Airlines: Pan American Tours, the travel agency that arranged our air travel, accommodations and tours, has a wholesale contract for travel to Brazil with Continental, which lands at either Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. American, Delta and United also fly to the same two cities. Brazil's Varig Airline, in conjunction with United, has a weekly flight from Miami directly to Recife. A Brazil air pass with Varig Airline, which must be issued in the United States, allows visitors to travel to five other destinations within the country in 21 days.
Hotels: Boa Viagem district is the heart of Recife with its great beaches, many good restaurants and spirited nightlife. Pan American, careful to book guests only at hotels it considers clean and safe, generally uses hotels in this area. Hotels sometimes run Internet specials, but beware of fine print; make sure tax and breakfast are included in the price.
Tourist visa: In addition to a passport, you must obtain a tourist visa from the nearest Brazilian consulate. Send your passport, visa application with passport-type photos, a money order or certified check for $45, and a photocopy of your round-trip ticket about three months in advance of your trip. If you need the visa sooner, you can have it expedited by a firm such as the Travel Broker, which charges $55 per visa.
Vaccinations: If you are going to the rain forest, you must take proof of vaccination for yellow fever. You can contact your physician or visit the county health department.
—Ann Taylor Hobson