Holiday review by Mr Tim Jones
Name: Mr Tim JonesDate of trip: 19/06/2013
Number of people: 2
Country: BrazilOverall level of Satisfaction
Tribes Overall: "Weather not the best even though it was the dry season in several areas.
Accommodation variable from excellent to poor.
Holiday as expected very varied and gave us a good insight into Brazil.
"
Tribes Service: "Appreciated help with sorting out our holiday and the detailed information. But felt that a guide was not needed on the Brazilian side of Falls as hotel so close. It felt awkward and pointless being shepherded around. Also felt that some of the walking eg at Boca da Onca was a gentle stroll rather than a full days activity. It was really only half a day. We were expecting a serious trek.
In hindsight we wished we had asked for a detailed break down of costs. Although we have rated the accommodation we have no idea of value for money which obviously is a serious consideration in any review."
Guides: "Driver and guide team in the Pantanal were exceptional-Fernando and Rodriguez even suggesting slight modifications in the itinerary for us to get the most out of our holiday. Please could you formally thank your ground handler for this excellent team.
Daniel and Katia were a close second in Rio especially as it was the first time they had worked as a team. They were particularly good at avoiding the traffic."
Social & Environmental Responsibility: "We feel it provided jobs particularly in Bonito and the Pantanal and gave the ranch a reason preserve wildlife.
Not very green at San Martin hotel as no need for car at Brazilian side of Falls."
Accommodation
Characterful, good location (but note NO tram and unlikely to be so in near future) and taxi drivers seemed to have difficulty finding it.
Room good, pleasant grounds, food excellent.
Fortunately it was quiet during our stay but the following day there was to be 90 day visitors and we feel this would have alter the whole ambiance of the fazenda making it far less special.
Activities were good - a bird tick list sheet would have been helpful. We were extremely to view a jaguar and cub on a morning safari outing.
Beautiful grounds and location. Good breakfast. Rooms possibly a bit small and breakfast area not so good when torrential rain - dark and damp. Very helpful owner/manager giving daily advice as to what to do.
Little character, room with no view and dark corridors and communal areas. Buffet average.
On plus side lovely grounds and no need for guide for Brazilian side of the falls as 5 minutes walk to entrance.
Tribes Reply: Please note that Iguasu Falls are about a 10 minute drive from the entrance to the park and are not within walking distance of the San Martin Hotel
Our Memories
"Seeing Jaguar and cub in the Pantanal. Also our guide,Rodriguez's exuberant reaction to the sighting."
"Floating down the River Prata with the huge fish and crystal clear water."
customer rating
5/5 from 53 reviews
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facts and information
Time: GMT -3 hours
Flight time: Most flights go to Sao Paulo but some airlines have direct flights to Rio de Janeiro, and to North-eastern Brazil. British Airways and TAM have direct flights from London and many European carriers also offer flights to Brazil.
Language: Portuguese is the official language. Spanish and English are understood quite widely.
Visas: Not required for British nationals.
Health: There are no compulsory vaccinations, except yellow fever if you are coming from an infected area. Malaria prophylactics are recommended in the rainforest.
