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A JOURNEY THROUGH BRAZIL



Dear Travel Partner,

before we get to our newsletter, we want to share with you this message from Federico Büker, CEO & Owner of SAT. In these times of ongoing crisis and reduced personal encounters, Federico felt it was important to address you directly and encourage all of us to manage this crisis together, as good partners and as a team. Thank you for your continued trust and support!

And now, bem-vindo ao Brasil! This month, we want to show you the many breathtaking places, exciting explorations and exotic treasures that Brazil has to offer. As South America's biggest country, there is a lot of ground to cover and we can guarantee you that there is something for everybody! White sandy beaches, lush rainforest, incredibly diverse wildlife, a rich mixture of cultures and folklore as well as a delectable, versatile cuisine are just some of things you can look forward to. 

In COVID19-related news, Brazil is resuming its activities step by step; schools are opened as well as shops and restaurants, following the governmental health directions. The frequency of domestic flights is increasing, hotels are restarting operations and locals are travelling internally. Organized international tourism is still practically at a standstill. However, international airports continue to be open without any restrictions for arrivals for any nationality; no quarantine or pre arrival testing for Covid 19 is required. Travelers do need to carry a valid international health insurance.

We can't wait to welcome you back!

All the best,

your SAT Team
*** Temporary office hours (Monday-Friday) ***
SAT Argentina:  09:00h - 14:30h
SAT Brazil: 09:00h - 13:00h 
SAT Chile: 09:00h - 15:30h
SAT Colombia:  09:30h - 17:30h
SAT Ecuador: 09:30h - 17:30h
SAT Peru: 08:00h - 14:00h
SAT Uruguay: 09:30h - 13:30h
BRIGADEIRO - THE BRAZILIAN ANSWER TO TRUFFLES
Brazilians are famous for their delicious cuisine and what is a good meal without a yummy dessert? This sweet and tasty treat is also perfect as an afternoon pick-me-up or just a snack when you're craving something sweet. We are of course talking about "brigadeiro" - an absolute staple that you can buy pretty much everywhere in Brazil and that is also super easy to make at home!

Here is our brigadeiro recipe:
- 1 tbsp butter or margarine
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk (14oz / 400ml)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- chocolate sprinkles
*Tip: If you're not a fan of chocolate or want to mix it up, substitute the cocoa powder and chocolate sprinkles for desiccated coconut!

Melt the butter in a non-stick pan, then add the condensed milk and cocoa. Let the mixture cook at medium heat while stirring constantly, until it thickens. As soon as the mass lifts from the pan, take it off the heat to cool down. Grease your hands and start rolling the mass into small balls. To finish, cover the balls in chocolate sprinkles.
RIO DE JANEIRO, THE MARVELLOUS CITY
Rio de Janeiro, the second biggest city in Brazil, is a place of contrasts and its unique atmosphere is almost impossible to capture in words. 
The first thing visitors notice is its unique topography, bordered on one side by the blue ocean and on the other by verdant hills. Towering over them are Rio's most famous sights, the Sugar Loaf Mountain in the bay and the gigantic Christ the Redeemer statue in the mountains. Between them stretches a city that, although no longer Brazil’s capital, is still an important cultural, financial and touristic centre. The city manages to blend past, present and future in a most fascinating way. Rio's historic downtown takes you back in time with cobblestone streets and beautiful colonial architecture, setting the ideal scene to learn about the city's eventful history. At the same time, you can observe people's every-day life in the busy streets and on the beaches, where there is always a game of soccer or volleyball to be found. Locals and tourists are mingling while strolling along the promenade, enjoying the sun and sipping fresh coconut water or an iconic caipirinha. Just a short drive away, the modern waterfront of the harbour of Rio catapults you into the future with the "Museum of Tomorrow", which is dedicated to scientific process and sustainability. Thanks to the mountains, beaches, parks, countless museums, restaurants and bars, markets and shopping opportunities, the selection of activities seems endless. You need only ask and Rio will provide! 
If you are looking to escape the city, you can find beautiful beach towns such as Angra dos Reis, Paraty or Buzios just a few hours away. You can also make your way inland, for example to the royal city of Petrópolis, the favorite summer residence of Emperor Pedro I. On the other side of the Guanabara Bay, Niteroi is the perfect destination for a day trip and can be reached via the bridge or a ferry ride. 
SAT TIP: RAINFOREST EXPLORATIONS IN THE CITY
How about a tour to the rainforest without even leaving Rio de Janeiro? The city is home to one of the largest urban forests in the world and you catch a glimpse of it on the way to the Christ the Redeemer statue: the Tijuca Rainforest. It is part of the Atlantic forest that spreads from the south to the north of Brazil. Exploring Tijuca in a jeep, you will be amazed at this green oasis that boasts waterfalls, several peaks, monuments, and an incredibly rich biodiversity. From the "Chinese Viewpoint" you will have an amazing view of Ipanema and Copacabana, the Guanabara Bay, and Sugar Loaf Mountain. Once you reach the Cascatinha waterfall, you will start to walk along the easy forest trails. Keep your eyes open for monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds! On the ride back, you will make a short stop at Pepino Beach. This zone is the starting point for hang-gliding tours and when the winds are good, you can watch the gliders soar through the sky. For more information about jeep tours in the Tijuca Rainforest as well as other tour ideas in Rio, please contact us!
THE JEWEL OF THE PARANÁ STATE
Located in the south of Brazil, you will find a place unlike any other in the world: the Iguassu Falls! Along the Brazilian-Argentinean border, nature has created a spectacle that encompasses 275 different-sized waterfalls over a stretch of 2,7km (1,7mi). The undisputed highlight is the "Devil's Throat", a canyon with a maximum width of 90m (300ft). From its highest point, the water masses crash down an 80m drop (260ft)! When Eleanor Roosevelt visited the Iguassu Falls, she reportedly said "My poor Niagara" and we can only agree with that notion!
But that's not all this region has to offer. The Iguazu Falls are located inside the 252,982ha Iguassu National Park, 67,720ha of which belong to Argentina and 185,262ha to Brazil. The park is home to an incredible biodiversity, including 80 tree species, more than 1900 plant species, 400 bird species and other wildlife such as coatis, monkeys, caimans and several wild cat species.
For those who want to see more wildlife up close and support a great cause at the same time, we recommend a visit to the Bird Park. This sanctuary is home to over 500 species and aims to rehabilitate and release them back into nature. 
The Brazilian gateway to this natural wonder is the city of Foz do Iguassu. Other interesting sites besides the Iguassu Falls include the impressive Itaipu Dam, one of the world's largest hydroelectric power plants, providing around 75% of Paraguay’s and 25% of Brazil’s electricity.  
SAT TIP: BACKSTAGE OF IGUASSU'S BIRD PARK
Do you want to look behind the scenes of Iguassu's animal sanctuary, the Bird Park, to learn more about their efforts and even meet some of the residents? Then this tour is for you! During a walking tour along a trail through 1000m2 of native woods, you have the opportunity to spot more than 900 tropical birds from 150 species. Besides the 5 immersion aviaries where you can observe the birds up close, there is a butterfly house and a reptile sector.
As a backstage visitor, you will also have the opportunity to experience the recovery and conservation work carried out by the Bird Park. You will have access to restricted areas and can get into direct contact with the rescue birds. According to the time of year you are visiting, your backstage access includes the chance to hand-feed flamingos or toucans, meet an endangered parrot of the Atlantic Forest who is the ambassador of its species, feed cracids and tinamids (e.g. peacocks) or access the parakeet aviary to feed more than 13 species of birds rescued from animal trafficking and mistreatment.
Click here to request details about the backstage visit at the Bird Park or additional tour ideas in Iguassu!
THE CENTRE OF AFRO-BRAZILIAN CULTURE
What do you think of when you hear “Land of Happiness” and “Land of All Saints”? If you're Brazilian, your answer will probably be Salvador, the capital of Bahia State. For one, it is said that a big part of life in Salvador is the constant celebration of happiness. Also, Salvador is located by the All Saints Bay and its people have a deep sense of mysticism. This makes Salvador one of the most fascinating cities we know; a world of smiles, beauty, magic, traditions and warm hospitality. Salvador is also the centre of Afro-Brazilian culture, which is apparent everywhere you look: from the elegant "Baianas" whose elaborate gowns stem from the Candomblé religion, to African influenced food and the unique rhythm of samba-reggae floating through the streets. 
Its colorful historic centre, Pelourinho, also makes Salvador one of the most beautiful cities in Brazil. With its picturesque colonial buildings and cobblestone streets, Pelourinho has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985. The city is also home to America’s first lighthouse, built in 1501, at the Saint Antony Fort. If you´re looking to buy souvenirs, definitely stop by the Modelo Market where you can browse among 250 stores that sell art, ceramics, and other Brazilian handicrafts. Foodies will go crazy over the many utterly delicious local dishes, at the top of which are "acarajé", deep-fried mashed black eyed peas with a flavorful filling, and "moqueca", a satisfying coconutty seafood stew.
Salvador itself boasts beautiful beaches but if you prefer a more calm and relaxing atmosphere, nearby Praia do Forte is for you. The cozy village has a lovely selection of beach hotels, amazing restaurants and cute stores.
SAT TIP: BAHIA CUISINE STRAIGHT FROM THE SOURCE
Once you're in Salvador, you can't help but fall in love with its delicious food and the open, affectionate nature of the people serving it. What a luck that there is a community-based cooking experience that will give you more of both! 
During a visit to the Alagados community in the suburbs of Salvador, you will see first-hand how important inclusive tourism is to promote the exchange of experiences and gain a whole new perspective of life. Alagados is part of several social initiatives that promote the idea of solidarity economy where local people organize themselves to promote unique experiences by sharing authentic local practices with visitors. A cooking association of women that has been part of this project for about 20 years, will show you how to prepare traditional Bahia cuisine, just how they have learned from their parents and will pass on to their children. You will visit the local market to pick up some of the ingredients for the dishes and then meet your cooking instructors for the day. Together, you will prepare "moqueca" stew as well as one of the popular local desserts. Afterwards, you will enjoy your lunch with the women of the cooking association while chatting and learning more about their lives. Please contact us for more information!
SÃO PAULO - A METROPOLIS ON THE WORLD STAGE
São Paulo is not only the biggest city in Brazil and South America, it is also among the top 5 biggest cities in the world! Millions of ex-pats from all over the world call São Paulo their home which makes it the most multi-cultural city in the country. First-time visitors are always surprised by how thoroughly modern São Paulo is. With wide avenues, viaducts, skyscrapers and residential suburbs, it is a vast metropolitan sprawl with a rich hybrid society. On the other hand, São Paulo is also a centre of rich cultural life, with a busy nightlife, countless museums, theaters and cultural centers, wonderful shopping possibilities and the greatest variety of ethnic restaurants in Brazil. Fashionistas should plan a visit to São Paulo Fashion Week, one of the most important fashion events in the world. Fun fact: there is even an annual Pancake Cook-Off between chefs from all over Brazil!  
While sightseeing in the downtown area, don't miss the Sé Cathedral, one of the largest neo-gothic style cathedrals in the world, the urban rainforest of Trianon Park and the spectacular Ibirapuera Park, designed by Oscar Niemeyer and landscapist Roberto Burle Marx. After having worked up an appetite from all the walking, definitely stop by the Municipal Market. It is housed in a neoclassical style building and will amaze you with the sheer amount of produce and food that can be found here. Another lovely neighborhood is bohemian Vila Madalena, filled with artists, graffiti and street art, handicrafts, bookstores, art galleries, and many bars and restaurants.
ARCHITECTURE, COLONIAL ART AND THE BRAZILIAN GOLD RUSH
The state of Minas Gerais has many faces: rolling green hills in the south, extensive "cerrado" (savanna) in the west, barren "sertão" (hinterland) in the north and rocky mountains in the east and center. This region is the main producer of milk and coffee in the country, there are numerous iron, gold and gemstone mines and historical towns show visitors the highlights of colonial architecture and art. The state's south is home to hydro mineral spas (i.e. Caxambu, São Lourenço, Monte Verde) and there are several national parks that preserve the beautiful and diverse landscape of the region, such as Caparaó, Canastra and Serra do Cipó.
Belo Horizonte, the state capital, quickly grew to be one of the country's biggest cities, but kept the relaxed way for which the “Mineiros” (Minas Gerais natives) are famous. It is also the gateway to the historical cities of Minas Gerais. Surrounded by the Serra do Espinhaco hills, the city really deserves its name of Beautiful Horizon. The design of Belo Horizonte is heavily influenced by famous architect Oscar Niemeyer as well as landscaper Roberto Burle Marx and many emblematic buildings from the 1950s can be admired during a tour of the city. Latin America's biggest open-air market is held here on Sundays, perfect for a day of shopping. Thanks to the presence of around 14.000 "botecos" (bars), Belo Horizonte is also known as the "capital of neighborhood bars" and even holds an annual festival to award the best bar food!
Ouro Preto used to be the state capital during the Brazilian Gold Rush. It is an entirely preserved Colonial town, with steep streets fringed by authentic Baroque buildings and churches, among which the most beautiful are Saint Francis of Assis, Our Lady of the Pillar and Our Lady of Carmo. There is also the possibility to visit one of the former gold mines of the area. In 1980, the historic centre of Ouro Preto was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Other historic towns of Minas Gerais are Tiradentes, São João del Rei, Congonhas and Mariana
SAT TIP: INHOTIM MUSEUM BELO HORIZONTE
Looking for a different way to experience art? Then the Inhotim Centre of Contemporary Art should definitely be on your bucket list! It is located in Brumadinho, just 60km (37mi) from Belo Horizonte, and spreads over an area of 140 hectares. This makes it one of the world's largest open air museums for contemporary art. A sprawling park with beautifully designed gardens, tropical plants and ponds houses 23 pavillions dedicated to international artists as well as 20 outdoor sculptures. The centre was founded by billionaire Bernardo Paz whose dream is to not only educate about art itself but create a natural oasis for city people to relax in and get healed by the beauty of nature. Over 4000 species of plants help with that, including one of the world's most extensive collection of palm trees. Besides sculptures and art installations, there are also interactive exhibitions that include audio-visual and sensorial experiences. The huge park is perfect for a day-long exploration and also suitable for family visits. Please contact us if you like to learn more about the Inhotim Centre!
BRAZIL'S BEACH PARADISES
When thinking of Brazil, beautiful exotic beaches are one of the first things that come to mind and the region where those can be found in spades is the northeastern coast. Just let this sink in: 3.500km (2.175mi) of fantastic coastline with unspoilt white-sand beaches, warm transparent waters, coconut groves and sand dunes. If that doesn't sound like paradise we don't know what will! Although Bahia state and its capital Salvador is part of this region, we want to focus on the beach destinations further north, namely the states of Alagoas, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte, Ceará and Maranhão.
Let's start with Alagoas. With 230km (143mi) of beaches, bathed by clear turquoise waters, with outstanding handicraft arts, delicious cuisine and hospitable people, it is a tourist favorite. Maceió, the state's capital, is also known as the "City of the Waters". It is located between the Atlantic Ocean and Mundaú Lagoon, making it a wonderful sample of everything the state offers.
In its neighboring state Pernambuco, we find Recife: state capital and although one of Brazil’s largest city, it manages to preserve the tranquility and relaxed life-style that characterizes the Northeast of Brazil. Recife is a land of glorious beaches and one can count on blue skies and gentle breezes. The next-door town of Olinda, with its centuries-old churches and mansions, is one of Brazil’s loveliest colonial vestiges, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. Fernando de Noronha, 354km (220mi) off the Brazilian coast, is a secluded archipelago with beautiful tropical landscapes and crystal-clear waters. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a protected area due to its large populations of dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life.
Located on the northeastern tip of South America, Natal is the capital of Rio Grande do Norte. Also known as “Sunshine City” or the “City of Dunes”, it has become a popular destination due to its sunny days and constant cool breeze, beautiful beaches, impressive sand dunes, lush forests, and delicious cuisine. If you prefer to leave the city behind, picturesque Pipa Beach is just a 1.5h-drive away.
One of the most popular beach destinations in the area is Fortaleza, capital of Ceará. Visitors appreciate the city’s interesting history and rich culture as well as its nightlife and food scene. Surrounded by over 30km (17mi) of beaches along the Atlantic coastline, we recommend you explore the more secluded beaches bordered by sand dunes and palm trees. The region is also famous for its clothes manufacturing and beautifully hand-embroidered linens!
Our final candidate is the coast of Maranhão state. Its capital São Luís is famous for the beautiful tile-covered buildings in the historic center. But the region's real highlight is the National Park Lençóis Maranhenses. This uniquely contradictory natural wonder is surrounded by tropical forest and the Atlantic Ocean, with white sand dunes piled up to around 40m. Turquoise pools are nestled in the valleys of the dunes, some of which are deep enough to swim!
PANTANAL: HOTSPOT OF BIODIVERSITY
The Pantanal Marshlands, located in central west region of Brazil, consist of 130.000km 2 (50.193mi 2) of flooding plain. During the rainy season between October and March, around 80% of the marshlands get flooded. They are one of the largest ecological reserves on the planet; a magical scenery of greens and flowers, flocks of colorful birds, rare animal species such as peccaries, lynxes, wild boars and varied types of water life like Cayman alligators, piranhas and uncountable fish species. Additionally, the Pantanal gained a reputation for being one of the world's best places to observe jaguars in the wild. Mid-July marks the beginning of the high season for Jaguar spotting in the northern Pantanal. Until October, visitors will have the best chances to observe these majestic but rare animals. There are lodge-based programs for jaguar safaris but your best bet is a dedicated cruise, which is able to cover a bigger area. Looking for a different kind of safari? A lodge in the southern Pantanal offers a spectacular food safari with local market visits, fishing and fruit picking. Besides sampling yummy dishes such as manioc and meat stew or local corn pie, you will also explore nature and wildlife.  
The most important gateways are Cuiabá to the northern part of the Pantanal and Campo Grande to the southern part of the wetlands. Cuiabá is considered the exact center of South America and is surrounded by farmlands for agriculture and cattle. Visitors appreciate its colonial architecture, amazing cuisine, and a great insight into local traditions. Campo Grande on the other hand is a modern metropolis with an enticing blend of Japanese, European, South American, and indigenous cultures through diverse gastronomy and handicrafts. 
SAT TIP: ARARAS ECO LODGE
The Araras Eco Lodge is a pioneer project located on a rural property of 2800 hectares in Pocone, a 2h-drive from Cuiabá airport.
Besides eco-tourism, it pursues cattle breeding and raising Pantanneiro horses. The lodge collaborates with ONGs, universities and federal agencies on several projects of environmental preservation that focus on species such as the Hyacinth Macaw or the Turquoise-fronted Parrot. The property is considered a Private Natural Reserve, on which the natural characteristics of the Pantanal wetlands are preserved. The lodge seeks to support and incentivize the preservation of nature and native culture which in turn spurs on a self-sustained development of the Pantanal basin.
The lodge is equipped with WI-FI, a swimming pool, a parlour as well as a bar and restaurant. It features 19 rooms with private bathroom, solar energy heated showers, air-conditioning and ceiling fan. In order to maximize the immersive experience with nature, the rooms do not have radio or TV. The packages include several excursions into the wetlands; walks and trekkings, canoeing and horseback-riding are just some of the options. The lodge also offers jaguar safaris.
Request packages and rates here!
OUR PLANET'S LUNGS - THE AMAZON RAINFOREST
The Amazon is located in the heart of Brazil and covers an area of 7 million km2 (1.7 billion acres). Just the name and idea of the Amazon Rainforest stirs up our adventurous side and actually visiting this lush paradise is an experience that you will never forget! Its hot and wet climate creates a perfect home for an incredible diversity in flora and fauna. During your jungle excursions, you can observe many of the approximately 40.000 different plants and if you are an avid ornithologist, the roughly 1.300 bird species will make the Amazon your Garden of Eden. Additionally, there are around 3.000 fish species, 430 amphibian species and 380 reptile species. With a bit of luck, you will even encounter one of the Amazon's rarer animals, like jaguars, cougars, anacondas, black caimans or vampire bats.
This region is also where the famous Amazon River springs into existence by the meeting of the rivers Negro and Solimões. The most fascinating thing about this is that you can actually see the "Meeting of the Waters"! The black water of the Negro River and the sandy-colored water of the Solimões River run side by side without mixing for several kilometers due to differences in the water's temperature, density and flowing speed.
In order to explore the Amazon, you have your choice between numerous lodges and river cruises.
The city of Manaus is the capital of Amazonas State and the hub of the whole Amazon Region. The city underwent a great development in the 2nd half of the 19th century when it became rubber boomtown, in part because of the invention of the process of vulcanization. Swiftly transformed into a European-like capital, it was the first Brazilian city to have trolley buses and the second to have electric illumination on the streets. In the beginning of the 20th century, Manaus rubber market collapsed and the city declined into poverty. Nowadays Manaus is a busy commercial center, after having been transformed into a Free Trade Zone in 1966. Its most famous landmarks include the opera house "Teatro Amazonas" and the Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market that was inspired by "Les Halles" in Paris.
SAT TIP: ANAVILHANAS JUNGLE LODGE
Located 3h from Manaus by road in the Anavilhanas Archipelago, the Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is a perfect base to explore the Amazon Jungle. The lodge offers 16 Cottages, 4 Bungalows and 2 Panoramic Bungalows, all of which are equipped with LCD TV with Sky HD, air conditioning, safe, a private bathroom with hot water and hair dryer, mini-fridge and an inviting porch with hammocks to enjoy the view of the forest. The public areas consist of a restaurant, a lounge bar, a deck and a swimming pool overlooking the river.
The lodge's packages offer several ways to discover the secrets of the Anavilhanas Archipelago. The beautiful riverbanks around the lodge are explored in wooden canoes and excursions after dark shine a light on nighttime creatures and the sounds of the jungle. That is also the best time to search for alligators! During extensive forest hikes, guests will learn about local trees and plants, wild fruit, herbs and jungle survival. With a bit of luck, you can even swim with Amazonian Dolphins during boat excursions on the Negro River or catch some piranhas and other fish! Visits to local communities offer interesting insights into the life of the people living in the area.
Please inquire here about package descriptions and rates!
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RIO DE JANEIRO, THE MARVELLOUS CITY
THE JEWEL OF THE PARANÁ STATE
THE CENTRE OF AFRO-BRAZILIAN CULTURE
SÃO PAULO - A METROPOLIS ON THE WORLD STAGE
ARCHITECTURE, COLONIAL ART AND THE BRAZILIAN GOLD RUSH
BRAZIL'S BEACH PARADISES
PANTANAL: HOTSPOT OF BIODIVERSITY
OUR PLANET'S LUNGS - THE AMAZON RAINFOREST