NYT Syndicate
A luxury vacation to Brazil can cost a king's ransom or be easier on the wallet, according to Jennifer Gillmore, a Brazil specialist at Travel Beyond in Wayzata, Minnesota.
"Hotels and restaurants in Brazil can be very pricey, and tourists who are unfamiliar with the country can end up spending a lot without getting a lot," she said.
But follow a few of her insider tips, Gillmore said, and a luxurious Brazilian getaway can be had for a reasonable price.
Don't visit during local holidays
Avoid visiting Brazil over local school breaks, usually in January and July; during Carnival, in February or March; and over Christmas. Many locals travel within the country during these periods, Gillmore said, and so hotel prices are at a premium. (Plus, temperatures can be uncomfortably hot during the austral summer.) Fewer busy months mean more pleasant weather and a bounty of deals at luxury hotels (offers like"pay three nights but stay for four").
When in Rio, skip beachfront accommodations
Prices for a night's stay there tends to be sky-high."Since the beach is a big attraction in Rio, hotels overprice their rooms," Gillmore said. Get a better value by staying at a luxury property in a neighbourhood away from the water, and hit the beach during the day. Gillmore's favourite neighbourhood in the city is Santa Teresa, a picturesque hilltop district with restaurants, bars and artists' studios. If you're keen on a beachfront stay, however, book a city view room as opposed to a water view room ” the latter is significantly pricier.
Take the road less traveled
Most Brazil itineraries include visits to Rio and S'e3o Paulo, and while these cities are worth exploring, they can be expensive. Gillmore said that the country is full of more affordable and equally appealing destinations, which are largely undiscovered."You can save up to 50 percent on accommodations, meals and activities when you go to less touristy spots, and you'll also get a richer perspective of the country," she said. Gillmore loves Paraty, a beach destination between Rio and S'e3o Paulo with a historic town centre, and Bonito, in the southwest, known for its crystal clear rivers, lush forests and caves with geologic formations."You can snorkel, hike and river raft in Bonito," Gillmore said.
Eat like a local
All-you-can-eat churrascarias, which serve many varieties and cuts of meat, are a beloved tradition in Brazil. They are also usually reasonably priced and a great way to mingle with Brazilians. When she is in Brazil, Gillmore saves on food by having a hearty breakfast at a local cafe or at her hotel, a smaller lunch of a?§a'ed, an inexpensive dish of frozen and mashed a?§a'ed fruit topped with fresh fruit or granola, followed by a relaxed dinner at a popular churrascaria.