The total cost of the trip includes nearly everything–all food in Brazil, transportation, lodging, and tips. $1000 of that is due immediately so I can make airfare arrangements. TAM airlines has a single flight direct into Manaus from Miami every day. It is the only direct flight to Manaus. The main alternate route is to go via Sao Paulo, which adds at least twelve hours to the trip, which is why we want to grab those TAM seats ASAP. So as soon as I have your deposit, I will get your ticket. The $1500 is due by May 15.
If you do not have a passport, you must secure one ASAP. After you have your passport and I have purchased your ticket, you will need to send your passport and your flight itinerary (on official travel agency letterhead) to Brazilian authorities to obtain your visa, which is why you cannot wait to get a passport. You can learn how to obtain your US passport at the State Department web site, but the main thing is that you must apply in person, most easily at a post office. Read all the instructions at the previously linked site and follow them exactly. After you have your passport–which normally takes three to four weeks–you must then send it to the appropriate Brazilian consulate or embassy, depending on the state where you live. Those who live in Kentucky must download and fill out a form from this page, then send it to the embassy in Washington with a US POSTAL MONEY ORDER (they do not accept any other form of payment!!!!). I will post further instructions on filling out the form in a separate post, because it can be tricky. Those who live in Tennessee must download their form here and send it to the consulate in Florida. Residents of Texas should download their form here and return it to the consulate in Houston. If you live in some other state, you can find out what consular service you must use by clicking here. The visa costs US citizens $110 ($100 fee plus a $10 “handling” fee) and the Brazilian authorities are arbitrary about whether or not they give you a five year or a 90-day visa. Most who travel with us get a five-year visa, but some get only 90 days. It only makes a difference if you decide to return someday.
If you wish to have travel insurance you will need to purchase that separately and on your own. Shots are not required, but you might talk to your doctor about shots for hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and yellow fever. Tetanus shots are important and a good idea no matter what country you are in. You might also discuss with your doctor whether you want to take a simple malaria prophylactic in pill form. If you do take it, you cannot give blood for three years. I have never had any serious illness from the 20+ times I have traveled to Brazil, but it is a tropical country, after all, and that is your personal decision. Again, talk with your own physician about it.
While in Brazil we will drink bottled water and soft drinks. Manaus is easily accessible from the camp, so we have no danger of running out of supplies. The food in Brazil is excellent. They serve lots of meat–especially beef–and fish.
I admit that I am partial to the beef, which comes in huge slabs at restaurants called “churrascarias.”
