Bahia – Brazil
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INFOPACK “Gastronomy, tastes and arts” 2-6 May 2018 Ilhéus – Bahia – Brazil Dear Partners Cooperbom Turismo Team www.cooperbomturismo.com.br www.cooperbomturimso.blogspot.com.br Arrival Information You will arrive at Guarulhos International Airport, Salvador or Rio de Janeiro. Once in Brazilian territory you will fly to Ilhéus Jorge Amado Airport. We kindly ask you to add us on WhatsApp and let us know what time your flight to Ilhéus will arrive so we can do all arrangements to pick you up. Once you arrive at Ilhéus Airport we will drive you to the Hotel. Credit cards are accepted everywhere but be prepared with some local currency. Immigration Requirements Cape Verde citizens do need visa to enter in Brazil (go the final Brazilian Embassy site in Cape Verde for details). Greek and Italian do not need it, you will have to enter in Brazil as a TOURIST (less than 90 days). At the airport you will go to the immigration desk and in case they ask you why you are here you will have to say you are coming as a tourist. They will stamp in your passport which is the tourist visa. This tourist visa is free of charge (less than 90 days). Anyway we highly recommend that all of you have your travel itinerary with you and the hotel address in case they ask you where you are going to stay. Accommodation The accommodation will be in Aldeia da Praia Hotel, located 5km far from the centre and 5 minutes from the Airport, in Av. Tancredo Neves, S/n, KM 4 – Jardim Atlântico, on the seaside in a very beautiful atmosphere with a positive vibe which will take you to make an energizing time. The hotel provides internet connection and facilities. Check in: 14:00 pm and Check out: 12:00 pm. The rooms are very comfortable and basic. All rooms have their own private bathroom. The dinner will be provided in the hotel, continental breakfast from 7:30 to 10:00 am. Videos: http://www.aldeiadapraia.com.br/pt-br/o-hotel/video1 Website: http://www.aldeiadapraia.com.br/pt-br/o-hotel General information about Brazil and Ilhéus Full country name: Federative Republic of Brazil Area: 8,511,965 sq km Population: 206 million people Capital city: Brasilia Language: Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, French Government: Federal Republic Religion: 88% Roman Catholic, 2% Afro-American Spiritualist, 2% Spiritist, 1% Atheist Currency: Real (BRL) Exchange Rate: 4,17 Brazilian Reais per 1 € Euro (as of 13/02/2018). Exchange Rate Calculator: Look up the latest exchange rate using a simple-to-use calculator on this website. Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east, Brazil has a coastline of 7,491 kilometers (4,655 mi). It borders all other South American countries except Ecuador and Chile and covers 47.3% of the continent's land area. Its Amazon River basin includes a vast tropical forest, home to diverse wildlife, a variety of ecological systems, and extensive natural resources spanning numerous protected habitats. This unique environmental heritage makes Brazil one of 17 megadiverse countries, and is the subject of significant global interest and debate regarding deforestation and environmental protection. Climate The climate of Brazil comprises a wide range of weather conditions across a large area and varied topography, but most of the country is tropical with temperatures of 20-35ºC most of the year. Due to the varying heights above sea level of the Brazil landscape as well as the proximity to the coast, the climate (and, therefore, vegetation and animal life) varies somewhat from region to region. However, the daily temperatures are all fairly similar as equatorial zones usually lie on the equator (although this is not always the case), placing them on the same line of latitude and, therefore, along the same pressure belt. Because it is usually overcast in equatorial zones, the daily highs do not often exceed about 33 degrees Celsius, and are usually at a comfortable temperature between 25 and 28 degrees. In general, the coastal cities of Brazil can get very hot, while those on plateaus usually enjoy milder temperatures and conditions. Northeast Brazil is the driest part of the country, yielding limited vegetation, while the Amazon Basin experiences the highest levels of precipitation and is, therefore, home to an array of fascinating fauna and flora. Ilhéus Welcome to the land of Gabriela! An enchanting tour with 486 years of history! Ilhéus is located between the ocean and the Atlantic Rain Forest, on the coastline of the south of Bahia. With 100 km of white sandy beach, the city became famous for its cocoa plantations that made its prosperity for many years, influencing the architecture of the city. Hometown of the great author Jorge Amado who became internationally known with his novels happening in Ilhéus. Neo-classical mansions, small palaces and churches surround the city center remembering the golden age of the cocoa period at the beginning of the 20th century. The city's economy is based mainly on tourism and cocoa, as a result of its beaches and cultural heritage that includes early Portuguese buildings, history and culinary distinctions, which bring to the city many Brazilian and foreign tourists. Walking around the streets and squares of Ilhéus is like traveling through its History. The town is known as one of the most important tourism centres of the northeast of Brazil. Its landscapes and environmental protection areas attract tourists that are looking for white sand and crystal clear water. The city of São Jorge dos Ilhéus is located in a privileged place. Cut out by lots of water, your arrival by plane is very beautiful and exciting. The centre of the city is located on an island formed by the rivers Almada, Cachoeira and Itacanoeira (or Fundão) and also by the channels Jacaré and Itaípe. The latter, built at the end of the eighteenth century by naval engineer François Gaston Lavigne, Napoleon's army officer. This channel was constructed to facilitate the passage of the canoes that brought cacao from the region of the Almada river for the embarkation in the port. This last river has its beginning in a lagoon, the Lagoon Encantada, of unique natural beauty and high level of environmental preservation. Cacao tree was introduced in Bahia in 1756, becoming later the largest producer state in the country. Our chocolate is produced from selected cocoa beans from Atlantic Forest Brazil in the rates of 55%, 60%, 75% and 85% of pure cocoa. “Capoeira” is a Brazilian martial art form, combining self- defense, acrobatics, dance, music and song. It was developed by slaves who used it to disguise the fact that they were practicing fight moves. Capoeira is 'played' (it's known as the 'game', or jogo) in a circle called a “roda”, accompanied by music and singing. Only the hands and feet touch the floor.is very popular in Bahia, bringing people from all over the world to learn how to play it. We would like to show you more about Bahia’s culture and we want to take you to watch it as an extra cultural activity. This activity will be at the hotel during the week or during the city tour. Weather in Ilhéus You will be arriving in Ilhéus in May, Autumn season, which means 27-30° C during the day and 19-20 °C especially at nights and early mornings. Light clothes and trousers are advised since the sea level altitude makes the temperature warm. What to Bring There isn't anything specific you need to bring to Brazil; light clothes and trousers, shoes and sandals to feel comfortable for most of the time. As for sunscreen, bathing suits, repellent, flip- flops and sunglasses you can always buy those things in Brazil but you also can bring yours if you prefer. Money Credit card and ATM machines are widely available in Brazil and other major cities. Credit Cards offer the best exchange rates. However, better prices are usually offered if you pay in cash, with prices up to 15% less expensive. It is a good idea to have several cards, but some restaurants may only accept one card, i.e. Visa. Travelers checks do not do well in Brazil and you will be losing money when you cash them. ATM's are the best way to obtain cash, and ATM machines are available even in smaller towns like Ilhéus Health and Safety To make your stay a bit easier and fun, considering the distance between the hotel and Ilhéus centre, we have pointed out some things that might be good to know about health and safety. Public health services in Brazil are free for foreign tourists. So, if you are in an accident or present any health problem, just call the Mobile Emergency Service (SAMU) dialing 192 on the phone. The call is free. Ilhéus is a safe city but as in all cities in the world you might want to avoid areas you are not familiar with outside the city centre at night. Try to not go alone at night. If you want to go out, ask us how to get anywhere. There is a particular vaccine recommendation of WHO (World Health Organization) to come to Brazil, yellow fever, although no cases were registered in our region specifically (see details below). Vaccines To enter in Brazil, it is not mandatory to vaccinate against any type of illness. However, in the country there are areas with Vaccination Recommendation (ACRV), where it is recommended to vaccinate against yellow fever before your visit. Yellow fever is a disease transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes.