Getting Around in Brazil-the Easy Way

Boasting of probably the last bastion of river travel on the planet, Brazil can be best explored by its passenger-carrying vessels, which are available in a varied range of shapes and sizes. The mighty Amazonian waterways function as highways in this country and are flush with ferries and boats putt-putting up and down every creek and tributary–that has anyone living near. Arguably the most interesting and only way of getting around quite a few islands, Atlantic kissed beaches and portions of Pantanal-river travel cannot be ignored in any way in the region.

Traveling by road, air and train are other ways of discovering the many hidden and popular attractions of Brazil. Here, we help you sort out the ways in which you can make the most of your well prepared travel itinerary -in a cost effective and comfortable manner.

Buses

The primary mode of long-distance transportation for most Brazilians -except those residing in the Amazon Basin, buses also helps tourists and foreign travelers reach their destination in time. With strict adherence to arrival/ departure timings and a large network crisscrossing the length and breadth of the country, it is a good idea to hop on to a bus and move. The models used here are generally comfortable, clean, and well-serviced Volvos, Mercedes and Scanias. Most cities and towns are linked with regular buses-for instance, there are buses every 15 minutes to São Paulo from Rio (during peak hours). There is no dearth of long distance buses here, so plan your travel accordingly -especially if you are looking towards affordable travel options.

Cars

Quite often than not, the anarchic side of Brazil emerges from behind the steering wheel, with one-way streets, lane dividers and sidewalks being disregarded-especially in Rio. Here, the police take little interest in road safety and local drivers are known for their arrogant and boisterous driving behaviors, so take care. If you planning to bring your own vehicle, then remember to have registration document, all licenses and proof of insurance in place. You may be asked to produce your carnet de passage en douane while driving in and out of Brazil-this is a type of vehicle passport that comprises of a booklet of customs passes. You may like to get in touch with your local automobile association for further details.

Like in most other countries, you can avail car rental facilities with ease too. However, you must remember to book in time and be aware of all the conditions, rates and services prescribed by your chosen car hire company-particularly during peak tourist seasons.

Trains

With Brazil’s passenger-train services being scaled down to negligible levels, the remaining 30,000km of tracks are generally use for ferrying cargo, with the exception of a few great rides for train enthusiasts. One of the most amazing train journeys can be enjoyed from Curitiba to Paranaguá, with the train chugging down coastal mountain ranges, through some unforgettable views and lots of changing landscapes. The Belo Horizonte, which runs via Santa Bárbara and Sabará also provides more pleasant travel options tan a bus plying on the same route.

So, are you ready to change locations in Brazil-the right way!