Trip Notes WALKING TRAILS OF BRAZIL HIGHLIGHTS IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU? SUMMARY LAND ONLY ITINERARY

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Trip Notes Trip Code: TAX Country: Brazil Amended: September 2013 Edition No: TH 1 2014 Valid from: 1 Jan - 31 Dec 2014 WALKING TRAILS OF BRAZIL HIGHLIGHTS Explore Brazil's Diamond Plateau' with its

warmth and hospitability SUMMARY Giant flattop mountains rise above the grasslands whilst crystal-clear waterfalls, streams, underground rivers, unusual rock formations and caves are scattered

Chapada Diamantina, in the northeast of the country, inland from the colonial capital of Salvador, may be little known but is Brazil's premier trekking destination.

From here we head inland to an area once exploited for its diamonds (thus giving it its name), Chapada Diamantina.

serene landscape. This is a trip for those who want to explore one of the most beautiful areas of one of the friendliest countries. IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU?

1 Trip Notes Trip Code: TAX Country: Brazil Amended: September 2013 Edition No: TH Valid from: 1 Jan - 31 Dec 2014 WALKING TRAILS OF BRAZIL HIGHLIGHTS Explore Brazil's Diamond Plateau' with its flat-top mountains Explore fairy tale grottos and a ghost town Swim to a waterfall Meander the cobbled streets of Brazil's colonial capital, Salvador Discover why Brazilians have a reputation for warmth and hospitability SUMMARY Giant flattop mountains rise above the grasslands whilst crystal-clear waterfalls, streams, underground rivers, unusual rock formations and caves are scattered between limestone escarpments. This scenery, risen from the ocean and carved by wind, water and time, greets visitors to Brazil's 'Diamond Plateau'. Chapada Diamantina, in the northeast of the country, inland from the colonial capital of Salvador, may be little known but is Brazil's premier trekking destination. Our journey starts in Salvador, one of Latin America's great colonial cities with its cobbled stoned streets and Portuguese architecture overlooking the ocean. From here we head inland to an area once exploited for its diamonds (thus giving it its name), Chapada Diamantina. Basing ourselves in quaint towns and villages we explore the region taking a few gentle hikes to enchanting water filled caves and waterfalls, pools and viewpoints looking out over the dramatic and serene landscape. This is a trip for those who want to explore one of the most beautiful areas of one of the friendliest countries. IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU? This is a gentle walking holiday with hikes lasting between 2 and 6hrs. The terrain is changing but generally not strenuous though there can be the odd short steep climb. The climate can get very hot, though there are occasions to take refreshing dips on some of the walks. There are a number of occasions to go swimming, including to access Buracao Falls. You do not, however, need to be a particularly strong swimmer. We stay in Pousadas (guest houses) and hotels, and travel around by private bus. LAND ONLY ITINERARY The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the type of accommodation normally used (if different standards of accommodation are used - see accommodation section below for key to codes), and meals included (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner). Day 1 Start Salvador Fly to Salvador de Bahia, Brazil's colonial capital. The city was established in 1549 and rapidly became a major centre of the new world. In 1558 Salvador got the dubious honour of becoming the first slave-market town in the Americas with a high demand for cheap labour to work in the sugar plantations. These large African populations would have a deep impact on the city which is, today, the most African city on the continent and the centre of Candomble, a religion with its roots in voodoo practices from West Africa. The old town, centred around the Pelourinho neighbourhood, is characterised by its colourful houses and renaissance architecture as well as its vistas resulting from being built on a hill. CH Exodus Travels Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 0NE Sales & Reservations: sales@exodus.co.uk

SH (B,L,D) Day 6 Poco Azul, Poco Encantado and Igatu Ruins Today we visit two of Chapada Diamantina's most beautiful underground pools - Poco Azul (Blue Well) and Poco Encatado (Enchanted Pool).

2 by the wind, sometimes even lifting it upwards (forming a curtain of droplets which has given the falls their name of 'smoke'). We later visit Riachinho, a series of small falls and pools, before returning to Lencois. SH (B,L,D) Day 6 Poco Azul, Poco Encantado and Igatu Ruins Today we visit two of Chapada Diamantina's most beautiful underground pools - Poco Azul (Blue Well) and Poco Encatado (Enchanted Pool). The flooded cave of Poco Azul's waters are an unnatural hue of blue, especially when the sun comes in through a crevice and shines onto the pool. We can spend about 20mins in the incredibly clear waters here exploring the ethereal décor. Nearby Poco Encantado is another surreal flooded cavern of incredible blues. This is particularly highlighted during the months of April- August when sun comes in through a natural window and hits the water. Swimming is not allowed here. After exploring these fairy-tale caverns we continue to the village of Igatu. Today Igatu has less than 400 inhabitants but back in the early 19th Century it was a town of 9,000 people. The draw was a nearby mine of black-diamonds (most of which were used to dig tunnels for the London Underground and the Panama Canal. After checking in to our hotel we will visit the nearby ruins of what is now a ghost town and learn about more prosperous days. Total walking time today is aproximately 2hrs). SH (B,L,D) Day 7 Buracao Waterfall Day 2 To Lencois, Pai Inacio Hill This morning is free to relax after yesterday's long journey. Around lunch time we will head out to the airport to catch our domestic flight to Lencois in the heart of Chapada Diamantina. Chapada Diamantina is one of Brazil's most beautiful regions with its flat-top mountains, small villages, clear streams, waterfalls and more. As an introduction to this stunning region we will head out to Pai Inacio Hill, one of the region's most spectacular view-points, in the late afternoon to catch the sunset over the outstretched flat-top mountains. It is an easy 25minute walk to the top of the hill but bring a torch/flash light as we'll be walking back after the sun has set. SH (B) Day 3 Serano Primavera Waterfall and Riberao do Meio Today we explore the Lencois region. We start in the morning by visiting the Serrano cascades, a series of small waterfalls and natural pools and the Cachoeira da Primavera (Spring Waterfall). After a boxed lunch we head to Ribeirao do Meio, about 3.5kms from town, another series of pools where we can have a dip and plunge off a natural rock-slide (bring shorts if you want to enjoy the rock slide). Today's total walking time is approximately 4hrs. SH (B,L) Day 4 Capao Valley Today we visit another part of the park as we head to Ibicoara, about 2.5 hours away in the South of Chapada Diamantina. Our purpose is to hike to Buracao (Big Hole) Waterfall. Only discovered in 2001, this is a definite highlight. This waterfall stands at more than 85m and tumbles over into a narrow canyon making for an incredibly picturesque setting but what makes this a special experience is that to get to the waterfall you need to hike for a while and then swim for a while (life vests are provided and you do not have to be a strong swimmer). The round trip to the base of the falls and back is about 3hrs. We later drive back to Igatu. SH (B,L,D) Day 8 To Salvador Today is a long drive (about 7hrs) back to Salvador. The rest of the day is free. CH (B) Day 9 Walking City tour and depart This morning we will have a guided walking tour of historic Salvador, exploring some of the city's cobbled streets, churches, colonial buildings and squares. The old town, Pelourinho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also home to artist studios and galleries and cafes. This tour lasts about 4hrs. There should be time left for some last minute souvenir shopping before those on the group flights head to the aiport for an overnight flight. The land only tour ends this afternoon. (B) For those on group flights, these depart in the evening and will arrive in the UK the following day. Our first stop today, after a short transfer and a 40min hike, is Poco do Diablo (the Devil's Well), whose dark waters may look daunting but are really quite refreshing. Next we head to Pratinha, an oasis in an arid part of the region. The clear blue waters are inviting and the bottom of the lake has a collection of micro-conch testifying to the oceanic past of this area. We also visit Gruta Azul (Blue Grotto), just beside Pratinha, with its attractive limestone formations. After lunch we drive to Torrinha Cave, probably the most beautiful grotto in Chapada Diamantina, full of stalagmites, stalactites and other curious cave formations. Here we will have a 2hr walk through the cave exploring its geological features. Finally, we drive to the Capao Valley for the night. SH (B,L) Day 5 Cahoera da Fumaca Waterfall Today is a longer hiking day as we visit the Cachoeira da Fumaca (Smoke Falls). The trailhead is just a short transfer from the village. From here the hike to the falls is 12kms, 6hrs round trip. This is the tallest waterfall in Brazil at 340m. The small stream of water is spread 2

EXTENSIONS Please call our Sales team for current prices. It is possible to extend your stay in Brazil by either spending a few days on a beach near Salvador, or by adding a few days in Rio.

In Chapada Diamantina we stay in three different charming pousadas in Lencois, the Capao Valley and Igatu. All accommodation is en suite.

3 EXTENSIONS Please call our Sales team for current prices. It is possible to extend your stay in Brazil by either spending a few days on a beach near Salvador, or by adding a few days in Rio. ACCOMMODATION We use a mix of pousadas (guest houses) and hotels. In Salvador we stay in a comfortable hotel near the ocean. In Chapada Diamantina we stay in three different charming pousadas in Lencois, the Capao Valley and Igatu. All accommodation is en suite. Single Accommodation: Single supplement is available on this trip. Please ask our sales team for more details. Extra Accommodation: It is possible to get pre/post tour accommodation, please ask our sales team for more information. KEY TO ACCOMMODATION: We indicate in the itinerary what type of accommodation is provided on each day. The descriptions are guidelines only and are used to give an idea of the accommodation offered, rather than an exact description. CH Comfortable Hotel, Lodge or Gite - twin rooms with en suite facilities, reliable electricity and water supply, good service and some added amenities. SH Standard Hotel, Lodge or Gite - no-frills hotel, usually with twin rooms and en suite facilities. Service and amenities are generally adequate. FOOD & TRANSPORT Food Meals are included as per the itinerary. Most of the lunches are lunchboxes which are generally made up of 2 sandwiches, 1 fruit, 1 fruit juice, 1 egg, dried fruit, peanuts and candy. Transport We travel by van or mini-bus and one internal flight WEATHER AND SEASONALITY Salvador's weather is fairly similar year-round. April to June are the wettest month but the rain and sun occur through-out the year (with more sun than rain). Mean temperatures tend to hover around the mid-twenties with average highs ranging from 26-30'C. JOINING THE TRIP IN THE UK 10 days, normally depart London Fri, return Sun Itinerary Start The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary. Flights from London We normally use the scheduled services of TAP Air Portugal (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up-to-date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure. UK Regional Flights The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please visit for a useful overview of the options available, and contact our sales team for expert advice. If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow; this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to delays. Airport Transfers Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight, even if Exodus has booked it. Those arriving from London on non-group flights should read the airport transfer section below for information on reaching the start point. Please check with the Exodus office. JOINING THE TRIP IN SALVADOR 9 days, normally start Salvador Fri, end Salvador Sat Itinerary Start Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Salvador in the evening of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions - sent approximately two weeks before departure. Chapada Diamantina can be visited year-round though the best time is March-October with August-October being the driest months. During the rainy season there tends to be short-sharp rain bursts followed by good weather, this is also the best time to see the waterfalls at their fullest. Airport Transfers If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense. If you would like us to organise a private transfer, please ask your sales consultant for a quote. Please ensure that you provide us with all relevant information at least 2 weeks before departure. Full joining 3

US-style plugs (with 2-flat prongs). Group, Staff and Support The group will generally be between 6 and 16 people. The minimum age of clients on this trip is 16 years.

4 If you are a UK citizen and travelling in Europe you should obtain the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your Post Office. This gives free medical care in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Local Time GMT-3hrs Electricity 220V, 60Hz. US-style plugs (with 2-flat prongs). Group, Staff and Support The group will generally be between 6 and 16 people. The minimum age of clients on this trip is 16 years. Please note that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian. instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company. We use local guides and stay in local pousadas on this trip. For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit: PRACTICAL INFORMATION Passports and Visas All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information offered below is to help you with that process. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects. British and EU passport holders do not require a visa for Brazil; US, Canada and Australia passport holders should obtain a visa before travelling. Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required. Vaccinations and Health Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad. There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for this trip. MONEY MATTERS Currency Information The national currency of Brazil is the Brazilian Real (BRL), with an exchange rate of 3.6 to the UK and 2.3 to the US$. Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication. We recommend that you either purchase Brazilian Real at home or bring USD which tends to have better rates is more easily changed than GBP, though both GBP and Euro can also be changed locally. Most shops and restaurants will only accept Brazilian Real. ATM availability/credit Card Acceptance/Travellers cheques ATMs are available in both Salvador and Lencois, though if you plan on taking the bulk of your money out of an ATM it is still a good idea to have some emergency cash in case the ATMs don't work. Extra Expenses and Spending Money Brazil is not a particularly cheap country, and you will need some extra spending money for meals which are not included, snacks and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and souvenirs. Tipping (leader and local staff) Tipping has become more customary in Brazil and it is usual to tip 10-15% in restaurants. Tipping your tour leader and local staff is at your descretion and dependent on how good you feel the service is. We recommend, however, 8Real per passenger per day for the leader and 4Real per passenger per day for the driver. WHAT TO TAKE Essential Equipment and Clothing Sun protection gear (sun glasses, sun hat/cap, sun cream) Good walking shoes/boots Flip-flops / sandals Shorts/skirt Long trousers/skirt for the evening Short sleeve shirt/t-shirt/singlet Swimming costume sarong Something warm for the evening. A head torch (or at least a torch/flash light) Recommended vaccinations for this trip are: Tetanus, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria on this trip is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. Insurance - are you adequately covered? You must have adequate travel insurance, and if you are joining a trip which goes to high altitude, you must check that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip. If you are resident in the UK we strongly recommend Exodus travel insurance, which is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. 4

We recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage. As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check www.baa.

5 Whilst rain is not likely to be a problem it's still a good idea to have a waterbroof jacket. Baggage and Baggage Allowance At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage. As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check and/or the airline's website for the latest information prior to your departure. Reading List: Bahia and Salvador (Footprint Focus) by Alex Robinson Bahia: The heart of Brazil's Northeast (Bradt Travel Guide) by Alex Robinson A Field Guide to the Birds of Brazil by Ber van Perlo If you are interested in any of these books then you can order them from our own Exodus shop, 'Exodus Travel Essentials', JOIN THE EXODUS ONLINE COMMUNITY Don't forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can view the range of Exodus videos and podcasts, read trip write-ups which have featured in the national media and take advantage of some special deals on travel gear and equipment. In the Compass Café forum you'll find the Departure Lounge where you can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you depart. When you get back from your holiday remember to upload your images to the relevant trip page on our website. This helps other people see what our holidays are really like and you'll be entered automatically into our monthly photo competition. To make full use of the Compass Café you'll need to join My Exodus. It's free, registration is simple and easy, so what are you waiting for? IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL CLIENTS Exodus operates a 24 hour duty office for emergencies, which can be contacted on 0044 (0) Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure or at www. exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/essential-information? Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary. As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate, and airlines manage their rates to match demand, it is proving harder than ever to guarantee our Flight Inclusive prices. Although we endeavour to keep our website as accurate as possible, daily fluctuations mean that our Flight Inclusive price may be out of date. For accurate prices we recommend that you contact one of our Travel Experts, or your Travel Agent. Prices and exchange rates were correct at the time of publication. The most up-to-date prices can be found on the Exodus website. Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582/FTO HOW TO BOOK YOUR TRIP 1. Check availability Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or Secure your place You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days. 3. Complete your booking and payment When you re ready to book, go to for online booking, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque. Book with confidence: Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA - The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies paid to us for your trip are fully protected. 5

Trip Notes SAHARA DESERT TREK HIGHLIGHTS IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU? SUMMARY IMPORTANT INFORMATION RE: START POINT FOR CLIENTS ON SAHARA DESERT TREK

Trip Notes SAHARA DESERT TREK HIGHLIGHTS IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU? SUMMARY IMPORTANT INFORMATION RE: START POINT FOR CLIENTS ON SAHARA DESERT TREK Trip Notes Trip Code: TMU Country: Tunisia Amended: October 2013 Edition No: AD 01 2014 Valid from: 01 Jan 2014-31 Dec 2014 SAHARA DESERT TREK HIGHLIGHTS The Sahara Desert. Experience the tranquillity