We are more than happy and proud to we announce the opening of the BioParque in Rio de Janeiro, last March 22nd.
BioParque follows the most advanced and modern concepts based on education, research and conservation.
Our team has been to the opening visit and had the chance to experience the areas for contemplation and interaction such as: Tropical immersion – Village of Reptiles – Burle Marx Garden – Kings of the Jungle – Small Farm and much more. The great amount of snack stands, restaurants and the beautiful shop brings a special touch to the visit.
We noted a special attention to the new sanitary protocols: mandatory use of face masks, alcohol based hand sanitizer, minimum distance marks to be followed, preferable use of digital payment methods and several signs to help the visitors to remember these guidelines.The park is opened daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
Icaraí de Amontoada is a small village on the coast of Ceará, where the lifestyle is simple and genuine. Hurry and ostentation have no business here! Walking barefoot through the streets, chatting with the locals, and spending a carefree afternoon on the beach is the kind of privilege we find in this region. The brighter point in Icaraí is its nature: green sea, golden dunes, and beautiful natural pools.
Makena Hotel has 13 exclusive suites that bring the best of modern Brazilian design without losing the rusticity and native charm of Icarai of Amontada. Each suite was designed individually to bring unique experiences such as the indoor/outdoor bathrooms. Ornamental landscaping in all suites ensures guests’ privacy so they can enjoy moments of relaxation.
Traveling around Brazil and getting to know better what we offer has always been the goal when I have a few days off.
Brazil has such different and enchanting sceneries and this time I decided to visit one of the 7 Chapadas do Brasil and one of the main Ecotourism destinations in the world, the Chapada dos Veadeiros.
I had always heard that Chapada was an enchanting place, full of huge waterfalls, mountains and viewpoints, considered a Unesco World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve in the state of Goiás, so the expectation was great!
A short introduction about what the Chapada dos Veadeiros is. It is one of the places with the oldest rock formations on the planet and part of the largest plateau in central Brazil. There we find stunning landscapes, such as canyons, mountains, thermal Waters and large valleys. Its subsoil is covered by plates and veins of crystals, which attract a strong mystical movement to the place, because according to spiritualists it would be a great source of energy, propelling spiritual advances for mankind, being even the most luminous spot on the planet seen from space. Besides the presence of crystals, Veadeiros is located on Parallel 14, the same parallel that cuts through the sacred city of Machu Picchu and other spiritual cities in the world. Chapada dos Veadeiros is also known for UFO sighting stories and we can see funny specimens everywhere in its souvenir shops. And talking to the locals, there is always one story or another to understand why this place is so different!
Talking about my trip, I chose the low budget style, but there are lodging options for all styles from backpackers to charming hotels with spa and holistic experiences.
As I had plenty of time and the Chapada has many attractions, I made a longer itinerary and didn’t see everything! For those who have less time, I believe that 4 days would be enough to visit the must-go places.
To get there I took a 2 hours flight from Rio de Janeiro to Brasília, the closest city to Chapada and from there, I took the road to Chapada by a very good road with beautiful landscapes of the cerrado.
Chapada is divided into 3 main villages where it is possible to be closer to the attractions, Alto Paraiso, Vila de São Jorge and Cavalcante.
Full itinerary 9 days / 8 nights
1st day
On this day I decided to go to Cavalcante and I stayed at a campsite in a Calunga community where I had the opportunity to get to know up close how they live. The “kalungas” are descendants of slaves and gold mine workers in Brazil who today live in communities and sustain themselves through and tourism and family agriculture. And it is there where I saw one of the most beautiful and starry skies in Brazil!
2nd day
The second day started very early and we left to visit the four waterfalls of the community, the Santa Bárbara Waterfall being one of the most desired of all of Chapada because of the color of its water, some days with a shade of like a blue pool and other days in an emerald green tone, as I saw it! The waterfalls are fantastic and as there is a visitor entrance control, we have the sensation of having this paradise all to ourselves! By the way, a guide, besides being obligatory, is fundamental! It is enriching to know more about the way they live and the stories of their ancestors while we’re doing short trails.
We decided to stay overnight in the community again because the next day would have many hikes and waterfalls near the Community!
3rd day
On this day we took a dirt road with our guide and went to the Complexo do Prata, where we would hike a heavier trail with wonderful rewards at the end of each stop! A total of 7 fantastic waterfalls! On the road we saw buffalos and the different contrasting colors of the region. Then we headed towards Alto Paraiso, one of the villages that is also part of Chapada. There we saw many souvenir shops, open air markets, bars and restaurants where we could enjoy the local vibe.
4th day
The next day was lighter, light hiking and we took the opportunity to visit the famous Moon Valley! A rock formation carved by thousands of years that resembles the moon, a unique scenery! Different from the waterfalls, the falls pass through crevices forming incredible small falls! Just 15 minutes on the trail and we are in another unimaginable scenery amid rocks and vegetation!
After lunch we went to Fazenda São Bento with trails and stunning scenery! There they also offer a fantastic zipline of almost 1km, where we have a wonderful view of Chapada, but I already had other plans for the next day…
5th day
Our itinerary began at 04:30am going to see Chapada from a different point of view and realize a dream: FLYING IN A BALOON! The silence of the sky of Chapada was only interrupted by the sound of the waterfalls that we flew over! A dream come true!
After the flight, they offered a nice toast with sparkling wine and nuts! Nice way to start to start the day! After breakfast in town, where our guide took us to taste some local juices, we left for another day of waterfalls, this time the Complexo dos Macaquinhos, in this complex we saw about 10 waterfalls and pools of crystal clear water. As we didn’t want to walk too much that day, we visited only a few and these were very worthwhile. At the end of this incredible day we had dinner at a restaurant with one of the best risottos I’ve ever had, Risoto Santo Cerrado, and we ended up going back there the next day to try other dishes as well!
6th day
We chose this day to rest our legs and stayed at the Poço Encantado (Enchanted Well) Waterfall, there is a restaurant that serves regional dishes. On this day we still had time to visit an open-air market with vegan and organic products, handicrafts, incense sticks. Besides the little shops to buy beautiful crystals, souvenirs and have a little more fun with the famous UFOs.
7th day
It was a day to visit one of the most famous and imposing waterfalls in the region, Cachoeira dos Couros, where I saw a huge number of birds and plant species! As it was the dry season, the Falls had less volume and crystal clear water, during the rainy season, the water volume increases so much that it is forbidden to enter the water!
That day we decided to visit the Vila de São Jorge and I must say that I fell in love with the rusticity of the place, the simple people, with good energy.
Chapada is a destination of daytime attractions and doesn’t have night clubs, but it does have bars with good live music, good restaurants, pizzerias and tasty wines for the colder nights.
8th day
Penultimate day in Chapada and there are still so many things to see and do.
We visited the National Park, an area with about 50 species of animals that live in the region and are considered rare, endangered, and there are approximately 1,400 species of plants in the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park.
Walking along quartz trails, finding rare plants, crystals and at the end enjoying a waterfall can be considered a prize!
9th day
Before leaving for Brasilia, we went to the Loquinhas Waterfall, a very well signposted wooden hanging trail, with many wells and waterfalls and many monkeys that wanted to get our cookies from our backpacks! We took the opportunity to capture the last photos and capture moments, strengthen friendships built, learning from simple and friendly people that will stay forever in our memories.
Venturing directly into the heart of the great Iguazu Falls during this safari tour. This exciting adventure will bring our guests closer to the new seven natural wonders of the world, feeling the strength of the falls during the boat trip and experiencing the Iguazu Falls in an exciting way. The Macuco Safari tour has its embarkation point on the Brazilian side of the great Iguassu Falls, an incredible experience that allows you to see the Argentinean side up close without having to cross the border.
Macuco Safari is a tour divided into three stages – Jungle, Trail and Boat
Jungle – The group is driven along a 2 km trail through the forest of the Iguaçu National Park in an open cart driven by an electric vehicle accompanied by an driver guide, who will fulfil the guests with the secrets of the Brazilian fauna, flora and others curiosities of the National Park.
Trail (optional) – In this stage contact with the environment will become even more narrow, with a walk of approximately 600 meters where is possible to observe the beautiful waterfall of Salto Macuco (Macuco Falls). Proceeding on driven route towards the banks of the Iguaçu River from where the powerful twin-engine boats will leave for the most special part of the tour.
Boat – Now the ride meets its most thrilling moments. The boat goes upstream the river towards the Amazing Iguaçu Falls, where there is an exclusive, unique and impressive view of the waterfalls. From underneath the falling waters one feels the greatness and power of nature in its most raw state!
An experience not be missed while in Iguassu Falls!
Rio de Janeiro International Airport, GIG, now offers the possibility for passengers to take the PCR exams for Covid-19 inside the airport. It is a partnership with Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. This is Einstein’s first laboratory unit in Rio de Janeiro.
From the 29th of March, the inauguration of the complete structure of the unit, which will operate 24 hours a day, is planned. As of that date, the laboratory will release the results of the RT-PCR exam within 4 hours of collection, in addition to offering diversified services, such as vaccines and medical assistance by telemedicine. It will operate every day, from 7 am to 10 pm in the Arrivals area, Public Area of Terminal 2 – next to the TGI Friday’s restaurant. The service can be done by scheduling through the “Meu Einstein App”, but the service can also be provided without scheduling on a first-come, first-served basis.
In 2022 the biggest party in the world returns, the Brazilian Carnival. This year we remembered with much affection the best of our carnivals, while the samba schools prepare, not only the biggest party in the world, but also the biggest reunion after vaccination. Our Sambadrome missed our guests for the first time, so we are already preparing everything to have everyone close by in 2022. We are waiting for the greatest party on the planet to be a truly unforgettable one in 2022!
The Roberto Burle Marx Site, a special unit of the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (Iphan), underwent a requalification, expanding public access to the life and work of landscape artist Roberto Burle Marx. The project, completed in December, aimed to enhance visiting places, improve work facilities, improve accessibility conditions, research and education actions. With 407 thousand square meters and a collection of more than 3.500 species of tropical and subtropical plants, the space, located in Barra de Guaratiba, in the west zone of Rio de Janeiro, has works by renowned artists and the landscaper himself, such as paintings, prints, furniture, ceramics, tapestries, murals, tile panels, all items from your private collection. Accessibility features include tactile maps and models and 3D replicas of works for handling. The new tour of the site covers the interior of the residence, giving access to environments such as the dining room, the visiting room, the music room, where the grand piano of the artist’s mother, the ceramics room, is located. It keeps a good part of the popular art collection, the Burle Marx room, the guest room and the kitchen. Now it is also possible to take a close look at pictures and family photos, as well as the landscaper’s collections, which include Cusco, pre-Columbian, sacred and popular Brazilian art. There is also a multimedia guide in the application format, with scripts in Portuguese, English and Spanish, in audio description and in Brazilian Sign Languages (Libras).
An amazing opportunity to get to know different cultures, do good, have contact with some of the great questions of humanity and make a difference for a better world. Everything according to each one´s preferences, skills and in total security. One day a refreshing dip in a paradisaical blue sea beach, and the next collaborating with an agricultural or social project. Havas Creative Tours will present your guests a Volunteer Vacation.
In association with some of the most relevant NGOs in the world in order to provide people of the most varied profiles with a short-term experience in a humanitarian aid organization we take care of all the planning and bureaucracy, organizing together with you an experience capable of combining fun and the personal fulfillment of collaborating with an important cause for our planet. The duration of the trips proposed is no more than a month, a short-term volunteering. A short period that provides great help! And nothing prevents this volunteer experience from being carried out in conjunction with a traditional vacation trip or an incentive program, with a focus on getting to know another culture or incredible landscapes. Brazil is the largest country in Latin America. Samba, football, Carnival, parties, charming beaches, exuberant nature… All this is still little to translate this complex tropical paradise that we call home! There are several projects that are open throughout the year to help communities in need in different regions of our country.
1- Rio de Janeiro, the volunteers may work in the community of Jardim Gramacho, helping to develop creative programs for children’s free time. 2- Rio de Janeiro, the volunteers may work in the Santa Marta community, helping and participating in the day-to-day activities of the daycare children. 3- Recife, we are present in the community of Ilha de Deus, where the volunteers have the opportunity to work in any of the existing programs at the NGO: education, female empowerment, dance class, sports and administrative management. 4- Sertões de Pernambuco, Piauí and Paraíba, we operate according to special Missions calendar. 5- Goiás, we work in partnership with an NGO that rescues and protects Brazilian jaguars, contributing to the preservation of the species in the country and in the world. 6- São Paulo, we operate in the Brooklin region, with children and young people who live in a situation of social vulnerability, where the performance is based on educational and recreational activities. 7- Fortaleza, Ceará, the volunteers dedicate their time, energy and efforts to a project focused on early childhood, but active at all levels of the local community. 8- Arraial d’Ajuda, in Bahia, the work is with children and young people from 0 to 16 years old, more than 140 in total.
With several different options, if the intention is to enjoy an amazing trip adding a contribution to the local community, each participant will come back with real unforgettable memories and a richer spirit!
Wonderful phenomenon that happens in Mato Grosso do Sul. The water of the river Olho D’Água rises much above the normal flooding the trail where tourists pass, causing the park to be submerged by crystalline waters in Recanto Ecológico Rio da Prata. It happens every 7 years approximately.Brazil is a country with a great biodiversity due to its great extension, the state of Mato Grosso do Sul offers a beautiful sample of the biome called Pantanal with incredible ecological experiences such as this trail flooded by crystalline waters.
In order to provide an even safer experience to our visitors, the Government of Brazil has issued a new protocol for international arrivals by air in our beautiful country. Follows the updates of safety measures to visit Brazil: – From December 30th 2020 foreign visitors or Brazilians who wish to enter Brazil by air, must present a PCR Test, carried out a maximum of 72 hours in advance with negative or non-reactive COVID-19 result, in order to board the aircraft. – All passengers must sign a health declaration, printed or digital, accepting the preventive measures that should be considered while in the country: it is mandatory by law to wear a mask while circulating in public areas; avoid large gatherings; observe and follow social distancing guidelines; observe and follow sanitizing guidelines of each establishment.These measures are aligned with the responsibility of the Brazilian Government to offer efficiency in the prevention and reduction of risks derived from COVID-19. At Havas Creative Tours, we reiterate the efforts we make to guarantee the safety of our passengers, complying with the prevention regulations in all the services we offer, as well as being spokespersons for the new measures to keep our customers informed.
