TRAVELERS' INFORMATION
HEALTH ISSUES
For information on vaccinations, prophylactic medications, and any other medical advice, please consult your doctor, an overseas travel clinic, or the Centers for Disease Control website – www.cdc.gov.
The CDC currently recommends that people traveling to Brazil get vaccinations for Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A & B, and Typhoid. In addition, the CDC recommends that you take prophylactic medication for prevention of malaria for this trip (i.e. Malarone, Mefloquine, etc). However, Paulo states in the following document that no malaria exists in the areas we are visiting.
Things to Bring
You MUST bring the following items:
· PASSPORT
· VISA for Brazil –you must get a visa to enter Brazil and can obtain one from one of the Brazilian consulates in the U.S. The cost is about $180/person – see http://www.brasilemb.org/ for details about the consulate nearest you and the latest information. Please note that Brazilian consulates in the U.S. each have jurisdictions of nearby states for whom they provide visa services. You’ll need to check the website for the consulate that serves your state to find out how to proceed. Most consulates accept visa applications by mail, which is a straightforward process. For some consulates that do not accept mail-in applications, you’ll need to use one of the private visa services that they suggest. Please note that as part of the visa application, you’ll need to submit a copy of your confirmed flight to Brazil.
Do not send in your visa application before 90 days before departure as the visa must be used within 90 days of issuance. When you receive your visa, be sure to check that the dates are correct and that the visa will be valid for your dates of travel.
On the visa application, for questions that ask where you’ll be staying and where you can be contacted, you can write
Contact name: Paulo Boute
Srteet: Rua Getulio Vargas
Number: 64
Neighborhood: Bairro Ipase
City: Varzea Grande
State: Mato Grosso
Phone: 65.9982.2415
Email: pauloboute@gmail.com
· Binoculars - I recommend having your rainguards attached and having something to clean your binoculars with. A microfiber cloth (provided in your welcome package) or a Lens Pen is good.
· Day pack/fanny pack (in which you should ALWAYS have water, sunscreen,raingear, toilet paper and insect repellent). Fanny packs are particularly useful as they can be cooler than a backpack and you don’t have to take everything off to get that one little item or a drink of water.
· Personal medications –if you are prone to allergies, have serious itching with insect bites, get migraines, etc. you should bring appropriate remedies
· Water bottle – 1 liter minimum recommended (purified water will be available throughout the trip)
· Hat - for good sun protection – keep in mind that, while we’ll be in the shade of the forest canopy at Cristalino, there will be plenty of open sunny areas in the Pantanal and in Chapada.
· Sunscreen (minimum 30 SPF recommended)
· Good hiking/walking shoes – Most of our walking will be on flatish, easily managed trails. However, we will encounter some uneven surfaces and at least one (optional) steep and uneven climb of about a half-mile (one-way) at Cristalino. Even on the flat trails there will be a some roots, lianas, and a few small logs to step over or around. Also there are some areas with ticks and other insect pests. Wearing good hiking shoes at all times will keep your feet safe and comfortable. Light but sturdy hiking shoes or even sturdy running shoes work well for most people. It's a good idea to bring an extra pair.
· Insect repellent – please bring what works for you. I find that something with DEET in it (about 30% is recommended) is usually effective. Buzz-off pants and shirts, which also protect you from the sun, are very effective. If you are particularly sensitive to insect bites, you might want to bring an anti-itch medication that you have used before. (Note from Cindy: AfterBite works for me.) In the Pantanal in July, mosquitoes are a minor problem in the early morning and evening. Ticks are there, but carry no diseases at al in places we are visiting . At Cristalino there are ticks in the forest and small biting black flies that occur only along the river. Tucking your pants into your socks and checking your pants, socks, and body after each outing are the most effective preventatives against ticks. With these measures, you might completely avoid ticks. At Cristalino, there are also non-stinging sweatbees which usually occur only in the dry conditions atop the canopy tower and atop a nearby hill. They are harmless but like to crawl on exposed body parts from which they can sip your salty sweat. Mosquitoes are almost non-existent in the cooler locations like Chapada and Itatiaia, but present in the Pantanal, Ubatuba and in Amazon (although no malaria in these regions)
· Sunglasses
· Raingear – In July, we are likely to encounter very little rain. Still you should bring a light poncho, rain jacket or small collapsible umbrella – use what works best for you. I always have a small poncho in my pack just in case.
· Money – Once you leave the airport in Sao Paulo, you will NOT be able to cash traveler’s checks. If you choose to bring traveler’s checks, you must exchange them for Brazilian reais at the Sao Paulo airport. Otherwise, I recommend bringing U.S. dollars which you can cash at either the Sao Paulo or Cuiaba airports. The exchange office at the Cuiaba airport is open M-F, 8 AM – 5 PM, and Sat., 9 AM – 4 PM. In May of 2012, the exchange rate was about 1.98 reals to the dollar. You will need money for drinks, laundry, any items you may want to buy, and any tips you may want to leave. You can pay your drink and laundry tab at Cristalino with a credit card but elsewhere you’ll need Brazilian reals. Only Cristalino and Pantanal Wildlife Center has drinkable filtered water available from large containers where you can fill-up for free as needed. Elsewhere throughout the trip you will unfortunately need to buy bottled water which costs about $1.50 U.S. per 16 oz. bottle.
· Alarm clock – for early mornings.
· Small flashlight with new or extra batteries. Every lodge except Cristalino has 24-hour electricity. The small LED lights work pretty well.
· Patience and flexibility - Brazil is a foreign country in which we will be fortunate guests. Patience and flexibility are perhaps the most important things you can bring when traveling in any foreign land. In general we will be quite comfortable with lodging, food, and transportation, but like anywhere outside the states, the customs and style of service may be different. In Brazil these differences are usually minor things, but it is important to keep them in mind and approach the experience with an open mind and enjoy learning about the Brazilian culture.
You SHOULD bring:
· Earplugs – I don’t expect much other than wild noises, but if you aren’t used to sounds like the roar of howler monkeys or the wail of cicadas, earplugs can be helpful.
· Bathing suit – Pantanal Wildlife Center, the Pousda Jardim da Amazônia, Hotel Turismo, Hotel Aguas Cantantes and Ypê Hotel have pools, and the Cristalino River is wonderfully cool and refreshing with the best swimming.
· Ziplock and/or large plastic trash bags – a few such bags in your daypack can be useful for keeping your gear dry in the rain (though we likely won’t see any).
· If you wear glasses, you might want to bring an anti-fog substance as temporary fogging can occur in the humid tropics.
· Snacks – our lodges serve three ample meals daily. If you are the type of person who enjoys or needs snacks between meals, you might want to bring some. At most breakfasts there are rolls, breads, cakes, and/or cookies that you can take for snacks. Please note that our meal schedule will vary. In most of the locations awe will have a early birders breakfast around 5:00- 5:30 AM. Almost all lunches will be between 12:00 and 1 PM. Dinners will be served between 7 and 8 PM depending on the place.
· Toilet Paper – we will be in many situations without access to restrooms so it’s always good to have some toilet paper in your pack when you’re out in the field.
· Luggage Labels –please have luggage labels on your bags so that lodge staff can efficiently get your bags to and from your room.
The remaining items to bring are up to you – casual clothes are fine. I’ll have a basic first aid kit with us at all times. Expect warm daytime temperatures, probably in the 80s - 90s, and mild nights, about 65-75 degrees. Cool, breathable, light-colored clothes are best for the days. I highly recommend the quick-dry nylon travel clothes made by Ex-Officio, Columbia, etc. They are ideal for tropical warmth and humidity as they are light and cool, protect you from the sun and insects, and dry quickly. Lightweight long pants and long sleeve shirts are the best all-round clothing for the humid tropics. Some people have been fine with shorts, but this depends largely on your susceptibility to insect bites and general level of comfort. There is a small chance of a cold front coming up from the south. If this occurs, the temperature may drop down into the low 50s at night with pleasant days in the 70s. The lodges have blankets, but you might want to bring an extra layer just in case. If you have questions about what to bring, please contact me.
Additional Trip Information
· Travel to Brazil – You’ll need to make your own travel arrangements to get to and from Brazil which is served by several airlines. Unless you have a Star Trek transporter, there is no quick and easy way to get to Cuiaba. You’ll need to get to Cuiaba, the capital of the state of Mato Grosso, usually through Sao Paulo
· If you come through Sao Paulo, be aware that the customs line can be quite long and time-consuming. You should consider this in making your travel plans and be sure to have enough time to make your connection to Cuiaba.
· Please note from the itinerary that this is generally an early-to-bed, early-to-rise trip. Most mornings we’ll either have early breakfasts or make optional pre-breakfast outings.
· TRIP COST – the cost of the trip includes the following – from Cuiaba, all of your lodging and meals, admission fees, donation to the Cristalino Foundation, transportation, professional birding guide service and checklists . What is NOT included are all drinks, laundry service, any tips you may want to leave.
· Food & Water - The food is excellent, usually a buffet with good choices of lighter or heavier and vegetarian options. Bottled water is available for purchase throughout the trip. Be sure to drink only bottled water and brush your teeth with it throughout the trip. Bottles are about 16 oz. and cost about $1.50 U.S. Be sure to stay hydrated.
· Health – For information on vaccinations and any other medical advice, please consult your doctor, an overseas travel clinic, or the Center for Disease Control website – www.cdc.gov. There’s no malaria in any of the locations to be visited in this tour. Again, be sure to drink only bottled water, and use it to brush your teeth throughout the trip.
· Language – In general, I’ve found that few people speak English in the areas where we’ll be traveling. Be prepared for this at the Sao Paulo and Cuiaba airports. With patience, you can almost always find someone who does speak English and can help you out. If you speak some Spanish, it can sometimes work.
· Trip Difficulty – You should be in average- good physical condition for this trip. Most of the walking is fairly easy, the longest distances are about two miles, and there will be times when you will be on your feet for about 4 hours (though usually with places to stop and sit). The climb to the top of the 50-meter canopy tower at Cristalino is optional – it’s a unique experience but not one for those with a fear of heights. A few locations have short, rather steep walks on fairly uneven surfaces with some loose soil. You need to be your own best judge of what is safe for you. Please don’t take any unnecessary chances. I highly recommend being in good shape and trying to create a non-stressful pre-trip schedule for the few weeks prior to departure.
· Weather – July is one of the coolest months in the Pantanal, with average temperatures in the low 80s. transition between dry to wet season in Mato Grosso and the weather is usually quite hot. You can expect daytime highs in the low 80s and mild nights in the 65-70 degree range. Humidity will be very mild in the Pantanal and in Chapada and a little higher at Cristalino. In general, you’ll probably notice the dryness more than the humidity. In the Pantanal and Chapada, there is a small chance of a cold front coming up from the south. If this occurs, the temperature may drop down into the low 50s at night with pleasant days in the 70s. Skies should be clear and blue with some chance of rain especially in the Cristalino. In Atlantic forest the weather should quite cooler then in Mato Grosso, specially in the mountainous Itatiaia National Park were the temperature can be as cool as 40 in this time of the year.
· Transportation - We’ll have local drivers for the trip and will be traveling in comfortable, air-conditioned vans with plenty of room for luggage. We can rotate seats and try to accommodate any special needs. If you’re prone to carsickness, please let me know and please be sure to bring whatever remedy you normally use.
· Shopping – There are a few gift shops with crafts and t-shirts available.
· Laundry - If you need it, laundry service is available at each of our lodges. Prices vary with the lodge and the size of the load. Be aware that it is VERY expensive at Cristalino (e.g. $4 U.S. for a pair of pants!) and about half that at other places.
· Phone Calls/Email – Making long distance calls to the states can be done in most places. Some of the lodges may be able to provide this service for which you’ll need to pay with your credit card or with cash. If you think you might need to make a call, I highly recommend getting a pre-paid phone card for which you’ll need to get the access code for Brazil before departing. I’ve had great success with an MCI pre-paid card. I recommend purchasing about $30 of time. Most of the lodges (except Pouso Alegre and Puma) have internet access for a fee.
· Electricity – there is 24-hour electricity (most of then 110V) in all of our lodging locations except at Cristalino where there is a generator. The generator at Cristalino is on for about 3 hours around lunch and again for about 5 hours in the evening.
In case of an emergency that requires getting to a medical facility, please keep in mind that we will sometimes be in rather remote areas anywhere from one to five hours from facilities with more than basic care. In addition to trip cancellation insurance, it is recommended that you consider a medical travel plan as well.
HEALTH ISSUES
For information on vaccinations, prophylactic medications, and any other medical advice, please consult your doctor, an overseas travel clinic, or the Centers for Disease Control website – www.cdc.gov.
The CDC currently recommends that people traveling to Brazil get vaccinations for Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A & B, and Typhoid. In addition, the CDC recommends that you take prophylactic medication for prevention of malaria for this trip (i.e. Malarone, Mefloquine, etc). However, Paulo states in the following document that no malaria exists in the areas we are visiting.
Things to Bring
You MUST bring the following items:
· PASSPORT
· VISA for Brazil –you must get a visa to enter Brazil and can obtain one from one of the Brazilian consulates in the U.S. The cost is about $180/person – see http://www.brasilemb.org/ for details about the consulate nearest you and the latest information. Please note that Brazilian consulates in the U.S. each have jurisdictions of nearby states for whom they provide visa services. You’ll need to check the website for the consulate that serves your state to find out how to proceed. Most consulates accept visa applications by mail, which is a straightforward process. For some consulates that do not accept mail-in applications, you’ll need to use one of the private visa services that they suggest. Please note that as part of the visa application, you’ll need to submit a copy of your confirmed flight to Brazil.
Do not send in your visa application before 90 days before departure as the visa must be used within 90 days of issuance. When you receive your visa, be sure to check that the dates are correct and that the visa will be valid for your dates of travel.
On the visa application, for questions that ask where you’ll be staying and where you can be contacted, you can write
Contact name: Paulo Boute
Srteet: Rua Getulio Vargas
Number: 64
Neighborhood: Bairro Ipase
City: Varzea Grande
State: Mato Grosso
Phone: 65.9982.2415
Email: pauloboute@gmail.com
· Binoculars - I recommend having your rainguards attached and having something to clean your binoculars with. A microfiber cloth (provided in your welcome package) or a Lens Pen is good.
· Day pack/fanny pack (in which you should ALWAYS have water, sunscreen,raingear, toilet paper and insect repellent). Fanny packs are particularly useful as they can be cooler than a backpack and you don’t have to take everything off to get that one little item or a drink of water.
· Personal medications –if you are prone to allergies, have serious itching with insect bites, get migraines, etc. you should bring appropriate remedies
· Water bottle – 1 liter minimum recommended (purified water will be available throughout the trip)
· Hat - for good sun protection – keep in mind that, while we’ll be in the shade of the forest canopy at Cristalino, there will be plenty of open sunny areas in the Pantanal and in Chapada.
· Sunscreen (minimum 30 SPF recommended)
· Good hiking/walking shoes – Most of our walking will be on flatish, easily managed trails. However, we will encounter some uneven surfaces and at least one (optional) steep and uneven climb of about a half-mile (one-way) at Cristalino. Even on the flat trails there will be a some roots, lianas, and a few small logs to step over or around. Also there are some areas with ticks and other insect pests. Wearing good hiking shoes at all times will keep your feet safe and comfortable. Light but sturdy hiking shoes or even sturdy running shoes work well for most people. It's a good idea to bring an extra pair.
· Insect repellent – please bring what works for you. I find that something with DEET in it (about 30% is recommended) is usually effective. Buzz-off pants and shirts, which also protect you from the sun, are very effective. If you are particularly sensitive to insect bites, you might want to bring an anti-itch medication that you have used before. (Note from Cindy: AfterBite works for me.) In the Pantanal in July, mosquitoes are a minor problem in the early morning and evening. Ticks are there, but carry no diseases at al in places we are visiting . At Cristalino there are ticks in the forest and small biting black flies that occur only along the river. Tucking your pants into your socks and checking your pants, socks, and body after each outing are the most effective preventatives against ticks. With these measures, you might completely avoid ticks. At Cristalino, there are also non-stinging sweatbees which usually occur only in the dry conditions atop the canopy tower and atop a nearby hill. They are harmless but like to crawl on exposed body parts from which they can sip your salty sweat. Mosquitoes are almost non-existent in the cooler locations like Chapada and Itatiaia, but present in the Pantanal, Ubatuba and in Amazon (although no malaria in these regions)
· Sunglasses
· Raingear – In July, we are likely to encounter very little rain. Still you should bring a light poncho, rain jacket or small collapsible umbrella – use what works best for you. I always have a small poncho in my pack just in case.
· Money – Once you leave the airport in Sao Paulo, you will NOT be able to cash traveler’s checks. If you choose to bring traveler’s checks, you must exchange them for Brazilian reais at the Sao Paulo airport. Otherwise, I recommend bringing U.S. dollars which you can cash at either the Sao Paulo or Cuiaba airports. The exchange office at the Cuiaba airport is open M-F, 8 AM – 5 PM, and Sat., 9 AM – 4 PM. In May of 2012, the exchange rate was about 1.98 reals to the dollar. You will need money for drinks, laundry, any items you may want to buy, and any tips you may want to leave. You can pay your drink and laundry tab at Cristalino with a credit card but elsewhere you’ll need Brazilian reals. Only Cristalino and Pantanal Wildlife Center has drinkable filtered water available from large containers where you can fill-up for free as needed. Elsewhere throughout the trip you will unfortunately need to buy bottled water which costs about $1.50 U.S. per 16 oz. bottle.
· Alarm clock – for early mornings.
· Small flashlight with new or extra batteries. Every lodge except Cristalino has 24-hour electricity. The small LED lights work pretty well.
· Patience and flexibility - Brazil is a foreign country in which we will be fortunate guests. Patience and flexibility are perhaps the most important things you can bring when traveling in any foreign land. In general we will be quite comfortable with lodging, food, and transportation, but like anywhere outside the states, the customs and style of service may be different. In Brazil these differences are usually minor things, but it is important to keep them in mind and approach the experience with an open mind and enjoy learning about the Brazilian culture.
You SHOULD bring:
· Earplugs – I don’t expect much other than wild noises, but if you aren’t used to sounds like the roar of howler monkeys or the wail of cicadas, earplugs can be helpful.
· Bathing suit – Pantanal Wildlife Center, the Pousda Jardim da Amazônia, Hotel Turismo, Hotel Aguas Cantantes and Ypê Hotel have pools, and the Cristalino River is wonderfully cool and refreshing with the best swimming.
· Ziplock and/or large plastic trash bags – a few such bags in your daypack can be useful for keeping your gear dry in the rain (though we likely won’t see any).
· If you wear glasses, you might want to bring an anti-fog substance as temporary fogging can occur in the humid tropics.
· Snacks – our lodges serve three ample meals daily. If you are the type of person who enjoys or needs snacks between meals, you might want to bring some. At most breakfasts there are rolls, breads, cakes, and/or cookies that you can take for snacks. Please note that our meal schedule will vary. In most of the locations awe will have a early birders breakfast around 5:00- 5:30 AM. Almost all lunches will be between 12:00 and 1 PM. Dinners will be served between 7 and 8 PM depending on the place.
· Toilet Paper – we will be in many situations without access to restrooms so it’s always good to have some toilet paper in your pack when you’re out in the field.
· Luggage Labels –please have luggage labels on your bags so that lodge staff can efficiently get your bags to and from your room.
The remaining items to bring are up to you – casual clothes are fine. I’ll have a basic first aid kit with us at all times. Expect warm daytime temperatures, probably in the 80s - 90s, and mild nights, about 65-75 degrees. Cool, breathable, light-colored clothes are best for the days. I highly recommend the quick-dry nylon travel clothes made by Ex-Officio, Columbia, etc. They are ideal for tropical warmth and humidity as they are light and cool, protect you from the sun and insects, and dry quickly. Lightweight long pants and long sleeve shirts are the best all-round clothing for the humid tropics. Some people have been fine with shorts, but this depends largely on your susceptibility to insect bites and general level of comfort. There is a small chance of a cold front coming up from the south. If this occurs, the temperature may drop down into the low 50s at night with pleasant days in the 70s. The lodges have blankets, but you might want to bring an extra layer just in case. If you have questions about what to bring, please contact me.
Additional Trip Information
· Travel to Brazil – You’ll need to make your own travel arrangements to get to and from Brazil which is served by several airlines. Unless you have a Star Trek transporter, there is no quick and easy way to get to Cuiaba. You’ll need to get to Cuiaba, the capital of the state of Mato Grosso, usually through Sao Paulo
· If you come through Sao Paulo, be aware that the customs line can be quite long and time-consuming. You should consider this in making your travel plans and be sure to have enough time to make your connection to Cuiaba.
· Please note from the itinerary that this is generally an early-to-bed, early-to-rise trip. Most mornings we’ll either have early breakfasts or make optional pre-breakfast outings.
· TRIP COST – the cost of the trip includes the following – from Cuiaba, all of your lodging and meals, admission fees, donation to the Cristalino Foundation, transportation, professional birding guide service and checklists . What is NOT included are all drinks, laundry service, any tips you may want to leave.
· Food & Water - The food is excellent, usually a buffet with good choices of lighter or heavier and vegetarian options. Bottled water is available for purchase throughout the trip. Be sure to drink only bottled water and brush your teeth with it throughout the trip. Bottles are about 16 oz. and cost about $1.50 U.S. Be sure to stay hydrated.
· Health – For information on vaccinations and any other medical advice, please consult your doctor, an overseas travel clinic, or the Center for Disease Control website – www.cdc.gov. There’s no malaria in any of the locations to be visited in this tour. Again, be sure to drink only bottled water, and use it to brush your teeth throughout the trip.
· Language – In general, I’ve found that few people speak English in the areas where we’ll be traveling. Be prepared for this at the Sao Paulo and Cuiaba airports. With patience, you can almost always find someone who does speak English and can help you out. If you speak some Spanish, it can sometimes work.
· Trip Difficulty – You should be in average- good physical condition for this trip. Most of the walking is fairly easy, the longest distances are about two miles, and there will be times when you will be on your feet for about 4 hours (though usually with places to stop and sit). The climb to the top of the 50-meter canopy tower at Cristalino is optional – it’s a unique experience but not one for those with a fear of heights. A few locations have short, rather steep walks on fairly uneven surfaces with some loose soil. You need to be your own best judge of what is safe for you. Please don’t take any unnecessary chances. I highly recommend being in good shape and trying to create a non-stressful pre-trip schedule for the few weeks prior to departure.
· Weather – July is one of the coolest months in the Pantanal, with average temperatures in the low 80s. transition between dry to wet season in Mato Grosso and the weather is usually quite hot. You can expect daytime highs in the low 80s and mild nights in the 65-70 degree range. Humidity will be very mild in the Pantanal and in Chapada and a little higher at Cristalino. In general, you’ll probably notice the dryness more than the humidity. In the Pantanal and Chapada, there is a small chance of a cold front coming up from the south. If this occurs, the temperature may drop down into the low 50s at night with pleasant days in the 70s. Skies should be clear and blue with some chance of rain especially in the Cristalino. In Atlantic forest the weather should quite cooler then in Mato Grosso, specially in the mountainous Itatiaia National Park were the temperature can be as cool as 40 in this time of the year.
· Transportation - We’ll have local drivers for the trip and will be traveling in comfortable, air-conditioned vans with plenty of room for luggage. We can rotate seats and try to accommodate any special needs. If you’re prone to carsickness, please let me know and please be sure to bring whatever remedy you normally use.
· Shopping – There are a few gift shops with crafts and t-shirts available.
· Laundry - If you need it, laundry service is available at each of our lodges. Prices vary with the lodge and the size of the load. Be aware that it is VERY expensive at Cristalino (e.g. $4 U.S. for a pair of pants!) and about half that at other places.
· Phone Calls/Email – Making long distance calls to the states can be done in most places. Some of the lodges may be able to provide this service for which you’ll need to pay with your credit card or with cash. If you think you might need to make a call, I highly recommend getting a pre-paid phone card for which you’ll need to get the access code for Brazil before departing. I’ve had great success with an MCI pre-paid card. I recommend purchasing about $30 of time. Most of the lodges (except Pouso Alegre and Puma) have internet access for a fee.
· Electricity – there is 24-hour electricity (most of then 110V) in all of our lodging locations except at Cristalino where there is a generator. The generator at Cristalino is on for about 3 hours around lunch and again for about 5 hours in the evening.
In case of an emergency that requires getting to a medical facility, please keep in mind that we will sometimes be in rather remote areas anywhere from one to five hours from facilities with more than basic care. In addition to trip cancellation insurance, it is recommended that you consider a medical travel plan as well.
