Journey Latin America’s Top Tips for Rio Carnival

Jan. 6, 2011 - PRLog -- Travel specialists Journey Latin America have put together their top tips for making the best of the infamous Rio carnival this year.

Brazil’s carnival takes place from 5-8 March 2011 with the biggest party traditionally held in Rio De Janeiro.  With thousands of revellers descending on the city at this time of year it can be difficult to get tickets for the main event or even to find accommodation, and to avoid disappointment Journey Latin America have put together their advice on staying safe, getting the best value for money and having fun at the world’s biggest party.

Their top tips include:
Book Early
Book your carnival entry tickets for the famous Sambodromo arena as early as possible for the best chance of securing a premium seat at a good rate with outstanding views.   The same applies to hotel accommodation –leaving accommodation to be sorted out on arrival is a huge no-no – one poor tourist we know rocked up in Rio at the start of Carnival and had to fly to Buenos Aires that same day just to find a bed for the night!

Consider extending your stay
During Carnival all hotels in Rio will impose a minimum stay – usually five nights. Many tourists heading to Brazil will want to make the most of their visit by seeing some of the country’s highlights, but if you just want to relax after the festivities then head to Ilha Grande – a verdant sub-tropical island with hidden coves and gleaming white beaches, about a 4-5hr journey west of Rio by car and ferry.

Join a street party
To see the famous Carnival procession, you must buy tickets for the Sambodromo arena, but there are also scores of informal street parties going on all over the city. Cinelândia in the centre of town is the biggest and most well known, starting on Friday and finishing on Tuesday from 5pm-3am every day. If you want to be within easy reach of your hotel samba drums can be heard from most street corners in Copacabana, Ipanema and Lapa.

Cut costs
Brazil’s economy has been going from strength to strength over the last few years, which means that it is no longer as cheap as it used to be. The best way to eat out cheaply is to head to restaurants known as “comida por kilo” - literally food by the kilo. Food (which can include everything from steak to sushi) is usually displayed buffet style, so you just take what you want to eat and pay for it at the scales – easy.

Learn the lingo
Fala Português? Even if you don’t speak the language, it always helps to know a few words.  In Brazil, where English is not widely spoken, locals will be grateful for any effort you make to speak to them in their own language and it’s a great way of making friends and ultimately having a more authentic and interesting experience.  

Laura Rendell-Dunn at Journey Latin America, said:  “Many of us here at Journey Latin America have been to carnival at some point over the years and it really is a truly incredible experience.  By gathering together our top tips we hope that we can encourage people to plan for carnival so that they have a safe and enjoyable trip and can make the most out of their holiday.”

Ends

Further Information
For more information on Carnival, Brazil, or Journey Latin America’s full range of holidays, please visit http://www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk or telephone: 020 8747 8315.

To read our online magazine please visit http://www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk/papagaio/

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For press information or images please contact Laura Rendell-Dunn or Jenny Powles on  020 8747 8315 or at press@journeylatinamerica.co.uk

Laura Rendell-Dunn is a destination specialist and is available as a spokesperson on events, travel trends and features relating to all locations in Latin America.

Journey Latin America are the UK’s no1. travel specialist to Central and South America.  With 30 years experience dealing exclusively with Latin America we can offer practical advice based on personal experience.

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About Journey Latin America: Journey Latin America are the UK’s no1. travel specialist to Central and South America. With 30 years experience dealing exclusively with Latin America we can offer practical advice based on personal experience.