Two repeat AWR travelers just returned from an incredible journey to Thailand. Read on to hear about
Hiking in the northern jungles
Foodie experiences in Chang Mai
Bathing elephants
Wwimming in emerald falls
Making friends with the locals
Our trip to Thailand with AWR was our most exciting travel yet! We loved playing cards half the night with the kids in the Palong village. They were so welcoming and adorable. We spent about six hours hiking through the jungle of Northern Thailand, and, though it was hot, the views were spectacular. It was so amazing to walk among so many mango and banana trees.
Chang Mai was a lot of fun with great food. Ukrit was a wonderful guide. He showed us some great shopping, and shared so much Thai culture with us. We truly appreciated how personable he is.
We also loved spending half a day with the retired elephants at the Thai Elephant Care Center. Each elephant had unique personalities that made the feeding and bathing lots of hands-on fun. We learned so much and truly treasure our experience there.
Oh, and we were so happy to have had a chance to see Erawan Falls. All seven falls are that perfect shade of blue/green that you can never forget. And, you won’t forget the fish nibbles either!
AWR took the stress out of planning our trip to Thailand. They paid close attention to detail so that every transition of our travel went remarkably smooth. This was our second trip with AWR (our first was to the Amazon rainforest in Peru) and we will surely book a future adventure with them.
Thank you! It is a pleasure to work with all of you at AWR.
The Camino trail is relatively easy to follow — the route is very well sign-posted, so you just follow the yellow arrows and shell signs along the way. However, after you book your Camino de Santiago Trek we can also provide you with the GPS coordinates, which you can download to your smartphone. We have files for the Camino French Way and the Camino Portuguese Coastal Route.
This is a great tool in case you find yourself off the track, mislaid your walking notes, or missed a Camino marker along the way. It is also fun to follow along!
There are many tools that you can use to import and view the GPS waypoints. This will show you how to use it with a phone app called “Ride with GPS.” This is a bicycling app, but can be used for hiking. This tool can be used to download to iPhone, Android, Garmin Edge, Wahoo, and other tools.
STEP #1 – Download the GPX file
We will send you the .gpx file for your route — either via email or DropBox. Download this file to your computer. Contact us for the file.
STEP #2 – Create account with Ride with GPS
Go to the Ride with GPS website, and create a free account.
STEP #3 – Download Ride with GPS app onto your phone
Download from the app store to your phone. Log in using your account information.
This is a free app, but if you want to view maps offline, you will need to upgrade to a paid plan. There are 5 different subscription offers available, the cheapest being the 1 week Basic Pass for $3.99 or the monthly basic subscription for $5.99. After your Camino, you can unsubscribe to the service on your device if you do not wish to continue to use.
STEP #4 – Upload GPX file
On the Ride with GPS website, click on the option on the left side for “Upload”.
Under “Upload files”, click on “Select files”.
Select the GPX file that you downloaded to your computer.
Once uploaded, select “View route”.
On the left side, select “Send to Device”.
Select your device, then Next.
If you have the Ride with GPS app installed on your phone, select “Yes”.
Click Next and then “Return to Route”. This will show you the full route on a map and the elevation profile. Feel free to browse around!
STEP #5 – View Route on Phone
Over on your phone, you should get a notification that the route was received. Click on the notification, which will open the app. It will ask if you want to Download Route to view and navigate offline. If you paid for the upgrade, click Download.
You will be able to view the route on your phone whenever you have an internet connection. You will be able to see your location in relation to your Camino route, zoom in and out for a more detailed view, and change between different map types.
You should have access to Wi-Fi each night at your hotel during the trip, so we recommend looking at the route for the following day. If you wish to access the maps offline the next day, go through your entire route each night on your device at different zoom levels. This will store your route in the device cache and can be accessed easily the next day offline free of charge.
STEP #6 – Practice and Upgrade before your trip
Familiarize yourself with the workings of the App before you leave, so that in the unlikely situation that you do feel lost, your location is only a few finger movements away.
If you wish to download and access the maps and route at any time (without an internet connection), we recommend that you upgrade your account to access this useful feature.
Over the past two weeks, our South America program director, Gretchen, has been exploring the Ancash region of Peru. Read on to hear about wild treks, hidden glacial lakes, towering peaks and cozy mountain huts all found in the Cordillera Blanca!
DAY 1: 4×4’s in Sand Dunes, Caral Archeological Site, Huaraz
This morning we begin before sunrise at 4:30AM and take off in 4x4s to sand dunes outside of Lima. We arrive at “El Tubo” where the desert turns into a staggeringly steep funnel. Without second thought, our expert drivers whip us through these epic walls of sand to safety on the other side.
From here, we continue on to the 5000 years old (3000 BC), Caral Archeological site. Here we have a tour of the major pyramids lead by the head archeologist of the region.
From the desert, we head back towards the coast and pass endless passion fruit, pomegranate and watermelon plantations on the way. We finally arrive in Barracas, a small village on the sea, where we are served fresh seafood and several other local dishes.
Once we are are all full and sleepy, we board our bus to the mountain town of Huaraz. We overnight at the quaint Swiss-Peruvian hotel, Hotel Andino, which will become home base for the rest of my time in the Cordillera Blanca.
DAY 2: Acclimatization Hike by Wilcacocha Lake
Today we drive to Wilcacocha Lake (12,139 ft), have luxury picnic, and hike downhill for acclimatization. We return to the hotel for lunch and then have the rest of the afternoon free. A few of us decide to walk around town.
Huaraz is like a maze with lots of small hidden plazas with intimate, cozy bars and cafes. This evening we attend an excellent presentation on the Ancash region, Santa Cruz Trek and Huayhuash Trek and see where we will be exploring over the next days. The day ends with all of us having dinner in town.
DAY 3: Full Day Hike to the base of Huantsan Peak
Full day hike to Laguna Rajucolta at the base of the incredibly stunning and glaciated Huantsan Peak. The valley looks like Switzerland, lined with massive granite walls and dotted with happy cows munching on tall, wild grass. On the way back, we are surprised with a picnic lunch. At night we eat at a small restaurant off the main plaza in town.
DAY 4: Hike to Refugio Peru
This morning we wake up early and drive 2.5 hours to Cebollapampa. On the way, we pass through an epic canyon of granite walls and the two electric turquoise lakes of Llanganuco. Local lore says the lakes are the tears of the male and female mountains on either side who were forbidden to be together. Upon arrival at Cebollapampa, we are treated to a beautiful picnic breakfast.
We then set out up into the mountains on the Pisco Mountain climbers’ trail towards Refugio Peru. The trek is sunny and all around us are staggering, glaciated peaks many of them jutting up over 6000 meters.
We arrive at the Refugio and are stunned. It’s a picturesque oasis at the base of Pisco Mountain and several other massive mountains- we feel like kings when we discover that we have the whole place to ourselves! We enjoy lunch in the cozy dining area and then scamper further up the morraine to get an even better view of Pisco.
In the evening we are treated to 360 degrees of mountainous splendor lit up by the magical alpine glow. We watch in awe as the sky turns from orange to peach to pink to finally an opaque grey. Then the real show begins as Venus rises and the Milky Way marches across the sky. Back inside, we enjoy hot showers and have a delicious dinner before curling up into our cozy bunks for the night.
DAY 5: Lakes Hike to Condor Pass, back to Huaraz
This morning we are saluted by the ring of peaks that protect this otherworldly mountain paradise. We pass through Pisco’s moraine, where half frozen steely green lakes reflect the massive Huascaran mountain peaks, and finally reach Condor Pass at 5000m.
From there we descend towards Laguna 69, a lake the brightest color blue any of us has ever seen. Above the lake towers yet another 6000m peak and a skinny and powerful waterfall cascades down into the electric blue water below. Four other incredible blue, green and turquoise lakes sit above the laguna as well. We are in total awe.
After dipping our feet in the refreshing pool, we continue our descent back down to Cebollapampa for an exquisite picnic lunch waiting for us. Finally we drive the 2.5 hours back to Huaraz where we get ready to return to Lima after our final dinner in the Cordillera Blanca. Later at night, our bus meets us at our hotel and we drive back to Lima.
DAY 6: Cooking Class, Bike Tour, Larco Museum
We arrive very early in the morning in Lima and immediately check into our hotel, Hotel Atton, in San Isidro and sleep in until lunch time.
When we wake up we head to the Sky Kitchens where we are taught in a colorful, inviting environment about local dishes. Here we learn how to make the famous pisco sour, ceviche (fish and mushroom for the vegetarians), Lomo Saltado (beef and veggie for the vegetarians), and picarones (fried anise doughnuts) with a molasses sauce for dessert.
After lunch, we split in two groups to do a walking or bike tour of Lima’s most iconic areas. I am on the bike tour. We start on the Malecón overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the upscale Miraflores neighborhood and follow it to the bohemian neighborhood of Barranco. We end the tour back in Miraflores where we board our bus to quickly head back to the hotel, change our clothes and continue on to the gorgeous Larco Museum.
At the Larco Museum, we have a private tour that covers the common symbology and beliefs reflected in the art of various Peruvian cultures. Finally we settle down for dinner in the museum’s restaurant- located along side a verdant patio lit by soft candle lanterns and lined with bushes bursting with red and pink flowers in full bloom.
DAY 7: Free Day in Lima with Music/Dancing/Dinner Performance
Today we have a free day in Lima. In the evening, we head to the Barranco neighborhood where we have a lively cocktail hour at Amoramar with live music and local dancers performing, followed by an incredible dinner. The night ends at the infamous Ayahausca Bar, celebrated for its creative pisco drinks.
DAY 8: Transfer to Huaraz
Today our group departs and I board a bus back to Huaraz. I arrive late in the evening and overnight back at Hotel Andino.
DAY 9: Free Day in Huaraz
This morning I meet with my mountain guide, Agripino, about the coming days in the high mountains. I spend the afternoon exploring town, going for a run and packing for the next days. I eat dinner in town at a local brewery and then head back for an early night at Hotel Andino.
DAY 10: Acclimatization Hike to Lake Chulup
After a quick breakfast, I am met by my guide and we drive up to the Lake Chulup trail head. After a steep 3 mile hike we arrive at the secluded glacial lake. Here, we enjoy a snack while taking in the views and then continue up to a vista point before heading back down. I have a leisurely afternoon in Huaraz and then enjoy a healthy dinner at the Hotel Andino.
DAY 11: Hike to Refugio Peru
We depart the hotel at 6AM today and return to Cebollapampa where we hike up again to Refugio Peru. However, this time, we camp in the grassy valley.
Day 12: SUMMIT DAY!
Today we have a 1AM start and work our way up through the Pisco morraine, to the toe of the glacier. Here, we don our crampons and suit up to make our go at the summit. We pass through crevasse fields that could swallow semi-trucks, brush through passing clouds and finally reach our objective at dawn (5752m/18871 ft). With the sun splashing the surrounding 6000m peaks and seemingly minuscule turquoise lakes below, our breaths are taken away. We take in one last look at the glory of the Cordillera Blanca and return to camp by 10:45am. We remain here for the rest of the day and camp under an epic blanket of stars once again.
DAY 13: Hike to Yanapaccha
At 7AM we start our hike down to Cebollapampa from Refugio Peru and then continue up the path towards Laguna 69. Half way to the laguna, we cut off of the path and head up towards Yanapaccha base camp. Hidden in a rocky basin adjacent to the glacier, we set up our tents at Yanapaccha base camp.
DAY 14: Hike to Llanganuco Lagunas, back to Huaraz
Unfortunately, overnight the clouds roll in and snow starts to fall. A couple near by avalanches signal to us that Yanapaccha Peak will have to wait for another day. We sleep in until 7AM and then traverse to the Llanganuco Lagunas vista point and then on to a high mountain road where our car meets us at 9AM to head back to Huaraz.
Arriving at Hotel Andino, I have time to shower and rest before meeting my guide for a final dinner in Huaraz at Creperie Patrick, a wonderful French-Peruvian bistro in the heart of the city center (I highly recommend the house drink specialty: Coca Sour!). This evening I have to say good-bye to the Cordillera Blanca and board my bus back to Lima for my flight home.
Want to book your next adventure to the Cordillera Blanca? Contact us!
Also check out these itineraries for more inspiration:
Here are some of our top picks for accommodations in Uganda.
Phenicia Hotel (Entebbe)
The staff is eager to please, which was a nice introduction to Ugandan hospitality, however the standard room came with many little problems. The plus side is the room was affordable (very budget), the property was quiet, and the airport transfer was handled without a hitch. If you are going to stay here, be sure to inquire about the executive rooms, which look newer, cost only about $15 more per night, and will probably have more reliable fixtures, etc. Most travelers will be much better served staying at The Boma, which like Phenicia, is only about 10 minutes away from the airport, a huge relief after hours and hours of airports and flying.
Kampala Serena Hotel (Kampala)
This is the nicest hotel in the Kampala/Entebbe downtown area. The Kampala Serena Hotel is urban, central, and 5-star, with a range of rooms from standard to presidential suites. The deluxe room are excellent. While the comparable priced executive rooms are newer, the deluxe rooms had a better vibe and atmosphere. Overall the hotel presents a luxury oasis in the middle of the city. Plan about a 1.5 hour transfer however from the airport. Demanding travelers will probably want to consider a stay at one or the other Serena properties.
Lake Victoria Serena Hotel (Kampala)
This sister hotel, meanwhile, is about 1 hour away from the airport and is situated on the shores of Lake Victoria. There are no elevators, and the property is home to a significant golf course and private real estate development. Depending on your tastes, that could dampen the overall experience. It is certainly not a quaint boutique hotel. But it has all the amenities, offers views of the lake (including optional boat excursions for fishing, etc. if time were to allow), is in the countryside versus the city, and provides usual high Serena standards of service.
Views of Lake Victoria from Cassia Lodge, Entebbe
Budongo Eco Lodge (Murchison National Park)
While it was an attractive location surrounded by jungle, and the staff tries hard to please, this budget lodge features rooms that are very basic (poor lighting, etc.) and more open to uninvited insects than most discerning travelers would prefer.
Paraa Safari Lodge (Murchison National Park)
Enjoying an outstanding location on the north bank, the lodge affords sweeping views over the park. The lodge is your classic 3+/4-star African lodge with average rooms however the staff was very pleasant, with the public facilities quite nice and well-maintained. It’s also very close to the ferry landing, about5-10 minutes away.
Baker’s Lodge (Murchison National Park)
This is a luxury permanent tented camp, arriving in time for lunch. Bakers tented units are exquisite and the lodge enjoys a privileged location right on the Nile’s banks. The lodge provides fantastic food and the swimming pool provides a welcome retreat from the heat.
Kyaninga Lodge (Fort Portal)
This is an intriguing high-end choice for active adventure travelers. The lodge overlooks a beautiful crater lake, in which you can swim, kayak, or hike around. We ate lunch here, enjoying more of the expansive views of nearby mountains and pretty, rural countryside. All these views can be enjoyed in the roomy private chalets of the lodge.
Luxury cottage interior – Primate Lodge
Primate Lodge (Kibale Forest National Park)
Kibale’s principal edge is the location, just 3-minute walk to the starting point for Chimpanzee tracking excursion as well as the incredible Chimpanzee Habituation. Accommodation options include luxury forest cottages, the mid-level Forest Cottages or for the more adventurous guest the Sky Tree house.
Ndali Lodge (Fort Portal)
This is probably the premier property to enjoy in the general Fort Portal zone. Gorgeous views, fantastic coffee and grounds, and much more.
Simba Safari Lodge
I would not recommend the extremely budget Simba Lodge except for travelers looking for the cheapest of lodging in the area or a campsite (camping is permitted).
Mweya Safari lodge
This is a huge 4-star African lodge with commanding views of the channel, including distant wildlife views right from the room.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp (Ishasha)
This is a lovely and tranquil high-end property.
Sanctuary Lodge and Bwindi Lodge (Bwindi)
The more expensive Sanctuary offers unique permanent tented chalets while the slightly less expensive Bwindi is closer to the river and offers lodge chalets. Uniquely, Bwindi Lodge includes a nice variety of bonus inclusions during your stay, including drinks, laundry, and massage.
Mahogany Springs Lodge (Bwindi)
This is lodge in the Buhoma, Northern side of Bwindi, located on its own private section of the Munyanga River, and very close to the ranger station where travelers start their trek. Mahogany Springs offers high standards of service, privacy and serenity blended with optimal comfort in a spectacular setting.
Mihingo Lodge (Lake Mburo National Park)
This is a peaceful and exclusive retreat, situated in Lake Mburo National Park. It features twelve luxury tented chalets which are built on wooden platforms. Suspended under the thatched roof is a spacious and comfortable tent equipped with en-suite bathrooms with stunning views. Each room is nestled on a private piece of the lodge’s property, enabling complete seclusion. The main dining area is a large thatched structure built of rocks. Below the dining area, an infinity swimming pool stretches out from the rocks. From the dining and pool area, guests can enjoy the view of a westward oriented valley and its stunning evening sunsets over Lake Mburo National Park. Being perched higher up, on an expansive rocky outcrop, the units catch a very pleasant cool breeze despite the heat.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK – at extra charge:
Mountain bike safari; great rides (with or without guide) are available in the valley or in the swamp areas with lots of zebras, topis and waterbucks. Price from US $40 per person.
Horseback safari; explore the surroundings on the back of a horse, a peaceful and relaxing way to get close to the wildlife. Price from US $50 per person
Bush breakfast; start the day with a delicious, private breakfast before going on guided bush walk. Price from US $60 per person
Cultural walk to learn more about the Bahima culture
Sundowners on the rocks; watching the sun go down and listening to hyenas calling in the valley below is a lovely way to end a day full of excitement
Night game drive in search of leopards, hyenas and other nocturnal animals. Price from US $25 per person
Enjoying a relaxing massage; a perfect way to unwind after a busy safari or a long flight! Price from US $20 per person
All of our Uganda and Rwanda safaris are custom and private, you can start them any day, and tailor them to the length of time you have available to travel, from 3-14 days. We can help travelers with mid-range and luxury lodging or you can mix and match. Contact us >> for more information or for quotes, or visit our Uganda/Rwanda >> page for trip ideas too. The shorter 3-5 day trips are excellent extensions to a Tanzania or Kenya safari, while a longer 8-14 day tour would be an excellent trip all on its own.
“Brazil is open for you! The Brazilian Government announced on Monday, 18th, that Brazil would allow visa-free entry for citizens of The United States, Canada, Australia and Japan, effective in 90 days (June 17th). Until then, the current e-visa will be required.
Citizens
of those countries wishing to visit Brazil will no longer need to apply
or pay for a visa. They will be able to stay in Brazil for 90 days from
the date of first entry in the country, extendable for an equal period,
provided that it does not exceed one hundred and eighty days, every
twelve months, counted from the date of the first entry into the
Country.
These developments come as part of a series of measures
that Brazil has taken to facilitate visitor access to the country. Last
year, the government launched an e-visa platform through which travelers
could apply for visas with more efficiency and ease.
Brazil has already seen extremely positive results with the increase of about 35% in the visa application in less than a year since implementing e-visa. These four countries are considered strategic for the development of tourism in Brazil.
According to the Foreign Ministry, in 2017,
169,910 visas (either for business, tourism or transit) had been issued
to citizens of the four countries. With the implementation of e-visa,
the number rose in 2018 to 229,767.
“This is one of the most
important achievements of the Brazilian tourism industry in the last 15
years and we are confident that it will be extremely beneficial to the
country. This decision of the Brazilian government proves that we are
living a new moment and that tourism is being seen as a vector of
economic and social growth of the entire nation. This is the first step;
we still have much to celebrate”, said Marcelo Alvaro Antônio, Minister of Tourism.
“The
United States was very receptive to the issuance of electronic visas.
The World Tourism Organization says that when adopting an electronic
visa, visa issuance increases by 25%, so we have exceeded that mark,”
said Teté Bezerra, president of Embratur (Brazil’s Tourism Board, a
federal agency and part of the Ministry of Tourism).
Now, with a strong Dollar and dozens of daily flights, experiencing Brazil is just a matter of desire and grabbing a plane. From the Amazon in the North, to the wines in the South; from the exotic Pantanal in the Midwest to the lush beaches of the Northeast; amazing cities like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Salvador and hundreds of hidden gems are just a few hours away.
About Brazil Tourism:
With its spectacular beaches, lush rainforests, rich culture, exotic cuisine and exciting nightlife, Brazil is one of the most compelling countries to visit today. Travelers are invited to explore Brazil’s incredible geographical diversity – from the wetlands to the beaches. With a beautiful, tropical climate, Brazil is an easily accessible, exotic get-away for couples, families and business travelers.”
This quick 6-day Uganda safari allows wildlife enthusiasts, who may have limited time, to experience the two greatest primate interactions in the world: close encounters with our closest living relatives in the natural world, the chimpanzee, and those gentlest of forest giants, the endangered mountain gorilla.
Travelers arrive in Entebbe, drive to Kibale and Bwindi, then fly back to Entebbe on the morning of Day 6, arriving in time to make a late afternoon or evening flight out. Accommodations in the online itinerary are mid-comfortable and clean mid-range lodges, however luxury travelers are welcome to contact us for a custom quote as upscale options are on offer too.
Day 1: Arrive Entebbe, transfer and overnight Day 2: Drive to Kibale National Forest Day 3: Chimp Habituation Trek in Kibale Day 4: Drive to Bwindi National Park Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Day 6: Fly back to Entebbe, depart
Itinerary In Detail
Day 1: Arrive Entebbe, transfer and overnight
Welcome to Uganda! Meet and greet at the Entebbe Airport by
your guide. From here, transfer to your hotel, which is about 10 minutes
away in Entebbe, which borders Kampala.
Kampala is the capital
city of Uganda. With a population of about 2 million, Kampala city is
the largest urban settlement in Uganda. Kampala was developed around a
fort constructed by Frederick Lugard in 1890 for the British East Africa
Company. In 1962, Kampala replaced Entebbe as the national capital.
Meals included: n/a Mid-Range Accommodations: The Boma Lodge
Day 2: Drive to Kibale National Forest
After breakfast, embark on the 6-hour drive to Kibale Forest National Park with lunch en route. Kibale ForestNational Park
is renowned as the “Primate Paradise” with one of the largest variety
and concentration of primates in Africa including our famous cousins the
chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, L’Hoest’s, black-and-
white Colobus and the olive baboons. There is also a wide array of
unique birds, forest elephants (smaller and hairier than the more
familiar savannah elephant) and much more.
Check in at the lodge and then enjoy a guided nature walk through the Bigodi wetland.
The Bigodi Swamp Walk is an eco-tourism initiative from the local
community. The reserve is known for a rich diversity of birds and
primates. The path and board walk maybe flooded and muddy after heavy
rainfall and gumboots are recommended. The walk is about 4km in length
taking 3-4 hours at birding pace with local community guides. All
proceeds from your visit go back to into the community, a conservation
project well worth supporting.
Today enjoy a sensational chimpanzee Habituation experience.
You will walk or drive to the trailhead for the start of an
unforgettable adventure – hiking in the footsteps of the habituated
family of chimpanzees. En-route, your guide will entertain you with
stories and facts about the forest and her other inhabitants including
other species of primates and birds and more.
Once we’ve encountered the chimpanzees, spend the day observing their
daily life – feeding, playing, grooming, taking care of their young,
howling and screeching, in their natural habitat.
After breakfast, you will depart Kibale Forest National Park
and head further to Bwindi National Park, about a 5-6 hour drive away,
and home of the endangered mountain Gorillas.
While driving through a fertile countryside, you’ll pass small
villages and many traditional homesteads plus enjoy some wonderful
panoramic views. You’ll in Bwindi by the afternoon. Enjoy a walk in the
nearby community or relax on the lodge’s balcony and take in the
mountain views.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home of the rare but
critically endangered Mountain Gorillas, lies on the edge of the
albertine Rift Valley in south-western Uganda, with a wide altitude
range between 1,160 to 2,600 meters. The rainforest itself, dating back
to the ice ages, is one of Uganda’s oldest and ecologically most
diverse with almost 400 species of plants, 350 species of
birds including 23 Albertine Rift endemics as well as 120 mammals
species including lots of smaller mammals along with gorillas, baboons,
chimpanzees, elephants and several species of antelopes.
Arise early today and prepare for an amazing adventure: an
unforgettable encounter with the gentle giants of Bwindi. Following
breakfast, transfer to the park offices where trekkers are divided into
groups of 8 and allocated a specific gorilla family to visit as well as a
tracking guide.
After a pre-trek briefing by your guide (which touches on the
gorillas generally, your assigned gorilla family as well as appropriate
safety precautions), you drive to the trailhead for the start of your
thrilling adventure – participants should prepare to walk long distances
in steep and sometimes muddy conditions with rain overhead, which can
be tough and require a degree of fitness. Granted, the time taken can be
variable, taking anywhere from 3 to 8-hours (or rarely, longer) however
the thrill of coming face to face with a giant mountain gorilla
silverback will more than compensate for the effort.
Once you’ve arrived at the gorilla family, you spend the allowed one
hour with them as they go about their daily life; feeding, moving,
playing, raising their young and sometimes wrestling by the juveniles –
it is a totally unique and unforgettable experience!
Note: Please remember to bring your passport for registration,
appropriate, waterproof hiking boots and a light rain coat. To protect
from stinging nettles, we recommend long pants and long sleeved tops. A
pair of old gardening gloves can help grabbing onto the vegetation while
most hotels/lodges provide a walking stick that come in very handy
especially when hiking downhill. A small waterproof backpack is an
excellent idea to carry a light snack, bottled water as well as
protection for your camera.
This morning, transfer to Kihihi Airstrip (about 1 hour from
the lodge) for your departure flight out of Impenetrable forest of
Bwindi and back to Entebbe. If time allows, we’ll arrange a guided visit
of the Mabamba swamp (home of the massive shoebill stork) and later
help you connect with your international flight back home.
On our newest 9-Day Active Rio and Iguazu Adventure, hike, climb and cycle while discovering two of Brazil’s top destinations: Rio and Iguazu Falls!
Known as the Marvelous City, Rio de Janeiro is an amazing, and magical place! Surrounded by stunning mountains, white sandy beaches and tropical rain forest, Rio has one of the most spectacular sceneries and ecosystems of the world. Venture on bike through the city, rock climb Sugar Loaf mountain or trek to Christ the Redeemer and visit the multiple and diverse beaches in the city!
Continue on to Iguazu Falls, which provides an abundance of interesting and adventurous activities, such as taking the Macuco Safari Boat Tour, which runs through the canyons and leads you to bathe in the falls. There are also helicopter, hiking and rafting tours available for the more adventurous!
Day 1: Arrival in Rio de Janeiro Day 2: Sugar Loaf Hike (B) Day 3: Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana Tour (B) Day 4: Rio Jungle Bike Tour (B) Day 5: Day at leisure in Rio (B) Day 6: Fly to Iguazu Falls (B) Day 7: Argentinean Falls Tour (B) Day 8: Brazilian Falls Bike Tour (B) Day 9: Departure (B)
Itinerary In Detail
Day 1: Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
Private transfer from the airport to the hotel in Rio de Janeiro (approx 17km – 30 min).
Overnight at South American Copacabana Hotel in luxury room with breakfast.
Meals included: n/a
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel South American Copacabana
Day 2: Sugar Loaf Hike (B)
The Sugar Loaf hiking tour (Private) is definitely an
unforgettable experience! The steep 03:00 hours trail will take you to
the summit of this fabulous landmark at 1200 ft (400 mts)! The hike goes
up a rocky trail with some scrambling sections and a short 80ft (25
mts) vertical rock climb! At the summit we relax and enjoy the views
before taking the traditional Cable Car down to Urca Hill. No rock
climbing experience is required, but you should be fit for this steep
hike.
* On rainy days the rocky surface of Sugar Loaf gets too
slippery. For safety reasons we will offer another hike or tour that are
possible to be done under these circumstances (Pedra Bonita Hike,
Tijuca Forest Hike, Half Day Cultural Tours). Another option for rainy
days is the Urca Hill Hike (easy), and take the cable car to the top of
Sugar Loaf (Additional not included: R$ 50,00 per person).
Tour Info:
– Duration: 5-6 Hours – Level: Moderate/Hard – 400mts high (Starting at sea level) – Rock Climbing Sections – Pick-up: 13:00 (winter) or 14:00 (summertime) – To avoid the morning Sun! – Recommendation: Bring light clothes, hiking shoes, small backpack, sunscreen, insect repellent, water and snacks. -On
Weekends, Holiday and high season the tour can take longer than
expected due to traffic and overcrowded tourist attractions. -Included:
French or English Speaking Guide, Assistant Climbing Guide for larger
groups (3 or more), private car or van transportation, and climbing
gear.
Overnight at South American Copacabana Hotel in luxury room with breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel South American Copacabana
Day 3: Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana Tour (B)
Visit three of Brazil’s most heavy hitting icons in one day on
this Rio de Janeiro tour. 1. Christ the Redeemer. 2. Copacabana Beach 3.
Corcovado. This could just be the ultimate, big city travel hack!
Highlights: > Check out the view from Christ the Redeemer, one of the new Seven Wonders of the Modern World > Taste unique flavors as you eat and drink your way through the famous Copacabana beach area > Admire the panoramas of Copacabana from our favorite non-touristy spot > Kick back with new friends at a funky spot in a great local neighborhood > Get the lowdown on the city from a local and get all the latest up to date information you won’t find in most guidebooks
Included: one draft beer and two local snack!
Schedule details: Duration: 4 hours
Pick
up from hotels/hostels in the southern area of Rio: Copacabana,
Ipanema, Leblon, Botafogo, and Laranjeiras. Otherwise pick-up will be
from the Copacabana Palace Hotel. We will notify you in advance of the
pick-up time for your location.
Overnight at South American Copacabana Hotel in luxury room with breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel South American Copacabana
Day 4: Rio Jungle Bike Tour (B)
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure into the Brazilian
rainforest and beyond with an expert local guide. Beginning with
incredible views of Rio de Janeiro from the top of the Corcovado
mountain, you’re instantly be reminded why this is one of the world’s
most beautiful cities.
After gazing in astonishment at the
world-famous Christ the Redeemer statue, we hop on our bikes for the
most extraordinary bike ride of your life! Fingers crossed for wildlife
encounters with monkeys, toucans, and other wild animals in this
protected National Forest. Welcome to the Rio Jungle Bike Tour; you’d be
crazy to miss it!
Highlights: > Get a tantalising glimpse of the beautiful nature that lies in the Tijuca Forest in Rio De Janeiro > Cycle alongside chirping birds, waterfalls, and stunning panoramas as monkeys perch on the trees above you > Tick the legendary Christ the Redeemer statue off your bucket list as you admire one of the Seven Wonders of the World > Take some truly astonishing shots of Rio from above that will make your friends and family green with envy! >
Learn about Brazil’s fascinating history as you cycle the oldest route
in the forest, once used by the second Emperor, D. Pedro II
Schedule details:
-Duration: 5 hours -Pick
up from hotels/hostels in the southern area of Rio: Copacabana,
Ipanema, Leblon, Botafogo, and Laranjeiras. Otherwise pick-up will be
from the Copacabana Palace Hotel. We will notify you in advance of the
pick-up time for your location -Starting time: 8.00 AM
Overnight at South American Copacabana Hotel in luxury room with breakfast.
Meals included: n/a
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel South American Copacabana
Day 5: Day at leisure in Rio (B)
Free day to enjoy the city. Check out out tips list:
Best Breakfast Spot: Parque Lage
What:
For a memorable breakfast in Rio, it has to be Parque Lage. Away from
Rio’s main attractions, this grand park offers a delicious breakfast
surrounded by a mix of romantic-style gardens and the Mata Atlântica
forest. After breakfast, head to the stately mansion in the centre of
the park, home to Rio de Janeiro’s School of Visual Arts, which is open
to the public.
Best Lunch Spot: The Aprazível Restaurant
What:
The Aprazível Restaurant is located in the gorgeous Santa Teresa area.
Enjoy typical Brazilian food on the terrace with stunning views over the
city and bay area.
Best Dinner Spot: Churrascaria Fogo de Chão
What:
The Churrascaria Fogo de Chão is a traditional Brazilian steakhouse,
cooking the best barbecue the city has to offer. Seriously great kebabs.
Best Brunch Spot: Confeitaria Colombo
What:
Enjoy a feast of traditional sweets, pastries and waffles for brunch at
Confeitaria Colombo. The Confectionery Cafe is located at the
Copacabana Fortress, with unique views of the Copacabana beach – it’s a
must for any Rio newbie.
Best Bar: Rio Scenarium
What: The
Rio Scenarium offers a taste of Carioca’s culture (local to Rio). With a
mix of samba dancing, authentic food and lively locals, it makes for a
very memorable evening. Be sure to check out their website, as they have
a daily changing programme featuring live Brazilian music for every
night of the week.
Best Street Food Vendor: Globo Biscuit or Açaí Bowl
What:
Our travellers love to explore the colourful back alleys of Rio,
bursting with vibrant vendors selling typical Brazilian cuisine. Try the
renowned Globo Biscuit, a sweet snack that is sold on Rio’s beaches, or
for a healthier option, the Açaí bowl, a thick smoothie of red fruits,
topped with oatmeal and peanut butter.
Five Must Dos in Rio:
-Hike up the Morro da Urca Trail for beautiful views of the region, take a cable car on the way down! -Visit the Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow) and enjoy the Kobra’s graffiti in MAR, next door. -Take a Favela Tour (make sure it is a sustainable one and conducted by the residents of that Favela; be respectful). -Rent a bike and ride along the edge of Zona Sul. -For an early morning activity, try stand-up paddle boarding at Posto 6 in Copacabana.
Overnight at South American Copacabana Hotel in luxury room with breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel South American Copacabana
Day 6: Fly to Iguazu Falls (B)
Private transfer from the hotel to the airport in Rio de Janeiro (approx 17km – 30 min)
Fly to Foz do Iguassu (flights NOT included)
Driver guide in Foz do Iguaçu for transfer in from the IGU airport.
Overnight at hotel Pietro Angelo in luxury room with breakfast
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7: Argentinean Falls Tour (B)
Driver guide in Foz do Iguaçu for Argentinean Falls tour.
ARGENTINEAN FALLS:
The
limits of the Brazilian park extends to Argentina. On the Argentine
side of the park, we will embark upon the train that leads to two
circuits – the Lower, of 1,700 meters and walkways running along the
falls to the Moorhen level; and the Superior, with 650 meters and
hanging bridges that reveal a complete picture of all the falls. Both
routes end at the edge of the biggest and most exciting Falls: the
Devil’s Throat. At 90 meters high, it is one of the picture perfect
postcards of the region. The Argentine side is more rustic than the
Brazilian, with exuberant and heart exhilarating hiking trails.
For
this tour it is necessary to cross the border to Argentina. Please,
contact the responsible authorities to verify the visa requirement for
your nationality.
Overnight at hotel Pietro Angelo in luxury room with breakfast
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8: Brazilian Falls Bike Tour (B)
Driver guide in Foz do Iguaçu for Brazilian Falls tour.
Bike Tour Cataratas (Private):
The
tour starts at the visitor center of the National Park and goes to the
beginning of the trails of the Falls, the route is approximately 10km,
the route is accompanied by an instructor and the guide of the group.
When you arrive in front of where we find the first viewpoint, the
bicycles are parked, and the pax make the trail on foot, because they
have stairs, ascents and decidas, at the end of the trail the pax has
the possibility to return to the visitor center with The bike again or
if you are tired you can come back with the park bus. In the value of
the bicycle rental includes safety equipment and water for the pax.
Overnight at hotel Pietro Angelo in luxury room with breakfast
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9: Departure
Driver guide in Foz do Iguaçu for transfer OUT to the IGU airport.
On our 8-day Luxury Uganda safari, discerning travelers experience a quiet natural history gem (Lake Mburo National Park) plus fantastic eye-to-eye chimp and gorilla encounters all while staying in several of Uganda’s most impressive luxury lodges. In serene Lake Mburo, travelers have some unique optional excursions available including horseback riding, mountain biking and night-game drives. We eliminate a significant amount of driving by conveniently flying back from Bwindi to Entebbe on Day 8. While this trip features luxury accommodations, mid-range travelers are encouraged to contact us for a custom quote if interested. All of our Uganda tours are private, featuring professional English-speaking naturalist guides and well-maintained Toyota Land Cruisers with removable tops for wildlife viewing.
Day 1: Arrive Entebbe, transfer and overnight Day 2: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park Day 3: Free day at Lake Mburo / Optional activities Day 4: Drive to Kibale Forest National Park Day 5: Chimp Habituation Trek in Kibale Day 6: Drive to Bwindi National Park Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Day 8: Fly back to Entebbe, depart
Itinerary In Detail
Day 1: Arrive Entebbe, transfer and overnight
Welcome to Uganda! Meet and greet at the Entebbe Airport by
your guide. From here, transfer to your hotel, which is about 10 minutes
away in Entebbe, which borders Kampala.
Kampala is the capital
city of Uganda. With a population of about 2 million, Kampala city is
the largest urban settlement in Uganda. Kampala was developed around a
fort constructed by Frederick Lugard in 1890 for the British East Africa
Company. In 1962, Kampala replaced Entebbe as the national capital.
Meals included: n/a Mid-Range Accommodations: Protea Hotel Entebbe
Day 2: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, begin the 5-hour transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, with lunch en route.We’ll
make a stop at the equator line where your guide will perform a simple
water experiment to demonstrate the reversal in gravitational pull and
have a look at the traditional drums and crafts being made. Afterwards
proceed to Lake Mburo National Park, an extension of the Tanzanian
plains with impressive herds of zebra, impala, eland and other
ungulates. Bird viewing opportunities are excellent – for birders, this
is one of the best places to find African fin foot and papyrus bush
shrike. Check in at your lodge and enjoy an afternoon game drive or
simply relax amidst the fantastic views from your hilltop luxury lodge.
Mihingo Lodge is a luxurious, family owned lodge in a
magical setting adjacent to Lake Mburo National Park. Perched high on a
rocky kopje, whose pre-Cambrian granite boulders were formed over 500
million years ago, it has spectacular views over a vast savannah
landscape. Designed to blend in with its fragile surroundings, this
eco-friendly property offers comfort, relaxation and the experience of
being at one with nature.
An infinity pool overlooks the valley below where buffalo, eland,
impala, warthogs, bush buck and zebra can be seen at the waterhole. On
the rocks you may have the rare chance of seeing the resident family of
Klipspringers. We cannot guarantee that you will see a leopard, but on a
night game drive you do have a good chance. As Rungwe Kingdon (the son
of the well-known wildlife author, Jonathan Kingdon, and one of
Mihingo’s guests) once told us “I have seen more leopards in Lake Mburo
National Park than any other park in East Africa.’
As an added bonus, Mihingo is the only lodge in Uganda to offer daytime and overnight horse safaris into the national park.
Day 3: Free day at Lake Mburo / Optional activities
Day at leisure with optional activities:
Mountain bike safari: great rides (with or without
guide) are available in the valley or in the swamp areas with lots of
zebras, topis and waterbucks. Price rom US $30 per person.
Horseback safari: explore the surroundings on the
back of a horse, a peaceful and relaxing way to get close to the
wildlife. Price from US $60 per person.
Night game drive in search of leopards, hyenas and
other nocturnal animals. Price from US $30per person. Travelers have
about a 60% chance of seeing leopard during the the dry season, which
runs July to September and again in January-February.
Join a staff person for a 15-minute walk and visit the waterhole wildlife hides to view hippos and more up-close.
Cultural walk to learn more about the Bahima culture
Sundowners “on the rocks” — watching the sun go
down and listening to hyenas calling in the valley below is a lovely way
to end a a relaxing day In the bush.
Enjoying a massage: a perfect way to unwind after a safari or a long flight! Price from US $20 per person.
Bush breakfast: start the day with a delicious, private breakfast before going on guided bush walk. Price from US $60 per person.
It’s recommendable to pre-book these optional activities to avoid disappointment. Please contact us for more details.
After breakfast, embark on the 4-5 hour to Kibale Forest National Park. Kibale ForestNational Park is
renowned as the “Primate Paradise” with one of the largest variety and
concentration of primates in Africa including our famous cousins the
chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, L’Hoest’s, black-and-
white Colobus and the olive baboons. There is also a wide array of
unique birds, forest elephants (smaller and hairier than the more
familiar savannah elephant) and much more.
Check in at the lodge and later enjoy a guided nature walk through
the Bigodi wetland. The Bigodi Swamp Walk is an eco-tourism initiative
from the local community. The reserve is known for a rich diversity of
birds and primates. The path and board walk maybe flooded and muddy
after heavy rainfall and gumboots are recommended. The walk is about 4km
in length taking 3-4 hours at birding pace with local community guides.
All proceeds from your visit go back to into the community, a
conservation project well worth supporting.
Overnight in the luxury cottages at Primate Lodge Kibale. Primate Lodge
enjoys a wonderfully advantageous location, tucked deep in the forest
and right next door to the starting point for the Chimpanzee tracking
excursion as well as the incredible Chimpanzee Habituation, really, two
of the most unique wildlife experiences on the planet. All of the
lodge’s nine spacious and en-suite Luxury Cottages, each secluded deep
in the forest for maximum privacy and a natural ‘living in nature’ feel,
come complete with 2x Double size Bed or 1x King Size Bed, a sitting
area with two comfortable arm chairs, a reading table and an adjoining
large veranda with excellent views to the forest. Lodge amenities
include a spacious dining terrace, a well-stocked bar, complimentary
room service, a secluded lounge area with a small library, an evening
camp fire, laundry service (at a small fee) as well as free WiFi in the
public areas. Primate Lodge Kibale welcomes travelers to experience the
amazing wonders of the Kibale jungle, with the greatest variety and
concentration of primate species found anywhere in Africa, as well as
excellent food by their chef ‘Bos’ and the warmest service and
hospitality from the friendly staff – guests are assured a highly
memorable lodging experience.
Today enjoy a sensational chimpanzee Habituation experience.
You will walk or drive to the trailhead for the start of an
unforgettable adventure – hiking in the footsteps of the habituated
family of chimpanzees. En-route, your guide will entertain you with
stories and facts about the forest and her other inhabitants including
other species of primates and birds and more.
Once we’ve encountered the chimpanzees, spend the day observing their
daily life – feeding, playing, grooming, taking care of their young,
howling and screeching, in their natural habitat.
After breakfast, you will depart Kibale Forest National Park
and head further to Bwindi National Park, about a 5-6 hour drive away,
and home of the endangered mountain Gorillas.
While driving through a fertile countryside, you’ll pass small
villages and many traditional homesteads plus enjoy some wonderful
panoramic views. You’ll in Bwindi by the afternoon. Enjoy a walk in the
nearby community or relax on the lodge’s balcony and take in the
mountain views.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home of the rare but
critically endangered Mountain Gorillas, lies on the edge of the
albertine Rift Valley in south-western Uganda, with a wide altitude
range between 1,160 to 2,600 meters. The rainforest itself, dating back
to the ice ages, is one of Uganda’s oldest and ecologically most
diverse with almost 400 species of plants, 350 species of
birds including 23 Albertine Rift endemics as well as 120 mammals
species including lots of smaller mammals along with gorillas, baboons,
chimpanzees, elephants and several species of antelopes.
Your overnights will be enjoyed at Volcanoes Lodge in Bwindi.
Overlooking the lush jungle mountains in which the mountain gorillas get
their well-earned name, the intimate Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge
is the finest luxury lodge in Bwindi. With dramatic views of the forest
canopy across a serene stream, it is one of Africa’s most unique
properties. The lodge is perfectly located for a Uganda jungle gorilla
tracking experience. Volcanoes Lodge features a roomy, atmospheric main
lounge and dining area, that bring the feel of the forest into the
stylish interiors. The main living area has a central fireplace which
acts as a focal point for guests to relax and discuss their gorilla
tracking experience. The outdoor terrace provides dramatic views of the
impenetrable forest and is a great place to spot the monkeys and birds
hidden in the foliage. The eight individual bandas, each having their
own view of the forest, have warm luxurious interiors and inviting four
poster beds and locally-inspired furniture.
Arise early today and prepare for an amazing adventure: an
unforgettable encounter with the gentle giants of Bwindi. Following
breakfast, transfer to the park offices where trekkers are divided into
groups of 8 and allocated a specific gorilla family to visit as well as a
tracking guide.
After a pre-trek briefing by your guide (which touches on the
gorillas generally, your assigned gorilla family as well as appropriate
safety precautions), you drive to the trailhead for the start of your
thrilling adventure – participants should prepare to walk long distances
in steep and sometimes muddy conditions with rain overhead, which can
be tough and require a degree of fitness. Granted, the time taken can be
variable, taking anywhere from 3 to 8-hours (or rarely, longer) however
the thrill of coming face to face with a giant mountain gorilla
silverback will more than compensate for the effort.
Once you’ve arrived at the gorilla family, you spend the allowed one
hour with them as they go about their daily life; feeding, moving,
playing, raising their young and sometimes wrestling by the juveniles –
it is a totally unique and unforgettable experience!
Note: Please remember to bring your passport for registration,
appropriate, waterproof hiking boots and a light rain coat. To protect
from stinging nettles, we recommend long pants and long sleeved tops. A
pair of old gardening gloves can help grabbing onto the vegetation while
most hotels/lodges provide a walking stick that come in very handy
especially when hiking downhill. A small waterproof backpack is an
excellent idea to carry a light snack, bottled water as well as
protection for your camera.
This morning, transfer to Kihihi Airstrip (about 1 hour from
the lodge) for your departure flight out of Impenetrable forest of
Bwindi and back to Entebbe. If time allows, we’ll arrange a guided visit
of the Mabamba swamp (home of the massive shoebill stork) and later
help you connect with your international flight back home.
A common question we get from our travelers heading off to Brazil is: Will I be safe in Brazil?
We went to our in-house Brazil expert, Gretchen, to get her take this. Read on to see what she has to say:
Iguazu Falls
Brazil is a secret adventure paradise in South America and everyone should plan at least one trip (if not more) to Brazil in their lives! For European tourists (especially French and German tourists), Brazil is one of the primary destinations to visit in South America. For Americans though, Brazil tends to have some negative connotations. As an American, I will admit that before I had ever been to Brazil, my first impression, like many other Americans I have spoken with, was from the film, “City of God”. This is an excellent film but it should absolutely NOT be taken in as a representation of Brazil as a country- it would be as if Americans found out that the rest of the world watched the film “Gangs of New York” and had it in their minds that that was what daily life was like in all American cities; it seems laughable and is far from the truth. Not unlike “Gangs of New York”, which is a historical fiction revealing a select history of ONE US city (New York, which does NOT represent the rest of US cities like Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Denver, Seattle, etc), at one point in time, in the past, “City of God” portrays one facet of Rio de Janeiro’s history in the 70s and is not a representation of the city today nor does it reflect the rest of Brazil.
For visitors with limited travel time, I recommend choosing one or two of Brazil’s highlights and to explore them deeply. Get to know one of Brazil’s larger cities and then couple that with a more remote area for a true Brazilian experience: an incredible juxtaposition of classy, hip and diverse urbanism and remote, virgin, natural beauty. For travelers with more time, go all out! Choose three to five of Brazil’s regions and see all that the country has to offer. For this option, I recommend visiting maybe two famous regions and then consulting with us to choose a couple other regions that are a bit off the beaten path for a truly authentic experience.
Trancoso, Bahia
While Brazil is an excellent escape for romantic getaways for couples (anyone see “Twilight”?) , it is also an amazing family destination. Brazilian culture is very family-oriented and therefore tourism in the country is extremely considerate of travelers of all ages. Almost all hotels offer various set ups for family rooms and offer great children discounts. Adventure tours are also geared towards including the entire family and extra safety precautions are always in place for the youngest of adventurers. In the past years, my own family has traveled around Brazil three times: the first trip was to Sao Paulo, the Green Coast, Paraty and Rio, the second was exploring Sao Paulo city and state in depth and the third was to Bahia and the beaches there. All were incredible!
Family Beach Vacation, Bahia
As a woman, I have felt safe and traveling on my own in Brazil. Before meeting my husband (from Sao Paulo), I traveled by boat in the Amazon, explored Salvador, trekked in Chapada Diamantina, and visited Rio and Sao Paulo on my own- people everywhere were incredibly helpful and warm, even when I didn’t speak Portuguese.
Secret Waterfalls and Swimming Pools in Chapada Diamantina
Two years ago, my husband and I relocated from Seattle to Sao Paulo, his home town. Moving is always a great mix of scary and exciting but Brazil now truly feels like my second home and has given me numerous opportunities for which I am beyond grateful. Actually living in Brazil, has allowed me to fully experience its two most famous cities, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro on a more profound level. With this in mind, I would like now to discuss my opinions on safety in these two places as this seems to be one of the most common concerns for people traveling to Brazil:
Famous street art by Cobra in Ibirapuera Park
First, regarding Sao Paulo: Sao Paulo, I feel, is very safe (there were more crime issues in the 90s). It is my home and I feel very safe walking around main areas on my own such as Iberapuera Park (during the day), Paulista Avenue, Morumbi, Vila Madalena, Pinheiros, Perdizes, in the subways etc. Of course, Sao Paulo is a big city so it is important to be aware of your surroundings and have common sense (don’t flash cash on the street or wear jewelry that could make you a target- just like in ANY OTHER big city). But other than that, Uber and the subways are very safe and the city in general feels comfortable to walk around and explore on your own. The only touristic area that I would warn people to be careful in is the historic center. This is slowly changing, however, we recommend our travelers to visit this area during one of our city tours so your guide can make sure all is ok. The primary “issue” in this area is pickpockets so I recommend for those visiting the historic center to keep your phones/money/wallet, in your front pants pocket or leave those things in our tour van with your driver.
Regarding Rio: This is a bit more difficult. Rio, fortunately and unfortunately, for Brazil, is the face of the country (think back to “City of God” and how that has effected the international view of Brazil, as if “Gangs of New York” were said to represent all US cities) and while it is an absolutely gorgeous, amazing, city with so much to offer it does have a crime problem. This issue with crime in Rio is, in turn, how most people outside of Brazil end up viewing the whole country (travelers will quickly see that this is not true- most of Brazil is very safe). You can experience Rio on your own, but it is advisable to have a guide/driver for at least your first day in Rio so you can talk with them to discuss how to avoid being a target and also get around the city in a safe way (driving on the right roads to avoid unsafe areas). I have been to Rio now 6 times and I never had any problems until my last time there (I was mugged on the street in broad daylight in a good neighborhood). The reason, I believe, this happened was because my friend and I had a purse on us and it made us a target; we could have avoided this. That said, things like this can happen in any big cities- remaining aware of your surroundings is always important. The best thing to do in Rio is do what the locals do: only carry cash on you that you will need that day and nothing else. Most people wear their swimsuits under a sun dress or light weight clothes and go to the beach and cafes during the day; they carry a beach bag with them to put their towels, sunscreen, etc and don’t have much else on them. The beach is safe during the day (read: when there are a lot of people around) but not early in the morning or at night (when the beaches are more or less deserted). Early in the morning and at night, I recommend that travelers stay on the pedestrian area next to the beaches where there are cafes and lots of pedestrian traffic (riding bikes, jogging, etc). Our guides go over all of this with our travelers when they are there.
Gretchen in the Amazon
I hope this has helped shed light on safety in Brazil. I have lived in Thailand, Argentina, Spain, the US, Switzerland and most recently Brazil. Brazil is hands down a country that I cannot emphasize enough how incredible it is. I recommend to all travelers considering a trip to South America to make Brazil a mandatory stop.
For more insights on Brazil from Gretchen, check out these blog posts:
