CARNIVAL IN RIO

Yes, taking a mix of dollar denominations is the best idea for this trip. Taking cash is fine, as long you excercise the same degree of common sense you would at home. The leader will best advise you on changing it once you arrive. ATMs are becoming more common but you shouldn't rely on them 100%, in case there are any problems.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

It can get hot and sweaty here at times, so lightweight cotton (or quick-drying fabrics) is best as a starting point! Long sleeved shirts and trousers will help prevent mosquito bites, especially in the evenings when they could be buzzing around. You should also take a jacket and/or sweater for evenings, as it will cool down. Essential kit includes some sunglasses and a sunhat, along with good sunscreen. A lightweight waterproof jacket or rain poncho is optional, as you can get some tropical rain here now and again!

Karol Rogacki - Americas Operations

The hotel is a 3-star hotel in the mainly residential district of Catete, with lots of small shops and restaurants nearby, a nice shady park a couple of mins away, and a short walk away from Flamengo Beach. All rooms are private en suite, comfortable, and all have safe and mini bar. It has a small gym and pool at the back, and a decent sized breakfast room that serves buffet breakfast between 7am and 10am. Reception staff are very helpful and will arrange cabs, excursions etc. as well as offering a limited money change service (not always possible - it depends on how much local currency they have available).

Karol Rogacki - Americas Operations

Restaurants: Try Porcao Rios on Guanabara Bay - it's a bit overpriced but the meat selection is amazing - or the all you can eat pizza restaurant in Catete (by Largo do Machado park) which even serves up dessert pizzas with chocloate, ice cream and fruit on them.

Bars: I really like the Scenarium (http://www.rioscenarium.com.br/) in the historic quarter. Pretty quirky place with lots of live traditional Brazilian music and dancing.

Tim Fearn - Product Manager

The Botanical Gardens are a really nice place to get away from it all if you want a quiet day, and I'd recommend a bit of time in Santa Teresa (the bohemian/artists quarter) which has a nice tram winding up through the hillsides from the downtown area.

Tim Fearn - Product Manager

Please visit the Exodus Travel Guide to Brazil where you can find out what plugs they use, as well as more detailed Country information in the menu on the left of the page.

Most clients are eligible to travel via the US under the US Visa Waiver Programme, however to do this you must register for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). This must be done prior to departure - more details can be found at www.exodus.co.uk/usvisa.

Rebecca Caldicott - Customer Operations

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!