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BRAZIL 2006
A Photographic
19 Day Adventure
December 16,
2006 - January 03, 2007
Manaus - Amazon
River Cruise - Acajatuba - Salvador Da Bahia - Rio de Janeiro - Iguacu
Falls
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See Brazil in style and
learn about the cultural intermingling of the native American, African
and European cultures. Experience a private charter boat down the Amazon
that can stop where ever the group wants (including native villages and
communities), visit the Acajatuba eco lodge, see the cultural highlights
of Salvador da Bahia and Rio de Janeiro. Then go deep into the southern
Brazilian forest to see one of the worlds most impressive waterfalls, Iguacu
Falls, 60 feet taller than Niagara Falls and nearly 3 kilometers wide.
This is a comprehensive tour of Brazil that is all inclusive. Group size
will be limited to 12 people to insure a personalized atmosphere.
This trip can be the full 19-day tour
or can be made to fit a 14-day vacation schedule by joining the tour after
the Amazon portion of the trip or departing after the Rio de Janeiro visit
eliminating Iguacu Falls. Ask for details.
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ITINERARY
| Day 1 : |
FLIGHT USA - MANAUS |
| Depart the US on a late afternoon flight to Brazilnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;
(In-flight meals) |
| Day 2 : |
MANAUS |
Transfer to downtown Manaus hotel. Check in for a three
(3) night stay with accommodations in double rooms.
Afternoon reception with a local biologist and photographer who will
orient your group on the types of flora and fauna you can expect to encounter
and photograph, as well as on local the conditions, and suggestions and
tips for photographing in the Amazon in particular and Brazil in general.
This briefing will be directly followed by a short orientation tour of
the city to check out conditions and prepare for photography in the following
days.
Dinner at a typical local restaurant.
NOVOTEL MANAUS (Superior First Class)nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;
(in-flight meals, D) |
| Day 3 : |
MANAUS |
A full day exploring Manaus, with special emphasis on the
most elegant as well as most prosaic icons of Manaus: the fabled Teatro
Amazonas Opera House; the bustling port with its chaotic and lively floating
docks; the busy fish terminal; and the venerable old customs house.
Time will be spent on both exterior and interior visits. Lunch at
a local restaurant.
Free Evening.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;
(B,L) |
| Day 4 : |
MANAUS - AMAZON RIVER CRUISE |
Early morning transfer to the pier and embarkation on a
two-night/ three-day river expedition on the Amazon by private riverboat.
This river excursion includes all meals, a full series of tours and expeditions,
and a local guide. Your riverboat has smaller motorized canoes in tow.
Hammocks are strung on the middle deck at night for sleeping. Shared bathrooms
are at the stern of the boat.
On departure your guides will distribute hammocks and conduct an informative
briefing to prepare you for your Amazon adventure. Proceed past the
“Meeting of the Waters? where the black waters of the Rio Negro meet the
beige waters of the Rio Solimões. Visit the Terra Nova, a
manioc-producing caboclo community, observing their lifestyle. Enter
the Lake January region; then anchor and embark on an excursion by canoe
for piranha fishing deep in the flooded forest. Visit the giant Victoria
Regia water lilies. Then, embark on an evening excursion by canoe,
accompanying your guides as they spot and catch jacares (alligators) with
their bare hands. Return to the boat for dinner, which you enjoy
as you navigate up to Jacareubal region to your overnight location.
(simple accommodations with hammocks)nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;
(B,L,D) |
| Day 5 : |
AMAZON RIVER CRUISE |
Arise early for breakfast as your boat continues up the
Rio Negro to Jaraqui area. Stop for a trek into the forest where
you will learn about the flora and fauna of the region as well as survival
techniques. Return to your boat. Continue the trip through
igarapes (tributaries) of the Anavilhanas Archipelago.
Stop for lunch. Next, visit the Terra Preta community caboclo
settlement, observing their lifestyle.
This evening, sail to a nearby white sand beach for a luau at Praia
Grande. Return to the boat for overnight.
(B,L,D) |
| Day 6 : |
AMAZON RIVER / ACAJATUBA LODGE |
After breakfast, explore the rainforest with a jungle trek
in the Acajatuba region. Enjoy lunch on board.
This afternoon, visit Novo Ayrao, a remote but vibrant community well-known
for its somewhat primitive but remarkably productive ship building activity.
This is a very picturesque and a very real look in to the daily life of
working people in the Amazon. (We will probably spend a fair amount of
time here).
Just prior to nightfall, arrive at the Acajatuba Lodge and check in
for a two-night stay. While a relatively simple lodge, it has a privileged
located on beautiful and unspoiled Acajatuba Lake adjacent to the Anavilhanas
islands. Relax in the main “maloca?styled greathouse. Dinner
at the lodge.
ACAJATUBA LODGE (rustic ecological hotel)nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;
(B,L,D) |
| Day 7 : |
AMAZON RIVER / ACAJATUBA LODGE |
| The lodge includes daily meals and activities such as:
fishing for local fish such as tucunare, tambaqui and piranha; jungle treks
to learn about the local flora and fauna of the Amazon; visits to native
“caboclo?dwellings to learn about the customs and lifestyles of the native
inhabitants; and canoe reconnaissance of the igarapes (waterways) of the
area. All activities are accompanied by experienced, naturalist guides.
All meals served at the lodgenbsp;nbsp;
(B,L,D) |
| Day 8 : |
ACAJATUBE - MANAUS - SALVADOR DA BAHIA |
Awake early this morning to an Amazon Dawn. Possibility
to see and photograph pink dolphins (“botos?. Enjoy breakfast before
you begin your leisurely riverboat journey downriver to Manaus.
Transfer to the airport in Manaus to board your flight to Salvador
da Bahia. Lunch on the flight. Evening arrival in Salvador da Bahia,
the “cultural heartland of Brazil? You will be met and transferred
to the hotel. Evening is free.
BLUE TREE TOWERS SALVADOR ( First Class)nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;
(B) |
| Day 9 : |
SALVADOR DA BAHIA |
Following breakfast, your guide will meet you in the hotel
lobby to take you on a leisurely full day tour of this beautiful city.
Get to know first hand why Salvador is referred to as the “most African
city in the Western Hemisphere?
Begin in the modern suburb of Barra at the mouth of the bay with its
famous lighthouse and make your way slowly to the old historical section
of town, the Pelourinho area with the largest and best preserved complex
of colonial architecture in the America’s. Visit the church of Sao
Francisco with its exuberant gold-leafed baroque interior. Stroll
through the narrow, bustling streets lined with buildings in pastel shades
of an age gone by. See how native Indian, African and European bloodlines
and cultures mixed here to form the unique Brazilian identity of today.
The pace will be sensitive to the desires of the group. Your
guide will ensure that the day is conducted to maximize the opportunity
for blending scenic, architectural and street-scene photography opportunities.
Today’s lunch is independent but there will be plenty of opportunities
to stop at colorful local cafes for a quick bite.
Tonight features a dinner at one of the Pelourinho’s most unique restaurants,
Tempero da DaDa, a local eatery specializing in the zesty and eye-popping
cuisine of Bahia. Great opportunity to eat, photograph the kitchen in progress
and observe the locals.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;
(B, D) |
| Day 10 : |
SALVADOR DA BAHIA |
A full day excursion into the heart of the Brazilian countryside,
visiting it from many fascinating angles. Leave the city behind and
drive through the oldest farmland in Brazil. This is the land of
sugar cane and tobacco plantations, peaceful colonial towns and busy country
markets. Visit an experimental cacau plantation. Stop at a small
but self-sufficient farmstead with its own manioc flour mill and gain insight
into rural Brazilian life. Lunch in Cachoeira, a charming colonial
town in a beautiful setting on the banks of the Paraguassu River, followed
by a walking tour of the town with it’s many wood sculptors, ateliers,
bustling markets. Finally, visit the Sisterhood of the Boa Morte,
a sorority which traces it’s origins back to the time of slavery.
Bahia by Night Dinner and Show
The show takes place in the 18th century colonial complex of Solar
do Uniao which had its own sugar refinery, church, manor house, and slave
quarters. The show takes place in the old stockrooms and is a showcase
of the different African traditions still much alive in Bahia. See
the sacred dances of the Candomble, the maculele, a stick and sword dance
from the cane fields; the dance of the caboclo, an Amerindian hunting dance;
Capoeira, martial arts/ dance of Angolan origin and the samba de roda,
a spinning, swirling version of this exuberant national dance. Dinner
is a buffet with a wide selection of local and international dishes.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;
(B-L-D) |
| Day 11 : |
SALVADOR DA BAHIA |
Today’s visit to “the other side?of Salvador takes you
through the lower city to the quiet waters of the Itapagipe Peninsula where
the first holiday residences where built. Now a peaceful family district,
life moves at a slower pace than the bustling upper city. Fisherman
work from dug-out canoes, locals collect shellfish at low tide, schooners
are at anchor, and all are protected by the famous Bonfim Church, one of
the most important churches of pilgrimage in Brazil and deeply syncretized
with the Candomble religion. Not just another church, this visit
is an incredible photographic opportunity. Continue to the Monserrat
district with its panoramic view of the city and on to the Mercado Modelo,
a bustling and thriving market for artifacts. It’s time to bargain!
Lunch en route.
Afterwards stop by at a local Capoeira institute to visit a class in
session. Spend an hour or two photographing this exuberant combination
of dance and martial arts as local students and their teachers practice
in a whirlwind of motion and dance. Return to the hotel afterwards.
In the evening, the Pelourinho area resounds with sound of the repique
and surdo drums of the “Afro-Bloco?drumming troop of Salvador, among them
Ara Ketu, Olodum (who performed on Paul Simon’s “Rhythm of the Saints?
album) and other powerhouse percussion ensembles. Attend one of their
rehearsals where dances and songs are performed and capture the magic of
the performers as they lose themselves in their drumming.nbsp;nbsp;
(B,L,D-Allowance) |
| Day 12 : |
SALVADOR DA BAHIA - RIO DE JANEIRO |
Breakfast at the hotel. Mid-day flight to Rio
This afternoon arrive in Rio de Janeiro, the “cidade maravilhosa?
where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Tonight features a “Welcome to Rio?celebration with a classic “churrasco?
dinner at fabled Marius? one of Rio’s best BBQ restaurants. At this
wildly-decorated, over the top restaurant, you will feast on an all-you-can-eat
array of meats, vegetables, seafood, salads and more. The highlight
is the “rodizio?style of serving where an astounding variety of meats
will be carved right onto your plate. Round out your meal with a
salad bar featuring hot and cold appetizers, soups, salads and if you have
room left, dessert.
PLAZA COPACABANA (First Class)nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;
(B,D) |
| Day 13 : |
RIO DE JANEIRO |
Breakfast at the hotel. Today’s visits are to Corcovado
Mountain, Santa Teresa & downtown “Old Rio?
Travel by vans to the base of the imposing Statue of Christ with arms
outstretched over Rio on Corcovado Mountain, perhaps the most recognized
icon of South America. The views of the ocean, city, and lagoon are
spectacular from this vantage point.
Continue to the charming Santa Teresa district. This area, once
favored by Rio’s wealthy and powerful, fell into neglect as the chic beachfront
neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana came into favor after World War
II. Today Santa Teresa is enjoying a renaissance as artists and bohemians
who have moved to the area are renovating this funky and colorful part
of Rio. Descend by cable car through this delightful neighborhood,
over the famous “Arcos da Lapa?to downtown Rio. Enjoy lunch in the stately
Colombo Confeitaria in old Rio.
Afterwards, another highlight of the trip: a visit to Mangueira, one
of the most famous and successful “samba schools?of Rio de Janeiro.
Renowned for their musical talents, outrageous floats and enthusiastic
supporters, Mangueira is a remarkable cultural institution and an integral
part of Carnival in Rio. However,
more than just an entertainment powerhouse, Mangueira is a community
of hundreds of thousands of “Cariocas?(Rio natives), most of whom are
extremely poor and inhabit the favelas of the community. Despite
the urban ills that affect these disenfranchised people, the vast majority
of residents are hard-working, community-minded people. Visit some
community projects that illustrate how the ordinary citizens of Rio are
working hard to improve their lives amidst difficult conditions.
It is a moving example of the power of culture and music, community and
faith, and the role all play in the life of the everyday Brazilian.
Free evening.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;
(B,L,D-Allowance) |
| Day l4 : |
RIO DE JANEIRO |
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a relaxing day of art
and cuisine in Rio’s countryside on a “Day in the Country: Art, Folklore
and Cuisine?excursion.
Begin with a drive through several of Rio’s neighborhoods including
the modernistic “Barra da Tijuca?area, representing the future of Rio
as its burgeoning population moves beyond the traditional neighborhoods
of the South Zone. Arrive in the rural and pastoral region of Vargem
Grande, Rio’s original countryside. Visit the Casa Do Pontal, an
amazing museum which is housed in a remodeled country home. It houses
an large collection of primitive “Naif?art and sculpture from all over
Brazil. Arranged into sections such as “Birth & Death? “Work?
“Colonization? “Married Life? “Sports & Games? etc., this collection
reflects a variety of viewpoints and is very compelling.
Afterward, there will be a traditional and festive “feijoada?lunch
at a local artist’s atelier. Enjoy this typically Brazilian meal
and get an inside look at a local artist’s work in progress. Return
to the hotel late in the day.
This evening features a sunset cocktail reception at the hotel where
a special guest from the Brazilian photography world will talk informally
about the history, trends and issues in contemporary Brazilian photography.nbsp;
(B,L) |
| Day 15 : |
RIO DE JANEIRO |
Breakfast at the hotel. The morning is at leisure.
This afternoon, meet with your guide for your “Sugar Loaf Mountain
and Carmen Miranda tour? Drive through the Flamengo Park.
This is the largest urban park in South America. It was designed
by acclaimed urban landscaper Brule Marx and is built on millions of tons
of landfill dredged from adjacent Guanabara Bay. Arrive at the remarkable
Carmen Miranda Museum. More like a shrine, this amusing stop provides
a wonderful look into the role this singer, dancer and movie star played
in creating and establishing the image that so many around the world have
of Brazil. Costumes, film clips, songs and photos evoke a Rio de
Janeiro (Hollywood-style) of the 1940’s that is camp, kitsch and compelling.
Then, proceed on a sunset tour of nearby Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Arrive at the base of the famous Rio landmark “Pao de Acucar?and board
the first of two cable cars to the smaller of these two mountains off the
coast of Rio. Continue up on yet another cable car to the summit
of the second mountain. The view from this peak of the city of Rio, the
bay, and the ocean is breathtaking. Take your time admiring the gardens,
walkways and magnificent panoramas, as the lights of the city appear and
dusk falls. After a time, descend and to the base at Urca Beach.
Then it’s off to a “Farewell to Rio?celebration with dinner at a colorful
local restaurant. Afterwards, sample various forms of Brazilian traditional
music, jazz or samba (transport and visits to two clubs included).nbsp;nbsp;
(B,D) |
| Day 16 : |
RIO DE JANEIRO - IGUACU FALLS |
Early transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguacu
Falls. Afternoon walking tour of the Brazilian Falls. Dinner at local restaurant.
GALLI HOTEL (First Class)nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;
(B,L,D) |
| Day 17 : |
IGUACU FALLS |
Breakfast at the hotel.
Begin your day with the Macuco Photographic Safari and Boat Ride.
Travel the Macuco Trail in a rustic open wagon that allows unhindered views
of the jungle. Your guide will explain some of the stories, marvels
and mysteries of the sub-tropical forest surrounded by orchids, bromeliads,
and thousands of butterflies. You may stop at will to photograph on this
ride as long as we don’t miss our deadline to be at the Falls.
Continue with a walking down the Iguaçu Canyon Trail to the
picturesque Macuco Falls. A mild white-water rafting trip included.
The boats will take you to the base of the Brazilian Falls where you will
be able to feel the awe-inspiring power of the water. You will get
extremely wet on this tour.
Next, transfer over the Brazil/Argentina border and travel into Iguaçu
National Park from the Argentine side. Board the narrow-gauge train
which will take you to the “devils?throat? This is the area of
the falls which forms a “U?space with thousands of gallons of continuously
flowing water creates a amazing sight of cliffs and falls, mist and rainbows.
Continue to the upper and lower levels of the cataracts of the Argentine
Falls, where various viewing areas allow for different views.
nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;
(B, D) |
| Day 18: |
IGUACU FALLS - USA |
Breakfast at the hotel. Free morning for sunrise
photography around the edge of the falls.
After lunch visit Itaipu Dam, truly a marvel of engineering and the
world's largest hydroelectric complex, supplying electrical energy to Brazil
and Paraguay.
Finally, visit the Parque das Aves (Bird Park), which is set in 17
hectares of unspoiled subtropical forest. Visitors follow a path
for 800 meters through the forest passing through some of the largest aviaries,
where the birds fly free and which can be studied and photographed without
the restriction of netting and cages.
Late afternoon transfer to the airport to board your flight back to
Atlanta via Sao Paulo and Miami.
nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;
(B,in-flight meals) |
| Day 19 : |
ARRIVAL IN THE USA |
| Arrive back homenbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;
(in flight meals) |
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| (B - breakfast, L - lunch, D -
dinner) |
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INCLUDED
IN THE TOUR
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Round-trip air fare from New York (add on fares from all US cities available)
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Comprehensive sightseeing with qualified local guides
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All entrance fees to sights and events listed in itinerary
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All transfers and transportation within Brazil
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First Class hotel accommodation as listed or similar.
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Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner as indicated in itinerary
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3 day cruise on the Amazon
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NOT
INCLUDED
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Gratuities for drivers, bellboys and guides
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US Departure Tax and Customs Fee (app. $ 166)
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Optional travel insurance
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Brazilian Visa Application Fee ( $ 110)
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TOUR
PRICES & DEPARTURE DATE:
| December 16 |
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January 03 |
2006/2007 |
from New York $
4,195
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from LAX $
4,480 |
| Single Supplement |
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$ 1,280
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prices effective October 15, 2005, based on double occupancy |
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