Special Note: Brazilian Travel Visa

You must have a Valid Brazilian Travel Visa to get into Brazil!

Camp participants are responsible for applying for a Brazilian Visa. While the process looks a bit difficult, it is actually quite easy. Simply go to the web sites linked below, and complete the proper documents and follow the instructions. We can assist you if you are having any difficulties.

Winnipeg Applicants - Brazilian Consulate Toronto, Alberta Applicants - Brazilian Consulate Vancouver.

Live-in-Guides

This is a very important and crucial component of this trip, which contributes greatly to making these trips highly successful. You will be staying with at least two people who know Rio very well, and speak the language (Brazilian Portuguese) fluently.

Believe me, a Gringo (this is a friendly phrase in Brazil) in Rio, who doesn’t speak the language and doesn’t know where the safe areas are, likely will not have a very good time.

Further, “Live-In-Guides” will save you significant time and money as, the moment you arrive in Rio, you will hit the ground running and not waste any time and money getting caught in tourist traps and long Bar lines. While Brazilians like Gringos a lot, many will significantly overcharge if they think that they can.

“Live-In-Guides” make all of the difference for the quality of these trips, and it is for this reason that having Live-In-Guides is PRICELESS.

Living Accomodations in Rio

It is included in the camp package

We will be staying in a Luxury Oceanfront apartment or Luxury house located (generally) in the Barra Beach area, which is one of Rio’s most prestigious areas, known for it’s beauty, shopping and safety. Included will be two maids who will cook and clean for us on weekdays. Walking distance to numerous, amazing restaurants, bars, patios and night clubs in the Barra Beach area.

Daily Schedule:
9:00 Breakfast
10:00 Morning Training
12:00 Lunch
12:30 Free Time (Beach, shopping, resting, swimming pool…)
19:00 Night Training

NOTE: Meals outside of the residence are not covered, such as restaurants and bars, etc.

Ground Transportation

Car Rental and Gas Currently about $20 per day.

Rio is a very large city and very easy to navigate by taxi. That said, there is so much to see and do that taxis can become very expensive. Our experience has been that it is much more cost effective to rent 7 passenger vehicles, rather than travel in large groups by taxi.

NOTE: Transportation to Bars and non-group activities/excursions are not covered. However, taxis in Rio are very inexpensive and they are plentiful.

Shopping

$100 to $1000

Simply put, the shopping in Rio is amazing! From the high fashion stylish shopping malls of Barra Shopping (South Americas largest mall) to Rio Design Mall, to the Ipanema Hippie Fair, Rio is one of the trendiest places to shop in the World.

Personally, I go to Rio with a large bag packed in my suitcase and do a major clothing shop each time, as the items are very nice, stylish, inexpensive and made in Brazil. It works well because the airlines allow 70 lbs from Brazil, per bag rather than the standard 50 lbs. everywhere else

The shopping alone is almost worth the trip.

Excursions and Adventure

Corcovado, Hangliding, Sugarloaf, Ipanema, Canopy Walking, Whitewater Rafting, beer, seats, food and music on the Beach, Go-Carting, Nightlife, Concerts etc, $300 – $500

This area can range greatly, depending upon the amount of activity you wish to participate with as there is o end of things to do in Rio

Contact us and we provide some guidance.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Training and Competitions

Training and Competitions are included in the camp package.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Training – Two a days (if you want) at Gordo’s

Seminars: TBA

Tips and Gratuities

About $100.00

Brazilian people are very humble and do not earn much money compared to us Canadians. Yet, Brazilians always provide good service with a warm and genuine smile and do not expect to be tipped, a far cry from many of the poor service providers and poor attitude of workers here in Canada. Watch the warmth and happiness you can create by simply tipping a Brazilian service provider (beach vendors, taxi drivers, musicians, etc.) with a small amount of money.

We suggest that all of our travelers provide tips for the following:
* The Maids
* The Club where we train.
* Any special service provider.
* Beach Vendors and Musicians.

While you are under no obligation to do so, we will help guide you as to what is appropriate.

Fun

Rio is like nothing you have ever seen or done before. For this reason, a traveler needs to keep an open mind to the culture, their surroundings, the schedule (or lack thereof) and time (not important in Rio). People are often extremely surprised at how developed and how advanced Brazil actually is, from the flex fuel cars to the High Fashion shopping and the exceptional personal hygiene of the population. Brazil is an emerging economy with lots going on.

Throw out all of your preconceived notions of a South American City, and you too can enjoy a Trip of a Lifetime to Rio de Janeiro!

Lastly, you will find it very helpful to learn a few Brazilian Portuguese words, which we hope can make your stay more enjoyable. Check out this Brazilian language website.