Southeast Brazil: Where to Stay

Southeast Brazil is known for its affinity with nature. Greenery, the deep blue sea and golden, sandy beaches combine to give you the ultimate experience in relaxation. The city of Florianopolis is also available to explore along with the beautiful surrounding area. However, some of the hotels e have on offer might make you think twice about leaving at all…

Ponta Dos Ganchos, Santa Catarina 

Located on a private peninsula in Santa Catarina, 40kms from Florianopolis, this tropical hideaway is certainly a luxury retreat. As exclusive as it is beautiful, it is located amongst secluded beaches and stunning rainforest. The highlight, however, is the view from your window – under unbroken blue skies lies an incredible vista out over the sea, with the mountains framing the horizon.

The hotel itself features 25 cabana-style bungalows (some of which have plunge pools for you to relax in) and a range of facilities including an indoor pool, tennis court Spa and even its own cinema! Each room is designed to give you as much comfort as possible without losing that rustic feel. King sized beds, a large decked balcony and a hammock hanging outside come as standard. The rooms also feature open fires as well as your own walk-in wardrobe.

Costa Norte Ingleses, Santa Catarina 

Featuring an excellent beach location on the Praia dos Ingleses beach, situated in northern Florianopolis, the hotel is within walking distance of the town centre where you will find an excellent selection of shops and restaurants to keep you occupied during your holiday to Brazil.

Each guestroom is spacious and cosy with some affording guests an amazing view out over the ocean. As standard, each room has air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a minibar, telephone, safety box and cable TV. In addition to this, the Costa Norte Ingleses has a sterling range of facilities such as an attractive indoor pool, tennis court, games room, gym and volleyball, football and tennis courts. This will certainly keep you occupied!

World Cup Update

Don’t miss the quarter finals of the 2014 Brazil World Cup this evening. With France playing Germany at 5pm and Colombia versus Brazil straight afterwards at 9pm, it is set to be a thrilling evening of sport!

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South East Brazil, Florianopolis

An incredibly beautiful region with close links to nature, the Southeast is known both as an area to relax in, but also has no shortage of nightlife to keep you occupied in the evening. A great idea if you’re looking to escape the trials and tribulations of city life without sacrificing the small luxuries associated with it.

The Area 

The majority of the beaches in the Southeast region of Brazil are based around the beautiful city of Florianopolis. This unique city is situated mainly on an island, linked to the mainland by a network of bridges. This city has a lively feel and is well-known as a party town, but also has areas that cater for those looking for peace and quiet, as well as over 40 secluded, sandy beaches for all to enjoy. In addition to this, Florianopolis is known as one of the best places for surfing in the whole of Brazil, with consistently good waves all year round.

Florianopolis acts as the centre of the area and from here you can make easy connections all over Brazil from the airport. Florianopolis is easy to get around on public transport or by taxi, however it is also easy to walk around many of the attractions. Beaches in the surrounding areas may require a car to reach – talk to a Latin Routes Travel Specialist to find out more.

Best Time To Go

Rio is known for being sunny all year round and temperatures often exceed 30 degrees Celsius in the summer months between November and February. However, don’t forget that Brazil has a tropical climate, meaning there is also a chance of rain. Contact us to find out more about the best time to book your holiday to Brazil.

Highlights 

In the surrounding area you have Praia Mole which is a beautiful stretch of sand with some of the area’s best waves, making it popular with the surfing crowd. The area is lined with bars to accommodate the fun-loving crowd. If you’re looking for a more laid back, bohemian atmosphere then trendy Lagoa de Conceicao has a thriving arts scene and vibrant nightlife.

In addition to this, there are numerous opportunities to check out some of the region’s amazing wildlife. The turtle sanctuary on Praia do Forte affords visitors the opportunity to learn more about these incredible creatures and even spend some time up close and personal with a few as well!

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The Amazon Rainforest: Where to Stay

With such a rich and diverse stock of things to do and see, a comfortable and secure base is essential for getting the most out of your holiday to Argentina. With a wide variety of lodges available – from simple and rustic to luxurious and lavish, we have your every need covered. Here are just a few that we think might interest you…

Anavilhanas 

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is a luxurious and boutique lodge deep in the Anavilhanas National Park in the heart of the Amazon. Located on the banks of the Rio Negro, the nearest city of Manaus is just 180km away. The lodge aims to bring you as close to the adventures of the amazon as possible but still combined with distinguished service and comfort.

Featuring 20 exclusive suites arrange in cottages or individual bungalows, throughout the rainforest. Each room has air conditioning, luxurious beds, private bathrooms and a private balcony or terrace with great views over the surrounding area. Staying at the lodge includes tours with their expert guides and an individual programme can be tailored to you. In addition to this the hotel has an excellent restaurant as well as a beautiful pool area with great views over the river.

Juma Amazon Lodge 

The Juma Amazon Lodge is a small and comfortable hotel designed to be totally integrated with the Amazon Jungle. The lodge was built in keeping with its surroundings, and it supported on stilts due to the flood season, when the water level of the river rises significantly. While carefully preserving te environet, Juma Amazon Lodge offers excellent facilities for a lodge located in this remote area of jungle and has comfortable rooms with veranda, hammock, fan and private bath.

The lodge also has lake view bungalows, which sit among the treetops above the lake in a secluded area, and thus offer privacy and allow guests to feel the real enchantment of the Amazon.

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The Amazon Rainforest

Spanning over 2 million square miles, entering nine different countries and holding over half of the world’s remaining rainforest, the Amazon is the largest and most biodiverse rainforest on the planet. Stretching from its mouth at the Atlantic Ocean all the way to the Peruvian, Colombian and Bolivian borders, the area is best explored via a cruise along the length of the Amazon River. This is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience, and will surely be the highlight of your holiday to Brazil.

The Area 

The main gateway to the Amazon is the bustling city ofManaus. This is an ideal base for your exploration of the surrounding area, and a number of tour operators start their trips and cruises here. While this city is an experience in and of itself, the real treat lies deeper into the rainforest – either join one of the many Amazon River Cruises available or stay in a fantastic Eco Lodge in the heart of the rainforest canopy. The latter ranges from simple and rustic to luxurious and stylish, but each comes equipped with all the essentials for exploring.

Best Time To Go

The Amazon is famous for its weather – either very dry or very, very wet! The dry season lasts between July and November, with temperatures ranging between 26-40 degrees Celsius. Comparatively, the wet season is between December and June, with temperatures roughly between 23-30 degrees Celsius.

Highlights 

The Amazon is renowned for its spectacular wildlife, and amateur photographers and birdwatchers alike will certainly not be disappointed by the incredible diversity of species that inhabit the rainforest. An estimated 1 in 10 known species of animal inhabits the Amazon rainforest, making it the largest collection of living plants and animals anywhere in the world. This includes over 2 million insect species, 40,000 plant species and a further 1,000 bird species, which constitutes around 20% of all bird species on Earth. Certainly, then, this region is an unparalleled opportunity to see animals that exist nowhere else on the planet.

Some highlights include the beautiful jaguar, giant anaconda, electric eels and piranha, along with birds such as the toucan, scarlet macaw and the green aracari. Explore the rainforest with a knowledgeable guide on a rainforest walk, or take a boat trip with a pair of binoculars (and a camera!) to make the most out of your holiday to Brazil.

World Cup Update

With English hopes now joining the England team itself on the flight home, eyes turn toward a few of the more exciting teams to rekindle our love of football. Giant slayers Costa Rica are now top of Group D, while top-rated teams Portugal and Spain leave the competition early – the latter failing to earn a single point despite being last year’s winners! Stay tuned for more World Cup updates.

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The Pantanal: Where to Stay

One of the most fascinating and beautiful areas of Brazil, the Pantanal is not just a wildlife-spotter’s paradise, it is also home to some of the most peaceful and elegant eco lodges available for you to stay at. With the bustle and excitement of the World Cup in full swing, the Pantanal offers a brief sojourn from the trials and tribulations of populous city life.

Refugio Ecologico Caiman 

Considered one of the best ecotourism resorts in the Pantanal, the Refugio Ecologico Caiman is locaed in the town of Miranda on the edge of the Southern Pantanal in Mato Grosso do Sul. 236kms from Campo Grande, this resort combines a working cattle ranch with both conservation and tourism. With a strong ecological focus, amazing scenery and some unparalleled opportunities to spot rare wildlife, there’s no downside to this incredible location.

Refugio Ecologico Caiman has accommodation in two small lodges – Cordiheira and Baizinha – which are sprawled across the vast working ranch where cattle live harmoniously with more exotic wild species. The main ranch has recently been renovate d, and now includes 5 exclusive double suites, decorated in a contemporary style as well as offering outstanding comfort and excellent facilities including a picturesque pool deck area.

Rio Mutum 

The Pousada do Rio Mutum is a lodge located in the municipal district of Barao de Megaco, one of the most beautiful regions of Mato Grosso’s Pantanal. Made up of 22 cottage like apartments, arranged over a park area of 7 hectares, this lodge is well-equipped to provide you with as comfortable an experience as possible. Rooms at the lodge are cosy and colourful, ideal for relaxing after a long day exploring the excitements that the surrounding area has to offer.

Exploration can take a number of forms, from horseback rising through the forest and wetlands to exploring the trails on foot and full immersing yourself in the surrounding natural beauty. Try your hand and a spot of fishing, get out your binoculars and check out the flocks of birds or even the alligators if you’re there during the rainy season!

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The Pantanal, Brazil

All the excitement of the World Cup has only served to remind us of what fantastic things Brazil has to offer! This week, we’ll be examining one of the more peaceful and relaxing regions of Brazil, the Pantanal. Rolling hills, gentle sunshine and secluded hotels to unwind in, the Pantanal affords you the perfect place to escape the city.

The Area 

The world’s largest freshwater wetland straddles the borders of Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia. Widely regarded as one of the best places to spot wild animals in all of South America, there is a vast array of wildlife that inhabit the area. From Caiman, Howler Monkeys and Giant Otters to Anacondas, Ocelots, Marmosets and even the elusive Jaguar, there is almost no end to the range of animals on offer. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, amateur photographers or just those looking for a unique experience, the Pantanal has it all.

Featuring a number of lodges and ranches available for you to stay in along the way, the Pantanal is best explored by boat. Move gently through the lagoons are you seek out some the rarer and more elusive of the species that live in the surrounding area.

When to Visit

Although Brazil is temperate year-round (due to its proximity to the equator), the best time to visit the Pantanal is between June and Septemeber because of the incredible array of birdlife. Parrots, Toucans, Macaws and myriad other birds literally fill the sky – in the evenings this is an incredible sight.

World Cup Update: 

With the host nation Brazil’s 3-1 victory over Croatia on Thursday, the excitement is building for what is set to be the most highly-anticipated competition in recent years. Mexico’s 1-0 win over Cameroon was outshone by the hugely controversial 5-1 victory of the Netherlands over last year’s winners Spain. Robin Van Persie and Robben managed two goals apiece, one coming from a glaring error from Spain’s Goalkeeper Iker Casillas. The final nail in the coffin was hammered home in the 80th Minute by Arjen Robben’s strike into the top right hand corner. A thrilling game to watch, we can only imagine what excitements tomorrow’s game between England and Italy holds. Fingers crossed!

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Best Places to Stay in Brazil: The World Cup

With the first World Cup match scheduled for later this evening, football fans around the world are gearing up for what looks to be the most exciting tournament in recent years. The question is, however, does England have any chance whatsoever? We’ll have to wait and see. This week we’ll be looking at some of the better hotels available to stay at if you’re planning a holiday to Brazil.

Ucari Lodge 

The Ucari Lodge is a totally unique hotel located in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. Dedicate to Eco Tourism, this hotel’s management is shared between the Mamiraua Institute and the communities from the Mamiraua Reserve. Started in 1998, the aim of the enterprise is to generate income for the local people and to contribute positively to the preservation of the Amazon’s natural resources.

Eight communities from the reserve run the Lodge, from the staff on the front line, the contractors that work on the property and the back office that manage it. Consisting of just 5 bungalows with rooms each, this hotel is not only great value for money but also has some great resources you might expect from a bigger hotel, including a swimming pool, kitchen, restaurant, bar and library. Each room has a porch with a view of both the river and the forest to make your holiday to Brazil as relaxing as possible.

Sagu Mini Resort, Ilha Grande 

The Sagu Mini Resort is a mecca for those looking to explore the outstanding natural beauty of the surrounding area. Located on the rocky headland in the forest between the Comprida and Brava beaches, you couldn’t be in a better position to make use of the variety of hiking and walking opportunities the Sagu Mini Resort affords you. Furthermore, the main town on the island, Abraao, is just a 15 minutes’ walk away through the beautiful jungle.

With just 9 rooms in total, this hotel offers a sense of exclusivity and elegance along with top-quality service – the staff are renowned for their friendliness and attention to detail. The rooms themselves are tastefully furnished and most feature a balcony facing the ocean complete with hammocks to relax and take in the sights. The hotel also offers a variety of external activities, including kayaking, diving and relaxing massages.

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Brazil: World Cup 2014 Hosts

With the excitement of the World Cup approaching, and fans all over the world crossing their fingers, all eyes are on the host nation Brazil to provide something spectacular – we’re sure they won’t disappoint! With this in mind, let’s have a look at some of the most exciting and beautiful places that Brazil has to offer, as well as some things to look out for during the World Cup itself.

Manaus 

England’s first match will be played in the incredible Arena Amazonia in the bustling city of Manaus, known widely as the gateway to the Amazon Rainforest. Due to its location within the rainforest itself, it is most accessible by boat or by plane. Preserving the indigenous culture of the original settlers is of great importance to the people of Manaus, and when visiting you can see why – the outstanding natural beauty of the surrounding area is undoubtedly something worth preserving. However, with a population of around 2 million people, some modern touches certainly exist to make life more comfortable! A perfect base for exploring the surrounding rainforest, Manaus is a great location and definitely worth thinking about when planning a trip to Brazil.

Sao Paulo 

The largest city in Brazil, and the seventh largest in the world,Sao Paulo is an awesome city to explore. Its sheer size means it has innumerable small shops, markets and restaurants to find and certainly rewards the more persistent and inquisitive travellers. More importantly, however, it is the location of Brazil’s first match as the host nation of the 2014 World Cup. The Corinthians Stadium in Sao Paulo will be the location of Brazil’s opener against Croatia after renovations that includes an increased capacity of over 60,000!

The city itself is known for its cuisine – it has a huge variety of outlets and styles from all over the world, including Italian, Chinese, Japanese, French and more traditional Brazilian foods offered by both small local restaurants and larger chains.

Don’t forget to enter our amazing competition to win a holiday to Brazil worth £3000!

Our prize includes flights from the UK to Rio de Janeiro, 3 nights at the 5* Royal Tulip Rio de Janeiro (home to the England team during the World Cup) 4 nights at the Golden Tulip Porto Bali in Angra dos Reis and airport transfers! To enter just click this link!

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Rio de Janeiro: Where to Stay

Although you may be tempted to spend as little time as possible in the hotel – there are so many extraordinary things to discover in Rio – there are a few that might make you change your mind! Here are some of the best from Latin Routes that will ensure your holiday to Brazil is as comfortable as it is unforgettable.

Santa Teresa 

This incredible luxury hotel sits on what used to be a coffee plantation in the beautiful region of Santa Teresa, a cultural and historic centre of Rio de Janeiro itself. Every effort has been made to maintain the buildings original charm and sophistication, and it is now considered one of the most beautiful hotels in not just Rio, but South America as a whole. With a clever use of materials such as woods, banana tree fibres and glass, the Santa Teresa has a peaceful, tropical ambience quite unlike any other hotel in the area.

Featuring an incredible swimming pool, stunning grounds to explore and uniquely-designed rooms designed to accommodate your every need. In some rooms, bathtubs made of marbled cement afford you the opportunity to fully relax and enjoy the experience. In addition to this, most suites has a veranda offering a chance to spot some of the more beautiful wildlife in the area – the caipirinha , toucan and marmoset are just a few of the plethora of fascinating creatures you might spot. Room tend to book up very quickly for this hotel so don’t hesitate – Contact a Latin Routes Travel Specialist!

Sofitel 

This incredible hotel has a fantastic location right on Copacabana beach, with beautiful views out over the city and proximity to some of the finest bars and restaurants in Rio. It even has its own private section of the beach reserved exclusively for guests at Sofitel. Blending the lively Brazilian lifestyle with French elegance, you can enjoy your stay in Rio de Janeiro in ultimate luxury.

A large, established hotel, the Sofitel caters to your every need, and the staff will go above and beyond to make your stay an unforgettable one. The 388 rooms are graded into four categories – designed to fit your needs perfectly, as well as providing that little bit extra to make your stay a special one. Relax in one of the 52 suites that feature a terrace overlooking the beach, take a dip in the elegant blue pool or take your towel and stretch out on a sun lounger on the Copacabana itself. Unmissable!

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Rio De Janeiro

In a unique location at the foot of the famous Sugarloaf Mountain, overlooked by the majestic sight of the statue of Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro is not just the host of the 2014 World Cup, it is also a centre for Brazilian culture – a thriving city with thousands of wonderful and unique things to experience. What are you waiting for!

The Area 

With lush green mountains on one side and crystal clear blue waters on the other, Rio de Janeiro is one of the most fascinating and culturally diverse places in the world. An economic powerhouse in Brazil, its rich history has led to it being one of the most visited places on the planet. Featuring some of Brazil’s most iconic and recognisable landmarks (including the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer) as seen in countless photos, films and TV shows.

Past the spectacular surface is an even more fascinating cultural underbelly. You’ll never be far from the sounds of the samba which permeates even the remotest corners of this city. The locals are known for their carefree spirit, which you’ll no doubt experience first-hand on your holiday to Argentina! Rent a beach hut on the stunning Copacabana and relax in the glorious sunshine, looking out over the water.

Best Time To Go

Brazil is famous for being sunny all year round, with temperatures reaching up to 30 degrees Celsius in summer. Remember that in the Southern Hemisphere the seasons are reversed, so summer falls between November and February (convenient for those looking to escape rainy Britain). However, Brazil is a tropical country, meaning with heavy sun can come heavy rain. Contact a Latin Routes Travel Specialist for more information about the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro.

Highlights 

Some of the highlights of this fantastic city include the world-famous Copacabana beach – relax in the sun, take a dip in the warm blue waters and sample some of the traditional street food from vendors that line the beach itself. Afterwards, take the cog train up Corcovado Mountain and witness the huge statue of Christ the Redeemer. Alternatively, take the cable car up Sugar Loaf Mountain, at the end of the beach itself, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding coastal area. If you’re feeling really adventurous, book a helicopter tour of the area – not only does this require less effort than climbing the mountains themselves, it affords you some absolutely spectacular views!

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02/06/2014