| Do I need any special visas to travel in Brazil?
Yes, if you are a citizen of USA or Canada. You also must have a valid passport with at least 6 months time remaining on it. Visa applications should be started at least 4 weeks in advance of your expected departure date to ensure timely receipt of all your travel documents. More information at: http://travel.state.gov/brazil.html
Do I need any special inoculations before I travel to Brazil?
You will be traveling to the Amazon jungle regions and past experience has been that yellow fever inoculations are required, and a malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Please check with your physician for more information on which vaccinations are recommended.
< back > Do I have to speak Portuguese to go and enjoy myself?
NO, we have teachers and friends there that will take care of all major arrangements and handle translation!
Why the motto “Nurturing and conserving the natural way?”
We have absolute respect for the laws of the rainforest. Our motto is a simple way of stating our dedication to being warriors for action to protect and preserve our majestic world.
< back > Should I have any concerns during the trip?
Experienced and knowledgeable facilitators, guides and teachers will guide you. You should receive comfort in the fact that many have preceded you, from all over the world, from the age of 10 through 70! From their feedback over the years, we know that they all would return to the rainforest - in a heartbeat.
Where will we stay?
Most of the time we will be at Tarumã Sanctuary and local communities along the Rio Negro. and always we have BLD at the river boats. (See the Journey Itinerary)
< back > How friendly are the Amazonian people?
Very! Our family / friends and people are from different native communities. Many of the guides, healers, bush masters, materos, have lived for long periods within their communities, partaking in their culture and even playing, dancing, fishing, or making hand crafts… Are there lots of insects there?
Yes, it is the rainforest, but most of them do not bite or sting. Traditional mosquito-repellent oil is available for use.
< back > Will my hammocks be protected from insects?
Yes, all hammocks are fitted with mosquito netting for your slumbering pleasure!
Since we are sleeping in hammocks do we have to worry about tropical storms in the rainforest?
All overnight accommodations are under cover in a “chapéu”- traditional hut (native dwellings) or at the river boat. There are occasionally storms throughout the year, but none that have ever given rise for concern before.
< back > What happens in the case of medical emergencies?
On the river boat we count with a first AID. Tarumã Sanctuary has a phone, the riverboat has a radio and we also have an emergency riverboat for any evacuation. In Manaus City we can find a good and modern hospitals and doctors.
Is the food safe to eat?
We provide only safe foods and tropical juices.
< back > Will there be vegetarian food?
If you are vegetarian, we plan accordingly. We will try to accommodate you as best as possible.
Will there be soda to drink?
Sometimes, but you will be offered natural fruit drinks during the journey that will make you forget about soda. There are more tropical and natural fruit drinks in the rainforest than anywhere else in the world!
< back > What are the bathroom facilities like?
Some of them are just like here. Others flush by pouring water into them.
Are there laundry facilities?
There are laundry buckets and lines with clothespins on the riverboats. You are free to do your own laundry or you can have staff do your laundry twice a week for a small charge.
< back > How strenuous is the Jaú National Park and Iracema Falls caves journey?
It can be a little challenging occasionally, if you want to experience all of the options available on the expedition.
Do we have to carry our heavy bags all the time?
Not necessarily. The bags and big supplies will remain on the river boat or specific place. It will only be necessary to take essentials (bottle of water, hat, mosquito repellent, sun block, cameras, notebook, sun-glasses, etc.) in a backpack or daypack.
< back > Will I have access to the Internet?
Yes, you will have the opportunity to use the Internet in Manaus City or at the Hotel. |
