BRAZIL TOUR GUIDE - THINGS TO SEE AND DO - SEE INSIDE FOR DETAILS ABOUT GETTING AROUND, SIGHTSEEING, SHOPPING, NIGHTLIFE AND MORE - GOBYSA
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BRAZIL TOUR GUIDE - THINGS TO SEE AND DO See inside for details about getting around, sightseeing, shopping, nightlife and more
Rio de Janeiro and Búzios
Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city of Brazil and the third largest metropolitan area in South America. The
city was the capital of Brazil for nearly 200 years. Rio de Janeiro is the most visited city in the southern
hemisphere and it lives up to its pet name as the Marvelous City with its white beaches, towering mountains and
scenic docks. In addition this bustling city is also known for its concerts, carnivals, football matches, music and
its well preserved lush tropical forests.
Búzios sits on a peninsula edged by 17 beaches. A simple fishing village until the early ’60s, when it was
‘discovered’ by Brigitte Bardot and her Brazilian boyfriend, it’s now one of Brazil’s most upscale and animated
seaside resorts, littered with boutiques, fine restaurants, villas, bars and posh pousadas. The Mediterranean
touch introduced by the Portuguese has not been lost – indeed, the narrow cobblestone streets and picturesque
waterfront contribute to Búzios’ image as Brazil’s St Tropez.
Landmarks in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro has some of the worlds most famous landmarks, located within the most incredible geographical
location.
There are a number of outdoor excursions that you can enjoy during your stay in Rio de Janeiro. These include
nature treks, sports on sun kissed beaches, cycling, city tours, hiking paths, mountain bike trails and key
landmarks such as Maracanã Football Stadium, Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Maracanã Football Stadium
Until recently the Maracanã Football Stadium was
the largest football stadium in the world.
Officially inaugurated during the 1950 World Cup, this
stadium can hold 100,000 fans. Owned by the Rio de
Janeiro State Government, major football clubs like
Flamengo, Fluminense, Botafogo and Vasco da
Gama play their matches here.
If you are lucky enough, it is possible to catch one of
your favourite players in action. Otherwise, pay a visit
to the sports museum with treasures in store.
Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor)
Standing atop Corcovado (which means
‘hunchback’), Cristo Redentor gazes out over Rio,
a placid expression on his well-crafted face.
The mountain rises straight up from the city to 710m,
and at night the brightly lit 38m-high open-armed
statue – all 1145 tons of him – is visible from nearly
every part of the city.
Rising a quarter mile into the air, Sugarloaf
Mountain offers birds-eye views of Guanabara Bay
and the city of Rio.
The ride to the top of is divided into two sections. The
first leg will take you to Urca Mountain, which is one
kilometre up and offers incredible aerial views of the
bay, Copacabana beach, and the Christ the
Redeemer statue.
The second cable car will take you to the top where
you have 360-degree views of the area surrounding
Rio.
Rio Beaches have their own rule, less is more! It’s called the ‘Brazilian bikini’. Everyone wears as little as
possible from Speedo’s to a small 2-piece swim suits however going topless is not looked upon well.
If you forget your sun cream, towel or water you can be rest assured they will be available from the vendors
located around the beaches. Most of the beaches are safe for swimming and offer basic amenities along with
restaurants, cafes.
Copacabana Beach. Rio will never be complete
without the mention of Copacabana Beach.
The stimulating 4.5 km of crescent coastline never
sleeps, as visitors play beach soccer or soak in the
sun or swing and dance until the wee hours of the
morning. At night the culturally richer neighbourhoods
of Rio, the borough is filled to the brim with bars,
restaurants and upscale hotels.
Tourists of all ages will have some or other activity to
do at the beach, be it soaking in the sun, snorkelling
or water sports.
Ipanema beach. The wealthier sibling of the famous
Copacabana beach, Ipanema is favoured by Rio’s
locals (las cariocas), Ipanema’s beauty lies in its
dusky stretch of sand dotted by greenery with cafes,
bars and restaurants weaving up the place. The
beach, tagged as the best urban beach in the world,
is also famous for its water sports opportunities.
All over the beach there are people sun bathing,
playing beach volleyball and swimming. Tourists and
locals come together to play games like beach
soccer, beach volleyball, foot volleyball, etc.
It is also an ideal place for people who are good at
surfing, body boarding, skim boarding.
Landmarks in Búzios
Rua das Pedras is the portrait of the resort town’s
glamour. Just over 600 metres long, the “catwalk” is
full of trendy bars, sophisticated restaurants,
designer shops, inns, cafes, art galleries, ice cream
parlours, nightclubs ..
The crowds are sparse during the day but when night
falls and the streetlights take over the street, the
buzz is everywhere.
After 1 a.m., the come-and-go of young people,
foreigners and couples is relentless – and for your
pleasure the shops are opened until dawn.
Orla Bardot, the eastward continuation of Rua das
Pedras, is a delightful winding oceanfront promenade
linking the two oldest and most picturesque sections
of town (Armação and Ossos).
As you walk along the beachfront, you'll notice
several wonderful statues by sculptor Christina
Motta, including representations of Brigitte Bardot
and former Brazilian president Juscelino
Kubitschek, plus some remarkably realistic-looking
fishermen hauling in their nets.
The beaches of Búzios are the main stars. There are 23 little pieces of heaven, each with its unique charm and
style. There are so many to choose from and each are favourite for different age groups, etc.
Some attract surfers year round, whilst there are others that are more suitable for those travelling with little ones.
The central waterfront has a scenery worthy of a fishermen’s village, peppered with colourful boats. On the other
side of town, great winds are a daily staple of Manguinhos and Rasa beaches, which are meeting points for
windsurfers and kite surfers.
Geribá beach is long, with waves, clear waters
and a wide strip of white sand is ideal for sports
such as surfing, body boarding, foot volley,
windsurfing and stand up paddle.
The focus is the Fishbone Café, on the right
corner, which features a bar, restaurant, pizzeria,
fish grill and lounge where electronic music is
played on holidays and during the summer,
especially in late afternoon.
Azeda beach has calm and clear waters and is
accessible by a cobblestone street and a wooden
staircase from the Ossos beach. A nice alternative is
to take a water-taxi from Ossos beach and take a
quick and pleasant ride on the way to or from Azeda.
On the right corner, a short and easy path near the
rocks leads to the Azedinha beach - so tiny that it can
be explored in about 40 steps.
Included among the most beautiful beaches in Brazil
- surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush vegetation -
Azeda and Azedinha became Environmental
Protection Areas .
Ferradura beach is a favourite of families with
children and fans of water sports.
Besides the tranquility, the beach offers a full
structure of kiosks on the left corner – in the menus,
the choices range from shrimp patties and fish
fingers to sea bass stew (moqueca) with coconut
milk and palm oil.
The fun is guaranteed by the banana-boat rides,
kayaking, boat rides, as well as by the sailing schools
that also rent equipment.
Things to do in Rio de Janeiro
If it's your first time in Rio, you can't pass up relaxing and people-watching along the shores of Copacabana or
Ipanema. But don't spend all of your time at the shore; the Marvelous City has more spectacular natural beauty to
offer with sites like Tijuca National Park and Sugar Loaf. Venture into charming neighbourhoods like Santa
Teresa and Vidigal to get a real taste of what it means to be a Cariocas (native Brazilians born in Rio de Janeiro).
Tijuca Rain Forest
The huge jungle that sprawls outwards from the heart
of Rio de Janeiro and into the surrounding areas is
known as the Tijuca rainforest and it makes up part
of the larger Atlantic rainforest that runs from the
south of Brazil to the north.
Its incredible biodiversity is reason alone to visit, yet
it keeps on giving with dozens of waterfalls,
viewpoints, hikes, peaks and monuments.
There are many excursion tours for tourists
throughout Rio de Janeiro that can offer tailor-made
plans to see the Tijuca rainforest.
Santa Teresa
If you want to experience something more in Rio
than just the hot beaches and football, then a visit to
Santa Teresa is just the thing for you.
Cycle the cobblestone streets, visit the Ruins Park
and the Chácara do Céu Museum and lastly behold
the legendary Selarón Staircase as you make your
way down the hill.
The Selarón steps are one of the most famous
tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro, a trip to Santa
Teresa would not be complete without taking a photo
on these iconic flights.
Enjoy the tram ride as it takes you around the Santa
Teresa neighbourhood to admire its architectural and
cultural beauty and to soak up the real Rio
ambience. The hilly setting will also present some
breath-taking view of the city.
Vidigal
Rio de Janeiro is one of the only places in Brazil
where tourists can safely visit a favela, and the
safest of them all is Vidigal.
Located between two of Rio’s wealthiest
neighbourhoods, Vidigal was once one of the most
dangerous favelas in Rio, notorious for its high levels
of violence and presence of powerful drug lords.
However, Brazil’s police force were ordered to crack-
down on criminality in Rio, and Vidigal was one of
the first favelas to be successfully pacified. Vidigal
flourished under its new pacified status and it
gradually became an attraction for tourists looking to
understand what a Brazilian favela was like.
Things to do in Búzios
Búzios is surrounded by beaches on nearly all sides. Not by chance, one of the most sought after tours is the
boat tour. This tour makes it is possible to get to know a good part of the beaches and then choose your
favourites and come back on the other days. Also at sea, you can do anything from diving, both snorkelling and
scuba, to sailing sports, taking advantage of the great winds in the area.
On land, activities range from the sophisticated, like getting to know Búzios’ golf course, to simple walks to the
natural lookouts, or by the waterfront and on Rua da Pedras. For ecotourism lovers, hikes and tours reveal
beautiful scenery.
Búzios Trolley Adventure City Tour Experience a ride on the trolley through the beautiful city of Búzios. Ride on a special vehicle that will take you on an adventure, in complete safety and is the best way to get to know Búzios. Take a beautiful tour through 12 beaches and 2 belvederes in an open vehicle, which provides an incredible view. Smell the sea, and the fresh air as you feel the breeze. Relax as you take in the the most beautiful and secluded places in Búzios. Schooner Boat Ride The boats departs from the harbour in the centre of town. The schooner, is equipped with all the comforts to enjoy the ride. You will visit lots of beaches including; Armação, Bones, Azedinha, João Fernandes, João Fernandinho, Branca, Ugly, Turtle, Virgens, Amores and do Canto, and the Caboclo, White and Ugly islands. In addition, you will stop at the beaches of Azeda, Azedinha, Ilha Feia and Tartaruga, spending approximately 20 minutes at each, so you can bathe and practise snorkel (the necessary equipment will be provided by the crew). During the boat ride you will be offered seasonal fruits, mineral water and soft drinks. Búzios Golf Club If golf is your game test your skills at the only golf course in Brazil designed by the legendary Pete Dye. Dye is famous for designing difficult courses and Búzios is no different. Because it is on a narrow peninsula, the fairways are subject to unrelenting winds, which not only make the balls change their direction in mid-flight, but also force the players to have second thoughts before picking a club from the bag. The course offers fairways that change from areas of dense vegetation to open hillside, with a number of lakes coming into play as holes slope dangerously towards the water. The signature hole, the 17th, an old Dye favourite, a par three played to an island green, sound familiar?
Eating out in Rio de Janeiro
Eating out in Rio is not a problem at all. Rio de Janeiro offers a huge variety of cuisines throughout the city. Some
local restaurants in Rio offer mouth-watering brazilian food.
There are expensive restaurants where the owners are dedicated to serve wonderful food, but if you are on a budget,
then there are many places to eat good food too. Many economical and good restaurants sell great food at great
prices.
There are many family restaurants, romantic restaurants, buffet restaurants, steak restaurants offer fine dining
options. Small cafes and restaurants lined up along the beaches and in the neighbourhoods where the menus are
sometimes limited, but the food the serve is amazing.
Here are a few suggestions:
Feira Nordestina
Veer off the tourist trail at this vast market dedicated
to all things northeastern Brazilian.
It serves lunch and dinner in enormous proportions.
The most typical food (and the ones worth trying)
include prawns or dried meat served with rice,
cassava and beans that takes diners straight to the
northeast. Don’t forget to use the melted butter!
For a lighter bite to eat, try the tapioca. It’s a
pancake made from cassava and is a tradition of the
north that has recently become more common in
Rio. It can be eaten savoury with cheese and meats,
or as a sweet with condensed milk, coconut and
fruit.
Braseiro
Gavea’s ever-popular churrascaria is all about
quality over quantity, serving simple yet satisfying
meaty classics.
Unpretentious and authentic, the space may be tiny,
but the portions are far from it. Order the picanha, a
cut that’s tricky to find outside Brazil, and sausages
drizzled with lime.
No matter if there’s a wait for the staff to squeeze
you in: sip a draft beer and soak up the lively carioca
atmosphere.
Fogo de Chão
Vegetarians, avert your eyes: this Brazilian
steakhouse chain is renowned for its all-you-can-eat
meat feasts.
Beef, chicken and other grilled meats are carved table
side, while a varied self-serve buffet of salads and
desserts waits in the wings.
Large and lively, it’s a great shout for families, as kids
under six eat for free (extending to 7-12-year-olds on
Friday-Saturday).
The scenic waterfront branch in Botafogo is a
particular favourite.
Estrelas da Babilonia
Don’t be deterred by the favela location; travellers
rave about the home cooked food, fresh juices and
caipirinhas at this charming pousada.
A warm welcome awaits from the Belgian-Colombian
owners, who will usher you to a terrace table – we
defy you not to gasp at the views over Copacabana
(or resist taking a hundred photos).
Order the legendary Latino platter, heaped with tasty
morsels like bolinhos de aipim (manioc fritters),
empanadas and skewers.
Eating out in Búzios
Búzios is also a paradise when it comes to dining, with a mixture of French, Italian, Japanese, Thai... In each, typical
flavours and delicacies fit for the most demanding and varied palates. The reason for such diversity is the large number
of foreigners who came to spend a few days in town, fell in love, and never left. From their birthplaces, they brought the
spices and secrets that enhance the seafood dishes – fish are the flagship of local cuisine, after all, Búzios emerged as
a fishing village and is surrounded by beaches on all sides.
Here are a few suggestions…
O Barco
Enjoy ocean views on the open-air terrace at this
charming and grounded eatery on the waterfront.
The menu features simple, homely dishes such as
breadcrumbed fish with rice and greens and large
pots of fish stews for two people or more. The prices
are reasonable and the menu offers plenty of meals-
for-one as well as options-to-share for couples.Primitivo
Has a privileged location on Rua das Pedras, the hub
of bars and restaurants in Buzios.
The Italian-inspired menu serves several types of
pasta, gnocchi and salad dishes, yet the true highlight
is the homemade, thin-crust pizzas with fresh toppings
– perfect for when you want to take a break from the
town’s abundance of seafood.
Sukão
If you’re looking for a casual bite to eat after a sunny
day on Azeda or Azedinha Beach, then Sukão offers
an ideal setting.
The freshly-squeezed fruit juice is sweet enough
without any need for additional sugar and the
sandwiches come with several filling options on a
choice of four different homemade breads.
There is also a huge range of typical Brazilian snacks
such as pão de queijo, coxinhas and large portions of
açai.
Bar do Zé
…which, in spite of its name, is an authentic Búzios’
style restaurant.
Dishes are served on colourful tablecloth covered
tables, while candles ensure not only light but also
coziness.
The kitchen serves risottos, such as the shrimp, brie,
asparagus, and truffle oil risotto; and fish – like the
grouper with mixed mushrooms -, as well as fresh
pasta and meats.
Shopping in Rio de Janeiro
Brightly-coloured, breezy and a little boho, no wonder carioca (anything that is born or made in Rio) brands have such a
global following; who wouldn’t want to bring a slice of Rio’s sand-in-the-toes, beach style home?
A rainbow array of Havaiana flip-flops and glam swimwear are easy to cram in your suitcase, while those with deep
pockets and an eye for design could get carried away at the city’s treasures troves of iconic Brazilian furniture.
Don’t miss the artisanal boutiques around the cobbled streets of Santa Teresa, or the sensory experience of a local
craft market—both quintessential things to do in Rio—such as Ipanema’s Feira Hippie or antiques-focused Feira do
Rio Anigo in Lapa.Tucum This artisanal bolthole in Santa Teresa sells all sorts of handicrafts, from woven baskets and hammocks to gemstones and pottery. Why go? If you’re after unique, handmade souvenirs rather than mass-produced tourist that, Tucum is the answer. It gives crafts people in Brazil’s remote forest communities a conduit to urban shoppers. Favourite pieces include organic jewellry made from Amazonian seeds and sunglasses carved from indigenous wood Toca do Vinícius This is a record store in Ipanema that deals entirely in bossa nova – Brazil’s ‘new wave’ music style that took off during the 1950s. Why not take the soundtrack of your trip home with you, in the form of a collectible vinyl from bossa nova legends such as João Gilberto or Antônio Carlos Jobim. As well as records, the shop offers musical memorabilia and books. Time it right and there may even be a local musician performing live in-store. Shopping Village Mall Don’t let the quaint name fool you: Village Mall’s residents are Burberry, Gucci, Armani et al. Rio has no shortage of shopping centres, but this one is the last word in luxury. A gorgeous bookshop, cinema and gourmet food hall make Shopping Village into an all-round leisure destination, and you may well spot a Brazilian celeb browsing in Hugo Boss. For the ‘drop’ after the ‘shop’ head to the mall’s terrace for breathtaking views across Barra.
Hippie Fair Ipanema The Feira de Arte de Ipanema (more commonly known as the Hippie Fair) is the most well-known and popular street market in the south zone of the city. Stalls of various goods are set up every Sunday around the perimeter of Praça General Osório (General Osório Square), while the centre of the square is reserved for artists selling much larger canvases and artworks. For unique souvenirs, there is no better place in Rio to go. Whilst not a key feature at the fair, the clothes there are quirky, fun and fashionable. There are various types of more alternative clothing, such as floaty dresses and gypsy-style tees, as well as contemporary t-shirts and tops that make unique pieces for a casual day time look or dressed-up for going out. Some stalls make leather items such as little shoulder bags and strappy sandals, which certainly have an edgy over regular flip-flops. There are also plenty of traditional Brazilian-style bikinis to take home as a memoir or use on the beach, or try a handmade crochet bikini – the tops are versatile and can be worn both on and off the beach. Bargaining is accepted at the fair, especially when buying multiple items, yet it is better to keep haggling within reasonable margins. Many of the stalls accept credit and debit cards, but always bring some cash with you for smaller priced items or for the few stalls that may not be card-friendly yet. The fair is right in between the subway and the beach, so makes an ideal stop-off point to browse in after the beach. It opens around 10am on a Sunday and closes in the early evening, usually around 5pm or 6pm. The nearest subway is Metro General Osório. When you’re in the subway, look for the exit ‘Praça General Osório’ and the Hippie Fair is right in front. At each corner of the park are food stalls, with many selling typical Bahian food. One of the most authentic Bahian food is the Acaraje, a croquette made from a mix of black-eyed peas, manioc paste, coconut and prawns. With fresh ingredients and made to order, it is a delicious taste of Bahia. There are also dozens of different desserts to try – just take the plunge and order any one off the menu for an indulgent treat.
Shopping in Búzios
When traveling to this beautiful destination, don't forget to take home a wonderful souvenir that you can buy in
the excellent shops of Búzios.
Because it is a small city, there aren't many shopping centres but there are several complexes of boutiques,
designed especially to create a sense of tranquility and comfortable exclusivity that everybody looks for when on
a shopping spree.
Don't forget to wear your most comfortable shoes!
Shopping N1
Cozy outdoor mall with a variety of shops, plus
restaurants & bars with terraces & a laid-back vibe.
With 40 stores spread over an area of 5,000 metres in
the middle of Rua das Pedras, Shopping N1 is the
meeting point for people of good taste.
Amongst the shops here are boutiques selling both surf
and swimwear and smart, casual clothing, as well as
jewellery and art.
A fleet of fine vintage cars is displayed in front, at the
end of the famous Rua das Pedras.
Along Rua das Pedras – and also in Orla Bardot ,
there is a surprising variety of shops and buying
something is inevitable.
To make a splash at night or at the beach, let yourself
be hypnotised by the windows of the designer shops,
which will entice you with outfits and accessories that
carry the charm of Búzios.
Household items are also popular. Pieces produced in
the region and in other corners of Brazil and the world
stand out in the décor shops.
Bars in Rio de Janeiro
Copacabana may be the best known neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro. ‘Copa’, in Rio’s South Zone, is home to
one of the most famous beaches in the world, four kilometres in length. While laden with many luxury apartments
and hotels, it has also seen a rise in more informal gathering places and botecos (Brazilian pubs), where
travellers and Cariocas alike can enjoy some live music, dancing, and many tasty petiscos.
Here are some suggestions…Boteco Cevada, Praça serzedelo Correia, 27 –
Copacabana.
Escape the hot Rio sun and sit in the outdoor shade of
this Copacabana boteco. Boteco Cevada is the
quintessential neighbourhood joint, offering casual fare
and small plates to pair with cool draught beer, called
chope.
Open until late, try the empanadas and pastels, or the
pizza to share on your way home from a night out.
Praia Skol, Av. Atlântica, 2740 - Copacabana,
For the best beachside kiosk bar in Copacabana, go to
Praia Skol 360°. This bar is in fact two bars in one, being
connected by a middle table and a large roof.
With local bands playing on Saturday nights until late,
Praia Skol 360° is the perfect place to bring in the night
and grab a bite to eat with friends while visiting
Copacabana.
Find cheaper beer prices at this kiosk, being the
namesake of the popular Skol beer brand.
Bip Bip, Loja D R. Alm. Gonçalves, 50 – Copacabana
It may not be the biggest bar, with standing room to fit just
ten comfortably, and it may not make the best cocktails,
with one large refrigerator where customers help
themselves to beer, but it has some of the best music in
all of Copacobana.
With pictures of samba legends adorning the walls, It is a
favourite of Rio’s musicians for impromptu jam sessions.
The owner, Alfredo, is notorious for yelling at patrons who
talk during the music, so to avoid a very public scorning,
refrain until the songs come to an end.
Bars in Búzios
If you're looking for a night out, Rua das Pedras is the place to crawl. This street has pubs, bars, discos, and
restaurants open on weekends until 5am.
But if simply sitting, sipping a drink and checking out the action is what you want, you need to head to the
waterfront. If you prefer your entertainment live, there's several bars which features a nightly selection of jazz,
blues, and MPB and even a salsa night.
Basically, whatever type of bar you are looking for you will find it in Buzios
Here are a few suggestions…Annex Bar Buzios Has a privileged location, facing the sea of Praia da Armação, so is the ideal place to enjoy, with your partner or group, the relaxed atmosphere of this charming seaside resort. There are three parts to this bar/lounge, all with a sea view: The VIP lounge with its white, rustic and comfortable sofas. The lounge bar, with the traditional counter and deck. Finally, the Dance lounge, an air- conditioned indoor area. Inside, the sound is more contagious, making people "rock" a little more. Espaço Byblos This bar is great. In front of Bardot Bay, jazz songs playing, great mojitos and off course capi vodkas made with fresh limes. Also, try the pasteis as they are awesome. One issue: no English menu but you can ask for the free wifi and google translate. The staff and the owner are great. Barba Azul Very relaxing and highly recommended, this quiet place overlooking the boats/little islands. It is located 150m from the famous statue of actress Brigitte Bardot. The beer is always very cold and the drinks are wonderful. In addition the restaurant has a very nice ambiance with a beautiful view of the sea.. Here you can enjoy good meats, pasta and burgers. In addition to the delicious entrees and desserts. A complete experience.
Safety in Rio de Janeiro In this beautiful city, it is necessary to take precautions whilst walking in crowded areas, as due to the poverty in the surrounding areas of the city, the crime rate is quite high. It is always good to keep valuable items, passport and additional cash in the hotel safe. Here are a few security tips for you to follow to ensure your visit to Rio is safe: • Avoid travelling alone and if possible take local friends along with you while roaming on the streets, especially at night. • It is advisable to avoid unnecessary exposure of valuable and expensive items in crowded areas. Do not carry valuable items like cameras, branded watches, credit cards and try to dress like a local Brazilian. • At night it is not wise to travel in public transportation, a safer option is to call a taxi, and areas like subway stations should be avoided. • Do not leave any luggage unattended in a crowded area and/or famous tourist areas. • For security reasons, it is good to take out money from ATM machines that are inside buildings, banks or shopping centres. • Try to keep a distance and be aware of gang warfare, favelas, pickpockets and bag snatchers. It is always safer to visit city centres and famous tourist attractions in the daytime and dangerous areas should be avoided at night. Safety in Búzios You will definitely feel safe when you are in Buzios. ... As most people know, Brazil can be a place that will be unfriendly to unsuspecting tourists who wander away from the touristy locations, but Buzios is a small town that is taken care of by its inhabitants. Know before you go The electricity voltage in both Rio de Janeiro and Buzios is 110. It is easy to find portable voltage transformers in local electrical shops. Emergency telephone numbers in Rio: Civil Police - 197, Fire department - 193, Ambulance service - 192 Emergency telephone numbers in Buzios: Civil Police - 127, Fire department - 193, Ambulance service - 192 How can I make a phone call to, or from, Brazil? The international code for Brazil is + 55. • All cities have two-digit codes and landlines have eight digits in the whole country. Rio de Janeiro city code is 21, Buzios is 22. For long distance calls in the country: 0 + operator code + city code + destination phone number. For collect calls, simply change the 0 to 90 at the start of the call. For international calls from Brazil: 00 + operator code + country code + city code + destination phone number. Use of mobile phone: The use of a foreign phone in Brazil depends on the technology used and the compatibility with Brazilian operators. Check with your carrier for cell phone usage conditions in Brazil, because the service rates may differ. Is smoking prohibited? Brazil has some of the strictest smoking laws in the Americas. Smoking in Brazil is forbidden in all enclosed public spaces except for specifically designated smoking areas. Since 15 December 2011, Federal Law 12546 (article 49) forbids smoking in enclosed spaces in the entire country, including restaurants and bars. In Brazil, the legal age for sale and consumption of tobacco is 18. Tobacco advertising is restricted to posters in shops and is banned on television and radio. All cigarette packs contain advertisements against smoking and government warnings about possible adverse health effects of smoking.
Tipping Generally, Tipping is not compulsory and also not expected from the local people. Service charges (around 10 %) are added to hotel or restaurant bills at the end. Additional tips can be given just to appreciate good service or to round up the bill to a whole number. Also, it is not obligatory to give tips to the taxi drivers. However, taxi drivers round up the fare as a tip for their services. Special or radio taxis do not use typical taximeters and always charge more than the original amount. Health Care Public health services in Brazil are free for foreign tourists. So, if you are in an accident or present any health problems, just call the Mobile Emergency Service (Samu) dialing 192 on the phone. The call is free. Basic care Brazil is a country with tropical climate, so it is recommended that you drink liquids constantly in order to prevent dehydration. • Wear comfortable clothes and protect yourself from the sun with a hat (or cap), sunglasses and sunscreen. Avoid direct sun exposure between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. • Always bring repellent against insects, to use whenever necessary. • Wash your hands with soap and water several times a day, especially after using public transportation and visiting attractions with a great movement of people. • Avoid consuming foods that have been poorly prepared or packaged. Vaccines To enter Brazil, it is not mandatory to vaccinate against any type of illness. However before you leave home, make sure you are up-to-date on your routine vaccinations such as the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine and TDaP (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) as some of these diseases can be found in developing nations. Yellow Fever– This mosquito-borne disease is prevalent in many parts of Brazil including Minas Gerais, just north of Rio de Janeiro. The WHO recommends travellers to affected regions receive a yellow fever vaccine. Typhoid– The vaccine is recommended for most visitors to Brazil. As a food borne disease, typhoid is prevalent in many developing countries like Brazil. Take proper precautions to avoid contaminated food. ‘Adventurous eating’ could lead to typhoid infection, especially if you have not been vaccinated. Hepatitis A– This is another food borne disease. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travellers to Brazil. Hepatitis B– Most travellers should consider this vaccine. It is recommended for those who may be exposed to bodily fluids while in Brazil. This includes sexual contact, getting tattoos or even getting a medical procedure. Other than cash how else can I pay? With credit cards: Payment using recognised international credit cards is also commonly available in shops. They usually have signs indicating this option at the entrance to the establishment. When you make a payment you should show your passport or ID card. With traveller's cheques: Traveller's cheques, accompanied by a passport, are also accepted in many hotels, restaurants and shops. Where can you change foreign currency? You can change currencies in bureaux de change and some banks. This service is also available in many hotels and travel agencies. How can you go online and check your emails? Most hotels provide wi-fi access. It’s usually free. You’ll also find free wi-fi in most cafes and in many restaurants, as well as in some shopping malls. Given the widespread availability of wi-fi and the popularity of smartphones, internet cafes are a vanishing breed, though there are still a few scattered around Copacabana and other areas of the Zona Sul. The remaining places charge between R$6 and R$12 an hour. Remember that WiFi connections have a maximum speed limit, so they're mainly useful for finding specific information. You can also connect to the Internet via your mobile device. Remember to check your usual mobile phone operator's conditions and rates before you travel. How can I send a letter or a postcard? Postal services are decent in Brazil, and most mail gets through. Airmail letters to Europe usually arrive in a week or two. There are yellow mailboxes on the street, but it’s safer to go to a correios (post office). Most post offices are open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and until noon on Saturday.
Public holidays in Brazil 2021
01 Jan Fri New Year's Day 01 May Sat Labour Day
15-16 Feb Mon/Tue Carnival 03 Jun Thu Corpus Christi
16 Feb Tue Shrove Tuesday
07 Sep Tue Independence Day
02 Apr Fri Good Friday 12 Oct Tue Our Lady of Aparecida’s Day
04 Apr Sun Easter Sunday
21 Apr Wed Tiradentes Day 02 Nov Tue All Souls Day
15 Nov Mon Republic Day
Getting There
Galeão International Airport is the main International airport serving Rio. Only BA from London-Heathrow flies
there directly.
There are, however, several airlines that fly there with just one stop. For example;
Lufthansa fly from London Heathrow with a stop over in Frankfurt, KLM fly from London-Heathrow with a stop
over in Amsterdam and Air France fly from London-Heathrow with a stop over in Paris.
From Manchester Air France fly there with a stop over in Paris, Lufthansa fly there with a stop over in Frankfurt
and BA fly there with a stop over at London-Heathrow.
We work with a company called AVIATE GROUPS which is a division of Aviate Travel committed to providing the
best group flight booking service in the industry for both trade and consumers.
Booking group flights offers many benefits, but can be a confusing and stressful process. They take the stress out
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experience of the market and relationships with our airline partners to find you the best itinerary at the best group
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