Want a Local Friend?

Dear readers how are you today?

Have you been planning your trip to Brazil?
It's not too early at all!

Today I'm here to talk about this idea that I fell in love with...

...to rent a local friend!

Want a friend? by bothsidesofthetable.com

I've never used this service, but it might be very useful in a country like Brazil where the majority of people don't speak English, or French, or Deutsch. And I guess the majority of travelers prefer to experience a country like a local other than a tourist. And more... this is a great alternative if you are traveling by yourself.

The team of friends is made by all kinds of people including journalists, photographers, chefs, that like you, also love to travel.

They will create a tour that includes everything according to your interest, so let them know exactly what you like and the places you want to visit when filling up the form.
The best idea is to choose a friend that has the same interests as you, and that speak your language.

You will find friends in the following host cities:
São Paulo, Rio, Curitiba, Brasilia, Fortaleza, Natal, Recife, and Salvador.

The video bellow is cool and explains it all, take a look:

Website: Rent a Local Friend

Like the idea? Have you used this service?

Leave your comments bellow.

Até mais :)

Tchau

Pantanal wetlands

Hello dear readers,

Today my post is about this curious place, a wild land with so much to discover, it is word's largest wetland, perfect for birdwatchers and wild life enthusiastic... welcome to Pantanal! 

A vast place with “amazing ecological quality” despite cattle farming and other environmental concerns. National Geographic

In the Pantanal, the jaguars may be evasive, but the capybaras, the hyacinth macaws, the giant anteaters and the ring-tailed coatis will practically pose for you if you approach quietly. The New York Times

Onça Pintada (Jaguar) - Trip Advisor

You are about to visit the best place in South America to spot wild life, so in my opinion you should plan this trip in advance. The dry season, considered by many people the best season to go to Pantanal is between April and September, during this time it is easier to spot the animals and is less muddy. Here is my first advise: Vaccines. It is important to take yellow fever, malaria and tetanus shot before traveling to Pantanal. And bring bug spray!

Alright, now let's see how you can make this trip work. 

by New York Times

If you are in Cuiabá the best way is to take a bus from the bus station and get a hotel (simple and rustic) in one of these cities: Poconé, Cáceres or Barão de Melgaço. Most of the hotels offer breakfast, lunch and dinner included. But if you are not into simple stuff, you have other options such as the SESC Porto Cercado Hotel, or Pousada Pouso Alegre in Poconé.

The best thing is to hire a guide to show you around, they are local people that take you to the coolest places where you can spot the animals. A binocular and a flashlight are also good items to bring besides the camera!

Caiman by Interativa Pantanal

Once you get there, the hotels will offer you tours options, like hike, sunrise view, boat trip, night walk... 

Tuiuiú - Symbol of Pantanal
by Sonia Furtado via Flickr

Check some expeditions before you go:
-  Interativa Pantanal
-  Pantanal Nature
-  Jaguar Ecological Reserve

Hotels:
- Pousada Rio Claro - Poconé
Breakfast, lunch and dinner, free wi-fi, horses, pool, ac.
- SESC Porto Cercado - Poconé
Breakfast, lunch and dinner, horses, pool, playground, ac.
- Araras Eco Lodge - Poconé
Breakfast, luch and dinner, horses, pool, ac.
- Hotel Baiazinha - Cácere (good for fishing)
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, playground, pool, horses.

Dual Survival: Pantanal

Cuiabá - Places to Visit

Dear readers and visitors of Cuiabá...

Enjoy some tips on things to do in the capital of Mato Grosso.

Chapada dos Guimarães - A Must Go for the adventurous
The National Park is 69 km (42.87 miles) from Cuiabá. A rocky formation with steep cliffs, crystal clear waterfalls and caves. 
The Expedition Interativa Pantanal can take you there, check the website for information about hospitality.

Chapada dos Guimarães National Park by interativapantanal

SESC Arsenal - art museum
You can visit the art gallery, crafts exhibition, even have a beer!
Every Thursday meet other people there, eat Brazilian food and see crafts for free. From 6 to 10 pm. 
http://www.sescmatogrosso.com.br/sesc-mato-grosso/

SESC Arsenal - by www.mochileiro.tur.br

Casa do Artesão - shop
Good place to buy souvenirs and crafts from Cuiabá, there are many works made by native indians that you can see.
http://www.sescmatogrosso.com.br/casa-do-artesao/

Casa do Artesão - crafts

Nossa Senhora do Bom Despacho - church
Considered the most beautiful church in Cuiabá, it has a neo-gothic style, is located up the hill Morro do Seminário. The church was built in the XVIII century, but the current architecture was built in 1918.  In the same space you will find the Museum of Sacred Art, where pieces from the 17th and 18th centuries are exhibited. The visit is free of charge.

Nossa Senhora do Bom Despacho by Francisco Aragão on Flickr
For more about the culture of Mato Grosso visit the Flickr: Ação Cultural

Tomorrow you will find out about the wild wetlands of Pantanal

Cuiabá - Restaurants

Dear readers...

Today I will show you some of the best restaurants in Cuiabá and tell you what you should try.

Mahalo

Mahalo - A contemporary restaurant of Brazilian food.
You can try Pintado, a fish from the rivers of the region, or confit de pato (duck).
Lunch: from Monday to Friday you can choose an entree + main course + dessert - from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. On Saturdays you can serve yourself entree from the buffet + main course + dessert - from 11:30 am to 3 pm.
Dinner: à la carte from 7:30 pm to midnight.
They also serve afternoon tea every Thursday from 4:30 pm to 7 pm.
Address: Presidente Castelo Branco, 359, Quilombo, Cuiabá-MT

Lélis Peixaria - Fish from the region.

The pescado from local rivers is the basis for basically every dish. Sounds appealing, right?

The menu is neatly written in Portuguese and English, so check it out.

And more... they have a special menu with many different kinds of caipirinha. Click here. 

Lélis Peixaria

Getúlio - eclectic restaurant, for everyone.
There are 3 ambients at Getúlio:
VIP - at lunch there is a nice salad buffet, at dinner there is a cold cuts and cheese buffet + à la carte.
Lounge: tapas and cebiches are prepared in front of the guests at the bar. At night the DJ comes to make to dance!
Outdoor - where you can order appetizers and cold beer.
Check dinner the menu here in English. Free wi-fi.

Okada - local fish, simple but this restaurant received many good reviews.
They serve lunch every day and dinner every night except Mondays.

It's a good option if you have small children, there is a nice play area.

Okada - www.peixariaokada.com.br

Di Pietro Vineria & Ristorante - for the wine lovers, an Italian Ristorante!

Live music, the restaurant is located in a beautiful house, serving excellent food and a big variety of wines.

Di Pietro Vineria & Ristorante

I really hope you have a chance to try the amazing cuisine from Cuiabá.

Cuiabá - Hotels

Dear readers,

It's about time to reserve your hotel, so here are some options not far from the stadium:

• Deville Cuiabá
• Breakfast included
• 1.7 km (1 mile) from the stadium
• AC
• Gym
• Pool
• Restaurant

• Intercity



Deville Cuiabá

• Breakfast included
• 1.9 km (1.18 miles) from the stadium
• AC
• Gym
• Pool
• Free Internet
• Restaurant

• Serras Hotel Cuiabá
• Breakfast included
• 7 km (4.34 miles) from the stadium
• AC
• Gym 
• Restaurant

• Holiday Inn
• Breakfast included
• 2.7 km (1.67 miles) from the stadium
• AC
• Gym
• Pool
• Free Wi-Fi

• Gran Odara
• Breakfast included
• 5.4 km (3.35 miles) from the stadium
• AC
• Gym
• Pool
• Free Internet
• Restaurant

Dinner at Grand Odara


Enjoy You Trip!