Brazil

Breezes Costa do Sauipe

Situated on a pristine cove along Brazil’s Northeastern coast, Breezes Costa do Sauipe is right in the heart of one of Brazil’s most exciting tourist destinations, just an hour north of the former capital city of Salvador. There’s always something going on, but you may just find yourself hypnotized by the ocean views.

Breezes Buzios

Located about 100 miles northeast of Rio de Janeiro, Buzios is the longtime playground of the rich and famous. Breezes is the first Super-Inclusive resort on this exclusive hideaway, so you don’t have to be rich or famous to experience the full star treatment.

Salvador

There are many unique experiences that Brazil can lure you with when you have extra time. The city of Salvador is definitely one of them. Salvador, the first capital of Brazil and now the capital of the State of Bahia, is located just 60 minutes away from Breezes Costa do Sauipe. Because of its closeness, several trips can be taken during your stay to visit this historical place with its tropical landscapes, striking beaches and Brazilian flair.

Things To Know

Airline and Airports

Fly into Sao Paulo (GRU), which is the main hub, or Rio de Janeiro (GIG). Other hubs include Porto Alegre (POA) and Curitiba (CWB) in the south; Braslia (BSB) in the central west; and Salvador (SSA), Recife (REC) and Fortaleza (FOR) in the northeast.

From the US:

American Airlines Varig, TAM

Approximate flight times:

Flights from US must connect via either Rio or Sao Paolo to Salvador, which is approximately a 2-hour flight. From Salvador it is a 1-hour drive to Costa do Sauipe by coach.

From Europe:

Air France, Alitalia, British Airways, Iberia, KLM, Lufthansa, Swissair, Tam, Tap and Varig

Approximate flight times:

Most scheduled flights from Europe fly first to So Paulo and then on to Rio de Janeiro. Depending on the city, flight time from Europe to Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro is just over 12 hours and a little over nine hours to Natal, Recife or Salvador.

Entry Requirements

British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Brazil but passport holders from some countries, such as the US, Australia and New Zealand do. If you have any doubts about the need for a visa, consult the airline with which you will be flying or contact the Brazilian Consulate.

Tourists are normally allowed to stay in Brazil for three months and this – at the discretion of the Federal Police – can be extended for a further three months if necessary. A tourist does not have the right to work while in Brazil.

Customs officials normally inspect the baggage of around 30 per cent or more of incoming passengers. Besides clothing and personal effects, tourists entering Brazil may bring in one of each of the following items: radio, tape/CD player, typewriter, notebook computer, movie and still camera.

If there is any doubt about the need for vaccinations, please contact the Brazilian Consulate General at the above address or check the latest information on the website.

Security

Being sensible and streetwise is the key to a trouble-free and enjoyable stay in Brazil. However, just like in London, Paris, New York or any other major metropolitan and tourist center, petty crime in Brazil is an unfortunate fact of life. The crime tourists are most likely to fall victim to in Brazilian cities is robbery and the target of most petty pilfering is the bag. If a bag is left unattended, the chances are that somebody else will try to pick it up. The simple solution is that visitors can’t get robbed if they’ve got nothing with them to be stolen. Always leave travelers checks, passports, air tickets and the like in the hotel safe deposit box. Visitors should however carry some form of ID, such as a photocopy of their passports, with them at all times.

What to Bring

Clothing

Brazilians, even in the major cities, dress casually outside the office. None of the country’s top restaurants insist on collar and tie although the occasional private club does. Collar and tie still predominate in formal office and business surroundings.

Financial Matters

Currency

Brazil’s currency since 1 July, 1994, is the Real (R$) which is roughly valued at R$3.00 = 1.00

Most Brazilians understand dollars and as a foreign currency it is by far the most widely accepted and throughout the country gives the best exchange rate. In the main cities there is little problem in changing other foreign currencies and there is an extensive network of ATMs. Most major credit cards are accepted in Brazil.

Bank Hours

Most of the major banks are Brazilian but many foreign banks will have an agreement with one or more of the major players. Banks operate Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm.

Tipping

Nearly all hotels add a service charge to the bill, usually 10%. Most restaurants also add 10% or more to the total of the bill, but must make it clear that they have done so. Brazilians don’t normally tip taxi drivers, although they may round the total up.

Utilities

Voltage

In Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, the current is 127 volts (60 cycles) but many of the larger hotels also offer 220 volts. If there is any doubt, check with the front desk of the hotel or the owner of the house or apartment. Transformers to boost the current from 110 volts to 220 volts are available in most good electrical supply stores.

Not all of Brazil is 127 volts, however. Salvador and Manaus, for example, are, while Recife and Braslia are 220 volts.

For most electric appliances Brazil uses a two round-pinned socket.

Telephones

Brazil has a well-developed telephone network and it is relatively simple to direct dial to anywhere in Brazil or internationally. Although the country has one of the fastest growing mobile phone markets in the world, non-Brazilian mobile phones won’t currently work in Brazil. Mobile phones can, however, be rented and picked up at the airport or delivered to the hotel.

Transportation

Buses Taxis and Trains are ways of getting around Brazil. You can also rent a car and drive yourself. Most of the major international car rental companies operate in the main Brazilian cities. The companies accept the majority of international credit cards and restrict the minimum age of the driver to 25.Many of the companies can also supply drivers and have a van service.

Medical Help

Brazil has an excellent network of private hospitals in the major metropolitan centers. Private medical care is expensive, so it is advisable that all visitors take out medical insurance prior to their arrival.

Things To Do

Your Breezes hosts want to share the beauty of their country with you we suggest you become acquainted with these magical lands for yourself. Excellent tours are available, with experienced, friendly guides and can be arranged by the Concierge at your hotel.

Bird Watching

The Pantanal is the ultimate destination for Bird watching in Brazil. It is difficult to turn your head without catching sight of yet another lovely species. Here, the challenge is not sighting birds, it is keeping track of everything you see and deciding which way to look! The Atlantic Rainforest near Foz do Iguau is another popular destination for birdwatchers from around the world, and here you will delight in the butterfly population, as an added bonus.

Caving

Tours offer a comprehensive introduction to this unique wilderness activity, unveiling the mysteries of how caves are formed, and the unique species found in cave ecosystems, such as albino bats, fish and spiders. In some locations the opportunity to learn or practice skills such as underwater cave diving and ice caving are available.

Fishing

Nearly every region in Brazil provides great opportunities for sport fishing. The country offers all that the fisherman could wish for: mighty rivers surrounded by tropical forests, rapids, lakes, endless stretches of beaches, mangroves and rocky coastline, not to mention the vast sea.

Trekking

Exploring Brazil’s diverse ecosystems on foot puts travelers into direct contact with nature, tantalizing the senses with the sweet smells, sights, and sounds of the wild. While many methods of transportation such as boats, motorized vehicles or horses act as alarms for wildlife, trekking increases the chances of spotting animals many people will only see in books or on television, particularly in the fauna rich regions of the Amazon and Pantanal.

Shopping

In Salvador is possible to find goods of all kinds and qualities. Crafts are among the most sought after items by tourists, and are sold in areas like Pelourinho and Mercado Modelo. The Shopping Centers, with their comfortable infrastructure and service expertise, are spreading fast throughout the city and expanding the commercial activity, which used to be concentrated in the Comercio area and on Sete de Setembro Avenue. There are also the fairs and popular markets. Not as common as the shopping centers, they are by no means less important, due to the cultural role they represent in the city.

Carnival

Carnival is a four-day event that changes dates every year. It begins forty days before the Catholic holiday, Lent (usually in February or in the beginning of March). Carnival is the peak holiday season in Brazil. Offices and businesses close during the festivities. Brazilians take time off and travel, so make sure to plan your trip well in advance. Remember, you are competing for a hotel room, not only with tourists from all over the world, but also with Brazilians.