Expert: Ken Rapoza Cruz - 2/20/2004

Question
I have a few questions
1)We are going to Brazil in June and wondering if we should book hotels, tours, and things like this in advance?
2) We were also interested in volunteering for a few days and was wondering if you know of any specific programs that would allow for this?
3) I was also wondering if there are any shots we are required to get before entering the country?
4)We would love some ideas of an itinerary that would let us see the Rio area, the big waterfall, as well as the Amazon.  We are planning on being there for a month
5)last, how easy/difficult is it to get from city to city when traveling in Brazil

Thank you so much for your time I really really appriciate it,
Kristie

Answer
Sorry it took me a while.  Been busy.

1) Yes, book your travel in advance. In Rio, I wouldnt recommend booking tour packages, cuz you can get them at Rio hotels cheapper, in my experience.  Just book your hotel. But in other cases, I would book a package, especially if youre goign to the northeast beaches. Unless youre staying in a resort, then you would want to book a trip that doesnt keep you stuck on a beach.  Youd probably want to see some old historic parts of the city, or go to shows, and you wont get that time of tour package availabe at the hotels because it requires too much transportation.

For voluteering info, check out www.brazilmax.com.  You can ask Bill Hinchberger there for some ideas.  Tell him Ken Rapoza sent you.

You need a yellow fever shot if you are visiting the Amazon.  All of the shot information can be seen on the brazilian embassy website: www.brasilemb.org, I think it is. Or www.consulatebrazil.org.  Thats the boston consulates office.  If you do not have a yellow fever shot, I dont know what will happen.  It has been my experience that the governemnt there says that they RECOMMEND a shot for this place or that place, but if you dont take it, that's your problem.  I have never been to the Amazon, and I am almost 100% sure you need a shot for those areas.  But again, if you dont get one, does that mean you cant get on off the plane? I dont know thta.  Id have to do some research, or you can call the embassy in Washington and get your answer.

Flight travel is easy between the big cities. No trouble getting from Rio to Foz de Iguacu (your "big waterfall") or Manaus.

See here for good travel info on Amazon:
http://www.amazontravel.com/am/

Feel free to email me with more questions.  Gotta run: rapoza@igc.org