How to Book

Write or e-mail to the addresses below and we will let you know what the future dates of trips are. We will then ask you for a deposit that will secure your place and flights.

We will need your full names as they are in your passport and dates of birth. These are now required by airlines as part of their security procedures and problems arise if we do not produce them accurately. About a month before your departure we will ask for the balance of the cost and you will then receive your tickets. We will give you instructions of when and where to meet up at London, Heathrow and from there, all arrangements will be in our hands.

Health. We need to know if you are on any medication or suffer from any disorders that may interfere with your enjoyment of the trip or may result in an emergency. Please consult your GP for information about inoculations. At the time of writing there is no requirement for any prophylactic medication. This part of Brazil is neither a malarial nor a Yellow Fever zone. We do. however, recommend having Hepatitis A inoculations. This is comprised of two injections and after the second you are protected for ten years.

Money. Your trip is 'all-in' so there are no extra expenses except personal requirements, telephone calls or faxes and postage. Although it is now possible to buy Brazilian currency (the Real) at banks, it makes more sense to take US dollars which we can have changed for you while in Brazil. This avoids the inevitable losses due to inflation when you are holding money over some time.

Emergency Contacts. There is a radio telephone at Sitio Bacchus which can be used for emergencies. We will give you the numbers towards departure time as the codes are continually changing. Post takes around two weeks to and from Europe.

Other Attractions. Our nearest hotel is the Hotel Fazenda São João which is half an hour's drive and an hour's gentle walk. We usually visit the hotel at least once each trip as it is a beautifully situated 'Tyrolean' resort with tropical attractions. There is an extensive orchid collection, accumulated over many years by the late owner, Dona Elizabeth. There are also collections of bromeliads and many other tropical plants. Humming birds visit in profusion and it is a perfect place to walk to and relax on a
Sunday or simply to call in and have a refreshing drink after a thrash in the forest. Nova Friburgo is the nearest town. It was founded by Swiss immigrants in the 19th century and much of their influence remains in the bakeries, the Churascurias (barbecue restaurants), and the honey producers. The town itself is not exciting but the craft markets on a Sunday are well worth a visit.

Tour Extensions. Many people wish to travel further after their stay in the Upper Macae. We are happy to organise extension trips for you. Among the possibilities are Rio de Janeiro and the city sights, the Botanic Garden and the Corcovado: the Iguassu Falls on the border with Argentina and. of course, the Amazon, taking in Manaos and the great opera house. Then there could be a simple relaxing beach holiday at Cabo Frio or the delicious Busios peninsula with its hundred bays where Brigitte Bardot
would hide away. Please let us know early on if you would like to extend your trip.

Equatorial Plant Company, The Dovecote, Newgate, Barnard Castle, Co. Durham, DL12 8NW, UK. Phone/Fax 01833 690519.
e-mail: info@@riotrust.org
Website: www.equatorialplants.com
Copyright 2003 Equatorial Plant Co.