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| ⇒ Country Profile: Brazil |
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 Introduction
South America's giant, Brazil is a seductive country with dazzling beaches, tropical islands and picturesque colonial towns. Its verdant rainforests boast an astounding array of wildlife, while its wildly energetic cities are home to a multitude of ethnic groups.
Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country in both size and population, and its thriving economy has made it Latin America's powerhouse, enjoying record growth in the last five years (Brazil currently ranks among the ten largest economies in the world). This is a country revered for its football prowess and rich musical traditions, which include samba, bossa nova, tropicalismo, forro and numerous other distinctive styles.
Although Brazilians are a diverse bunch, joie de vivre is a characteristic shared by most of the country's 192 million citizens. Carnival is the best-known manifestation of this celebratory spirit and is feted throughout Brazil. Rio de Janeiro and Salvador are the best places to join the mayhem, when samba-filled parties erupt through the streets, and revellers dance and celebrate for days on end.
Brazil's landscape is as diverse as the people who inhabit it. Few tourists venture far from Brazil's spectacular coastline (which spans 7400km/4598 miles), but a trip into the interior reveals a different but equally captivating Brazil. As well as the world's biggest rainforest in the Amazon, Brazil boasts many wilderness areas including the wildlife-rich wetlands of the Pantanal, the canyons and caves of the Chapada Diamantina and the colourful old gold-mining towns in the mountains of Minas Gerais.
The population of Brazil is a melting pot of races, including indigenous people, descendants of slaves from Africa and the offspring of European immigrants. This variety is reflected in the food, architecture, music and culture of Brazil. It is this assortment of places, people and traditions that makes Brazil such an unforgettable place to visit.
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Contact Information
Keys Facts
Location
South America.
Time
Brazil spans several time zones:
Eastern Standard Time: GMT - 3 (GMT - 2 from third Sunday in October to third Saturday in March).
Western Standard Time: GMT - 4 (GMT - 3 from third Sunday in October to third Saturday in March).
North East States and East Para: GMT - 3.
Amapa and West Para: GMT - 4.
Acre State: GMT - 5.
Fernando de Noronha Archipelago: GMT - 2.
Area
8,547,404 sq km (3,300,171 sq miles).
Population
192 million (official estimate 2008).
Population Density
22.5 per sq km.
Capital
Brasilia. Population: 2.3 million (official estimate 2008).
Geography
Brazil covers almost half of the South American continent and it is bordered to the north, west and south by all South American countries except Chile and Ecuador; to the east is the Atlantic. The country is topographically quite flat and at no point do the highlands exceed 3,000m (10,000ft). Over 60% of the country is a plateau; the remainder consists of plains. The River Plate Basin (the confluence of the Parana and Uruguay rivers, both of which have their sources in Brazil) in the far south is more varied, higher and less heavily forested. North of the Amazon are the Guiana Highlands, partly forested, partly stony desert. The Brazilian Highlands of the interior, between the Amazon and the rivers of the south, form a vast tableland, the Mato Grosso, from which rise mountains in the southwest that form a steep protective barrier from the coast called the Great Escarpment, breached by deeply cut river beds. The population is concentrated in the southeastern states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. The city of Sao Paulo has a population of over 12 million, while over 7 million people live in the city of Rio de Janeiro.
Government
Federal Republic.
Head of State
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva since 2002.
History
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a former shoeshine boy and metal worker, became Brazil's first left-wing president in four decades when he beat his government-backed rival by a wide margin in the 2002 elections. He secured his position as the people's choice with a landslide victory in presidential elections in October 2006. The Lula government has faced a difficult balancing act between social welfare and the economy. Lula's left-wing ideals and commitment to social reforms sparked fears about the future of the Brazilian economy. While the economy slowed it was not the picture of doom that critics painted. At the start of his new term as president, Lula announced a target of 5% growth to be fuelled through tax cuts on investments and ensuring government spending does not grow faster than the economy.
Language
The official language is Portuguese, with different regional accents characterising each state. Spanish, English, Italian, French and German are also spoken, particularly in tourist areas. Four linguistic roots survive in the indigenous areas: Ge, Tupi-guarani, Aruak and Karib.
Religion
There is no official religion, but approximately 74% of the population are Roman Catholics. A number of diverse evangelical cults are also represented, as are animist beliefs (particularly the Afro-Brazilian religion of candomble).
Electricity
Brasilia and Recife, 220 volts AC; Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, 127 volts AC or 220 volts in larger hotels. Plugs are of the two-pin type. Most hotels provide 110-volt and 220-volt outlets, transformers and adaptors.
Social Conventions
In informal situations, it is common to kiss women on both cheeks when meeting and taking one's leave. Handshaking is customary between men, and normal European courtesies are observed. Frequent offers of coffee and tea are customary. Flowers are acceptable as a gift on arrival or following a visit for a meal. A souvenir from the visitor's home country will be well-received as a gift of appreciation. Casual wear is normal, particularly during hot weather. For more formal occasions the mode of dress will be indicated on invitations. The Catholic Church is highly respected in the community, something which should be kept in mind by the visitor.
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Accommodation
Hotels
Accommodation varies according to region. First-class accommodation is largely restricted to the cities of the south and generally expensive. There are also a number of pousadas, small, privately run guesthouses that are less expensive than the major hotels.
Rio de Janeiro/Sao Paulo: Many modern hotels, ranging from the very expensive deluxe to the moderately priced. It is vital to book well in advance for Carnival (which takes place annually on the four days leading up to Ash Wednesday, usually in February).
Brasilia: Small number of good hotels. Most tourists visit Brasilia by air from Rio or Sao Paulo for a day trip, or make a single-night stopover.
Bahia (Salvador): Small number of good hotels, some moderately priced hotels, some small-scale guesthouses.
Amazon Basin: This region is being developed in part as a tourist attraction and has numerous lodges. Visitors are reminded that hotel tariffs are subject to alteration at any time and are liable to fluctuate according to changes in the exchange rate.
Note: The best guide to hotels in Brazil is the Portuguese-language Guia do Brasil Quatro Rodas, which includes maps, available from book shops and any news stand in Brazil.
Grading: The Brazilian Tourist Board has a star-rating system (from 1- to 5-star), but the classification is not widely used.
Camping/Caravanning
Camping is uncommon in Brazil, though some tour operators offer organised group trips in the Amazon and in the Pantanal regions. Since many parts of Brazil are wild, or semi-explored, it is wise to drive on main roads, to camp with organised groups under supervision and with official permits, or otherwise to stay in recognised hotels.
The Camping Clube do Brasil has around 48 sites in 14 states. Those with an 'international camper's card' pay only half the rate of a non-member. For those on a low budget, service stations can be used as campsites. These are equipped with shower facilities and can supply food.
Youth Hostels
There are over 80 youth hostels (albergues de juventude) scattered across the country.
Budget
Dormitorios, which have several beds to a room, cost from as little as US$5 per night, though standards are correspondingly basic (with shared bathroom facilities). A pousada (small guest house) costs from approximately US$10 per night. Rooms with bathrooms are called apartamentos, those without a bathroom are called quartos.
Unique Accommodation
There are a growing number of eco-hotels, located mostly in or near the Amazonian rainforest. Some provide visitors with luxury accommodation built on treetops and also arrange informative tours to the surrounding area; prices tend to be very high.
Accommodation Information
Associacao Brasileira da Industria de Hoteis (Brazilian Hotel Industry Association)
Avenida das Americas 3120 - building 1, sala 213, Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tel: (21) 3410 5131.
Website: www.abih.com.br
Camping Clube do Brasil (Camping Club of Brazil)
Divisao de Campings, Rua Senador Dantas 75, 29th floor, 20037 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tel: (21) 2532 0203.
Website: www.campingclube.com.br
Federacao Brasileira dos Albergues da Juventude (Brazilian Youth Hostel Federation)
Rua da Assembleia 10, sala 1617, Centro, 20119-900 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tel: (21) 2531 1085.
Website: www.hostel.org.br
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Communication
Telephone
Country code: 55. Rio's airport provides 24-hour telecommunication services. Public telephones accept telephone cards (cartoes telefonicos), which can be obtained from newspaper kiosks. International calls from Brazil are expensive.
Mobile Telephone
Mobile coverage is generally very good. Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies, but travellers should check with their service providers. An unlocked GSM tri- or quad-band cell phone works in Brazil, with SIM cards widely available. Minutes can be added via cartoes pre-pago (prepaid cards), available at newspaper kiosks.
Internet
Many hotels provide Internet access to guests. Internet cafes can be found in main towns and cities, and there are often Internet booths at airports. In smaller towns, public access is sometimes available at post offices.
Post
Services are generally reliable. Airmail service to Europe takes about one week. Surface mail takes at least four weeks.
Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1800, Sat 0800-1200.
Media
Brazil's constitution guarantees a free press. There are thousands of radio stations and hundreds of TV channels in Brazil, South America's largest media market. Media ownership is highly concentrated and home-grown conglomerates such as Globo, Brazil's most successful broadcaster, dominate the market, operating TV and radio networks, newspapers and pay-TV. Brazilian dramas and soaps are exported around the world. Novelas (soap operas) and reality TV are hugely popular.
Press
- The Brazil Post (website: www.brazilpost.com) is a global news service.
- Daily newspapers include O Globo, O Dia and O Correio da Manha.
- International magazines and newspapers are also available throughout the count.
TV
- Major commercial networks include Rede Globo, Sistema Brasileiro de Televisao (SBT) and TV Record.
- NBR is operated by state-run Radiobras.
- TV Cultura is a public network offering cultural programming.
Radio
- Radiobras operates Radio Nacional.
- Globo runs commercial station Radio Globo.
- Radio Cultura offers cultural programming.
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Entertainment
Food and Drink
Brazilian food caters for all tastes and standards are generally very high. European, North American and Asian foods are widely available in resorts and main cities. There are many traditional dishes and regional specialities, such as those developed by slaves in Bahia during the days when they had to cook scraps and anything that could be caught locally, together with coconut milk and palm oil.
Things to know: Some bars have waiters and table service. There are no licensing hours or restrictions on drinking.
National specialities:
- Feijoada (rich stew of black beans, chunks of pork, sausage, chops, pigs' ears and tails on white rice, chopped kale and orange slices).
- Moqueca (fish or seafood stew from Bahia made with palm oil and coconut milk).
- Vatapa (shrimps, fish oil, coconut milk, manioc paste and rice).
- Acaraje (mashed, deep-fried bean fritters often served with dried shrimps, okra, onions and peppers).
- Churrasco (mixed grilled meat served with manioc flour).
National drinks:
- Draught beer is called chopp and Brahma is the most popular brand.
- The local firewater is cachaca, a spirit derived from sugar cane popular with locals. It is often mixed with sugar, crushed ice and limes to make a caipirinha, a refreshing if intoxicating cocktail, and the Brazilian national drink.
- Southern Brazilian wine is of a high quality.
- Sucos (fruit juices) are freshly made at juice bars.
- Guarana is a popular fizzy drink made with energy-giving extract from an Amazonian plant.
Legal drinking age: 18.
Tipping: 10% is usual for most services not included on the bill.
Nightlife
The best entertainment occurs in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. In Rio, the major clubs do not present their main acts until after midnight - the daily paper gives current information; small clubs (boites) provide nightly entertainment throughout the city. Sao Paulo nightlife is more sophisticated, with greater choice. Both cities host top international DJs. Samba clubs featuring live music are popular, especially in Rio. Outside the main cities, most towns have late night bars and clubs.
Shopping
In Rio and Sao Paulo, major shops and markets stay open quite late in the evening. Rio and Salvador specialise in antiques and jewellery. Special purchases include gems (particularly emeralds) and jewellery (particularly silver). Fashions and permissible antiques, crystal and pottery are a speciality of Sao Paulo. Belem, the city of the Amazon valley, specialises in jungle items, but visitors should be careful not to purchase objects that have been plundered from the jungle, contributing to the general destruction. Travellers should also be aware there may be restrictions on import to their home country of goods made from skins of protected species.
Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1900. Supermarkets are open Mon-Sat 0800-2200. Major shopping centres also open on Sundays 1500-2200. All the above times are subject to local variations and many shops open until late in the evenings, especially in December.
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Getting There
Getting There by Air
Following Varig's bankruptcy, the main national airlines are TAM (JJ) (website: www.tam.com.br) and Gol (G3) (website: www.voegol.com.br).
Approximate Flight Times
From London to Sao Paulo and to Rio de Janeiro is approximately 11 hours. From New York to Sao Paulo and to Rio de Janeiro is about 10 hours.
Main Airports
Brasilia International (BSB) is 12km (7 miles) south of the city. To/from the airport: Buses run regularly to the city centre (journey time - 30 minutes). Taxis are also available (journey time - 15 minutes). Facilities: Left luggage, first aid, snack bar, post office, banks/bureaux de change, bar, restaurant, shops and car hire.
Rio de Janeiro (GIG) (Galeao) is 20km (13 miles) north of the city. To/from the airport: Public buses operate 0530-2330 to the city (journey time - 40 minutes). There is an airport shuttle bus which stops at all major resorts and hotels, running every hour. Taxis are also available. Facilities: Left luggage, banks/bureaux de change, duty-free shops, a pharmacy and a small 24-hour hospital, restaurant, snack bar, car parking, tourist information, post office and car hire companies.
Sao Paulo (GRU) (Guarulhos) is 25km (16 miles) northeast of the city. To/from the airport: An airport bus runs every 30 minutes (journey time - 30 minutes). Taxis are also available. Facilities: Left luggage, duty-free shops, banks/bureaux de change, pharmacies, restaurants, snack bar, post office and car hire.
Further information on Brazilian airports can be found on the following website: www.infraero.gov.br.
Air Passes
Mercosur Airpass: valid within Argentina, Brazil, Chile (except Easter Island), Paraguay and Uruguay. Participating airlines include Aerolineas Argentinas (AR), Aerolineas Del Sur (AS) and Pluna (PU). The pass can only be purchased by passengers who live outside South America and must be booked in conjunction with an international ticket. It is valid for a minimum of seven to a maximum of 45 days. At least two countries must be visited; dates can be changed but the flight route cannot. A maximum of three stopovers is allowed per country.
Oneworld Visit South America Pass: valid within Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile (except Easter Island), Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. Participating airlines are American Airlines (AA), British Airways (BA), Cathay Pacific (CX), Iberia (IB), Japan Airlines (JL), LAN (LA) and Qantas (QF). The pass must be bought outside South America in the country of residence. It allows unlimited travel to over 30 cities. A minimum of three flights must be booked, with a maximum of 20; prices depend on the amount of flight zones. For further details, contact one of the participating airlines.
Departure Tax
None.
Getting There by Water
The main port is Rio de Janeiro (website: www.portosrio.gov.br), which is used by many international cruise ships.
Other popular ports include Manaus, Fortaleza (website: www.docasdoceara.com.br), Recife (website: www.portodorecife.pe.gov.br), Salvador (website: www.codeba.com.br) and Vitoria (website: www.portodevitoria.com.br).
Passenger services are limited but Grimaldi Freighter (tel: +39 81 496 203, in Italy; website: www.grimaldi-freightercruises.com) does offer sailings from Europe. Most major international cruise lines sail to Brazilian ports.
Getting There by Rail
Rail travel is not a really a viable way of getting to or from Brazil, but there is the Trem da Morte (Train of Death) route between Santa Cruz in Bolivia and Corumba in Brazil, which is popular with backpackers travelling to the Pantanal. Contact Ferroviaria Oriental (website: www.ferroviariaoriental.com) for more information.
Getting There by Road
It is possible to drive or travel by bus to Brazil from all surrounding countries. Entry points include the border with Argentina at Foz de Iguacu, the border with Uruguay at Jaguarao and from Santa Elena de Uairen in Venezuela.
There are plenty of bus routes from surrounding countries, and it is possible to travel to Brazil from Montevideo (Uruguay), Buenos Aires (Argentina) and as far away as Santiago (Chile). International bus companies include Pluma (tel: (41) 3212 2689; website: www.pluma.com.br) and Crucero del Norte (tel: (11) 6221 0277; website: www.crucerodelnorte.com.ar).
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Sightseeing
- Take Rio de Janeiro's cog train (website: www.corcovado.com.br) to the top of Corcovado (Hunchback) mountain and enjoy one of the most beautiful views in the world from under the arms of the iconic Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue.
- Witness the spectacular sight of Iguacu Falls (website: www.fozdoiguacu.pr.gov.br) an awesome set of high waterfalls with 275 cataracts, including the impressive Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat). The area surrounding the falls is protected national park containing abundant wildlife.
- Explore the colourful city of Salvador da Bahia, with Pelourinho's colonial era buildings and winding cobblestone streets. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts a staggering number of churches. The Museu Afro-Brasileiro (website: www.ceao.ufba.br/mafro) gives a fascinating insight into Afro-Brazilian culture.
- See Oscar Niemeyer's futuristic vision in the capital Brasilia. Often overlooked by visitors, the city was designed by the renowned architect, and many of his creations, including the city's cathedral and the national congress, are now UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Visit Manaus, in the heart of the Amazon. Transformed by the 19th-century rubber boom, the city boasts some extraordinary colonial buildings including the famous Teatro Amazonas and the Centro Cultural de Palacio Rio Negro, containing extensive archives of naturalist Alexandre Ferreira.
- Wander the cobblestone streets of Paraty (website: www.paraty.com.br), a charming town that was once a major port for the export of gold. This wealth is reflected in the beautiful colonial buildings, such as Santa Rita Church, built by freed slaves.
- Photograph Brazil's natural beauty in the Pantanal (website: www.pantanal.com) in the southwest. This vast wilderness supports a number of different ecosystems, including the largest wetlands area in the Americas.
- Join the carnival atmosphere in the historical town of Olinda, a colourful, colonial town that was once the centre of Brazil's slave trade and is another of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Journey to the northern coastal city of Fortaleza, a popular resort and the starting point for a trip to Jericoacoara. Just four hours by car, this picturesque village sits between a dazzling white sand-dune desert and a balmy turquoise sea.
- Visit the ruins of 300-year-old Jesuit missions (website: www.rotamissoes.com.br) in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul. One of the most fascinating is Sao Miguel das Missoes, yet another UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Experience a little piece of Germany in Blumenau (website: www.blumenau.com.br) and Joinville (website: www.promotur.com.br) in Santa Catarina state, where many German immigrants settled in the 19th century. German architecture and culture lives on, as does Blumenau's hugely popular annual Oktoberfest.
- Head to the mountainous inland state of Minas Gerais (website: www.turismo.mg.gov.br) and witness some of Brazil's best preserved colonial architecture. Owing to the area's abundant gold and diamond mines, the state has become a gold and baroque art.
- Journey to the mouth of the Amazon at Belem, a thriving port city with an exquisite historical centre. The Goeldi Museum (website: www.museu-goeldi.br) boasts a breathtaking collection of tropical plants. The docks house the early morning Ver O Peso market.
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Things To Do
- Join the mayhem in one of the world's best parties at Rio de Janeiro's Carnival. While Rio's event is famed, Carnival is celebrated throughout Brazil. Salvador also holds a big city-wide carnival, as does Olinda, which throws the most traditional fest.
- Explore the Amazon, the world's largest rain forest. It contains one-third of all the living species on earth and is crossed by 10 of the world's 20 largest rivers, including the River Amazon. The usual base for trips is Manaus.
- Soar above the tropical landscape on a tandem hang-gliding flight from Pedra Bonita in Sao Conrado, just outside Rio. This popular adventure excursion gives a bird's-eye view of Rio and the Atlantic forest before landing on the beach.
- Stroll along the world-famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches in Rio de Janeiro, where sun-bronzed beauties share the sands with beach soccer and volleyball players.
- Go wildlife watching in the Pantanal, a spectacularly rich ecosystem that is home to jaguars, caiman, giant river otters, toucans and hundreds of other species.
- Explore the many islands and gorgeous beaches along Brazil's coastline, including the chic beach resort of Buzios, the bohemian Jericoacoara in Ceara state and the car-free Morro de Sao Paulo in Bahia.
- Learn to dance the samba. Have a local show you the moves at a celebration inside an escola de samba (samba school), which open their doors to visitors a couple of months before Rio de Janeiro's Carnival.
- Wander the historic streets of Salvador's lively Pelourinho District, a beautifully preserved colonial neighbourhood, set with baroque churches, colourful shops and vibrant restaurants and cafes.
- Ride the waves on Brazil's fantastic surf beaches. Surfing hotspots include Joaquina Beach on Santa Catarina island, Saquarema in Rio state, Itacare in Bahia, Pipa near Natal and Cacimba do Padre on Fernando de Noronha.
- Dive into the deep blue waters of coastal Brazil. Diving is popular in the protected marine park on the island of Fernando de Noronha. The coast off Angra dos Reis in Rio de Janeiro state is littered with 300 islands ripe for underwater exploration.
- Watch a game of football in Rio's Maracana Stadium, which was the largest stadium in the world when it was built. Football is a national obsession and matches are colourful and noisy affairs.
- Go rafting beneath the awe-inspiring Iguacu Waterfalls. Set amid rain forest in southern Brazil, these majestic falls are one of the great wonders of the Americas, with 275 individual falls encompassing an area more than 3km wide.
- Go hiking in Bahia's Diamantina National Park. This is one of Brazil's ecotourism hotspots and an adventure playground for trekking, caving, diving and rafting. The park is full of natural attractions including mountains, forests, caves, underground lakes and waterfalls.
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Transport
Getting Around by Air
There is a shuttle service between Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, a regular service from Sao Paulo to Brasilia and a shuttle service from Brasilia to Belo Horizonte. There are air services between all Brazilian cities, since Brazil has one of the largest internal air networks in the world. At weekends it is advisable to book seats as the services are much used. The monthly magazine Panrotas (website: www.panrotas.com.br) gives all timetables and fares for internal air travel. Gol (website: www.voegol.com.br) and TAM (website: www.tam.com.br) operate the largest number of domestic routes. Air taxis are available between all major centres.
Air Passes
TAM Brazil Airpass: available for internal flights with TAM. It can be purchased only outside of Brazil from any IATA international carrier. Four- or eight-flight passes can be purchased. Validity is for 21 days from first day of travel.
Getting Around by Water
Ferries serve most coastal ports. One company, Barcas S/A (tel: (21) 4004 3113; website: www.barcas-sa.com.br), operates ferries between Rio de Janeiro and Niteroi, and between Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande. River transport is the most efficient method of travel in the Amazon Delta. The ferry between Belem and Manaus is a popular route, served by a number of different companies.
Getting Around by Rail
Passenger rail connections in Brazil are few and far between and should not be relied on for getting around. There are plans to build a high-speed link between Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. A few scenic tourist lines still run, notably scenic Serra Verde Express (website: www.serraverdeexpress.com.br) operating from Curitiba to Morretes in Parana.
Getting Around by Road
Road conditions vary. Brazil has roads ranging from very good paved highways to pot-holed, dusty tracks. Federal highways crisscross the country between major cities and are denoted by the letters BR plus a number. Smaller roads take the initials of the state (eg RJ for Rio de Janeiro) plus a number. Traffic drives on the right.
Coach: Coaches are by far the easiest and most popular way of getting around Brazil. Services between major cities and tourist destinations are generally comfortable and efficient but distances are long. Main routes include Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro, Recife to Salvador and Florianopolis to Sao Paulo. There are many operators including Expresso Brasileiro (tel: (11) 5061 7566; website: www.expressobrasileiro.com) and Auto Viacao 1001 (tel: (11) 4004 5001; website: www.autoviacao1001.com.br).
Car hire: International companies operate from major airports and main city centres. Drivers are generally required to be at least 21 years old.
Regulations: The minimum driving age is 18. The speed limit is 110kph (70mph) on most national highways and 80kph (50mph) in cities. Passing on the right is forbidden. Seat belts must be worn by drivers and passengers.
Emergency breakdown service: Members of automobile clubs in some countries enjoy reciprocal benefits with the Car Club do Brasil (tel: (21) 2533 1129; website: www.carclubsite.com.br).
Documentation: International Driving Permit required.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
There are extensive bus services in all the main centres, often with air-conditioned express executive coaches running at premium fares. Rio and Sao Paulo both have two-line metros and local rail lines, and there are trolleybuses in Sao Paulo and a number of other cities. Trolleybuses are increasingly being introduced as an energy-saving measure. Fares are generally regulated with interchange possible between some bus and metro/rail lines, for instance, on the feeder bus linking the Rio metro with Copacabana.
Taxi: In most cities these are identified by red number plates. Fares are inexpensive, costing a little more for the 'special' taxis with air conditioning and better comfort. Willingness to accept a taxi driver's advice on where to go or where to stay should be tempered by the knowledge that places to which he takes a visitor are more than likely to give him a commission - and the highest commissions will usually come from the most expensive places. Taxis are metered and passengers should insist that the meter is turned on. Fares are slightly higher at night and on Sundays. Tipping taxi drivers is not normal practice.
Journey Times
The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Rio de Janeiro to other major cities/towns in Brazil.
| Air | Road |
| Sao Paulo | 1.00 | 7.30 |
| Brasilia | 1.40 | 17.00 |
| Salvador | 3.00 | 28.00 |
| Florianopolis | 2.00 | 18.00 |
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Weather
The climate varies from hot and dry in the arid interior to the humid tropical rainforests of the Amazon jungle. Coastal Brazil tends to be hot and sticky for most of the year but it can get cold in the south and in the mountains during the winter months. Rainy seasons occur from January to April in the north, April to July in the northeast and November to March in the Rio/Sao Paulo area.
Required Clothing
Lightweight natural fabrics; waterproofs for the rainy season. Warm clothing is needed in the south during winter (June to August). Specialist clothing is needed for the Amazon region. The sunlight is extremely bright and sunglasses are recommended.
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