Romantic and Luxurious Getaway in Porto De Galinhas

February 17th, 2009

Porto de Galinhas, that means “Port of Chickens” in Portuguese, is situated about 60 km south from Recife, in the municipality of Ipojuca. The name has its origin in the late 19th century, when the “black ships” (which transported slaves from Africa to Brazil), due to restrictions imposed by the government to the slavery, looked for other places to harbor. When a “black ship” arrived in town, because of the restrictions to the commerce of slaves, the words were “there are new chickens at the port”, so the name, Porto de Galinhas, today a well known fishing village awarded several times as the best beach in Brazil.

In the same area of paradisiacal landscapes and clear water, there is Muro Alto beach, that hosts an exclusive beach resort, perfect for a romantic and luxurious getaway. Nannai Beach Resort is an exclusive resort set around 6000m² of crystal-clear pools and lagoons, situated on Pernambuco’s southern coast about 50km from Recife. The name Muro Alto beach is derived from the coconut palm-lined sandy cliffs found in the area. In a well know beauty spot that captivates tourists, the beach is formed by reefs that creat a 2km long tidal pool; guests can admire this outstanding natural beauty whilst enjoying breakfast at the beachside restaurant.

Guests can also enjoy natural swimming pools with natural clear waters, with a wide variety of tropical fish, at Porto de Galinhas, only ten minutes by buggy from the hotel. It is precisely in Porto de Galinhas where you can sail in a traditional “jangada” (sailing raft), which takes you into close contact with nature in the perfectly conserved mangroves. The village has charming bars and restaurants serving high quality regional cuisine within a very popular shopping area that offers a wide variety of goods and services.

Nannai concept is based on the preservation of the environmental, climatic and cultural values of the region utilizing the rationale of different ambiences within distinctive comfortable premises which blend in with the natural surroundings. Within this unique concept, the resort seeks to offer a new option to those looking for privacy, peace and tranquility, and a little escape from the daily grind. Amongst the accommodation options there are apartments or bungalows with private swimming pools.

The resort boasts a spacious and well ventilated restaurant, a sheltered balcony with an incredible sea view, offering guests the best in regional cuisine together with elements of international cuisine and an especially selected wine list, encompassing various different regions to satisfy the most demanding of palates.

The resort offers an extensive range of pools, with over 6000m² of refreshing crystalline waters of varying depth that cover much of the leisure area. The main pool boasts swimming lanes, exclusive jacuzzi areas, water volleyball, a beach with a sea view, a children’s area and a wet bar.

Nannai Beach Resort, located at this paradisiacal place in the Northeast of Brazil, is the perfect destination for a romantic and luxurious vacation.

Resource Box 1: Brazil offers many kinds of travel packages, check it out at Brazil travel deals Also you can visit Nannai.

Peru Travel

February 17th, 2009

After months of planning and over a year of dreaming about it, I finally got on a bus from Arequipa to go to Cusco to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. My friend Milana from Los Angeles, who I used to hike and mtn. bike with, and Karen, her longtime friend, were meeting me in Cusco. We were supposed to be there a couple of days early so they could acclimatize but Milana’s flight from Lima was cancelled so she arrived about noon the day before our tour started. I had already met Karen the day before and we had gotten to know each other a bit as we did some sightseeing and hiking together near Cusco.

When Milana arrived, we went to eat at a restaurant just off the plaza and she had ceviche to eat, it is raw fish marinated in lime juice. Either the ceviche or the lack of time to acclimatize to the 11,000 foot altitude in Cusco, or both, got her off to a bad start. She woke up sick the next morning for the start of our four day trek. We had signed up for a group tour, expecting up to 12 people, so we were delighted when the mini bus picked us up in that morning to find only two other people on the tour! An almost private tour for the group price. It didn’t seem like such a small group by the time we added a cook and eight porters to our guide, Carlos, making a total of 15 people. However most of the time we were trekking it was just the six of us, the porters were either packing up camp behind us or rushing on ahead to get ready for us. The service was great but personally the morning tea in our tents when they woke us, the dining tent for all three meals (although it felt really good at dinner time due to the cold) and the fancy menu, etc. was something I would have given up for a cheaper price. They definitely don’t subscribe to the ultra light hiking idea with a cast iron stove and 20 lb. LP gas tank!

One of the things that surprised me on the first day was to see people actually living along the trail, and riding bicycles back and forth. On the second morning there were women and children with burros going up the trail to set up stands to serve breakfast, sell candy, snacks, bottled water and even Gatorade! By the afternoon, that was all behind us as we headed up to Dead Woman’s Pass at 13,770 feet, the highest point on the trail. The scenery had changed from lush rain forest in the morning to sparse vegetation and rocks by the pass, along with being much cooler. When we stopped early in the afternoon at our campsite for the evening, I couldn’t just sit and wait for dinner, I went on ahead to the next pass, exploring side trails along the way. Solid clouds beyond the summit ruined my hopes for a spectacular sunset but it was an enjoyable time anyway.

On day three we got into the high jungle, thousands of more steps, and actually into some of the ancient ruins. Also a seemingly endless variety of orchids and other flowers. One thing we didn’t see was any wild animals, just a few birds. It also seemed like the farther we went, the more tourists there were. The first day we hardly saw anyone else, so I’m not sure where they all came from. By that evening we were back in civilization, with the option of a restaurant, hot shower and cold beer, which many were enjoying.

The final morning we were up early to be the first ones on the trail, hoping to get pictures of Machu Picchu before there were any people there. They actually opened the checkpoint a few minutes early and we were started off in the dark, on the last couple of hours of the trail, arriving at Machu Picchu just after sunrise. For me, one of the highlights of the trip was hiking up Huayna Picchu, the high peak behind the ruins in all the standard Machu Picchu pictures. There was a wonderful trail, steep and rugged, up to the peak, where the views were fabulous! I saw a less used trail going down the backside and followed that a ways but finally had to turn around to meet the others and catch the bus into Aquas Calientes. Only when I got back to the checkpoint at the start of the trail did I find out that it was a loop trail and I could have continued on around the mountain. There was no time to soak in the hot springs, as we got to Aquas Calientes a bit late and then found out that we had to leave early to walk to the train that would take us back to Cusco, because of the landslide that had covered the tracks on the edge of town. A final surprise was that evening when the train stopped a couple of hours before Cusco and the conductor said that was the end of the ride. We never did find out why but ended up having to take a taxi the rest of the way to Cusco, fortunately arriving with no problems.

The trip was great, Machu Picchu was unbelievable and something that pictures can’t do justice to. Never the less, I did take about 400 photos, trying to capture the grander to relive later. I am looking forward to returning to the area to hike from Cusco to Choquequirao, sometimes called the sister city to Machu Picchu, and then on to Machu Picchu. This hike is much less common and allows for exploring on your own.

Vic Hanson is the founder of Adventure Cotahuasi Tours, which offers pre-planned and custom adventure travel tours in Cotahuasi Canyon and other areas of Peru.

http://www.adventurecotahuasi.com

Iguassu Falls tours Argentina and Brazil

February 17th, 2009

A three day highlight program on both the Argentinean and Brazilian side of the falls Iguaçu.

Just the name conjures up romantic images of vast amounts of water - cascading through virgin rainforest.  This waterfall is one of the greatest on the planet, dwarfing Niagara falls it is possibly only rivalled by Victoria falls in Zimbabwe. We take you up close and personal in a never to be forgotten tour.

Our trips source as much as possible from the local community. Whether it be our knowledgeable local guides, local produce for meals to transport on tour. We do not use imported goods when local produce is available. We aim to minimise our impact on the environment and give as much back as possible to the communities we work in. All operations for this tour are done by locally owned companies, a fact we pride ourselves on. We aim to use where possible, hotels which have minimum impact on the surrounding forests. Hotels we hand pick due to their commitment to the future of the planet.

Our guides are all highly qualified (most with university degrees) or many years of experience and are paid above the standard wage. We source them due to their unique contact with the local community in the Iguacu, and their knowledge on the sites, fauna and flora you will pass on route. As well as giving you a fascinating insight into the history of this important region of Argentina.

In our pre departure information pack, and through the orientation on the ground we help you to minimise your carbon footprint on your tour, and help protect the fragile ecosystem of the Iguacu jungle. This information includes simple advice on the disposal of waste whilst with us, and also how we offset the carbon emissions through our carbon offsetting program. All entry fees paid for the entrance into the Iguacu national park contribute to its upkeep and help preserve it for the future.

By booking your tour with us, you will be making a real impact on the community you are visiting. We can also assist you if you wish to visit community projects allowing you to get a lot more out of your trip to Argentina. From a city orphanage run by a UK charity to an environmental project which involves local children and their communities from a high profile local NGO, ask us to see how you can give back. Most importantly a percentage from your booking (10%) will go back to our charities and assist us support the next generation and the environment they live in.

We really work hard to keep all our operations green! All our worldwide offices currently run on 90% green energy (we are working towards 100%) from hydro electric, wind to solar power. Being web based, we are close to becoming a paperless environment, brochure prints are at a minimum (and printed on a requirement basis) and all pre departure information is emailed. We use energy saving bulbs in our work centres, and recycle all our waste. We currently work with 3 different charities, giving us a broad spectrum and diversifying where our funds go. We work with Project Peru in the UK who run an orphanage in Zapallal in the shanty town outskirts of Lima, ANIA in Peru which is a high profile Peruvian NGO which works with children and helps to teach them about their local environment and how to manage it affectively, and GVI Foundation in Australia which works on several development projects in Latin America and around the world. We help these charities by fundraising treks, through donations as a company and through our clients and also through many of our customers who volunteer their time and expertise. These charities are close to our core of supporting the environment and children in need.

Are you planning a trip to Brazil?

February 16th, 2009

<!– @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } –>

Brazil is the largest and one of the most beautiful countries of South America. If you are planning a trip to Brazil then it will be interesting for you to know more about this exotic destination. There are many things which can be enjoyed in Brazil. It is a country which gave birth to carnival and dazzling costumes. You will be amazed with the hospitable spirit of people. It is an ideal destination for tourism due to amazing rain forests, beautiful waterfalls and exotic food. You will never forget this country after visiting it once.

Every city of Brazil is special. You will find magic spots in big as well as small cities. Never forget to try eco-tourism. It is one of the main attractions of the destination.

What about accommodation? You can find every type of accommodation according to your budget. You can find a large number of reputed hotels with variety of facilities. Number of tourists visiting this country is growing every year.

Brazil covers almost half of South America. Atlantic Ocean runs along the entire east coast of the country. By visiting this destination you can enjoy one of the beautiful beaches of the world.
There are many things which should be kept in mind while planning a trip to Brazil or any other destination. First of all you should fix your travel budget. After fixing the budget you can look for some travel agencies online. Online travel agencies can help you a lot in buying a perfect travel package. It is a good idea to buy a travel package as it includes all the basic travel requirements. Most commonly a package includes airline ticket, hotel room, tour package and taxi rental. You can save lots of time and money by buying a travel package. I would recommend you to spend some time with a travel agent before you decide something. It is a good idea to explain all your expectations to him.

Never forget to compare the price of the packages offered by different agents. There are many websites and portals which can help you in comparing the price and finding an affordable package. You can find out help looking for Brazil Travel Deals over here.

You should always try to find lots of information about the destination your family is planning to visit. It is a good idea to read some books or articles. There are many websites and blogs which provide free of cost information about several travel destinations all over the world. You can also visit some blogs which review popular destinations. Reading reviews can help you a lot in selecting a dream destination. Brazil Deals can offers you great help.  Brazilian specialist are the bests option you should look for.

Angra, South of Rio: 365 Islands and gorgeous water

February 16th, 2009

<!– @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } –>

Just like France, one type of cheese for every day of the year, Angra has an island for every day of the year. Only one day every four years (leap year) lacks an Island. Well, nothing is perfect—but tries telling that to those who have visited Angra. It sure feels and looks like perfection.

Here the Beauty of nature begins with the color of the sea and the exuberant green of the Atlantic Forest. It is the perfect place for nautical sports, sub – aquatic fishing and long boat rides. Floating restaurants serving a varied menu of fish and seafood. In the golf course, guaranteeing leisure for lovers of those sports.

In addition to the 365 Islands, there is roughly one bench for every year in the A.D. Calendar. With just over 2000 beaches and 365 islands, you will never ever run out of new things to see. Believe it or not, Angra has a little piece of New York…well…they also have an island called “Long Island” (Ilha Grande). You have to see this one; it has history, lush wild greenery (Atlantic rainforest to be exact) beaches and more.

The history of Long Island and Angra as a whole began over 500 years ago with the Portuguese. They landed on Long Island on January 6, 1502, which was Kings’ Day. Because of this fact, the area has named Kings’ Creek, Which translates as “Angra dos Reis”. This little discovery by the Portuguese sparked a letter to Portugal by Amerigo Vespucio. He told how he had found a paradise with sweet smelling flowers and trees. He also spoke of the great numbers and varieties of bright colored birds. He refused to say too much more, because he feared they would not believe him. There are many houses that go almost as far as Amerigo’s time. One church goes back to the 1500’s and countless houses and churches date back to the 1600’s. It also has a famous Museum of Sacred arts; Angra has a lot of history!

Angra is located about 75 miles south of the city of Rio de Janeiro. The views are absolutely breathtaking with actual rainforests, crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, and more. Angra was immediately settled in the early 1500’s and has remained inhabited ever since, but much of the history was preserved. Angra was a popular port city and agricultural center. There are quite a number of island tours on schooners. You could spend a year in Angra and still not see all of it.

Romantic and Luxurious Getaway in Porto De Galinhas

February 6th, 2009

Porto de Galinhas, that means “Port of Chickens” in Portuguese, is situated about 60 km south from Recife, in the municipality of Ipojuca. The name has its origin in the late 19th century, when the “black ships” (which transported slaves from Africa to Brazil), due to restrictions imposed by the government to the slavery, looked for other places to harbor. When a “black ship” arrived in town, because of the restrictions to the commerce of slaves, the words were “there are new chickens at the port”, so the name, Porto de Galinhas, today a well known fishing village awarded several times as the best beach in Brazil.

In the same area of paradisiacal landscapes and clear water, there is Muro Alto beach, that hosts an exclusive beach resort, perfect for a romantic and luxurious getaway. Nannai Beach Resort is an exclusive resort set around 6000m² of crystal-clear pools and lagoons, situated on Pernambuco’s southern coast about 50km from Recife. The name Muro Alto beach is derived from the coconut palm-lined sandy cliffs found in the area. In a well know beauty spot that captivates tourists, the beach is formed by reefs that creat a 2km long tidal pool; guests can admire this outstanding natural beauty whilst enjoying breakfast at the beachside restaurant.

Guests can also enjoy natural swimming pools with natural clear waters, with a wide variety of tropical fish, at Porto de Galinhas, only ten minutes by buggy from the hotel. It is precisely in Porto de Galinhas where you can sail in a traditional “jangada” (sailing raft), which takes you into close contact with nature in the perfectly conserved mangroves. The village has charming bars and restaurants serving high quality regional cuisine within a very popular shopping area that offers a wide variety of goods and services.

Nannai concept is based on the preservation of the environmental, climatic and cultural values of the region utilizing the rationale of different ambiences within distinctive comfortable premises which blend in with the natural surroundings. Within this unique concept, the resort seeks to offer a new option to those looking for privacy, peace and tranquility, and a little escape from the daily grind. Amongst the accommodation options there are apartments or bungalows with private swimming pools.

The resort boasts a spacious and well ventilated restaurant, a sheltered balcony with an incredible sea view, offering guests the best in regional cuisine together with elements of international cuisine and an especially selected wine list, encompassing various different regions to satisfy the most demanding of palates.

The resort offers an extensive range of pools, with over 6000m² of refreshing crystalline waters of varying depth that cover much of the leisure area. The main pool boasts swimming lanes, exclusive jacuzzi areas, water volleyball, a beach with a sea view, a children’s area and a wet bar.

Nannai Beach Resort, located at this paradisiacal place in the Northeast of Brazil, is the perfect destination for a romantic and luxurious vacation.

Resource Box 1: Brazil offers many kinds of travel packages, check it out at Brazil travel deals Also you can visit Nannai.

Brazil Honeymoon

January 27th, 2009

Brazil Honeymoon

<a href=”http://www.seeyouinbrazil.com”>Brazil Honeymoon</a> Packages
December 31st, 2008

Honeymoon can be described as a traditional holiday which is generally celebrated by the newly wed couple to discover their marital status in intimacy and seclusion. In order to attain a lifetime experience couples prefer some exotic or romantic locations. And Brazil is one of the countries that provide a one-of-a-kind experience to couple who are having desire of a perfect honeymoon package which could provide them an ideal time together. Being a huge and diverse location Brazil is famed for its stunning beaches and its abundant wildlife. Most of all plenty of hidden away spots, boutique hotels and secluded beach resorts are making the country a perfect honeymoon location.

Brazil is a huge and diverse location famed for its stunning beaches, abundant wildlife and the easy going nature of its denizens. There are plenty of hidden away spots and romantic boutique hotels making it an ideal location for those looking for an exotic honeymoon.

The range and scope of a country larger than mainland USA can make the idea of planning a trip to Brazil a little daunting. However, by thinking about what you really want from the trip (and what is available) you should be able to plan an unforgettable honeymoon with a little care and attention.

First off, after a hectic wedding build up the first thing you’re likely to want to do is get straight to the beach. But which type of beach? with over 4,000 miles of coastline Brazil has a huge range of different beach locations, so you should think about which suits you best:

If you want to spend a laid back beach village life, there’s no place better than the Nannai beach resort at Porto De Galinhas. It is located in a small beachside village of fishermen. There’s plenty of restaurants, bars and shops in the village (though all low key luxury, very much in keeping with the natural style of the place) and great beaches nearby. It does get busy (and very expensive) during New Year’s Eve and Carnival.

If you want to stay in a beach town nearby Rio then Casas Brancas at Buzios and Vila D’este at Buzios can’t be beaten as you don’t have to jump on a plane to get there from your international flight. Buzios is famous for its beaches and crystal-clear water contrast with the exuberantly sculptured landscape and exotic vegetation, which a prodigal “Mother Nature” has privileged with a wonderful year-round summer. Naturally some of the exclusivity can be lost, but choosing the correct hotel will make the difference. This beach town has more options for bars and nightlife, also if you want to spend your time more relaxing than you can go further down the coast in Paraty or Picinguaba.

If you have a passion for Cuisine, music, water sports and like swimming and diving and want to enjoy Brazil’s largest Carnaval celebrations then Salvador is the right place to visit. Salvador is well-known for its cuisine, music and architecture.

If you want to spend the time at a beachside cosmopolitan which is yet enchanting and rustic at the same time then Ponta Dos Ganchos at Florianopolis is the right place for you. Florianopolis is an exceptional tourist destinations in the world where the new and the old coexists harmoniously. Blessed with tremendous natural beauty, the city also offers agitated beaches and tourism infrastructure, excellent cuisine, untouched pristine nature preserves, sand dunes, large lagoons and charming little fishing villages.

If you love green and what to stay in a ecological paradise then Angra dos Reis is the right place for you. With lots of islands just off the coast and spectacular beaches along with few interesting historical sights, it is a dream spot for the honeymoon couples.

Apart from above mentioned places there are still a lot of places which might be ideal for your honeymoon destination. With more then thousands of miles of beautiful beaches, vast wildlife and friendly locals it’s no wonder that more and more couples are choosing Brazil for their dream honeymoon destination. Travel to Brazil has been increasing year on year and the infrastructure has improved greatly. There are now many different options for the newly wed couples when contemplating Brazil.

You should always try to find lots of information about the destination you are planning to visit. It is a good idea to read some books or articles. There are many websites and blogs which provide free of cost information about several <a href=”http://www.seeyouinbrazil.com/honeymoon.htm”>honeymoon deals</a> all over Brazil. You can also visit some blogs which review popular honeymoon destinations of Brazil. Reading reviews can help you a lot in selecting a dream destination.

January 16th, 2009

Brazil travel deals, Nannai beach resort is based on the concept of preserving the environmental, climatic and cultural values of the region by rationalizing different functional areas within distinctive, comfortable premises, which visually blend in with local natural features. This unique design enables the Resort to meet the needs of people who seek privacy with peace and quiet, and an escape from the daily routine. The choices of accommodation include two categories of apartment and three categories of bungalows.

Nannai  Resortpremium-bglw-ocean-view-2 is located only 54 km from Recife and 9 km from Porto de Galinhas, on the paradisiacal beach of Muro Alto, on the southern coast of Pernambuco State. Muro Alto owes its name to the coconut palm-lined sand cliffs found in the area. A famous beauty spot known to enchant every visitor, the beach and offshore reefs form a beautiful 2½ km-long tide pool with a sandy bed, where guests can admire the outstanding natural beauty while they enjoy breakfast in the seafront restaurant.

* Prices may change without notice and are subject to availability. Please contact one of our Brazilian Specialists to customize a package for you. Call 803 233 6642 or contact us at sales@seeyouinbrazil.com.

Beautiful diving 315 feets Fernando de Noronha Brazil

January 16th, 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N2zZ5ULQyg

NORONHA     Fernando de Noronha Hotels

Fernando  de Noronha - For a long time now, the country’s natural beauty and Carnival have made it internationally famous, bringing thousands of tourists to its shores all year long. But, there is another attraction here that one only discovers upon arrival: the Brazilian people. The Brazilian way of life is even more surprising and more enchanting than any of the scenery. This, you’ll just discover being there, on your honeymoon in Brazil!

Set on exotic, glistening turquoise waters, Fernando  Noronha is a veritable paradise, accompanied by the exquisite luxuries of a world-class hotel. Perfect for your honeymoon in Brazil. This smorgasbord of delight pleases a wide range of finicky travelers. From snorkeling with sea turtles and a renowned scuba program to private strolls on the mountain or along sugar-white-sand beach; from world-class gourmet dining to stolen moments amid the fragrant, pristine waters, this exquisite sanctuary offers something to tempt even the most demanding of souls.

Your vacation in Brazil is special time and it will be unlike any other vacation that you take in your whole lifetime. This vacation is truly unique, and literally, a once in a lifetime event. Fernando de Noronha is considered one of the most beautiful sanctuary destinations in Brazil, just the perfect place for your Brazil honeymoon.

* Brazil, always a wonderful destination. We provide the best Brazil travel deals for you. Anywhere you want to go in Brazil we can help you. See our links for the best Brazil hotels and flights to Brazil. We can quote flights to Brazil upon request.

* Prices may change without notice and are subject to availability. Please contact one of our Brazilian Specialists to customize a package for you. Call 803 233 6642 or contact us at sales@seeyouinbrazil.com.

Brazil’s Abrolhos Bank Doubles in Size

January 16th, 2009
Brazil’s Abrolhos Bank Doubles in Size

December 16, 2008
From the December, 2008 issue of Scuba Diving Magazine. Newly discovered reefs expand the South Atlantic’s largest and most biologiclaly diverse reef system.
By Travis Marshall

New reefs discovered by scientists along the east coast of Brazil double the known range of the Abrolhos Bank, a collection of volcanic islands and coral reefs off the Brazilian state of Bahia that comprise the largest and most biologically diverse reef system in the South Atlantic. And sections of the newly discovered reefs have up to 30 times the marine-life density, much of it endemic, as compared with the previously known parts of the Abrolhos Bank, says Guilherme Dutra, director of marine programs for Conservation International Brazil.

Diving at the Abrolhos Bank is characterized by large, mushroom-shaped coral formations called chapeirões (big hats) found nowhere else in the world. The structures start in about 100 feet of water and reach almost to the surface, and nearly 50 percent of these corals are endemic. The signature species is an ancient brain coral from the Mussismilia genus, which dates to the Tertiary Period, 2 to 65 million years ago. In 1983, Brazil created its first national park around the islands of the Abrolhos Archipelago, about 40 miles offshore, to protect this unique environment.

Divers can visit the park and its surrounding reefs via the town of Caravelas–about 575 miles from Rio de Janeiro--on day or overnight trips. Along with endemic marine life and unique coral structures, three popular wrecks–the Rosalinda, Santa Catharina and Guadiana–attract divers here, and from July to December, humpback whales from the Antarctic gather at the bank to mate and nurse their young. If you want to visit this beautiful  Country check Brazil Travel.