Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Informações para convidados Brasileiros: Presentes para os Noivos

Tendo em vista que moramos em Nova York e que o transporte de bagagens extras é financeiramente inviável, além de tudo não muito seguro, optamos por um sistema que viabilizará a nossa tão sonhada lua de mel.

Ao invéz do sistema de cotas, decidimos disponobilizar uma conta corrente na qual, aqueles que assim quizerem e puderem, depositem o valor desejado atravéz de depósito identificado.

Vale ressaltar que o mais importante é a presença de todos vocês para comemorar conosco a nossa feliz união!

Segue abaixo as informações da conta corrente:

Banco Do Brasil
Correntista: Mariana Lima dos Santos
Agência: 0598-3
Conta corrente: 611317-6


Informações para convidados Brasileiros: Local da Festa


Local da festa:


Casa de Festas Vista Maravilhosa
http://www.vistamaravilhosa.com.br/

Endereço: Rua Novo Mundo 1361, Alto Botafogo
Rio de janeiro, RJ
Tel: (21) 2265 35 38

Principais indicações para chegar à Rua Mundo Novo:

1- Via Laranjeiras (MAIS RÁPIDO) - Para quem vem da Barra , Gávea e Lagoa pegar o Túnel Rebouças sentido zona norte, sair no Cosme Velho ( no meio do túnel à direita), seguir em direção à Rua das Laranjeiras, dobrar à direita na Rua General Glicério
( esquina do Banco Bradesco) e dobrar novamente na 1ª à direita (R. Belizário Távora) seguindo as indicações “Botafogo” , subir sempre desprezando as entradas à direita. No final da rua existe um pequeno largo com uma bifurcação em Y subir a rua da direita, em direção a Botafogo ( R. Esperidião Rosa), virar à esquerda e 100 metros adiante virar à direita. Você já estará na R. Mundo Novo, cerca de 50 metros à direita está o nº 1361.



2- Via Botafogo - Pegar a Rua Voluntária da Pátria até o final. Virar pela pista bem da esquerda para chegar à São Clemente e virar na 2ª à direita (R. Bambina). No final da R. Bambina entrar à esquerda na R. Marquês de Olinda (esquina Bar do Manolo) logo em seguida você verá o novo Condomínio Les Palais (antiga Clínica Doutor Eiras) virar à direita na R. mundo Novo. Suba sempre até o nº 1361 (casa à esquerda). Atenção pois a numeração é confusa, porque alguns moradores utilizam a numeração dos fundos na frente das suas casas ( terrenos de duas frentes).

Após este emocionante rallye você se sentirá recompensado com a bela vista e o alto astral desta casa..















Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Cheap Places to stay in Ipanema & Leblon

1) ADVENTURE HOSTEL

Location: Rua Vinicius de Moraes , 174 - Ipanema (Nice!)
Rooms:
Double room: U$ 160,00 (for the ones that are not members of international hostel)
U$ 130,00 (for members of international hostel) -can be two single beds or one couple bed.

Bed (room for 4): U$ 50,00 (or the ones that are not members of international hostel)
U$ 45,00 (for members of international hostel).

More info: www.adventurehostel.com.br

2) GIRL FROM IPANEMA

Location: Rua Barão da Torre, 175 - Ipanema (Nice! This is a villa with 4 houses)
Rooms:
For couples: U$ 130,00
For groups: U$ 35,00
Dorms: U$ 35,00
The best thing of this one is that I can make a deal for an entire house

More info: www.hostelgirlfromipanema.com

3) IPANEMA BEACH HOUSE

Location: Rua Barão da Torre, 485 - Ipanema (Nice one too..They have a pool!)
Rooms:
Double: U$ 140,00
Triple: U$ 180,00
Dorm: U$ 45,00
They have 3 private rooms. Can be with one couple bed or 3 single beds.

More info: www.ipanemahouse.com

4) LEMON SPIRIT: http://www.lemonspirit.com

Loacation: Rua Cupertino Durão, 56 - LEBLON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Dorms with air conditioning: R$40 per person / day
Triple private room, with air conditioning : R$180 per room / day
Double rooms, with couple bed, air conditioning and private toilette: R$140 per room / day

The day runs from your arriva till noon next day.

The rates include Breakfast (from 8:30am to
11:00am), Individual Locker (bring your own padlock) and Bed Sheets.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Visas

Brazilian embassy in NYC: http://www.brazilny.org

Visas
Notice:
  • Effective January 1st, 2008:

  • US passport holders must pay a processing fee of US$130.00 in reciprocity for an identical raise of the fee paid by Brazilian Citizens who apply for a visa to the US.

  • By January 15th, 2008, Canadian passport holders must pay a processing fee of US$65.00 in reciprocity for an identical raise of the fee paid by Brazilian citizens who apply for a visa to Canada.

  • Brazil's Ministry of Health strongly recommends a Yellow Fever vaccination at least 10 days prior to arrival in Brazil for travelers six months of age and older.

  • It is mandatory that at least one blank page of the passport is available, in order for a visa to be stamped.

  • No visa will be processed by any kind of mail including Federal Express, DHL, etc.

  • Payment in US Post Office Money Order only, payable to the Brazilian Consulate.


Listen to information regarding Visas.

Important Note on Visa Applications

Due to periodic high demand for visas, the visa reception at the Consulate General in New York shall follow a system of daily quotas. Effective immediately, the Consulate General in New York will receive visa applications until its daily processing capacity is reached. (Please see Business Hours.)

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Where should I get my visa?

Brazilian visas are issued at one of the Brazilian Consulates in the U.S. or at the Brazilian Embassy in Washington (see Jurisdiction).

The Brazilian Consulates will process tourist visa applications regardless of the place of residence of the applicant, provided that he or she comes in person to one of our Consulates. If you need a tourist visa but cannot come in person to a Brazilian Consulate, you will have to direct your application to the Brazilian Consulate of your jurisdiction.

No visa will be processed by any kind of mail including Federal Express, DHL, etc.


You must verify with the Consulate General beforehand if any of these circumstances apply:

  1. children who were born outside Brazil of Brazilian parent(s);

  2. children who were born in Brazil of non-Brazilian parent(s);

  3. Brazilian citizens who acquired another nationality.


If your travel agent can't supply you with our current visa application form, please mail a self-addressed stamped envelope, requesting the form to our Visa Department or download the form.

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Do I need a visa to enter Brazil?

If you are an American citizen, you need a visa to enter Brazil. The type of visa that you should apply for depends on the purpose of your trip to Brazil. The two most common types of visa are tourist and business visa. If your trip does not fit those descriptions, please click here for more information on other types of visa.

If you are the bearer of a non-American passport, please click here to see if your country requires a visa or contact our Visa Department for more information, as Brazil has visa waiver agreements with certain countries. Also, if you are the bearer of a non-American passport, regulations may require the Consulate General to request that prior authorization from the Ministry of External Relations in Brazil be granted in order for the visa to be issued. In this case, an extra fee of US$ 25.00 will be charged and some delay should be expected.

You must verify with the Consulate General beforehand if any of these circumstances apply:

  • applicants under 18 years of age (must be authorized to travel by both parents or by legal guardian);

  • children who were born outside Brazil of Brazilian parent(s);

  • children who were born in Brazil of non-Brazilian parent(s);

  • Brazilian citizens who acquired another nationality.


"The Consulate General of Brazil in New York is constantly endeavoring to improve its service to the public. Therefore, we would like to hear from you whether the information provided above is adequate and sufficient to your needs. You can do that by sending us an e-mail."

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1) HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A VISA? ONE DAY (APPLY IN ONE DAY, PICK UP THE FOLLOWING DAY)

2) CAN I SEND MY DOCUMENTS BY MAIL? NO, WE DO NOT PROCESS ANYTHING AT ALL THROUGH THE MAIL.

3) DO YOU TAKE CASH OR CHECK? WE JUST TAKE MONEY ORDER FROM THE POST OFFICE. NO CASH. NO CHECK. NO CREDIT CARD.

4) WHERE IS THE CONSULATE LOCATED? 1185 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, 21ST FLOOR, BETWEEN 46TH AND 47TH STREETS.

5) CONSULATE’s HOURS? FROM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY BETWEEN 10 AM AND 12 PM FOR APPLICATIONS AND BETWEEN 2:30 AND 4:00 TO PICK UP.

6) WHO DO I MAKE THE MONEY ORDER OUT TO? BRAZILIAN CONSULATE.

7) CAN I PICK UP MY VISA NEXT WEEK? YES YOU CAN.

8) WHICH DOCUMENTS DO I NEED DO GET A TOURIST VISA? PASSPORT, PASSPORT PICTURE, APPLICATION FORM, ITINERARY OR AIRLINE TICKET (CAN BE E-TICKET) AND MONEY ORDER FROM THE POST OFFICE, ONLY, FOR A HUNDRED AND THIRTY DOLLARS IF YOU ARE AMERICAN AND COME IN PERSON. IF ANYONE ELSE IS APPLYING FOR YOU THERE IS A 10 DOLLARS HANDLING FEE MORE.

9) WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO GET A BUSINESS VISA? PASSPORT, PASSPORT PICTURE, LETTER FROM THE COMPANY AND A MONEY ORDER FROM THE POST OFFICE, ONLY, FOR A U$ 190.00 IF YOU ARE AMERICAN. If ANYONE ELSE IS APPLYING FOR YOU A HANDLING FEE OF 10 DOLLARS IS REQUIRED.

10) IF MY VISA IS VALID AND MY PASSPORT EXPIRES WHAT SHOULD I DO? GET ANOTHER PASSPORT AND CARRY BOTH WHEN YOU TRAVEL TO BRAZIL.

11) DO YOU HOLD MY PASSPORT THERE? YES, WE NEED IT TO ISSUE THE VISA.

For more information, read our main TOURIST VISA PAGE.


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Monday, February 11, 2008

Top destinations outside of Rio

* Bahia:

1- Salvador: African influenced, amazing natural setting, electric night life and artistic tradition. The temperature is moderated, the coastline magnificent, the cuisine is great and they have music ALL the time.

2- Ilheus
3- Porto Seguro
4- Trancoso e Caraiva


* Pernambuco:

1-Fernando de Noronha
2-Porto de Galinhas


II- Mountains:

* BAHIA: Parque Nacional Chapada da Diamantina

* GOIAS: Parque Nacional Chapada dos Veadeiros

Friday, February 8, 2008

Airports in Rio

1-Galeão - Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airpor
Aeroporto Internacional do Rio de Janeiro/Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim;

airport code:
GIG

International Airport; 25 min from the center, they have cabs with a fix price to anywhere in the zona sul. It takes about 25 min on a good hour and, about 1 hr if traffic sucks...

2-Santos Dumont Regional Airport
Aeroporto Santos-Dumont

airport code:
SDU

Regional airport, right at the centro (city center).
They also have cabs with a fix price to anywhere in the zona sul. It takes about 10 min to zona sul.


Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Renting aptartments in Rio

There are a few places that you can find apts in Rio to rent for a short period of time:

www.vacationrentals.com

www.globecondos.com

And the one that Joana Piano uses:

Apartur Imoveis Ltda: tel:(55)(21)2287 5797
http://www.apartur.com.br/

talk to tania: taina@apartur.com.br
cel: (55)(21) 9433 7788

Travelling around Rio State

If you decide to go and travel a bit, as you should if you can, Rio de Janeiro State is petty big, with lots of smaller cities at the beach and also in the mountains:

I-Beaches:

* Buzios:


It is t
he most famous beach destination for tourists (gringos). It has a small town feeling but with a buzzy nightlife.
The options for accommodation are numerous: you can stay in a guest house (pousada) really cheaply or go to a fancy hotel and indulge. Do not forget to make a reservation before you get there. Also, you should consider renting a car
for the occasion, as the beaches sometimes are located far alway from each other).

1-Buzios Central Hostel (one of best in Br.)

Av Jose Bento Ribeiro Dantas, 1475 - Centro - Buzios

RJ - Brasil - CEP 28950-000
Telefones: 55 (22) 2623-2329 (21) 4063-8501 (11) 4063-5638 (31) 4063-9655 (61) 4063-8566

E-mail: info@buzioscentral.com.br

http://www.buzioscentral.com.br/



2-Pousada Hibiscus Beach
Rua 1, Nº 22 Quadra C, Praia de João Fernandes

Búzios - Rio de Janeiro - Brazil 28.950-000
Phone/Fax: 55 (22) 2623-6221

reservas@hibiscusbeach.com.br

www.hibiscusbeach.com.br



3- Pousada Meu Sonho

Av. Jose Bento Ribeiro Dantas, 1289

Búzios - RJ - Brasil

CEP 28950-000

Tel/Fax: 00 55 22 2623-0902

E-mail: meusonho@alohanet.com.br

http://www.meusonho-buzios.8k.com./



4-Pousada Santa Fe:
Praça Santos Dumont, 300 - Centro - Búzios.
Tel.: (22) 2623-6404 / Fax.: (22) 2623-9986
http://www.pousadasantafe.com/


5-Solar do Peixe Vivo
Orla Bardot 994. Praia da Armação. Búzios. RJ. Brasil.
Tel/Fax 0055 22 2623 1850.

reservas@solardopeixevivo.com.br

www.solardopeixevivo.com.br.


6-PousadaVila do Mar

Travessa dos Pescadores 88, Armacao de Buzios, RJ, Brasil

tel: 55- 22- 2623 1466

www.viladomar.com



* Itacuruca:


Tranquil island,
with gorgeous rolling hills and green waters.
I used to go there with my family when we where little. It is the place for short boat trips, aquatic sports, eating, drinking and relaxing.


1- Hotel Pierre (thats where my family stayed... we had a blast)

55-21- 2688 156o

www.hotelpierre.com.br


2-Hotel Elias C
Ilha de Itacuruçá
Praia Cabeça do Boi

Fone: (21) 9639-5707


3-
Hotel Jaguanum
Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
(55.21)-3324-4514
info@jaguanum.com
http://jaguanum.com/


* Ilha Grande:

This is the Island where I used to camp on my high school days.
The entire Island is a state park with mountainous jungle, historic ruins and beautiful beaches. There is still a lot of wildlife there so it is great for hiking, snorkling, and boat trips.



1- Pousada Oasis
Oásis - Praia do Canto - Abraão - Ilha Grande
+ 55 (24) 3361-5549
oasis@ilhagrande.org
http://www.geocities.com/ilha_grande/gb.html


2-Pousada Porto Girassol

Praia do Canto, Ilha Grande
reservations:
(21) 2437 1056 (Rio de Janeiro)
(21) 8810 8243
(Rio de Janeiro)
(24) 9979 4305 (Ilha Grande)
(24) 3361 9527 (Ilha Grande)
Pousada:
(24) 3361 5277 / 3361 9276
http://www.ilhagrande.org/portogirassol/pousada.html


3-
Pousada Água Viva
Fones: (24) 3361 5166 / 3361 5156 / (21) 2688 4716
E-mail: ilhagrande@pousadaaguaviva.com.br
http://www.ilhagrande.com.br/pages/pousadas/aguaviva/


4-
Pousada d Holandes
Rua da Assembléa, s/n, Vila do Abraão
Tel: (24) 3361-5034
(21) 3833-7979
pousadaholandes@bol.com.br
http://www.ilhagrande.org/holandes
www.pousadaholandes.ilhagrande.com



5-
Pousada Sankay
Caixa Postal: 73177 - Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro - CEP.23900-970
Tel/Fax: 021 24 3365 1090 - Tel: 021 24 3365 4065
FOR INTERNATIONAL CALLS, DIAL +55 24 3365 1090 or +55 24 3365 4065
every day : 8:00 am to 11:30 am 12:30 pm to 05:00 pm

contato@pousadasankay.com.br
http://www.pousadasankay.com.br/


6-Cantinho de Ara
55-24- 3365 1184


7- Pousada Refugio do Capitao

Rua Beira Mar ,62 Praia Grande - Enseada de Araçatiba
Tels: 24 33674040
http://www.refugiodocapitao.com/site/secao.asp?i=4


* Paraty:

It is a very cute and colonial small city. There is also boat trips around the beaches and excellent restaurants and bar options.
There is an Irish pousada in Paraty: Brazish - a cork guy owns it... I stayed there one year, during a literature festival (an they named the street James Joyce St!! ) so its quite nice and they're very friendly: Pousada brazish: http://www.brazish.com/en/


1-
POUSADA BAMBU BAMBOO
Rua Glauber Rocha, nº 09
Portal das Artes - Paraty - RJ - Brasil
Cep: 23.970-000
Phone: (24) 3371-8629 / (24) 3371-8518

enquiries@bambubamboo.com
http://www.bambubamboo.com./ingles/iindex.htm


2-
Casa do Rio Hostel
R. Antônio Vidal, 120 Paraty-RJ. Brasil

Tel: (+5524) 3371-2223
http://www.paratyhostel.com/index.html


3-
HOTEL COXIXO
R. do Comércio, 362. Paraty - RJ
Telefax: (024) 3371-8325 / 8327 / 1460
hcoxixo@terra.com.br
http://www.hotelcoxixo.com.br/ipousada.htm



4-
Pousada da Marquesa
Rua Dona Geralda, 99. Paraty - RJ
Tel (24) 3371-1263, 3371-1299

http://www.pousadamarquesa.com.br/pousada.html


5-Pousada Ouro

R. Dr. Pereira, 145 (Antiga Rua da Praia)
Tel.: (24) 3371-4300 / 3371-2033,
Paraty - Rio de Janeiro - Brasil -
For english/ german: Please call +55 11 8117-6116
reservas@pousadaouro.com.br
http://www.pousadaouro.com.br/eng/index.html


6-
Hotel Solar dos Gerânios
Praça da Matriz. Centro
Paraty - R J
Fone / Fax: (24) 3371-1550
http://www.paraty.com.br/geranio/



II- MOUNTAIN:


* Parque Nacional do Itatiaia:

It is the oldest National Park of Brasil. I camped there numerous times because of the waterfalls , forest and wildlife. If you are in to climbing, thats your destination: go to the Pico das Agulhas Negras (2787m) and to the Pico de Prateleira (2540).

There is accommodation in cabins in the park but they should be book with 2 week advance at:
Adiministracao do parque de Itatiaia: (55)(24) 2352 1461.

The list of hotels below are not inside of the park, but at Itatiaia city. If you stay there, it only takes 10-15min (cab/car) to get to the par
k.

1-
- Hotel Simon
Parque Nacional, 18km
Centro - Itatiaia - RJ, Brasil - 27580000
Tel: (24) 33521122
Fax: (24) 33521230
http://www.hotelsimon.com.br



2- Pousada Aldeia dos Passaros
Estrada do
Parque Nacional, 18km
tel: (55)(24) 3352-1152
contato@paldeiadospassaros.com.br
http://www.paldeiadospassaros.com.br/



3-Youth Hostel Ipe Amarelo
Rua J. Mauricio Madedo Costa 352
Itatiaia; Camop Alegre
Fon: + 55 24 352 1232
http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/youth-hostels-international/youth-hostel-ipe-amarelo/






Safety in Rio

Rio is a great place, but do not walk around with bags, cameras, nice watches, jewelery or anything at all that they can rob;

In the corcovado or sugar loaf, or inside any place is fine. But not walking on the streets, unless you manage to hide it well;

While at the beach or bar, make sure you do not leave your bags unattended;

Avoid paying with credit/debit cards on bars and restaurants (they might clone your card);

Go around with one bank/credit card, one ID and US $200 at the most.


Things to do in Rio

* Corcovado;


* Sugar Loaf;


* Museu de arte Moderna (MAM):
www.mamrio.com.br


* Maracana stadium: if you're into soccer: www.maracana.rj.gov.br


* Hand Gliding: Now, this you HAVE to do. Its the best feeling in world. You pay something like US $80 and you fly for about 15 mins from the top of gavea mountain landing in Sao Conrado beach. Its really really cool. During hand gliding, the instructor will take pictures from the wing for another US $8 or something. Ask for Paulinho when you’re there, My friend Maevan flown with him a few times and he’s very safe, has been flying for something like 20 years. You can leave your bags with his crew while you’re flying. (http://www.riotandemfly.com.br/)


* Helicopter: This is brilliant! Its amazing to fly around the statue of the Christ! The views are incredible! The helicopter leaves from the Lake (lagoon) and it costs the same as the hang gliding.


* Hippie Fair: Hippie fair is great for getting gifts and lots of cheap stuff, its on every sunday in Ipanema. In General Osorio Square.

**PLACES ONLY 20 MINUTES BY FERRY (BUT WORTH IT):

1-Museu de Arte Conteporanea (MAC)
MUST GO: BEST VIEW OF RIO!!!! http://www.macniteroi.com.br/?op=omac

2- Ilha de Paquetá: www.ilhadepaqueta.com.br


Places to stay: Pick your neighborhood and hotel

I- BEACHES:


* Flamengo/ Botafogo:


I grew up in that area. My dad and brother still live there. The beaches are not for swimming but they have cheaper places to stay and the location is very very handy. One can get from there to Ipanema or Lapa (downtown, the oldest part of town, where most of the night life is) in only 10min (by cab).



1- Windsor Florida Hotel
Rua Ferreira Viana, 81 - Flamengo - CEP 22210-040 - Rio de Janeiro Phone: 55 21 2195-6800
Fax: 55 21 2285-5777

http://www.windsorhoteis.com/en-us/loca.asp?hid=26


2- Hotel Imperial:
Rua do Catete, 186 - Catete - Rio de Janeiro - RJ
TEL.: 55 - 21 - 2556-5212 - FAX: 55 - 21 - 2558-5815

http://www.imperialhotel.com.br/index_in.html



3-Paysandú Hotel:

Rua Paissandú, 23 - Flamengo - Rio de Janeiro - Brasil - Tel.: 55 21 2558-7270
http://www.paysanduhotel.com.br/port/



4-
Hotel Regina:
Ferreira Viana Street, 29 - Flamengo - Rio de Janeiro
RJ - Brazil - Zip Code: 22210-040
Phone: 55 21 3289-9999 - Fax: 55 21 3289-9950
http://www.hotelregina.com.br/en_index.htm


* Copacabana:


I wouldn't waste too much time in Copacabana to be honest. I know its the touristy thing to do and you will see plenty of foreigners there, but the area is not great. There will be loads of kids trying to sell you stuff, street kids, prostitutes, drunks.... it is a pity but it is true.


1-Acapulco Copacabana Hotel:
Rua Gustavo Sampaio, 854 - Copacabana - Rio de Janeiro - RJ - CEP 22010-010 - Brasil - Tel: +55(21) 3077-2000 - Fax: +55(21) 2275-3396
http://www.acapulcohotel.com.br/index_i.htm


2- Hotel Biarritz
Rua Aires Saldanha, 54. Tel (55)(21) 25220542


3- Windsor Excelsior Hotel
Av. Atlântica, 1800 Copacabana - CEP 22021-001 - Rio de Janeiro
Tel : 55 21 2195-5800
Fax: 55 21 2257-1850

http://www.windsorhoteis.com/en-us/loca.asp?hid=22


4-Copacabana Chalet
Rua Henrique Oswald Nº 103,
Copacabana - Rio de Janeiro - Brasil
Telefone: (021) 236-0047 / Fax (021)239-4528
E-mail: chalet@pcshop.com.br

http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/cabana/7617/


5-Copacabana Palace (is South America's most famous hotel)
Avenida Atlântica 1702, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 22021 001 Brazil
Tel: +55 21 2548 7070
http://www.copacabanapalace.com.br/web/orio/orio_a2a_home.jsp


6-Windsor Martinique Hotel
Rua Sá Ferreira, 30 Copacabana - CEP 22071-100 - Rio de Janeiro
Telefone: 55 21 2195-5200
Fax: 55 21 2195-5222
http://www.windsorhoteis.com/en-us/loca.asp?hid=24


* Ipanema:


This is where you want to be. Ipanema beach is not only cleaner, its nicer and all the local Rio people go there (the cariocas we're called). The streets are safer, it is good for shopping, dinning and swimming. Also, It has a pretty good range of accomodations...


1-Caesar Park Rio de Janeiro:
Avenida Vieira Souto 460 Ipanema - Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
For reservations at the Caesar Park Ipanema through Come to Brazil, please dial: +(55) (21) 3906-8999

http://www.caesarpark-rio.com/english/index.html


2-Che Lagarto Hostel in Ipanema:
Rua Paul Redfern #48 - Ipanema, Brasil
Phone: (0055)21-2512-8076

http://www.chelagarto.com/ipanema-hostels.php


3-Hostel Ipanema:
Rua Barao da Torre 177, casa 18, Ipanema
phone: (55)(21) 2247 7269
http://www.hostelipanema.com/


4- Ipanema Inn:
R. Maria Quitéria, 27 - Ipanema
Rio de Janeiro - RJ - 22410.040 - Brasil
Tel: +55 (21)2523-6092
http://www.ipanemainn.com.br/ing/index.php


5-Ipanema Plaza Hotel:
Rua Farme de Amoedo, 34 - Ipanema - Rio de Janeiro - Brasil -
Tel. 55 21 3687 200
0
http://www.ipanemaplazahotel.com/en-us/default.asp


* Leblon:


It is where my mom lives. It is the beach beyond Ipanema. It is a residential neighborhood, with fewer places to stay but excellent eating and nightlife posibilities.


1-Ritz Plaza Hotel:
Av. Ataulfo de Paiva 1280,
Leblon, Cep: 22440-031
Tel.: 55 (21) 2540-4940
Fax: 55 (21) 2294-1890
http://www.ritzhotel.com.br/


2-Hotel Marina Palace:
Av. Delfim Moreira, 630 Leblon / Rio de Janeiro
Brasil - 22441.000
Telefone (21) 2172-1000
Central de Reservas (21) 2172-1001
Fax (21) 2172-1010
http://www.hotelmarina.com.br/palace/ingles/principal.asp


3- Leblon Inn
Rua Dias Ferreira street, 15 - Leblon - Rio de Janeiro - Brazil

tel: +55 21 3681-0632 / 3681-0815
http://www.barraleme.com/hoteis/Leblon%20Inn/leblonInnEnglish.htm


* Sao Conrado:


It is the beach beyond Leblon. It is very nice, quiet and clean but hard to get around. However, one can stay at the Sheraton Hotel (very, very nice hotel and view), that is 5min from Leblon and provides buses up and down the coast for guests.



1- Sheraton Rio Hotel & Resort:
Avenida Niemeyer 121 - Leblon · Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 22450-220 · Brasil
Telefone: +55 (21) 2274 1122 http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=255


2- InterContinental Hotel Rio de Janeiro
AV. PREFEITO MENDES DE MORAIS 222: RIO DE JANEIRO, 22610-095 BRAZIl
Hotel Front Desk: 55-21-33232200 | Hotel Fax: 55-21-33232295
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ic/1/en/hotel/rioha?&sitrackingid=8419596&sicreative=404004556&sicontent=0&siclientid=1911&cm_mmc=Google-PS-InterContinental-_-G+B-MSAC-_-BRA-RiodeJaneiro-_-InterContinental+Hotel+Rio+de+Janeiro%7C-%7C100000000000000759709&gclid=CKG24brQspECFRAOkgodNXBnOw



* Barra:

The beach is huge, clean, and with big waves (for surfers). One has to rent a car to stay there... its like Miami: long avenues, no sidewalk and lots of malls.
The traffic can get crazy to get in/out of there but yet, the beaches are much emptier and you don't' get that feeling of "city beach".


1- Sheraton Barra Hotel & Suites:
Avenida Lucio Costa 3150 · Barra da Tijuca · Rio de Janeiro, Rio De Janeiro 22630-010 · Brazil Phone: (55)(21) 3139 8000 ·

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/photos/index.html?propertyID=1452


II- Mountain:


* Santa Teresa
:


This is where I went to high school and our favorite neighborhood!
Its an area (or village) on the same mountain as the Corcovado. Its really run down at this stage but its still very nice. Cobblestone streets, old houses and the best view of Rio. You can take the tram that goes from the city center all the way up to the top.
Santa Teresa is also good for a local night out because they always have some samba band playing at the bars!



1- Rio Hostel:
Rua Joaquim Murtinho, 361 - Santa Teresa - Rio de Janeiro
Tel(s): +55 21 - 3852-0827 / +55 21 - 2224-6903

http://www.riohostel.com/


2-
Hotel Maua Bela Vista:
R. Paschoal Carlos Magno, 05 - Santa Teresa
Rio de Janeiro/RJ - CEP 20240-290
Tel: +55 (21) 2509-6011 / 2232-0666
E-mail:
reservas@hotelmauabelavista.com
http://www.hotelmauabelavista.com/



3- Casa Aurea


Rua Áurea, 80
Rio de Janeiro - Santa Teresa
RJ
Brazil
20240-210
55 21 2242-5830
http://www.casaaurea.com.br/


4- Hotel Mama Ruisa:

132 rua santa cristina | santa teresa | 20241-250 | rio de janeiro | brazil

tél : 00 55 21 22 42 12 81 | fax : 00 55 21 22 10 06 31
http://www.mamaruisa.com


5-
Santa Teresa Hotel
Rua Almirante Alexandrino, 660 - Santa Teresa
(21) 2508-9088/ 9088


6-
Solar de Santa
Ladeira do Meirelles, 32 - Santa Teresa
(21) 2221-2117


7-
Vila CasaNova - Guesthouse (Bed and Breakfast)
Ladeira do Castro - Santa Teresa
20230-030 Rio de Janeiro / Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro
http://www.vilacasanova.com.br



III- Other interesting neighborhoods:



*
Gloria:


Very convenientally located between the center and the beaches and restaurants of Zona Sul, this neighborhood has some prostitution around but prices are cheaper and the views can be pretty nice.
There is situated of the most traditional hotels of Rio (1920): Hotel Gloria, where the rooms and views are fantastic!




1- Hotel Gloria:
Rua Do Russel 632, Gloria
tel: (55)(21) 2555 7272
http://hotelgloriario.com.br


2-Golden Park Hotel:
Rua Do Russel 374, Gloria
tel: (55)(21) 2556 8150
www.hotelgoldenparkrio.com.br


3- Turistico:
Laderia da Gloria 30, Gloria
tel: (55)(21) 2557 7698




* Urca:


It is where the sugar loaf is and where I went to college. It is a very peaceful area, very very safe (a military base is located there), upscale and absolutely adorable. I
t is only 10 min to Copacabana and to the Center.



1- Carioca Easy Hostel:

Rua Marechal Cantuaria: 168, Urca
Tel: (55)(21) 2295 7805
www.cariocahostel.com.br

Getting to Brasil: airlines and travel agencies

Joana and Michael just bought their tickets (01 April) and here is the advice that they gave to us:

I wanted to forward you those flight search engine websites we spoke about last night. Hopefully these sites will help others in getting a good deal to Brazil. They differ from the household-named services like Orbitz and Travelocity for many reasons (this blogger explains more here: Why Expedia, Orbitz, and Travelocity Will Become Extinct),but generally they are search engines and not third party brokers who charge fees.

As far as current prices go, American Airlines ($850 r/t) and TAM Airlines ($950 r/t) seem to have the best fares from NYC to Brazil, but the prices can fluctuate. We waited 5 days with no price changes occurring, then all of the sudden the prices dropped and then erratically fluctuated on almost an hourly basis for 2 more days before becoming stagnant again. It was more unpredictable than buying stocks!

* www.sidestep.com - This site is very similar to www.kayak.com or www.mobissimo.com, but these sites do not book your ticket, instead they route you to the airlines' website once you select a flight. They are simply more comprehensive search engines. Other sites you already know of like www.Orbitz.com, www.Travelocity.com, or www.expedia.com may charge a service fee to book your flight, which may also have more restrictions than if you were to buy directly from the airline's website. Also, some foreign or domestic airlines do not give their booking info to sites like Orbitz or Travelocity. And often you might find that an airline's own website will show seats available, but the online services like Orbitz or Travelocity might show the same flight sold out (meaning only the seats allocated to them have been sold out).

* www.farecast.com - This is a great service… it allows you to enter your criteria with your preferred price point, and then the search engine does all the work while you carry on about your work week. The site then emails you when an airline's price drops to or below your specific price point. It can also track prices and advise you on when might be the best time to buy ("buy now", "wait three weeks")

* www.hotwire.com or www.priceline.com – These will offer cheaper flights if you're flexible on your flight times. You choose what days you want to fly, and then they select a major airline and the flight times for you. Be aware that they may choose a red eye or a lengthy layover for you (that's the only apparent catch), but always no more than one connection.

One more note: American Airlines also has a great interface to work with (www.aa.com). If your dates are somewhat flexible, search by "Price AND Schedule" then review tabs on top of the page (see snapshot below) to find the cheapest prices for the times on or around your preferred travel dates. Be sure to scroll to bottom of page and review or select any subsequent pages (you can easily miss the additional pages which may have a cheaper flight time).





I have flown to Brasil with TAM, Continental, United, American Airlines, and Delta. To be honest, all of them were the same!

The travel agency that I am using to book flights and group rates in hotels
(cheapest price and nice people):
www.brol.com talk to Raquel: rachel@brol.com

the other cheaper place that still has flights:
Globotur.com


or you can go to:

www.bacctravel.com (info@bacctravel.com)

tel: (212) 730-1010
16 West Little Brazil Street West 46th Street
between 5th & 6th Ave

But Joana Piano buys her tickets to Rio at:

www.sidestep.com

And Paul just found this one out:

http://atiflights.com/

And Joan just saw (03/12/08) tickets by $840 at: www.farecast.com