Unravel Travel ~ the Blog

Last updated: 03/28/2011

Introduction

Welcome to Unravel’s Experiences of a Lifetime! Want to dance in the streets from dusk ’til dawn, take in the most vibrant parade in the world, and feel the samba strike your soul? There’s no greater party on earth, so let us take care of the planning, and you can focus on perfecting those saucy samba steps, lazy beach days and urban exploring. This is a great getaway and adventure in its own right and also makes a great extension to the rest of your South America experiences – so sign up for the party of a lifetime and join the spectacle of Rio Carnival & Beyond.

Trip Style

You can expect a small group of like-minded travelers with some included activities and meals, but also plenty of time to explore on your own. We stay in locally owned guesthouses with charm and character and small hotels safe and centrally located to make a great base to explore from; the idea is simple, suitable accommodations for a place to rest your head. These trips are about variety: the places, the people, the activities, and even the accommodation and transport we use. It is your adventure and we are here to take the fuss out of it!

Trip Map

Itinerary

The routes, activities and places visited described in these Trip Notes are intentions and are meant as a rough guide only.

Day 1 – February 18, 2012 – Arrive Rio

Welcome to Rio! Everyone arrives at different times today, so take the time to relax, get adjusted to your settings, or set out on an adventure. There will be a group meeting this today at 6pm to discuss details of the trip and itinerary and complete paperwork. You may check in to the hotel at mid-day, and we will provide you with an arrival packet of key information (when to get cash, eat locally, etc.) at the start of the trip and your group leader will be around today if you have any questions.

Rio de Janeiro has a rich history and is one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world. There are many things to see, activities to partake in and Carnival celebrations to be a part of. Consider what you most want to experience and don’t forget to take time to relax and enjoy your self as well! Some activities will need to be booked well in advance, others you can join on a whim; we’ll let you know so that you can make the most out of your trip.

Note: Carnival technically starts on Friday March 4^th. If you’d like to arrive early to extend your experience or just to get settled we can easy book extra accommodation for you. Let us know when you book the trip!

Days 2-4 – February 19-21, 2012 – Rio de Janeiro

Carnival is on and this is when we’ll embrace the frenzy that makes it the biggest party in the world! You’ll sleep when you’re dead, because we’ve got plenty to do these days! The schedule may vary, but this is what we’ll get up to:

Carnival Parade at the Sambadromo – Transport and entrance tickets are included. We’ll set out early evening and head into the most lavish parade you may ever experience! Be prepared to  dance and celebrate until the sun rises. Catch up on sleep or doze at the beach as there will be no planned activities the following morning.

City tour- all transport and entrances included. Explore the city on foot, bondé, cable car, metro, collectivo… whatever it takes to do the must-see sights and get off the beaten path and explore a few places you might not check out on your own!

Optional activities – there is no shortage of things to do in Rio, and they all don’t have to cost you an arm and a leg! Daily we’ll have things planned, from adventure sports, city walks, dinners out, parties at night, etc. Have look below and a think about what you’d like to do and we’ll sort out all the details!

Days 5-7 – February 22-24, 2012 – Ilha Grande

Carnival in Rio- been there, done that! Now its time to move on the little island of Ilha Grande; actually its quite large and yet there are no real roads and only a couple vehicles on the entire island. If you didn’t get the chance to relax in Rio, now is surely the time; if you didn’t get out into nature enough in Rio, Ilha Grande is surely the place. Covered by Atlantic rainforest and surrounded by turquoise waters there is hiking, surfing, snorkeling, diving, boat cruises, tasty food, succulent cocktails and a fun little barefoot nightlife! We’ll see that you have plenty to do, or nothing at all- your call!

Days 8-9 – February 25-26, 2012 – Paraty

Carnival… check, tranquil Brazilian island…check, let’s move on to a charming piece of Brazil’s colonial history- Paraty! This small town was founded five hundred years ago and was largely forgotten by history until recently. Cobblestone streets, intact colonial architecture, ancient charm and a modern artistic community make this one of the highlights of the trip. There’s just enough time to meander about and shop in the little stores and galleries, or you can venture out to a nearby beach or hire a bike and set off to find the local waterfalls.

Boat and a bus ride will bring us to Paraty, and a four-hour transfer will take us back to Rio de Janeiro and mark the end of this great trip!

Note: This itinerary was designed to experience Carnival and taste some other great destinations near Rio. Paraty is intended as a stopover on the return to Rio. You may want to consider extending your trip to spend more time in Paraty, return to Rio for additional days or to set out and explore other regions of Brazil. Let us know at the time of booking and we can gladly book you extra nights accommodation and provide you other services for your trip.

Itinerary Disclaimer

This itinerary may be updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travelers’ comments and our own research. As such the information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to the final copy of the Trip Notes that will be released to you shortly before your trip commences. For the latest updated trip notes please visit our website: www.unravel-travel.com

Culture Shock Rating

While you will probably experience sensory overload at times during this trip, the food, transportation and accommodation will be somewhat similar to what you may be familiar with back home. Some English is spoken and it is relatively easy to get what you need and go where you’d like, but there may be some cultural differences.

Physical Rating

This trip is a relaxing break. You don’t have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Included Activities

This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense. For a list of optional activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below. If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.

• 8 nights accommodation in Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande, & Paraty
• 8 typical Brazilian style breakfasts
• Half-day City tour including visit to Corcovado and other city sights – Rio de Janeiro
• Sambadrome ticket and transport – Rio de Janeiro
• Transport between Rio – Ilha Grande – Paraty
• 24/7 services of professional group leader
• Daily free optional activities

Not Included

• Airfare to/from Rio de Janeiro, return to Rio, airport transfers
• Brazil tourist visas
• Optional activities (although there are plenty of free ones!)
• Lunches, Dinners, spending money
• Individual Travel Insurance

Optional Activities

Legalese note: These activities are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by Unravel Travel nor included in price of this trip. If you do any of them, you do so at your own risk and it must be clearly understood that your participation is your own decision and does not form part of your contract with Unravel Travel.

*These activities MUST be pre-booked, please enquire at time of booking. Final bookings for optional activities must be made by January, 15 2012. Please book early to ensure availability. Any cancellations after January 15, 2012 will incur 100% charges.

$ = Cheap, usually a few dollars, but possibly up to $20

$$ = $20-60

$$$ = Over $60

Not a complete listing, but a good start. Something else you’d like to do? Let us know and we’ll  try our best to make it happen!

Note: these activities are optional, Carnival is extremely busy, and we choose to travel responsibly. Due to this rates may not be the same as you see published elsewhere and availability is not guaranteed unless pre-booked when required.

Spending Money

Everyone travels different, splurges and is frugal in different ways; therefore spending money requirements can vary greatly. Consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks and dining, shopping, optional activities and tipping. As a reference, meals can generally cost $2-20 and drinks $1-6.

Important Notes

There will be 1 leader for every 12 travelers to make sure your trip runs smoothly. Your leader will be on call 24/7, yet there is a good amount of free time to be on your own.

This trip has been priced out with an assumed exchange rate of  US$1 = 1.75 Brazilian Reai. If the exchange rate varies drastically Unravel may be forced to charge an obligatory supplemental charge.

This price is assumed at double/triple occupancy. Solo travelers will be matched with others of the same gender. Unravel reserves the right to use triple occupancy or charge a single supplement if necessary.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travelers per group

Accommodation

Basic hotel (4 nts), Small guesthouses (4 nts); Accommodation on this trip may be triple share.

Meals

Breakfasts will be included on this trip. Expect a typical Brazilian spread of bold coffee, freshly squeezed tropical juices, sliced tropical fruit, bread, sliced meats, and cheese. Come hungry and flexible, because each hotel/guesthouse is unique and so are their offerings.

Lunches and Dinners are not included on this trip, but your Group Leader will provide great suggestions if you’d like to venture out on your own and will accompany those who wish to eat together to great local restaurants. There is no obligation though, enjoy your trip as you’d like!

Allow USD $150 for meals not included.

Transport

Local bus, minivan, ferry, subway, taxi, bondé, walking

Group Leader

A Group Leader will accompany you on all parts of the itinerary and all included activities. Your Group Leader is there to assist you in making your travel experience the best it can be and is available 24/7 during the trip. Our leaders are chosen for their leadership skills and experience in the region, have a passion for the places they travel and its people and are trained and certified in basic first aid. While not traditional tour guides, they are there to share their experiences with you; we strive to have Group Leaders that take the hassle out of your trip and become the friend you travel with.

Joining & Finishing Points

Unravel trips typically start and finish at origin and destination hotels. It is your responsibility to find your way there, though we are happy to arrange airport transfers for an additional cost. The starting and finishing point hotels will be sent to you before your trip departs.

Please note that for this trip, transportation will be provided from Paraty to Rio de Janeiro. Depending on your flight times, you may choose to be dropped off at the airport, in the city, or consider an extra night in Rio.

Arrival Complications

We don’t expect any problems, nor should you, but things happen. You will be given contact details for your Group Leader, the starting point hotel and Unravel’s emergency contact in the case that there are any complications  with your arrival. Please notify your leader if there is a change to your itinerary and we will do our best to accommodate that.

If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the joining instructions in the Trip Notes. We will do our best to rectify the situation though we cannot be held responsible for circumstances outside of our control.

Emergency Contact

24 HOUR EMERGENCY NUMBER Tel: +1 303-619-0910 There will be a number provided to call for a 24 hour manned mobile in case of genuine emergency.

Emergency Funds

Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (e.g. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.

Visas

Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Citizens of the EU, New Zealand, South Africa, Turkey, Switzerland the UK do not need a visa for tourist visits to Brazil of limited duration. Nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Korea and the USA need a visa to enter Brazil. This visa must be obtained before entering Brazil. If your nationality was not included in the above-mentioned group, please contact you’re nearest embassy to find out your visa requirements.

Laundry

Laundry services are available in most places we visit. It’s normally charged per kilo (around $3 per kilo). There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

What to Take

Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible, and backpack or carrying bags are recommended as you will be expected to handle your own baggage and we will encounter cobblestone streets and sand roads which are not conducive to wheeled bags. Maximum carry time will be 10 minutes.

Checklist

The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.

• 2 sets of comfortable traveling clothes
• 1 set of casual but smart clothes for evenings out
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 1 sun hat
• 1 pair of sunglasses
• 1 warm sweater/fleece
• 1 waterproof jacket with hood
• 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes
• 1 pair of sandals, sneakers or flip-flops
• 1 towel or sarong for the beach
• Underwear and socks
• Swimwear
• Toiletries
• Clothes washing detergent
• Flashlight with spare batteries
• Camera, batteries, charger, & memory card
• Day Pack
• Alarm clock
• Sunglasses
• Pocket calculator (useful when exchanging money)
• Writing materials & notebook/diary
• Multi purpose knife tool
• Moistened tissues
• Assorted sized plastic bags – protects clothing and equipment
• Band aids  & sterile dressings/gauze
• Aspirin and/or Acetaminophen
• Anti-diarrhea pills
• Insect repellent & Insect bite cream
• Lip balm
• Sun tan lotion (SPF 15 or more)
• After sun cream
• Prescription medicines
• Extra prescription glasses
• Photocopies of passport, visa, all important docs (scan and save to your email as well)

Money Exchange

Currency exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates please refer to the following website: www.oanda.com.

Cash vs. Credit Cards vs. Bank Machines vs. Travelers checks?

For obvious security reasons we hesitate to recommend you bring lots of cash with you, and there is no doubt that traveler’s checks are the safest way to carry your money. However, most travelers have said they wished they had been told to bring more cash. Apart from the convenience of being able to change money in many more places, you will sometimes get a much better exchange rate for cash.

Cash:

You should take a mixture of large and small denomination notes. Some banks, shops, etc. in certain places are reluctant to change $50 and $100 notes due to the number of counterfeit bills in circulation or the fact that they might not have change, but you will get a better exchange rate for larger denomination notes in good condition.

Dollar notes should be dated 2001 or later; earlier dated notes can be very hard to spend or exchange. It is very important that any cash money you bring is in excellent condition. Most banks, moneychangers, etc. will not accept torn, dirty or damaged notes.

Traveler’s Checks:

While many people may think this is an out-dated form of currency, if everything else of yours is lost or stolen you will still be able to use your traveler’s checks in a few hours. We recommend bringing your emergency fund of +/- US$400 in traveler’s checks. Your traveler’s checks must be issued by American Express or Thomas Cook. If you don’t use them on this trip you can either keep them for your next trip or cash them at home.

Credit & ATM Cards:

Credit cards may be used at more prominent restaurants, bars and shops, but you may be charged a surcharge for using them. ATMs are found throughout the country (though not at Ilha Grande). Quite often ATM transactions will incur fees from both banks and not have the best exchange rate, and sometimes it can be difficult to use your card at these foreign banks. Minimize the fees by taking out larger sums less often. Visa is the most accepted credit card.

We generally recommend bringing some traveler’s checks, and a decent amount of cash in US Dollars or Euros. Withdraw a few hundred Reai at an ATM at the airport and use this money until you get to an ATM or currency exchange in the city.

Communication while on your trip

Email is the best way to stay in touch and Skype is possible at Internet Cafés commonly found in the places we visit. You may be able to receive calls to your hotel room, though this is not always advised as you probably won’t be spending too much time in your room and calls may be dropped. Ask us if you have any specific concerns or needs.

Issues On Your Trip

While we always endeavor to provide the best possible experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognize that there may be times when your group leader may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction – if this is the case please ask the leader if you may speak to their direct manager.

Please be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.

Health

All Unravel travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience. If in the opinion of our group leader or company representative any traveler is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Unravel reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore ask that you read the itinerary in these trip notes thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.

You should consult your doctor with a complete list of countries you intend to visit to get up-to-date information regarding vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements or medications for any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst traveling in South America.

Proof of Yellow Fever inoculation (Yellow Card) is a mandatory requirement for citizens of some countries when entering Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador and Peru. This card may be required by your airlines before allowing you to board a flight to the above-mentioned countries. Customs officials may request you to provide a valid Yellow Card on your way back home. Yellow Fever vaccination must be had at least 10 days prior to your departure date.

Dengue Fever is common in Latin America and can occur throughout the year. Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay, Brazil and parts of Mexico are currently suffering from a serious outbreak. This virus is transmitted by mosquitoes. There is no vaccination against it, but there are preventative measures that you can take such as wearing long clothing, using repellent and being indoors particularly around dusk and dawn.

We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities for some time during this trip, and for legal reasons leaders/guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc.

If you have a pre existing medical condition, please make sure you discuss it with your doctor and be aware of the way altitude may exacerbate your condition.

Safety

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure.

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while traveling, for the safekeeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry and cameras at home. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

Your leader will accompany you on all included activities however during your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Unravel itinerary, and Unravel makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

When booking this tour we ask you to consult your country’s foreign affairs website. While there are many reasons for an adverse travel warning and not all National Governments classify these reasons to the same degree, traveling in spite of a warning is a serious decision and we strongly advise you to consider the potential ramifications to you and your family before booking.

We also recommend that you check before departure that your travel insurance is valid for travel in these regions.

Pick pocketing is very common, especially in larger cities. We strongly recommend that you do not carry large amounts of cash and use a secure neck wallet or a money belt.

Travelers must exercise common sense and caution at all times. You should stick to set travel arrangements and avoid unknown areas. Always keep a photocopy of your passport, airline tickets and a record of your travelers’ checks and credit card numbers separate from where you keep the originals. You should avoid carrying large amounts of cash, or walking by yourself at night.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

When traveling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader.

If you have credit card insurance your tour leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact telephone number rather than the Bank’s name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in country.

Please go to www.insuremytrip.com for links to various travel insurance providers.

Your Fellow Travelers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of traveling in a group. Your fellow travelers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group – patience with your fellow travelers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone’s travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don’t keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well – this takes just a little effort on your part.

Please note that due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travelers booked on your trip prior to departure.

Age restrictions apply to this trip: minimum age 18, maximum age 70

Single Travelers

Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not typically involve a single supplement. Single travelers share with people of the same sex for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre- and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a private room basis.

Responsible Travel

We believe strongly in positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimize the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects.

A Couple of Rules

While our trips are very flexible and accepting to local customs, there are a few things that will not be tolerated on Unravel trips due to their legality, how they may put other travelers or Unravel staff at risk, or are fundamentally against our responsible travel code. Any traveler possessing or using illegal drugs, participating in prostitution or engaging in acts of violence will be immediately removed from the trip. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group for making these offenses, and refunds to the trip will not be granted.