Posts Comments

Praia do Toque, Alagoas

January 29, 2012 By

Praia do Toque, Alagoas

Praia do Toque is just one of many beautiful beaches along the endless sandy Alagoas coastline, named Costa dos Corais (Coral Coast) after the enormous coral reef just off the coast’s shore.

The 20km ecological route where Praia do Toque is located is the only part of Brazil where the main north-south highway BR101 goes inland, leaving the coastal road and local communities in tact just as they were 50 years ago. The weather in this region is usually warm and sunny, with refreshing breezes throughout the day. If you’re planning on being a beach bum, I would recommend not going in June because that’s when you might catch the most rain.
The town full of handcrafted treasures, you can find wood carvings of all kinds and other hand-made arts and crafts. The waters are warm, the sand is white, and there are plenty of sealife if you’re into snorkeling. The natural pools are warm and still and perfect for swimming. Walk the coastline, or take a boat trip. Or you can stay put and enjoy the beautiful stretch of white sand and the quaint and cute pousadas, most of which are right on the beach and offer half board rates. Food is fresh and good, and prices are fair.

• Where to stay: Pousada do Toque, the region’s pioneers. Pousada do Caju is also good, and cheaper.

Twitt
Filed Under: Brazil Beaches, Praia do Toque, Alagoas Tagged With: ,

Fernando de Noronha

January 29, 2012 By

Fernando de Noronha

An absolute beautiful paradise, just off the north-east coast of Brazil is Fernando de Noronha. Finding a white sand beach is an easy task on the small volcanic island, but visiting three specific ones is essential: Praia do Sancho, which is a hidden secret, reached through a crack in a rock wall; Baía dos Porcos (Pig’s Bay), a veranda of white sand and aqua beauty and great for swimming; and Atalaia, a natural saltwater pool with abundant sea life like sea turtles and dolphins. All have crystal waters, and because tourist traffic to the islands are strictly monitored by the government, sea turtles, octopuses, a variety of rainbow colored fish, and even sharks are easy to spot. But don’t worry about the sharks too much, the food chain is well preserved here and the sharks are far less dangerous than they are elsewhere.

The diving here is well know. But if your sole purpose of going is for diving, I think you’re better suited going to Honduras, Cayman Islands or Cozumel. Those places better suited for divers and more affordable. But if your looking for a beautiful white sand paradise to dig your toes in, a romantic trip with your other half, honeymooning, or looking for a remote piece of paradise, this definitely the place for you.

Twitt
Filed Under: Brazil Beaches, Fernando de Noronha Tagged With: ,

Alter do Chao, Pará

January 29, 2012 By

Alter do Chao, Pará

Alter do Chão is a village town in the state of Pará, Brazil, only a short drive (45 minutes) from the Amazon port City of Santerem. Brazilian locals have vacationed here for many years, and more recently this beach town has been increasing in popularity amongst international tourists making trips along the Amazon River. Alter do Chaõ is no where as crowded as the beaches of Rio, but catch it soon because someday it may be.

The small beach village is located on the Tapajós river and next to Lago Verde. On the other side of the village, and between two calm bodies of water there is a sand bank, as seen in the photo above.  As the Amazon recedes in the Summer, tourists flock the sand bars and create a party on the beach. Alter do Chaõ is Brazil’s competition to the Caribbean, and the most picturesque scene, almost straight from a painting, nestled between the Amazon rainforest.

The local village has great fresh sea food! After a long day on the beach, treat yourself to fresh caught fish and some island drinks. Then mosey on over to one of the village’s pousadas (hotels) after and enjoy the rest of the night. It’s no surprise that people call the humid dense Amazon the “Green Inferno.” The warm winds, sexy surroundings and beautiful people will make you want to stay in this golden white sand paradise forever.

Where to stay: Pousada Tupaiulandia (+55 93 3527 1157, no website) is not very expensive and pretty quaint, like all places in Alter do Chao, but has a lot of character, and is really all that you need to relax and unwind.

Twitt
Filed Under: Alter do Chao, Pará, Brazil Beaches Tagged With: ,

Copacabana Beach: The Most Famous of Them All

January 28, 2012 By

One of the most popular and infamous beaches in the world, Copacabana beach in Brazil is the most famous neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. The beach area is brimming with sun-soaking activities by day, plenty of restaurants, and wild nightlife for those seeking to party.

Although the beach takes over a large strip of coastline, it can be extremely crowded during the Summer season. But it makes for great people watching, plenty of outdoor activities and water sports. The huge size makes it possible to hold festivals on the sand during Carnival, New Years Eve and International soccer tournaments, bringing in millions of people annually.

Take a stroll down the beach-lined sidewalk (Calçadão) and you will see gorgeous people from all around the world, and even a few celebrities, especially during soccer season. Copacabana beach is really quite the scene. It is the perfect place for a tourist who really wants to see the essence of Rio. The strip behind the beach is similar to that of Miami Beach, and is filled with hotels, restaurants and plenty of shopping and nightlife.

Bring an open mind, don’t mind the crowds, and enjoy this beautiful strip of Rio!

Twitt
Filed Under: Brazil Beaches, Copacabana Tagged With:

Carnival Dates

January 28, 2012 By

Why Do Brazil’s Carnival Dates Change ?

Carnival dates change from year to year due to the Catholic calendar. Celebrations are not allowed to begin until after Ash Wednesday has passed. According to the calendar, Carnival always begins seven Sundays before the Easter Sunday. Carnival dates move every year due to this. Easter can fall anywhere between March 22nd to April 25th, and so Carnival dates are reflected in these.

Carnival Dates Through 2030:

Rio Carnival 2012 dates: February 17th until February 21st

Rio Carnival 2013 dates: February 8th until February 12th

Rio Carnival 2014 dates: February 28th until March 4th

Rio Carnival 2015 dates: February 13rd until February 17th

Rio Carnival 2016 dates: February 5th until February 9th

Rio Carnival 2017 dates: February 24th until February 28th

Rio Carnival 2018 dates: February 9th until February 13th

Rio Carnival 2019 dates: March 1rd until March 5th

Rio Carnival 2020 dates: February 21st until February 25th

Rio Carnival 2021 dates: February 12th until February 16th

Rio Carnival 2022 dates: February 25th until March 1st

Rio Carnival 2023 dates: February 17th until February 21st

Rio Carnival 2024 dates: February 9th until February 13th

Rio Carnival 2025 dates: February 28nd until March 4th

Rio Carnival 2026 dates: February 13th until February 17th

Rio Carnival 2027 dates: February 5th until February 9th

Rio Carnival 2028 dates: February 25th until February 29th

Rio Carnival 2029 dates: February 9th until February 13th

Rio Carnival 2030 dates: March 1st until March 5th


Twitt
Filed Under: Brazil Carnival, Carnival Dates Tagged With: ,