain the influence of its Germanic origins in the architecture, the local dialect and cuisine.

This full day tour -which can be done by bike-will take you to rural Pomerode, which preserves its immigrant culture on hundreds of timber-framed houses, surrounded by neat tropical gardens. Afterwards taste authentic German food and beer in one the regions breweries or kaffehaus.

Rafting in Santo Amaro da Imperatriz

Santo Amaro, only 40 km away from the island, is the closest rafting base to Florianópolis. Rafting in the River Cubatão, with rapids class II-III, is ideal for beginners.
The scenery along the river is beautiful: the right margin borders the Serra do Tabuleiro National Park, the biggest Atlantic Rainforest reserve in the vicinity of Florianopolis.

Five great reasons to visit South Brazil in 2011

2011-01-02T20:13:00.006-02:00

South Brazil is home to many of Brazil best natural attractions, from the Southern Pantanal to the canyons of Rio Grande do Sul, from the Iguazu Falls to the World Biosphere Reserve of the Atlantic Rainforest. Despite these fantastic places, the region has, until recently, been overlooked by most visitors to Brazil. Here we give you just some reasons to visit the South.

Parana State is best known for the magnificent Iguazu Falls. However, just a short flight away from the Falls, you can enjoy a spectacular train journey that links its pleasant capital Curitiba to the Lagamar, the largest remnants of Atlantic Rainforest in the country, making this region also an unmissable part of any Brazilian trip.

One of the smallest States in Brazil, Santa Catarina has a huge natural and cultural diversity. Besides Florianopolis, don’t miss the stunning Serra Geral mountains, an ideal trekking and horse-riding destination, the whales and dolphins on the southern coast, surfing in Praia do Rosa and relaxing in some of the best beaches of Brazil.

The most southern State in Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul, is well-known for its gaucho culture, the pampas and the Jesuit Missions but it has more to offer. Porto Alegre , the capital of the State, is the entry point for the attractive wine region and also the best access to the dramatic canyons of the Aparados da Serra and Serra Geral National Parks.

Brazil Ecojourneys top reasons to visit South Brazil:

1) Iguazu Falls - the most magnificent in the world!
2) Lagamar Estuary- the most unspoilt natural attraction of the South and the World Biosphere Reserve of the Atlantic Rainforest
3) Whale watching in Santa Catarina- close encounter with the Southern Right Whales
4) Santa Catarina Island in Florianopolis - great parties, gorgeous beaches and preserved nature make Floripa a favourite destination for Brazilians;
5) Relaxation at the Emerald Coast - one of the most exclusive beach resorts in the country- Ponta dos Ganchos;

New Routes to Iguazu Falls- More Reasons to Visit!

2010-12-17T18:33:00.004-02:00

I am asked frequently by our clients that already visited Niagara or Victoria Falls, if it is worthy visiting the Iguazu Falls.

Regarding Victoria I can give a personal view, and I can tell that I was seriously disappointed with it when I visited, having expected to see something similar to "our" Iguazu.

For Niagara, I just tell a story that became a legendary tale in Brazil: when Eleanor Roosevelt visited in 1944, her first words were: "Poor Niagara"! Enough said.

Iguazu Falls IS one of the natural wonders of the world - and it is now more accessible.

More direct flights from Brazil and neighbouring countries are coming into place in 2011, making a visit to the most magnificent waterfalls in the world (and I am NOT biased!) easier to fit into a longer South American tour.

From 16th January LAN starts a new direct flight from Lima to Foz do Iguaçu(IGU), making it even easier to combine Peru and Brazil itineraries.

The Uruguayan PLUNA will offer flights Montevideo-Foz do Iguaçu-Santiago do Chile, making it possible to combine 3 countries of the Cono Sur.

For those already travelling in Brazil, additionally to existing direct flights from Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo operated by the main airlines GOL and TAM, WEBJET is now offering direct flights from Brasília, Belo Horizonte, Curitiba and Porto Alegre.

Another regional airline, TRYP , offer flights from Cuiaba, an excellent option for those visiting another unmissable natural highight of Brazil, the Pantanal.

Once there , Brazil Ecojourneys can help you make the most of your stay with our Essential Iguazu package.

And if you are just entering Brazil and do not want to fly all over the country to experience the rainforest or relax on a beautiful beach, we have great Escorted Small Group itineraries in South Brazil that start from Iguazu.

Brazil LGBT Travel - Pernambuco, Nov 2010

2010-11-11T14:12:00.002-02:00

Last minute availability for New Year's in Florianopolis!

2010-11-04T16:48:00.002-02:00

Florianopolis, in recent years, became one of the hottest destinations in South America for Reveillón, rivalling Buzios and Punta del Este as the destination for the in-the-know crowd.

The most sophisticated parties are in Jurere International: either private ones in the South Beach-style mansions or in the clubs and lounge bars that line the beach front, such as Taiko, P12 Parador, Café de La Musique and El Divino Beach.

For the younger and trendier crowd Lagoa da Conceição and Praia Mole are the most sought after destinations, with Confraria das Artes and Vecchio Giorgio being the most popular places.

For the gay crowd, although Praia Mole is the hub during the day, most of the clubs are downtown. However, mega clubs from Sao Paulo also bring label parties to town every year, so there are parties for every taste, every day and everywhere during that week.

Accommodation

The Majestic Palace is a gay-friendly first class hotel with good facilities and contemporary design. It has a swimming pool, fitness centre, bar and restaurant and broadband internet access in all rooms. The rooms have beautiful views of the bay.

The hotel has a great location: the city’s famous fireworks display happens in front of the hotel; Praia Mole, the gay beach, is 15km away and chic Jurere International is 25 km away.

5 nights New Year’s package:

Single basis: US$ 1975.00 per person
Double basis: US$ 988.00 per person

Package includes: private return transfers from airport with an English-speaking driver, a Meet & Greet service at the airport, 5 nights accommodation with breakfast in a De Luxe room with bay views, government taxes, and New Year’s evening dinner with drinks at the hotel.

* Luxury rentals in Praia Mole from US$ 800.00/day. Availability restricted. Please consult us.

Chile, Argentina and now Brazil - Wine Enthusiast Magazine - November 2010

2010-10-08T17:59:00.003-03:00

Some of the finest expression of methode Champenoise outside of France can be found in the wine regions of Southern Brazil. Surprised?

Check out this article by Adam Strum in the Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Chile, Argentina and now Brazil - Wine Enthusiast Magazine - November 2010

Brazil Ecojourneys offers self-drive tours of the Wine Region of Rio Grande do Sul.

Whales in Florianopolis

2010-09-07T19:34:00.009-03:00

The whale watching season in Santa Catarina started officially a month ago. We can already say that this will be a fantastic season, with record numbers of Southern Right whales making an appearance along our coast.

The pleasant surprise of this season has been the constant presence of whales in the beaches of Florianopolis as well. In past years the odd pair was spotted occasionally at some points around the island, but this year the appearances have been frequent.

The Southern Right can reach up to 18 meters in length and when nursing tend to stay very close to the beach.

In Pantano do Sul bay, in the extreme south of the Island, 2 or 3 pairs of mother and calf have been seen almost daily for the last 2 weeks. As Pantano is a secluded bay with calm waters, the whales are easily spotted from shore and became a local tourist attraction.

This young whale was caught in mid-jump by a tourist last week.

Brazil Ecojourneys tip:

For a closer encounter with these giants of the sea, you only have to travel a couple of hours to Garopaba or Imbituba, in the Southern Santa Catarina Coast, where you can take a whale watching boat trip.

Praia do Rosa is an excellent base for the whale watching trips. Stay at least two or three nights in the area to have a better chance of doing the boat trip, as departures are dependent on sea conditions.

Oscar Niemeyer Museu - Curitiba

2010-08-14T16:30:00.005-03:00

Curitiba is one of the greenest and best organized cities in Brazil.

Besides its numerous parks and green areas, the city has a lot of culture to offer.

If you are in town, make sure you reserve an afternoon to visit the Museu Oscar Niemeyer (aka MON), which is for me the current unmissable attraction of the city.

Open in 2002, it houses an interesting permanent collection of local and national artists as well as great seasonal exhibitions, so everytime you visit you can have a great experience.

The building alone is worth the trip. Built in the 50s by the master of Brazilian architecture to house a School of Art, it was transformed into a museum by Niemeyer himself. An outstanding new feature is the grand hall or "the Eye", as it is known locally, inspired on the very Paranaense Araucaria tree.

The museum opens Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 am to 6pm.

Brazil Ecojourneys tips:
Curitiba is a great stopover on your way to/from Iguazu Falls and the starting point of the most beautiful train journey in Brazil, and the World Biosphere Reserve of the Lagamar.

Lagamar Islands by bike!

2010-05-27T16:31:00.008-03:00

Lagamar, the coastal area between Paraná and São Paulo, is one of the natural highlights of Brazil.

Besides having the largest contiguous areas of Atlantic Rainforest in the country, part of the World Biosphere Reserve, it has remote colonial towns, deep estuaries, mangroves, the Superagui National Park, deserted beaches, isolated islands and the unique culture of the caiçara people.

Lagamar is perhaps the most amazing destination in Brazil for ecotourism and, despite being a must-see destination for all nature enthusiasts, is yet undiscovered.

From the 3rd to the 6th June you will have the opportunity to explore the islands of Lagamar by bike, on a 4-day cycling trip from Curitiba, through Ilha do Mel, Ilha das Peças, Superagui and Ilha do Cardoso, already in Sao Paulo State.

For more information contact us.

For those adventurous souls that can not make it on this occasion, Brazil Ecojourneys offers a year around 5 days expedition to the Lagamar, that will show you the best of this incredible region, starting with a stunning railway journey through the Serra do Mar mountains.

Photo by Priscila Forone.

Santa Catarina hosts the surfing elite again

2010-04-23T11:19:00.006-03:00

Starts today the only Brazilian stage of the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour, the Santa Catarina Pro.

The competition will be held from 23rd April to 2nd May and will attract a big crowd to Imbituba, on the southern Santa Catarina coast, to watch all the big names in the sport such as the legend Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning and Andy Irons, fighting for the 2010 title.

The main competition is scheduled for Praia Da Vila beach, but it might be moved to nearby Praia do Rosa if sea conditions change.

Santa Catarina surf culture is huge, having some of the best waves in the country. Now with the full support of the State Tourism board, the Santa Catarina ASP Tour stage reaches its 8th year and should be made into a permanent stop of the World Tour.

Even if you are not a pro-surfer, Santa Catarina has a lot to offer.
Surf schools offer week long, affordable courses for all levels. For those that just want to try for a day, Brazil Ecojourneys offers a 5 days program of local experiences that can include a surf lesson.

Brazil Ecojourneys tips:

Conditions for beginners are good year around;
Advanced surfers will find the best waves during our winter - June to September- when accommodation is much cheaper and you might share the water with the amazing Southern Right Whales
Water temperatures, even in our winter, are never as cold as Californian or English seas
Some beaches are closed for surfing during Mullet season- May to June. Consult us.

Green Traveler Survey

2010-02-11T11:16:00.002-02:00

A compreheensive new survey has been published on the profile of the American "green traveler" by Community Marketing INC, from San Francisco.

Some of their findings will be a wake-up call for all tour operators that are targeting this market...

CMI is making the study available for free to the travel trade. Check the PR release below and contact Tom Roth to receive the PDF download.

__________________

WHO IS THE GREEN TRAVELER?

CMIGreen announces travel & tourism industry’s most comprehensive survey of eco-conscious travelers – the First Annual Green Traveler Survey Report.

Study finds many kinds of green travellers, a “green action gap,” environmental practices that “need work”

SAN FRANCISCO – February 9, 2010 – Community Marketing, Inc. (CMI), the market research, strategic consulting, and communications specialists, today announced the release of its CMIGreen 1st Annual Green Traveler Survey Report — the travel industry’s most comprehensive assessment of the sustainable travel consumer.

The Annual Green Traveler Survey Report is the result of a unique, pan-industry cooperative initiative between tourism businesses and non-profit, environmental and sustainable business organizations, from the development of the survey to the interpretation of its findings.

The report is being offered FREE to the tourism and hospitality industries, in order to advance efforts toward greener travel.

To receive a complimentary pdf copy of the 150+ page report, email your request to: report@CMIgreen.com. Include your name, title and organization. You will receive a link to download the pdf of the report, plus updates to the study, and announcements about future initiatives.

In order to help disseminate this important market intelligence throughout the tourism and hospitality industries, please forward this email and link to your colleagues.

Background info:

The CMIGreen study surveyed the purchasing habits, travel behaviour, environmental commitment, expectations and motivations of 1,736 self-defined, eco-conscious travelers to produce the report. “This is not a study about how many people recycle; there is sufficient data on that,” says Thomas Roth, President of Community Marketing. “The Green Traveler Survey Report is a comprehensive profile of green travel consumers, and it fills a need for concrete data on this distinct, desirable niche segment. Until now, no one has had a clear idea about who green travelers are or what they want. The ‘green travel’ niche has been defined mostly by spending figures.”

“Without this data, it has been difficult for tourism and hospitality leaders to understand and serve the interests of this increasingly important segment,” Roth says. “Nor has it been possible to establish consistent standards for sustainable travel. In fact, this study found that consumers are often confused and sceptical about green travel claims, which undermines many marketing initiatives.”

A broad green spectrum of eco-conscious travelers

Among the other key findings in the CMIGreen 1st Annual Green Traveler Survey Report is the broad spectrum of travelers comprising the green travel niche, from business and leisure travelers who participate in hotel recycling and towel re-use programs to voluntourists working on environmental and social development projects in developing countries.

“Marketers, sustainable program designers and other stakeholders at travel and hospitality companies need to understand the green travel spectrum in order to know where their customers fall on it, and what motivates them,” says Roth.

The study also found a gap between what green travelers say and their actual purchasing behaviour, as well as price sensitivity when it came to “green premiums.”

The 1st Annual Green Traveler Survey Report assesses green travelers’ view of the travel industry. While they may be driving sustainable travel industry practices, green travelers do not feel that the industry is very green yet. When asked to evaluate the green initiatives and messaging in each sector of the travel industry, the best answer most respondents could give was “needs work.” Airlines, cruise operators and rental car companies received a substantial number of “terrible” votes from respondents.

Respondents to the study indicated that virtually no “green brands” had emerged as leaders in the sustainable travel niche. “There are few ‘top-of-mind’ greener brands, if any, in any segment of the industry,” says Roth. “That told us that travel suppliers and destinations were failing to differentiate themselves with robust, green practices — and that their branding and messaging could be sharper and more meaningful.”

Green travelers are the future of the travel industry

From carbon offsets to organic restaurants and towel re-use options at hotels, “green travel” is the fastest growing niche in the travel, tourism and hospitality industries.

“As the planet continues to heat up and resources become scarcer, every other sector of the economy is going to be adopting sustainable practices — more or less quickly. It makes business--as well as environmental--sense. Eco-conscious travelers are trend-setters in our industry,” Roth says. “The rest of the market will follow.

“This is a critical time in travel and tourism,” Roth says. “In order to avoid a catastrophic meltdown of the industry — whether from government regulation, shifting consumer behavior, or both — the industry has to become authentically greener, and has to communicate that to its customers in a credible way.”

Report a business/non-profit collaboration — available free of charge

Given the travel industry’s impact on the environment — air travel alone accounts for 3-5% of global carbon dioxide emissions — the 1st Annual Green Traveler Survey Report is being released without charge to the travel and tourism industry. “Only with enough data and insight can travel leaders put the truly sustainable programs in place that will let them connect with their green travel customers.”

To receive a complimentary pdf copy of the 150+ page report, email your request to: report@CMIgreen.com. Include your name, title and organization. You will receive a link to download the pdf of the report, plus updates to the study, and announcements about future initiatives.

In order to help disseminate this important market intelligence throughout the tourism and hospitality industries, please forward this email and link to your colleagues.

Record numbers of visitors in Iguazu Falls

2010-02-04T17:25:00.006-02:00

Despite the economical crisis and the heat wave that is hitting South Brazil, the numbers of visitors to the National Park of Iguaçu was the highest in January since counting began in 1980.

Last month over 160,000 people visited the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls.

The Cataratas continues to be one the most popular attractions in Brazil, especially for foreign visitors, as it is undoubtedly one of the natural highlights of South America.

Source: Iguassu Blog

For more information in touring Iguazu Falls check Brazil Ecojourneys website.

Another look at Iguazu - Responsible Tourism

2009-12-18T16:49:00.005-02:00

Looking back at my last visit to Iguazu (and my last blog), there were other reasons that made that trip remarkable, besides the gigantic volume of water in the Falls.

Besides doing the usual inspections and day trips to the National Parks, we also looked at some different activities in the region.

The reason is that, our clients, I am happy to say, are every day more engaged in responsible tourism. This is a broad definition and for many simply means being "greener" during their holidays but for some, responsible travel means giving back something to the local community.

So I requested our local partners for ideas and we were pleasantly surprised by the number of initiatives they have in Iguazu.

Firstly, we visited the local Guarani community of Yriapu, in the Argentinean side, where the youngsters are receiving training to work with tourism in a sustainable way. On a 2-hour visit they take you on a guided tour of their reservation telling you about the fauna and flora of the Misiones Forest and also of their traditions and way of life. A fee is paid that benefits the whole community and you also have the opportunity to buy their handicrafts at the end, if you wish.

The next day we visited a local NGO, CIENS, that grows medicinal plants near Itaipu. They are now associated with the Itaipu power plant to produce phytotherapic medicines according to the regulations from Brazilian Health Authorities. Their produce is distributed free to many health centres in the region, allowing doctors to prescribe them to those that can't pay for the expensive commercial options.

The last visit was the most inspirational. We had lunch at Lar Casa dos Anjos (LACA), a home for children with HIV/AIDS started a few years ago by a local woman, Solange de Sousa, at her own house. The children that come to the house, from a few weeks old to teenagers, have either been abandoned, or are orphans or have been removed by social services from their homes because of negligence or abuse. At LACA they receive medical and psychological care, an education and are assisted during the whole process of adoption. Many will never be adopted, however, and will remain there until adulthood. These long term situation ends up transforming the Lar into their true family home.

What could be a very depressive experience was in fact a very heart-warming one. The kids love the attention and are very welcoming. We had a very short time there but we left with the feeling that we would like very much to promote their NGO and help them to maintain their amazing work, so we are recommending to all our clients a visit when in Iguazu. The small contribution for the delicious lunch served helps with the running costs of the home but there are many other ways to contribute.

Contact:
LACA
Website: http://www.laca.org.br/- the site is not updated frequently due to lack of time and resources.
Email: laca@laca.org.br
Phone: +55 45 35223457
Staff does not speak English, but we would be happy to intermediate any contact;

Revisiting Iguazu Falls - I

2009-11-02T12:06:00.014-02:00

I have been many times to the Iguazu Falls. Last time I visited, I had the most amazing experience, being lucky enough to be in the deserted main platform of the Brazilian Falls at sunrise. It was a very emotional experience and I thought I could never get excited about the Falls again after that.

I returned last week and was taken aback once more by the incredible sight (and sound!) of the Cataratas. October brought an exceptional amount of rain to the whole south of Brazil and, as a result, the volume of the Falls was over 5 times their normal level. It might not have been the most beautiful time to see it (as the heavy rain gives the river an ugly chocolate colour), but it was certainly the most dramatic of all my visits. While inspecting the renovated Hotel das Cataratas, you could hear the windows of the Itaipu restaurant shaking with the force of the water nearby.

Inspecting new hotels was one of the purposes of the visit and the new Hotel das Cataratas (now under the Orient Express group management) has really benefited from its 60 million Reais renovation work. Rooms are lighter in décor and all well equipped- and the windows have all been changed, so they do not shake anymore! The new pool area and the grill restaurant offer a more relaxed option to the formal colonial style of the main building. From December 2009 all the work should be finished and Hotel das Cataratas becomes again, in our opinion, the best choice of accommodation in the Falls. Expensive, but worthy for its location, and, now, also for its facilities.

Outside the National Parks you can find more economical options, but there is nothing worth writing home about, at least in the Brazilian side. In Argentina, however, they are investing heavily in stylish "Jungle Hotels".

The brand new Loi Suites, located only 15 min away from the Argentinean National in the middle of the Selva de Misiones is a great choice for those that have time for spending an extra night in the region. Unlike the infamous Sheraton building, this hotel blends in perfectly with the landscape. The 800 sq metres pool, with huge tropical trees in the middle and built in different levels to follow the terrain and allow the pool water to be filtered (when flowing from one level to the other) and reused, it is one of the great features of the hotel. Another one is the very Zen Namasthé Spa- such a relaxing place that you would wish to stay that extra night only to enjoy the facilities.

Brazil Ecojourneys tips:

Plan to spend at least two nights in the region to have time to visit both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides as they provide very different angles and experiences.
Puerto Iguazu, the town in the Argentinean side is a tenth of the size of Foz do Iguaçu, but offers some very good choices of restaurants. Try Aqva- their specialty is fresh-water fish (specially the famous Surubi), but being Argentina you will not go wrong on the beef or the Patagonian Lamb. It is worthy the trip wherever you are staying!
For our Essential Iguazu package check our site- www.brazilecojourneys.com

Kindness of Strangers : Community Tourism in Brazil

2009-08-24T15:03:00.005-03:00

Visitors to Brazil usually list the stunning nature of Brazil as the number one attraction, but the friendly nature of Brazilians themselves comes a close second. As anyone who has visited Brazil can attest, Brazilians are fun loving and very welcoming. You will encounter this warm hospitality everywhere you go, whether it is in a small remote community or the big city. There is even scientific evidence for the “simpatico” mentality of the Brazilians: a study called “Kindness of Strangers” by Robert Levine (CSU-Fresno) published in American Scientist (2003), showed that Rio de Janeiro was the friendliest of 23 large cities in the world.

No wonder then, that there are plenty of community tourism possibilities in Brazil.

Interested to read on : Download here Kindness of Strangers : Community Tourism in Brazil (pdf)

Text by Ariane Janer from Ecobrasil institute.

See Brazil Ecojourneys site for community tourism programs.

Whale Watching Season Begins

2009-08-02T22:17:00.002-03:00

Last week the Projeto Baleia Franca, the NGO that monitors the numbers of Southern Right Whales on the coast of Santa Catarina, made their first helicopter flight of the season.

The biologist in charge reported more than 60 whales observed on this first flight and predicted that 2009 should be one the best years in number of individuals since the monitoring started.

The record was in 2006 when nearly 200 different whales were identified in the Southern Right Whale Environmental Protection Area (that runs south from Florianopolis to Torres, on the northern coast of Rio Grande do Sul).

The tendency is that the same group returns every 3 years to our coast, so this should be a great season for whale watching in Santa Catarina.

Tips from Brazil Ecojourneys:

You can ocasionally spot the Southern Right Whales in Florianopolis, but their numbers are greater around Garopaba and Imbituba( around 2 hours away from Florianopolis by car);
They can even be spotted from the shore, but if you want a great experience, take an organised boat trip;
Besides whales , the southern Santa Catarina coast offers good opportunities for spotting bottlenose dolphins;
Because our winter can make it for variable sea conditions, allow 3 or 4 days in the region for a better chance to see whales.

Brazil Ecojourneys 4days/3 nights whale watching tour starts from Florianopolis and runs from 1st August to 31st October.

Buenos Aires Welcomes Gay & Lesbian Tourists

2009-07-23T20:04:00.004-03:00

WELL, I am definitely going way down south on this one, but there is a good reason for it.

Last week we were in Buenos Aires for the GNETWORK event - the 2nd International Meeting for Gay and Lesbian business. The event was at the beautifully designed Axel hotel , the first "hetero friendly" hotel in South America. It was a great event with speakers from all over the world and with a big audience on both days.

I gave a talk on incoming LGBT tourism in Brazil and the promotion of destination Florianopolis for the international LGBT market (here is the connection to this blog!).

Another reason to link Buenos Aires to Florianopolis is that a lot of Europeans and North Americans that visit one, want to visit the other. And it is a great combination for a short holiday: Buenos Aires with all its culture, excellent restaurants and parties and Floripa with its great beaches and relaxing atmosphere (and parties too!).

In summer, there are direct flights (a mere 2 hours journey) between the two cities, making it a very easy going holiday.

Brazil Ecojourneys tips:

To find your way around gay and lesbian Bs As grab a GMaps guide. Updated every 3 months the guide is a great help for any G and L visitor;
An economical alternative for accommodation in Buenos Aires is to rent a flat. There are many options but these two companies cater mainly for the LGBT community: BA4U and Friendly Apartments.
When going out to clubs , remember that Argentineans go out even later than Brazilians- places don't get busy until 3 am!

Tango has become popular once again with the younger crowd and there are venues that cater for same-sex tango classes- check GMaps for details;

More Adventure in Santa Catarina

2009-07-05T18:24:00.005-03:00

For those adventurous travelers out there that are more into trekking than biking, you can join this month a small group ( maximum 8 people) on the best long-distance trek in Santa Catarina, the crossing of São Joaquim National Park.

This park in the Serra Geral mountains was created to protect the remaining Araucaria forests of the catarinense highlands and is one of the last natural habitats of the puma in South Brazil.

Next departure is scheduled for 28th July, departing from Florianopolis the day before. For more information, click here.

Brazil is the Best Destination for Adventure

2009-06-29T19:00:00.004-03:00

The editors of the National Geographic Adventure have chosen Brazil as the Best Adventure Destination of 2009.

This award is a recognition not only of our natural potential for adventure tourism but also the hard work on developing safe adventure travel in our country by the Brazilian Association of Ecotourism and Adventure Companies (ABETA), of which Brazil Ecojourneys is a member.

The Aventura Segura, a program of ABETA and the Ministry of Tourism, has helped to create an excelent standard of safety in Brazilian adventure outfitters that is now being recognised internationally.

Santa Catarina, and Florianopolis in particular, are amongst the destinations recognised by ABETA to be hotspots for adventure in Brazil.

Top 5 Adventure Trips in South Brazil by Brazil Ecojourneys :

Rainforest Expedition to the Lagamar Estuary: canoeing in mangroves and trekking through the largest remnants of Atlantic Rainforest in Brazil
Santa Catarina by bike: from the highlands to the coast: bike all the way from the stunning Serra Geral mountains to the Island of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis
Crossing of Sao Joaquim National Park: a 3-day hike across this park, created to protect the Brazilian Araucaria, and one of the last natural habitats for pumas in South Brazil
Aparados da Serra Canyons: an active tour of the "Grand Canyons of Brazil"
Active Adventures in Florianopolis: rafting, trekking and biking your way around Florianopolis

Sao Paulo deserves a stopover!

2009-06-16T22:23:00.012-03:00

We ventured further north last weekend to attend the Sao Paulo Pride, where I was invited to speak at a Forum on LGBT Tourism.

It was my first time at the largest Pride Parade in the world and besides being amazed by the sheer size of it (2 to 3 million attendees, depending on sources), I was pleasantly surprised by the institutional support the event gets from all levels of government. For example, it was the first time I saw a campaign from the Ministry of Tourism targeting the LGBT segment. The slogan of their campaign was even cute: Diversity - Brazil is more beautiful with it.

Apart from the Gay Pride events, I must say that last weekend changed my perception about Sao Paulo- it was never a city I recommended to visitors, but I can see that it has its charm (even if it is quite hidden!).

Sao Paulo is well known in Brazil as cosmopolitan capital, for its great nightlife, cuisine and contemporary culture, but there is also quite a lot of history and beautiful architecture too, especially in the old part of town. Add to that some great hotels and your stopover could be quite enjoyable.

Brazil Ecojourneys tips:

The Tourism Office downtown ( in the old Banco de São Paulo building- Rua XV de Novembro), provides good information about places to visit.
From the top of the BANESPA building - a Brazilian version of the Empire State Building- you have a 360 degrees panoramic view of the city. Entrance to the tower is free.
The MASP Museum has a wonderful exhibition from Vik Muniz , a local artist now internationally renowned that makes amazing portraits with recycled and perishable materials. Entrance is free on Tuesdays.

Kayaking in the mangroves...in Florianopolis!

2009-05-22T20:04:00.006-03:00

One of my favourite destinations in South Brazil is the Lagamar Estuary in Paraná, where you can find the largest tracts of Atlantic Rainforest in Brazil(+mangroves+ deserted beaches+ the unique Caiçara culture…) Lagamar is a magical place set against the background of the stunning Serra do Mar. Our Rainforest Expedition offers a 2-night stay at a simple lodge in the middle of the forest from where we do lots of outdoor activities around the area. I love everything about this trip but for me the best time there is to be had kayaking down the mangroves, watching all the aquatic birds and quite often meeting dolphins at the bay of Pinheiros… Unfortunately this paradise is a few hours from Florianopolis so I don’t get to go kayaking in the mangroves that often.

Well, this is about to change… today I found out that I can kayak in mangroves about 5 min from my home! The possibilities for outdoor activities in Santa Catarina Island in Florianopolis has always amazed me, and, yes, I already knew of many mangroves in the north and west of the island but they are either inside nature reserves or in the middle of the city. I could not imagine that I could kayak in mangroves literally down the road from my house.

The Sangradouro River is a small river that meets the sea between the beaches of Armação and Matadeiro on the south coast of Floripa (both gorgeous beaches on their own). Today, tipped by a local resident that rents out kayaks, I just paddled up that river and within minutes it seemed I was miles away from anywhere. On the way I met kingfishers, 3 or 4 species of herons (white-necked herons, small blue heron and the yellow-crowned night-heron) besides numerous egrets. I didn’t see any but I was told that yellow-throat caimans can be seen on this stretch of the river.This non-aggressive species is the only caiman found in South Brazil.

What a great place!

Tips from Brazil Ecojourneys:

You can also rent kayaks in the nearby Lagoa do Peri. This a beautiful fresh water lake inside a nature reserve that is really worth visiting. If you go up the river at the far end of the lake early in the morning you might spot red-breasted toucans ;
Lagoa do Peri is also home for the endangered Brazilian River Otter- you can volunteer for a week in a conservation and scientific project studying these otters, staying right in the middle of the nature reserve;

If you are in Florianopolis area and want to do some paddling contact us: we can put you in touch with kayak rental places, arrange for a private guided tour of Peri Lake or even take you kayaking down rapids at nearby Caldas da Imperatriz;

South Brazil in ecoDestinations

2009-05-15T14:49:00.004-03:00

Brazil Ecojourneys partnered with The International Ecotourism Society to promote ecoDestinations in South Brazil.

ecoDestinations is a campaign of TIES to highlight Ecotourism in different parts of the world. As part of the campaign there is an online auction of tours donated by tour operators and hotels engaged in responsible travel on their destination.

Brazil Ecojourneys and partners donated two tours for the auction.

If you want to contribute to this campaign access the site below and start bidding now!

All proceeds raised from this auction will go directly to TIES to support their numerous projects in support of ecotourism and responsible travel worldwide.

* Whales And Dolphins - Wildlife Adventure off the Coast of Santa Catarina

* Eco- Agrotourism - Home Stays with organic farmers of Santa Catarina
Please note that online bidding for this tour has closed but book this package this month through our site and we will donate the money to TIES!

Click HERE for more information on ecoDestinations and the work of The International Ecotourism Society

Birds of the Atlantic Rainforest

2009-04-20T18:16:00.005-03:00

Brazil is one of the richest countries in the world in bird species and the region between Curitiba and the Parana coast offers unique diversity, as it is in a transition zone between two very different environments: the Aracauria forest and the Atlantic Rainforest.

Click here to watch a recent video from Bom dia Brasil, a Brazilian TV program, showing some local species and the scenery around Morretes, one of the oldest colonial towns in Parana.

Tips from Brazil Ecojourneys:

A great way to visit this area is to make the train journey from Curitiba to Morretes. The train leaves daily and the journey takes 3 hours.

If you have more time you could stay overnight after the train journey in a local lodge to best enjoy the region.

For the more adventurous our Atlantic Rainforest expedition gives you a greater insight into this unique environment.

Special birdwatching departures can be arranged with an ornithologist guide. Please contact us.

IGLTA discovers Florianopolis

2009-04-03T18:32:00.004-03:00

Last week we co-hosted the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) bi-annual International Symposium here in Florianopolis.

This event, organised by Santa Catarina Tourist Board and the Brazilian Association of Gay & Lesbian Tourism (ABRAT-GLS), was the biggest international event for LGBT tourism ever organised in Brazil.

More than 300 people including IGLTA members from South America, USA, Canada & Australia participated. During 4 days travel agents, tour operators, local tourist boards and journalists had the opportunity to get to know some of Florianopolis attractions, join the discussions in the International LGBT Forum and network in a very busy market place.

Brazilian and international LGBT media also attended so we will add links to their articles as they come out.

Click here to read Roy Heale's comments about the trip on IGLTA's INSIDER OUT TRAVEL blog.

BRAZIL: Making Eco-History in a Southern Beach Town

2009-03-20T14:46:00.002-03:00

Garopaba in Santa Catarina is participating in an international initiative called " Transition Towns" which aims for sustainable development.

Read more on this link:

BRAZIL: Making Eco-History in a Southern Beach Town

The Best Time to Enjoy Santa Catarina

2009-03-03T21:40:00.005-03:00

Carnival marks the end of the Summer and high season in Brazil.

Santa Catarina, in special, suffers from seasonal tourism, being most visited from December to February.

But for those that are not tied to school's calendar there is no better time of the year to enjoy Santa Catarina coast than March & April: the weather is still hot, the sea is at its warmest, the fantastic beaches are completely uncrowded and prices are much lower.

Check our beach packages for some ideas.

Brazil Ecojourneys tips:

March and April are also ideal months to learn to surf. Besides the good water conditions you are still outside the Mullet fishing season (May-June) that closes down most of the surfing beaches.

Carnival 2009 in Florianopolis - Gay Parties

2009-02-22T13:24:00.003-03:00

The Gay Carnival in Floripa is well established but this year seems bigger than ever, probably rivalling Rio as the biggest gay carnival in Brazil.

Besides the every night street parties downtown ( the traditional Carnival do Roma) and the Pop Gay festival that happens on Monday night, there are many other club parties happening in different parts of the Island.

Downtown the local clubs ( Mix Cafe and Concorde) are open every night this week and the Sunrise boat party today was sold out.

The most talked about and busiest is The Week, which is filling to capacity every night. We went last night and we were quite impressed with the whole set up. More than 3000 men were undressed to impress! The setting by the lagoon side makes it unique too. It seems everybody was having a great time.

During the day Bar do Deca on the left side of Praia Mole is still the favourite hang out place. Late afternoons sees more than a thousand people enjoying caipirinhas and the amazing views.

Tip from Brazil Ecojourneys team:

The gay Carnival should go on strong until the weekend- if you are in Brazil you still have time to join the party. Check our site for ideas and more information.

Carnival 2009 in Florianopolis -II

2009-02-12T17:25:00.006-02:00

Carnival in Florianopolis happens all over the Island, but the most traditional events, the Samba Schools Parade, Bloco dos Sujos parties and the Pop Gay Festival, all happen downtown.

During the 5 days (20-24th February), there are street parties animated by bands playing on stages distributed around the centre. Next to the Public Market, around the XV November Square ( a.ka. Praça da Figueira) and in Hercilio Luz Avenue, an area almost exclusively frequented by the LGBT crowd during Carnival. Music starts from 21h and finishes 2 a.m.

Saturday (21st Feb) is the night of the Samba Schools Parade in the local Sambadrome (Passarela Nêgo Quirido). Tickets are cheap but difficult to get hold of unless you queue for hours, so it is easier to get them from touts on the day. They should cost from around R$50. The parade starts oficially at 20h, but delays are very common, so expect to wait until 21-21:30 until the first School appears. The whole show lasts around 7- 8 h, going into the early hours of the morning. Dress warm and take a rain coat, as the stands are not covered!

Sunday is the day of Bloco dos Sujos, a very traditional part of the local Carnival. Hordes of cross-dressed man (most of them straight and married...) parade during the afternoon through the centre of town dancing, singing and drinking- loads!, frequently accompanied by their whole families. Quite a sight! Later on the smaller neighbourhood samba groups -"blocos"- compete at the Sambadrome. From 19h.

On Monday night the biggest event is the Pop Gay Festival, which is a competition of Carnival costumes for Drag Queens and Transexuals. Traditionally it was held in the Hercilio Luz Avenue (where the LGBT crowd gathers), but due to its huge success ( last year 50 thousand people attended) , it was moved this year to Tancredo Neves Square, a few blocks away from the original site. The crowd is very mixed with lots of families attending. Starts from 21h.

Apart from downtown, the neighbourhood of Santo Antonio de Lisboa has a more low-key but still very popular Carnival, with parties every night and also the Children's Carnival on Sunday. Campeche and Lagoa are also neighbourhoods that have "blocos" on Carnival Sunday.

Carnival 2009 in Florianopolis - I

2009-02-02T20:58:00.008-02:00

Unknown to many, this 4-day festival is celebrated all over Brazil. Besides Rio's famous Samba School's Parades and Salvador and Olinda street parties, you will find a lot of other cities that have great Carnival events.

Florianopolis has one of the most popular Carnival festivals in Brazil, because it mixes all the above (samba schools, street parties, neighbourhood "bandas") in a safe and friendly environment. It has also, rivalled only by Rio, one of the biggest Gay Carnivals in Brazil.

This week we will post news about all the upcoming Carnival parties in Floripa. If you would like to join the fun check Brazil Ecojourney's carnival packages.

To kick-off the season you can attend a Samba School rehearsal. From now to Carnival there are almost daily rehearsals in different points of the city.

One of the main candidates for Champion, Consulado, rehearses at their headquarters on Tuesdays, Thursday and Saturdays from 19h. Rua Custódio Fermino Vieira, 20
Saco dos Limões - Florianópolis. A small fee is requested after 20h.

The newcomer União da Ilha da Magia meets at the main square in Lagoa on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 20h. Free.

Another favourite, Copa Lord, rehearses downtown next to the Public Market from Monday to Thursdays at 20h. Free.

Have fun!

The New York Times: Florianopolis is the Place to Be

2009-01-25T15:42:00.009-02:00

The New York Times recently declared Floripa the Party Destination of the Year and THE Place to Be in 2009.

The chic beach bars of Jurere and the famous gay Carnival parties of Praia Mole were mentioned, but beyond these areas that are favoured by visitors wanting to party, Floripa has many others that offer a lot of local fun.

Last night, for example, we took a stroll down Armacao main street , one of the oldest fishing communities on the Island and were met by a "bloco" formed by young drummers of a local NGO, rehearsing for Carnival.

Listening to the drums by the sea front while having an ice cream with the pretty old church of the Armacao in the background, I thought that this is what Carnival was really about in its origins: genuine community fun and not only a show for tourists.

Tips from Brazil Ecojourneys Team:

These kind of events happen every weekend during January and February (until Carnival) in most neighbourhoods. Lagoa, Santo Antonio de Lisboa and Campeche, in particular, have good neighbourhood "blocos", so if you are in the Island during this time, check them out.
The Afri Catarina NGO offers cultural workshops for the local youth of the south of the Island- check www.africatarina.com.br

Places to Eat in Florianopolis no. 1- South of the Island

2009-01-12T22:23:00.004-02:00

We are frequently asked by our clients for tips on good places to eat on the Island.

I like to recommend our personal favorites, places that locals know about but that are overlooked by most guide books.

If you are visiting the south of the Island, I would make three very different recommendations.

In Pantano do Sul, in the extreme south, there is a simple restaurant on the beach front called Bar do Vadinho that serves the best typical food in the region. The place is very simple, you don't even have a menu: you ask for lunch (almoco) and they will bring you fish (fillets, steaks and a delicious dish of shredded fish with spices), rice, beans, salad, chips and pirao ( a local side dish made of fish stock, herbs and cassava flour). Service is friendly but very slow, but be patient because it is worthy. This is the freshest fish you can find anywhere on the island and it is great value: for US$ 7 per person, you can eat as much as you want. They will keep asking if you want a refill... During Summer it opens everyday, all day, in the rest of the year opens only for lunch a the weekends.

If you are on your way to/from the beach around Armacao or Pantano do Sul at lunch time and fancy a healthy alternative to fish and chips, then you MUST stop by Nutri lanches. Located near Lagoa do Peri on the main road (SC 406), this canteen-like restaurant serves a buffet by kilo (a great Brazilian invention= you chose your food from a buffet, weight it and pay a fixed amount per kilo) of the highest quality for a very reasonable price ( average meal US$ 4-5 dollars). Besides the good salads and creative vegetarian dishes, they also serve fish, seafood and chicken dishes. Open all year around ( except Mondays), Nutri is a meeting point for the alternative crowd.

On the west coast, in the quaint old village of Ribeirao, you will find a very different option, ideal for a late lunch or a summer evening meal. Ostradamus is a Florianopolis institution and justifiably so: it serves, by far, the best oysters in town! The setting is also magic: from their pier you can watch the sun going down behind the beautiful Tabuleiro Mountains. If you don't fancy oysters try their seafood risotto or the king prawn dishes.

Tips from the Brazil Ecojourneys team:

In Ostradamus, the main course portions are huge, so ask for half a portion, which is plenty for 2 people.
You can combine a visit to these restaurants with some of our day treks for a great day out.
Florianoplis is the biggest producer of oysters in Brazil- a visit to an oyster farm followed by a tasting session is one of the many activities you can join in the island to experience local life.

Happy New Year in Florianopolis

2009-01-02T12:33:00.005-02:00

Those that decided to come to Florianopolis for their New Year's holidays did not regret.

The weather was perfect for most of the week and although busy everywhere, the atmosphere was very relaxed throughout the Island. From the chic Jurere to trendy Praia Mole, locals and tourists alike had a great time partying on the beach.

Now Floripa starts getting ready for the next big holiday- Carnival week, in February.

Florianopolis Carnival is less known to foreigners but it is one of top five destinations in Brazil. It has a mix of the traditional festivities such as the street parties and the Samba Schools Parade as well as ultra trendy label electronic music parties, especially those catering for the gay crowd.

Although avaiability is already limited in some places, have a look at some of our Special packages: Carnival 2009 in Floripa

New Update on Santa Catarina Situation

2008-12-12T11:00:00.004-02:00

The Santa Catarina Tourist Board (SANTUR) has created a site to give updates on the situation of the State's infraestructure region by region, following last month's floodings.

All the areas that are most visited by tourists in their summer holidays, including Florianopolis region, the Emerald Coast ( Bombinhas, Porto Belo, Governador Celso ramos) and the southern coast (Garopaba, Praia do Rosa) and Balneário Camboriú are back to normal.

For detailed information on the current situation check : http://www.santacatarinaagora.sc.gov.br/#

Update on Santa Catarina Situation

2008-12-09T12:44:00.002-02:00

We keep receiving calls and emails about the situation in Santa Catarina, following last month's floods.

It has been more than 2 weeks since the flooding and, contrary to the images on TV and newspapers, most of the State, with exception of the Itajai Valley region, is back to normal. For example, there is only one secondary road in the north of the State that is still closed for traffic.

Along the Central and Southern Coast of Santa Catarina all the infrastructure is working. Roads are open, there is no shortage of water, electricity or food. If you are travelling here and have still doubts about the situation please contact us or your hotel directly.

We have had a week of beautiful sunshine and warm temperatures in Florianopolis. Summer is here and Santa Catarina waits for your visit!

Floods in Santa Catarina

2008-12-01T16:40:00.005-02:00

The national and internal media has given a lot of coverage to what seems to have been the worst flooding in history in the State of Santa Catarina.

As a result we have received a lot of anxious emails and phone calls from clients and partners from all over the world, specially asking if is still safe to travel here. So, I thought it was a good idea to give you an insider's account of the problem to put minds at ease.

Our Spring has been, without any doubt, the wettest on record, and the situation was made worse by 4 days of non-stop rain. In some places it rained three times the montlhy average in only 2 days. This happened due to a combination of meteorological phenomena that are very rare. All this rain led to localized floodings, landslides, disruption to roads, and, tragically, to loss of lives around Santa Catarina.

Similarly, there was heavy rain in some other parts of south Brazil, including the coast of Paraná, but there was not much damage to the region.

However, the situation is back to normal in most of the State. The flooded areas that are repeatedly been shown on TV and newspapers around the world are in the Itajai Valley, in the north of Santa Catarina. This is a very low and flat region that has large rivers that burst their banks. The terrible landslides also happened in those areas. So, although it is a grave situation for those affected, the disruption now is restricted to those areas.

The areas of Santa Catarina most visited by tourists are the Central and Southern Coast, the inland mountains and Santa Catarina Island, in Florianopolis. On these areas there was no significant disruption to infrastructure and, as such, life goes on as normal. The sun has been shining for most of the last week in this part of the State and the forecast for December is of dryer weather, with the normal ocasional summer showers.

The livelihood of many Catarinenses is dependent on tourism and especially on the income generated by summer visitors, so we make a plea for visitors not to cancel their holidays, not only because their experience will not be affected, but also because Santa Catarina will desperately need these vital funds to reconstruct those towns and to help the affected people to get on with their lives.

Short trips from Curitiba – Ilha do Mel

2008-11-10T12:40:00.007-02:00

I was just back from a few relaxing days on Ilha do Mel, the island off the coast of Paraná, in Paranaguá Bay.

I had wanted to go for many years, as the Island has always been THE destination in South Brazil for those in search of unspoiled hideaways. In the 80s, it was just for the very adventurous as the only option was wild camping. Then it became too popular with surfers and youngsters looking for a party place, so it had lost its appeal to me. But in recent years, the government of Parana decided to implement policies to effectively protect the island, which is an Estate Park, limiting, for example, the number of people that can visit it and banning predatory camping sites, so my interest returned.

The island lived up to expectations in terms of nature: there are many deserted beaches and most of its area is part of a nature reserve, closed to the public. You see quite a lot of birds and a lot of green everywhere. In other ways it exceeded my expectations, as it is really well organised in terms of trails, path signs and very clean.

The one image that still matched my imagination is that of a hippy-ish hang out place. Somehow it reminded me of beach resorts in Thailand that are in the “gringo trail”, with its simple restaurants, guesthouses and bars with reggae music. So it´s no surprise to find that is a favourite place for a lot of travelling foreigners. But don´t let that put you off- I came back VERY relaxed after a few days there.

Tips from Brazil Ecojourneys:

A very nice place to stay is Pousada das Meninas in Vila do Farol. Although the rooms are very rustic, they are comfortable and the garden is lush and has some cosy areas to read a book or just relax. The staff is extremely friendly and can also help you with day trips- a boat trip to the dolphin’s bay or the fortress is a nice option to see the Bay. The owner of the Pousada has his own boat and can take you there.Or they put you in touch with a local monitor to take you in one of the many trails – Marcelo is a very friendly guy but does not speak much English.

My favourite walk was along the beach to Encantadas- you can go walking, have lunch at Pousada Fim da Trilha, the best restaurant on the island, and come back by boat. It makes for a great day trip.

In Vila do Farol have dinner at Mar e Sol- it´s the best option there.

If you have only a short time in this part of Brazil, and would prefer an organised tour, we offer a combined trip 3days/2 nights of the train journey and Ilha do Mel, starting and finishing in Curitiba.

From there you are a short boat away to one of the most fantastic destinations in South Brazil: the Lagamar area, home to the World Biosphere Reserve of the Atlantic Rainforest. Check out our Rainforest Expedition program for more details.

Photo of Ilha do Mel by Priscila Forone.

Rainy days in Florianopolis

2008-10-18T11:16:00.008-03:00

It has been raining for 3 days solid in Florianopolis and most people look truly miserable.

Florianopolis unfortunately lacks the museums and cultural centres of big cities, as we are so spoiled with fantastic nature (most people really come here for the 42 beaches) and good weather most of the year. BUT bad weather does happen and if you are here on holidays and don’t want to follow the crowds to the nearest cinema or shopping centre here goes a few suggestions.

Some outdoor activities do not get spoiled by rain- you can still take some surf lessons, for example. Once in you are in a wetsuit and swimming you will not notice the rain at all.

Rafting in the Cubatao River with class II-III rapids is ok for beginners most of the year, but when it rains a lot in a few days, it becomes an adrenaline-fuelled experience. If you really enjoy rafting, rainy days are the best days to go.The rafting base is about 40 min from Florianopolis. If you want even more excitement try kayaking down the rapids. It is fantastic!

If you just don’t like the idea of the outdoors on a rainy day, head for the Spa town of Santo Amaro. The thermal baths there are wonderful; the local mineral water is considered one of the best in the world.

Tips from Brazil Ecojourneys team:

If you are on a budget you can get a bus from downtown Florianopolis to Caldas da Imperatriz that stops just outside the public baths. Next door you can have a café colonial in the old hotel that once welcomed the last Brazilian Empress (hence the name). Your day out should cost you less than R$ 30,00.

If you like a bit more pampering, we can arrange for a day use of the facilities of the local 4 stars Spa resort. The Jacuzzis, sauna, mineral baths and Spa treatments followed by an excellent lunch will soon lift your spirits! Contact us for details.

Short trips from Florianopolis II – Serra Geral Mountains

2008-10-16T16:25:00.010-03:00

Santa Catarina is so well-known for its gorgeous coast that most people totally ignore the interior. Just a few hours away by road from the capital you can be in one of the most stunning mountain sceneries in Brazil: the Serra Geral Mountain Range.

The journey to get there is already very scenic- to reach Serra Geral, you need to drive through one of the 3 mountain roads that cut Santa Catarina East to West. Originally open as mule tracks, they are still the few connecting points between the highlands and the coast. The BR-282 is the busiest and the least dramatic, while the Serra do Rio Rastro (SC- 438) and the Serra do Corvo Branco (SC- 439) are not for faint hearts, but they are both stunning.

Once you get there, you are spoiled for choices of activities; you can go trekking, cycling, horse-riding, fly fishing or simply relax in a lodge or a resort.

Some of my favourite programs in this area are the hiking trips near Urubici. Staying in a cosy mountain lodge, you can choose between easy day treks or the more demanding 3-days crossing of the São Joaquim National Park.

We visited this area many times in the past and fell in love with its beauty. This weekend, however, we drove up the stunning Serra do Rio do Rastro mountain road, further south from Urubici to inspect another base to explore this region.

The Rio do Rastro is a small resort in a 900-acres farm in Bom Jardim da Serra. Although this hotel is larger, lacking the intimacy of Rio Canoas mountain lodge, it has excellent facilities and a wide range of activities. We took a trip to the canyons, a horse riding trip and did a short trek through Araucaria and ancient ferns forests.

For the cold or rainy days they have a heated pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and some romantic bungalows with lake views. The food was excellent as well.

The highlight for us, however, was horse riding through highland fields to the edge of the mountains. The views were absolutely incredible, helped by a gorgeous sunset over the highlands.

When visiting Santa Catarina next we really recommend you reserve a few days to explore this beautiful area.

For more information about the Serra Geral mountains click here or contact us.

Tips from Brazil Ecojourneys team:

You can only drive up the Serra do Corvo Branco in dry weather;

The best time to visit the area is autumn and winter as the weather is drier then and there is less fog, allowing for the best views;

Temperatures there are often below zero at night, with the occasional snow shower in winter so take enough warm clothes;

If you really enjoy riding, we offer a fantastic multi-day Horse riding trip, staying at mid-19^th Century Farm houses, that offers a mix of culture and adventure;

Tip of the Week: Money Matters

2008-10-07T20:07:00.003-03:00

By Brazil Ecojourneys team.
After a month of huge variations in exchange rates throughout the world, we thought it was a good idea to give you some tips this week on which is the best way to bring holiday money to Brazil.
For many countries a mix of traveller's cheques, US$ dollars bills and a credit card is a good idea, but in Brazil traveller's cheques are useless. Most places will not accept them and banks will charge you a high fee for every cheque cashed.
We always recommend to bring one or two credit or debit cards and a little bit of cash (US dollar bills or Euros are readily exchangeable almost everywhere). Visa cards normally work better than Master cards for payments in shops and restaurants.
By changing at ATM machines (available in almost every city in Brazil), you get the day's commercial exchange rate for the dollar, avoiding the low rates or extortionate commissions of Casa de Câmbios. Some cards have charges for foreign transactions, so check back home for debit cards or savings accounts that do not. In the United Kingdom, for example, Nationwide Building Society has a debit card that has absolutely no fees for cashing money abroad.
Once in Brazil you might find out that some ATMs do not accept international cards. Look for HSBC branches or for Banco 24 horas machines, they will always accept VISA ( VISA PLUS in Brazil), Master, CIRRUS and MAESTRO cards . Use HSBC if you can find one, as Banco 24 Horas charges a small fee. In Florianopolis you will find a HSBC at the airport, in Lagoa da Conceição, near the Shopping Beira-Mar and downtown.

But don't forget: if you are goint into remote areas for a few days, cash money at the airport or the nearest big city as in small places you will only find Banco do Brasil branches and their ATM machines do not always accept international cards.

Short trips from Florianopolis - Number 1: Pomerode

2008-09-30T21:08:00.008-03:00

South Brazil, in special the northern part of Santa Catarina State, received a large influx of German immigrants in the middle of the 19^th Century. In the region known as the European Valley, a number of small villages still retain the influence of its Germanic origins in the architecture, the local dialect and cuisine. The most well-known city is Blumenau, home to the Oktoberfest, a beer festival that is second only to Munich in number of visitors. A more authentic experience is to be had in Pomerode, a small village nearby, where an estimated 80 % of its population still speaks a German dialect.

We just revisited Pomerode last weekend and decided to spend the night, rather than the usual day trip, so we could try the local brewery, Schornstein.

It was a good idea: the beers at this microbrewery were great- my favourite being the Pale Ale, a strong flavoured beer that will please lovers of Real Ale!

At the brewery, you can also snack in typical German fare such as sausages and hackepeter (the German version of middle-eastern Kibbe). If you want to have a proper meal of typical German Colonial cuisine, go to Wunderwald for lunch. The most famous dish is Marreco recheado (Stuffed roasted goose served with apple puree and red cabbage). For me, this is as good as German food gets! If you have any space left, visit the Torten Paradis Kaffehaus for tea and cakes in the afternoon. Next door is the equally tempting shop for the Nugali chocolates- the closest thing in Brazil to Lindt chocolates.

To burn all these calories, rent a bike from the tourist office and cycle through town up to the Enxaimel route (the timber-framed houses built in early 20^th Century by immigrants from Pomerland). Cycling is a very popular mean of transport here, with cycle lanes in all the main roads.

An interesting but sad cultural note: although German immigration to Santa Catarina preceded the Great Wars, the settlers suffered a great deal of hostility during this period and many had to change names and their way of life. A striking example is found near the end of the route. There is an old cemetery to the right of the road, where you will see the tombs of the original immigrants- all with eulogies in German, except for those that died during the Second World War, when German was completely banned in South Brazil.

Tips by Brazil Ecojourneys team:

If you do not have a car, there are frequent buses from Blumenau. Once there, rent a bike to go around town;

If you would like a guided visit to Pomerode, check our Deutsche Santa Catarina day trip from Florianopolis.

Short trips from Porto Alegre

2008-09-20T15:57:00.005-03:00

Revisiting Serra Gaucha this week, we made a stop at Bento Gonçalves, a town founded by Italian immigrants in the middle of 19th Century. Bento is famous in Brazil for its wines and make a great destination for a couple of days away from Porto Alegre, the Capital of Rio Grande do Sul. A great surprise was to find the Sapore & Piacere café, a cafe/bistro that serves delicious lunches for less than US$ 10! Or if you pass Bento in the afternoon, try their cakes and coffee. The café is near the exit of town, just across the church.
Another good gastronomic stop, besides visiting the Vale dos Vinhedos (wine valley) for some wine tasting (see our self-drive program - http://brazilecojourneys.com/destinations2.php?onde=RS) is at the Casa da Ovelha in the Caminho de Pedras, a rural road with well preserved old stone farm houses, to buy yogurt and cheese made of ewe’s milk. Their mature Pecorino is a great buy!

Adventure Travel World Summit 2008

2008-09-11T21:03:00.003-03:00

Last week we participated in the Adventure Travel World Summit in Sao Paulo. The event was a great opportunity to make new contacts and meet fantastic people working in adventure and ecotourism throughout the world. We also had a unique chance of attending some amazing talks on sustainable tourism. In the opening night Gerard and Margie Moss gave a great introduction about Brazil and about their project studying the influence of the Amazon in the rainfall patterns throughout Brazil. Check http://www.riosvoadores.com.br/index.php for more information.
Antonia Neubauer from Myths & Mountains gave a great talk about how to be a responsible tour operator in developing countries. Their READ project is truly a great example to follow. See www.readglobal.org for more information. The main theme of the Summit probably was that there is a growing desire for travelling as an instrument of personal transformation. The closing lecture by Carol Bellamy was for me the most inspiring. She pointed that responsible travellers should not only look at transforming themselves but also transforming the lives of those they meet. I couldn´t agree more.

Our brand new website!

2008-08-28T16:34:00.004-03:00

We are launching today our new website which focus on South Brazil as a travel destination.

http://www.brazilecojourneys.com/index.php

The new site has lots of novelties (one of them being our own travel blog!), new information sections and maps , new tours and destinations, space for testimonials and loads more! We hope that is easy to navigate and that you can find what are you looking for.

We would love to have your comments on it and hope that you will recommend it to all your friends.

Let´s start from the beginning...

2008-08-26T20:42:00.002-03:00

Our first Blog! Here we will share our travel experiences, tips on travelling to South Brazil, cool places we discover and what else comes to our mind that we think it might be interesting for anyone, our clients or not, coming to this part of the world. Please help us!