Caros amigos....
It's 2010, January is whizzing past already, and there is a buzz in the air in Rio de Janeiro, which is wonderful!
Whether it's the new found confidence and optimism which has come with Rio being chosen to host the 2016 Olympics, or the fact that the economy is booming, or the fact that the UPPs (Police Pacification Units) are finally having some success in the fight against violence, Rio just feels like a good place to be- to listen to good music and appreciate the summer sun or just to chill out with a cool caipirinha or two. It seems other people agree. Tourism is up massively on the same period last year and Rio hotels recorded 97% occupancy rates over New Year.
Meantime Hidden Pousadas Brazil also goes from strength to strength, with as many as 20,000 page hits and 4500 visitors a month to the site, and an ever increasing postbox! Brasil seems to be becoming the destination for people who want amazing scenery coupled with culture and history, and the small charming pousada is finally coming of age. The only difficulty is knowing which one(s) are best and when to visit. We have got some good travel tips below, but just drop me a line anytime if you need any further advice or have suggestions for new pousada additions.
Um abraço and many thanks
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| Brazil Travel Tips-
When is the best time to go to Brazil? |
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1. Weather
Brazil is huge and there are at least 5 separate weather patterns. Most consistently good for the sun is the northeast- particularly Bahia, Alagoas, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará, but avoid June in the first 3 states as it frequently rains and many pousadas close.
New Year and Carnival are great for fun and partying, particularly in Rio and Salvador and there are hundreds of festivals throughout the year in Brazil, FLIP literary festival in Paraty (Aug 4th-8th) being one of them. Book super early though if you want a good place to stay!!
For those who prefer things quieter, come off-season and take advantage of better prices and better availability! But when is "off-season"? Generally speaking in big cities there isn't one(!), but off the beaten track it is anytime outside the January/February/July school holidays, and national holiday weekends. Check out the holiday charts in the Dream Trip section of www.hiddenpousadasbrazil.com or ask Alison for more information! |
| New pousadas in the "Hidden" Group
July- December 2009 |
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Approved, reports/photos pending:
Approved, reports/photos pending:
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| Study Brazilian Portuguese at Britannia
Rio de Janeiro |
Coming to Brazil to vacation, but also want to make the most of the experience? Why not do a portuguese course in-country before you start your trip- and stay in a hidden pousada?
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Britannia is only one block from the famous Ipanema beach and offers small group courses in January/February and July/August, and individual one-to-one courses throughout the rest of the year. The emphasis is on the communication skills you'll need for your trip so this is definitely worth checking out!
Accommodation options in Rio?
The following pousadas all combine style and charm in the bohemian Santa Teresa area:
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