Our Brazil holiday tour guides offer a depth of experience and knowledge that no guidebook or audio guide will come close to. If you want to hear the stories behind the Jesuits in Brazil or the nocturnal behaviour of the jaguar in the Amazon; then ask one of our Brazil holiday tour guides. If you want to get the inside track on the best bars in Rio de Janeiro and a romantic restaurant for a late bite; no problem, speak to our guides.
We pinned down some of our very best guides so that you could get the lowdown on their favourite continent before they whisk away another excited traveller on another memorable travel experience.
This week we start by introducing two of our holiday tour guides – Ricardo and Wesley.
Ricardo Barbosa who guides in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
What inspired you to become a tour guide?
I was a journalist and it happened to me to become a guide, and I loved it from the very first day. Being outside, not in a radio studio, showing my city and my country to friends is something that comes naturally from me.
What do you like most about being a tour guide?
To be a guide of Rio and Brazil is easy and fun as going around with new friends.
When guiding, what is the one thing you always have with you and why?
I always have in mind that clients are friends, friends that are also clients.
Which areas of your country really stand out as must-visit destinations?
All of our national parks specially Pantanal, Chapada Diamantina, Chapada dos Guimaráes and Lençois Maranahenses.
Are there any seasonal events that you would recommend being in your country for, maybe even something most tourists wouldn’t know about?
The Festas de São João in the interior of Bahia
What do you think is the most amazing animal in Latin America and why?
As a birdwatcher and birdwatching guide I could make a list of 1,800 species/reasons to visit Brazil, but I will name one of my favourite monkeys, the lovely Golden Lion Tamarins.
Wesley Melo who guides for us at Iguazu Falls, Brazil.
What inspired you to become a tour guide?
My family have always worked in tourism, so i have been associated with it all my life. Since a young boy i have always loved the idea of meeting different people and this is a perfect way to do it
What do you like most about being a tour guide?
I love showing off my country and the Iguazu falls are the best in the world. I never get bored.
When guiding, what is the one thing you always have with you and why?
A rain coat. If it is not raining at Iguazu then you will get wet from the spray from the waterfalls.
Which areas of your country really stand out as must-visit destinations?
The Jesuit ruins close to Iguazu. Few people make the journey as they are long way from the falls, but i am fascinated by the history. Rio de Janeiro, especially during carnival.
Are there any seasonal events that you would recommend being in your country for, maybe even something most tourists wouldn’t know about?
Bird watching during the spring is amazing, especially in the Pantanal. During spring a lot of the immature birds are around so you see so many different colours and different behaviour
What do you think is the most amazing animal in Latin America and why?
The Jaguar. It is powerful, sleek and hard to see, which probably makes it so mysterious.
