 About Our Adventures | Booking | Preparation  ABOUT OUR ADVENTURES BOOKING PREPARATION ABOUT OUR ADVENTURES What kind of trips does Brazil Adventures provide? The best way to define our trips would be "Eco-Cultural Adventures", which is a combination of eco-tourism, cultural exploration and active adventure travel. We are an eco-tourism company because we promote responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well being of local people. We provide you with a deep understanding of the richness and diversity of the local culture, while promoting conservation through making an economic contribution to the local community. We are also an adventure travel company, because we provide you with many fun filled activities in unusual, exotic, remote and wilderness areas. We design our adventures in various difficulty levels to satisfy everyone's inner world of personal challenge, self-perception and self-mastery. This is the way we like to travel and we dedicate ourselves to cater the needs of like-minded travelers. While our trips may not be for everyone, we believe that we offer an unsurpassed satisfaction for the adventurous and curious traveler.
What will I get from Brazil Adventures that I won't on my own or through another company? Basically everything we do to make our trips unique, memorable and filled with experiences that meet and exceed our travelers' high expectations. The best routes and destinations in Brazil, the most capable guides, best accommodation in every region, best local food, best equipment, as well as our unsurpassed commitment to service for your complete satisfaction. Brazil Adventures offers you the benefit of our specialization and experience in adventure travel and eco-cultural trips in Brazil. You will get unique access to events and special places you'd find very difficult, if not possible, on your own. For more information please refer to Why Go With Us section
What kind of people travel with you? Our travelers come from different countries, backgrounds and walks of life but they share the spirit of adventure and exploration. So far we accommodated travelers from 8 to 65 years old, and we would welcome anybody whose physical condition can meet the demands of the trip they choose. We also offer Singles Adventures as well as Family Adventures.
Is it possible to get in touch with someone who traveled with you regarding their experience? Most definitely, we can give you contacts of clients who traveled with us and would be happy to talk to you about their experiences.
What is the maximum number of people on a trip? Our group size is limited to 16 people to provide you with the advantages of small groups including better social experience among group members as well as with local people, more personal attention with maximum guest to guide ratio of 8 to 1, and flexibility to make adjustments according to the group's taste.
Do I have to be a very fit person to take your trips? Our trips are all rated according to how strenuous they are. You just need to be in good health to join our Level 1 trips. Other levels may require some level of fitness. For our grading scheme, please click here.
What if my travel companion is less (or more) active or adventurous than I am? We know that many people travel in pairs but don't necessarily have identical tastes and interests, so we always have alternative activities to do. For example while your companion is trying to rapel down from a 120 feet waterfall, you can just go for kayaking in the river or a day hike. You are also always welcome to take a day off to rest or some quality personal time. We try to be as flexible as possible to make everyone happy.
Do I have to carry my own backpack? No. You just take your daypack with you. The rest will be carried by support vehicles, animals or porters.
Do you offer Family Trips? We have a full program of family trips suitable for school age children and teens. Sometimes grandparents bring grandkids. We research and design all kinds of kid-oriented activities such as castle tours, prehistoric caves and helicopter rides to make their trip as memorable as yours. Mom and Dad enjoy superb hotels and meals, the kids get a great active holiday- everybody wins. We can help you find other families, plan your private family trip or help you find a regular departure suitable for your family. For more information, please visit our Specialty Adventures page.
Do you offer special youth rates? All minors (under 18 years) must be accompanied by at least one adult. We offer 20% off for children ages 8-17, when the child shares a room with two adults, and 10% if the child shares a room with one adult or another child.
Do you have a shared-room program for solo travelers? Yes, if you prefer to share a room, we will do our best to pair you up with a same sex traveler. If a roommate is not available, you are requested to pay a Single Supplement Fee.
Does Brazil Adventures offer any group discounts? We offer a group travel discount for seven or more people traveling together. To inquire about our group discounts please call us at 1-877-2-BRAZIL or e-mail us at info@brazil-adventures.com
Do you offer private trips and customized itineraries? Yes. Private arrangements entitle you to adjust the pace, duration, style and focus of your trip while benefiting from the same expert guides and service that make our group trips so successful. Choose one of the adventure programs on our website or in our catalog and then call us to discuss the best time of year, trip leaders, accommodations, special emphasis, or other considerations. And if you've got something different in mind, we can always put together a custom itinerary. To inquire about a customized adventure, you can fill out our Custom Adventure Form or call us at 1-877-2-BRAZIL.
Can Brazil Adventures guarantee that my trip will run? This is the beauty of it. Since we maintain a full time staff in Brazil, we can run most of our trips with minimum two travelers (some trips may require a minimum of four). So, the chances that a trip may be cancelled are very slim.
What kind of lodging can I expect? Many of our trips feature accommodations in cozy country lodgings with a delightful ambiance and character. Often family-run, you'll be treated as an honored guest and feel right at home. Lodgings may range from an "eco-lodge" in the heart of the Amazon to a delightfully renovated farmhouse in the hills. In larger cities, we use first-class hotels with all the amenities.
What kind of food can I expect? Expect to eat well. On our expeditions meals are professionally prepared with calories calculated to give you the energy you need, and served with imaginative presentation. We know eating healthy, tasty, nutritious food is a key to successful travel. Local food will offer you new tastes to complement the cross-cultural experience. In some places where good local restaurants are numerous, we will provide guidance and suggestions, but not the meals themselves. Included meals are noted in the detailed trip notes available for each trip.
Do you have the ability to deal with someone with special food requirements? Yes. This request comes mostly from our vegetarian customers and we can easily offer you all vegetarian meals. Apart from this, if you have any dietary restrictions or intolerance to certain foods, please let us know and we will gladly replace those items in your meals.
Who will my guides be? With our experience, we know well that it's more than just a matter of the destination, state-of-the-art equipment, or gourmet food that gives a trip its greatness. That greatness, without a doubt, comes from our expedition leaders, and we are proud to offer you the best of the best. Your trip leaders are your link to different places and cultures, and are often the key to an unforgettable experience (as evidenced by the hundreds of glowing reviews we receive each year about them!). You'll learn more from them than from any guidebook and their expertise, endless enthusiasm, language skills, environmental appreciation, cultural understanding, and safety training are unparalleled. Besides showing you wonders you'd never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They love to share stories and swap tall tales, as each and every one of them embodies the spirit of adventure and the joy of discovery.
What are Brazil Adventures' limitations of liability? Brazil Adventures is not liable for bodily injury or property damage as a result of (but not limited to) physical exertion for which a guest is not prepared; forces of nature; travel by plane, train, auto, boat or other conveyance, or by bicycle, ski, horseback, foot or other form of active or adventure travel; consumption of alcoholic beverages; civil unrest; terrorism; breakdown of equipment; high altitude; lack of or limited access to medical attention in remote locations; and the adequacy of medical attention once provided. Brazil Adventures is also not liable for: expenses (e.g., meals, transportation or hotel costs) that are not specified as included in the trip cost but may be required to get to or from a trip start or end. Brazil Adventures reserves the right to make route and hotel modifications as necessary to improve the trip quality or to accommodate the comfort and well being of guests. Guests grant Brazil Adventures express permission to take photographs or make film records of its trips for promotional and commercial use, as well as approve such use by third parties with whom Brazil Adventures may engage in joint marketing, without financial remuneration. For more info info please read our Liability Release Form.
BOOKINGShould I book directly with Brazil Adventures or through a travel agent? Your cost will be the same either way. If you learned about Brazil Adventures through your travel agent, use their services. If you obtained materials from us directly, we will service your trip directly by toll-free phone, fax or e-mail.
What does the trip price include? The stated price includes all services as specified in Find Adventures section. This will always include all lodging, meals as stated, guide services, equipment for activities, special events and workshops, all internal transportation, park or monument fees, porters, and gratuities. In addition, you are entitled to free pre-departure telephone or e-mail support from our staff. You will receive a detailed pre-departure packet including language guide, a health guide, checklists, equipment catalog, reading lists, suggested insurance policy, luggage tags, T-Shirt, documents case, U.S. customs information, map and cultural information. We are at your service for customizing extensions, forwarding emergency communications during your trip and assisting with any travel contingencies from illness to lost luggage to delayed transportation.
How do I make airfare arrangements? We do not include airfare in our prices, because we know that some of our customers have frequent flier miles they would like to use or preferred airlines they would like to fly with. Our full service in-house travel agency would be more than happy to help you with your flight arrangements if you choose not to arrange yourself.
How far in advance should I make a deposit? Secure your place on a trip with a deposit as soon as you decide you can go. Usually, this deposit is $500 and is refundable according to the Terms & Conditions. Many people sign up for a trip more than 1 year in advance since some trips may require advance planning and commitment. However, we are able to help you make arrangements to some destinations on very short notice.
Can I book my trip on the Internet? Sure. You can get to our Secure Online Reservation Form by clicking on the "Reserve" button on every trip page.
How can I extend and customize my Brazil Adventures trip? We offer great trip extensions to make your adventure last. You can find our suggested trip extensions on the bottom of every trip itinerary. You can also join two consecutive trips or ask for a customized extension.
Can I change my mind and transfer to another trip? In most cases you can (except private trips and custom itineraries). However, we recommend that you purchase the travel insurance package to protect yourself. If you decide to switch to a different trip until 45 days prior to your original departure date, you will be charged an administration fee of US$ 100 per person. After this time, the cancellation policy will apply for such changes. You can only switch trips within the same calendar year.
Can I give a Brazil Adventures trip as a gift? Yes! Trying to make someone really happy? Give them a Brazil Adventures trip for the best birthday, wedding, anniversary, graduation, or other special occasion gift ever! Also makes a great reward for that top salesperson in your company or other incentive gift.
PREPARATION What do I need to bring? All you need to bring, besides your spirit of adventure, is your personal gear. Don't worry, we'll send you a detailed clothing and equipment list in your pre-departure information so you know what you'll need. We provide the rest: top-quality tents, rafting and kayaking gear, camping and commissary equipment, and vehicles.
When will I receive more detailed information about my trip, so that I can start planning? After you make a reservation, you will receive a Travel Planner that includes a descriptive itinerary and detailed information about arrival and departure, pre and post trip suggestions, clothing and gear, passports and visa requirements and a travel protection plan.
Do I require insurance? We strongly recommend health, cancellation and baggage insurance for all travelers. We would be happy to help you with this.
What immunization will I need? For most of our trips no immunizations are required but some may be suggested. Visit Center For Disease Control Web Site for more detailed information.
Do I need a visa for Brazil? If so, how do I get it? US citizens require a tourist visa to enter Brazil. For detailed information please visit our Passport & Visa page.
Can I use credit cards in the places visited? In most major cities yes, however once we leave those cities behind, it may be more difficult. It may also be tough at times to find an internationally connected ATM machine or even an exchange bureau. You can check the ATM network for your destination from our Money page. We suggest exchanging your money before leaving or at the airport arrival.
How can my relatives or friends contact me? Our guides carry mobile phones. We can provide you with the numbers, however please keep in mind that mobiles do not work in some of the remote areas we visit.
Is Brazil dangerous? Like most of the metropolitans, Brazil's big cities such as Rio and Sao Paulo have high rate of crime. Still, some precaution and awareness would save you from trouble in these cities. However we hardly spend time in big cities. To explore the hidden beauties of Brazil, we take you off the beaten path where people are pure and friendly and the crime rate is close to none.
What responsibilities do I assume as a guest? Guests are responsible for choosing a trip that suits their abilities, fitness level and state of health; providing our office with signed release and medical/personal information forms prior to trip departure (guests will not be permitted to join a trip without this information on file); arriving at the trip start with the clothing and gear recommended in the Travel Planner; respecting the laws and customs of countries visited; following environmental guidelines and regulations while on the trip in accordance with leader direction; and respecting the rights and privacy of other trip members. An individual may be asked to leave a trip if the leader feels that the person's continuing participation may prove detrimental to the individual or to the well being and enjoyment of other guests.
|
