GENERAL INFORMATION

HOTEL RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATIONS

For your convenience we are offering accommodation at the Inter-Continental Hotel, the Conference Site, at very special prices as well as other hotels in Rio.

If the required hotel has no more space available, we will offer a similar hotel of the same category.

Av. Prefeito Mendes de Morais, 222 - São Conrado

Rua Francisco Otaviano, 30 - Copacabana

Av. Atlântica, 2230 - Copacabana

Av. Atlântica, 3564 - Copacabana

Av. Atlântica, 2064 - Copacabana

Rio Convention & Visitors Bureau tax - US$1,00 per room night;

Porterage tax - US$1,50 per person for in & out.

Both taxes are subject to change.

Deadlines & Conditions

One room night pre-payment, non refundable, is required for a room reservation. Reservations should be made before July 11.

Transportation

The Conference will provide special bus service from the main Hotels to the Intercontinental Hotel, the Conference Site .

Congress Venue

The ICAME'97 will take place at the Convention Center of the INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL, an ultramodern complex within the same building of the Hotel, specially planned to house Conferences and Meetings. Facing São Conrado, one of the most beautiful beaches of Rio and surrounded by forests and mountains , it offers immediate access to one of the most exciting shopping areas in the city, while providing the comfort and recreational facilities of a resort hotel .

Inter-Continental Hotel

Address: Av. Prefeito Mendes de Morais, 222 - São Conrado

Tel.: +55 21 322-2200 Fax:+55 21 322-5500

Official Carrier

VARIG (Brazilian Airlines) is the official carrier of the event and through its regional offices is prepared to give participants and companions special fares and full assistance to accommodate their travelling requirements.

Visa Requirements

Most participants will need only a valid passport. However, nationals of some countries will require a tourist visa, since visa policy of Brazil based on reciprocity. For further information visitors should consult a local travel agent or the nearest Brazilian Consulate .

Climate

Seasons in Brazil are opposite to those in the Northern hemisphere: winter is June till September and summer is November until March. September is the beginning of spring and the temperature is around 24 to 28ºC (86 F).

Currency

The Brazilian monetary unit is the "Real"(R$). The official exchange rate is published daily in the newspaper. Cash and travellers cheques are easily exchanged with hotel cashiers, banks and travel agencies. Many hotels and shops accept foreign currency and international credit cards.

Electricity

Electricity is supplied at 110V, 2 pin power plug.

Business Hours

Shops and most offices are open 9am to 6pm, Monday through Friday, and from 9am through 1pm on Saturday. Banks are open Monday through Friday from 10am to 4:30pm. Most shopping centers and malls remain open from 10am to 10pm, Monday through Saturday. Many pharmacies and small grocery stores are open on Sunday.

Exhibition

An exhibition of Mössbauer equipment, scientific books and related products will take place during the Conference. Further information will be included in the 3rd Announcement.

ORGANIZED TOUR

Duration: aprox. 08hrs

Beginning at 02:00pm.

An unforgettable ride along Rio's most celebrated beaches, Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana. An exciting cable car ride (capacity is 70 pax per trip) will take you to the Urca Hill and from there, by the second stage of the cable car, to the summit of the Sugar Loaf Mountain for a breathtaking view of the Guanabara Bay, most of Rio's beaches, the downtown district, Niteroi across the bay with the long bridge which links it to Rio and the blue ocean at your feet. For those who prefer to visit the Corcovado Mountain an alternative tour will be offered, as described below.

An early dinner with all delegates will close the tour.

Remark: beverages not included.

ACCOMPANYING PERSONS SUGGESTED TOURS

1) Corcovado/Beaches

Duration: 04hrs.

Daily, morning and afternoon.

The route to Corcovado Mountain is a very pleasant one, featuring a ride along the lovely Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, and through the old residential district of Cosme Velho, passing by the picturesque colonial square "Largo do Boticário", and arriving at the train station. The ride up the scenic cogwheel train (capacity is for 124 passengers per trip) will take you close to the 125ft. statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain, 2,400 feet above sea level, for one of the most magnificent panoramic views in the world. The train way is through the lush Tijuca Forest, driving past beautiful waterfalls and grottos. Return to the Hotel passing by the Rio most beautiful beaches.

Rate per person on regular basis (not private) - US$36,00

2) Historical City Tour

Duration: aprox. 06hrs.

Tuesday through

Friday, morning and afternoon.

Rio is not only a city of gorgeous beaches and sights, and a bustling metropolis expanding into the future. It is also a city of a glorious honourable past, which should definitely be experienced.

This insider's tour to colonial Rio highlights the concealed, preserved and authentic Rio, featuring the old Lapa district with its famous aqueduct arches; "Praça XV", the historical center of Rio which houses the restored Royal Palace and the Historical Museum, the impressive Candelaria Church, as well as the São Bento Monastery, considered to be the city's richest historical building. Also included are the business heart of Rio, Av. Rio Branco, and the scenic Cinelandia square, where the magnificent Municipal Theatre stands.

Rate per person on regular basis (not private), minimum of three persons together - US$25,00

3) Petrópolis

Duration:aprox. 05hrs.

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays - beginning around 10:00 am.

A lovely ride into the mountains outside of Rio, to the summer resort of Petrópolis. This quaint European-like town used to be the summer residence of Dom Pedro II, Brazil's last emperor. The Imperial Palace now a museum, boasts of honing as the crown jewels, as well as an impressive collection of fine China, furniture, paintings and tapestries from the Imperial Court. In addition to a visit to the Imperial Museum, this excursion features a visit to the old Cathedral.

Rate per person on regular basis (not private) - US$25,00

4) Tropical Islands Tour

Duration: aprox. 10hrs.

Daily operation, beginning around 08:30am including lunch

(without beverages).

Less than 1 1/2 hours away from bustling Rio, a modern bus will take your group along the scenic coast to the fishing village of Itacurussa. Here group participants will board fully equipped two-masted schooners and embark on a tropical islands dream cruise along Sepetiba Bay, with over 200 islands. A stop will be made for swimming and the scooners will then proceed to a private island where a grand delicious buffet luncheon awaits the group. There will be ample time for relaxation, swimming, beach games, etc.

Rate per person on regular basis (not private) - US$46,00

5) Rio by night

Duration: aprox. 05hrs.

Daily operation, beginning around 07:00pm and including transfers, dinner and show ( without beverages).

An enchanting ride through the city bathed in sparkling lights. The first stop is at one of Rio's famous "Churrascarias", one of the highlights of eating out in Rio. The "Churrascaria" is a local steak house, but very different from those found abroad.

For a fixed, very reasonable price, several different types of meats are brought on skewers and cut in front of the client. Side dishes are abundant and varied ranging from fried bananas and palm hearts to green salads, French fries. The barbecue dinner is part of the Brazilian Folklore and should definitely be experienced during a tour in Rio.

After dinner, the tour will proceed to one of the famous samba show houses in Rio de Janeiro. This is the display of carnival throughout the year. This is a typical Carioca evening to enjoy food, drinks, colourful costumes and the warm rhythm of the samba.

Rate per person on regular basis (not private) - US$66,00

PRE AND POST TOURS

Notice that air fares are not included in the rates. The Brazilian Air Companies have a Brazil Air Pass, for further information please contact your travel agency.

BRAZIL IN BRIEF

The Country .....

Brazil is a country of 8,511,965 Km2. Its coast, extending over 7,048 Km, has plenty of small bays and beaches. It has natural pastures and is nowadays full of large, middle and small-sized tows. Its territory has frontiers with most of the countries in South America.

The population is estimated to be approximately 140 million inhabitants today. Brazil is a multiracial country. Immigrants from Italy, Portugal, Germany, Poland and Japan, among others, played an important role in the development of Brazil, integrating themselves completely to our society and enriching the Brazilian culture with their characteristics.

There are so many facets to Brazil, so many Brazils in one. A visit to the South is full of surprises. There, dances, food and folklore are reminiscent of the old country. A corner of Europe tucked away in the heart of South America. Go to the North, and you are in another country, with different customs and typical feasts.

Brazil is vast. Vast and very beautiful. What is more, its people are hospitable. It is a melting pot of many races, beliefs and cultures. All living in perfect harmony. Visitors can feel this. Wherever they are. In the north, northeast, center-west, southeast, or south of Brazil. Tourist attractions change from place to place. But Brazilian hospitality does not. This visit is sure to be your passport for the next. Travellers to Brazil take back happy memories. And leave good friends behind. This is what make us proud.

The City .....

Flying into Rio is a beautiful sight. Whether it be at night or during the day, the visitor quickly finds out why Rio is known as the Marvellous City. Rio is nestled between the mountains and the sea. Its magnificent shoreline includes charming bays and beautiful beaches, dotted with islands up and down the coast.

The city's 8 million inhabitants are known as "Cariocas". They are friendly, carefree people who always seem to find time for the pleasures of good living. The city itself never sleeps. Rio is also an important center for fashion. New styles and clothing concepts are always available in elegant stores and boutiques. Hundreds of restaurants offer a wide variety of cuisine's from all over the world. A number of local tours are available to help visitors appreciate the many sights and sounds of Rio.

Among its many options are the Sugar Loaf and the Corcovado with the famous statue of Christ. Rio's beaches are filled with all sorts of people who come to relax in the sun, participate in numerous outdoor sports (swimming, surfing, soccer, wind surfing, jogging, bicycling, volleyball, etc.) or just to meet with friends. The beaches are the most important social center in Rio.

1) Salvador/Bahia/Brazil

Bahia is Brazil's most historic State, most African State and one of the most beautiful. The city is loaded with colonial relics - including many richly decorated churches, one for every day of the year according to popular belief. Bahia is the artistic soul of Brazil. All the components that give Brazil its special flavour and flair, its music, dance, art, literature and

faith have been heavily influenced by Bahia. What you will discover is a city and cultural identity unlike any other in the world!

2) Recife/Pernambuco/Brazil

Recife is the country's fourth largest city and the capital of Pernambuco. Year-round warm, tropical weather, beautiful beaches and a history dating back to the earliest colonisation of Brazil, including a 25-year occupation by the Dutch, as they tried to wrest control of Brazil and its lucrative sugar production from the Portuguese, make Recife an excellent choice for visit!

Salvador & Recife/Brazil

Including 03 days in Salvador and 03 days in Recife with the following services in both cities: accommodations in deluxe or first class hotels ( with breakfast and taxes), transfers airport/hotel/airport and one half day city tour.

Program based on using Hotel Fiesta Bahia in Salvador and Atlante Plaza Hotel in Recife, or similar first class hotels in each city.

Rate per person, sharing a twin standard room - US$470,00

3) Manaus/Amazonas/Brazil

Manaus was named after a tribe of Indians which inhabited the region where the Solimões and Negro rivers joined to form the Amazon. Manaus is located in the heart of the Amazon, 1,500 miles up the Amazon River. Just the names of the "Amazon" and "Manaus" are enough to stir the emotions of most men and women. Forget African safaris or treks through the Far East, it is still the Amazon that is regarded as the unattainable, the planet's final mystery.

Including 04 days/03 nights accommodation in a deluxe or first class hotel in Manaus (with breakfast and taxes), transfers airport/hotel/airport, one half day city tour and one cruise to see the Meeting of the Waters (of the Solimoes River and Negro River, that form the Amazonas River) - regular tour). Program based on using Hotel Tropical Manaus or similar first class hotel.

Rate per person sharing a twin standard room - US$470,00

There is also a possibility of increasing this tour with a stay in a lodge in the middle of the Amazon Forest and/or to extend to the city of Brasilia (by air).

In the case of extension, in Manaus, to a jungle lodge, we suggested a 03 days/02 nights stay including full board, return transfers to the city and tours during all the stay in the lodge. Program based on using Ariau Amazon Towers or similar first class hotel.

Rate per person sharing a twin standard room - US$365,00

In case of an option for an extension to Brasilia , our is a 02 days/01 night hotel stay (with breakfast and taxes), transfers airport/hotel/airport and one half day city tour. Program based on using Kubitschek Plaza Hotel or similar first class hotel.

Rate per person sharing a twin standard room - US$150,00

4) Brasilia/Distrito Federal/Brazil

Brasilia is the dream city of the future, a city born to be a nation's capital, a city designed to open up the untouched interior of Brazil to the 20th century. Even though it has been officially functioning since 1960, the dramatic lines of its buildings and overall plan of its streets and plazas make Brasilia unique. During the tour there will be visits to the country's Congress and Senate, the Presidential Palace, Supreme Court, Foreign Office, ministries, etc.

5) Pantanal/Brazil

In the open spaces of the Pantanal, wildlife is visible to the most casual observer! If you like to see animals in their natural state, the Pantanal - with the greatest concentration of fauna in the New World - should not be missed!

A vast swampland in the centre of South America, the Pantanal is about half the size of France, some 230,000 square km spread across Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay. Something less than 100,000 square km is in Bolivia and Paraguay, the rest is in Brazil, split between the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul.

Including accommodation in a rustic Inn in the Pantanal (with full board and taxes), transfers airport/Inn/airport, one horseback riding by the hotel, one boat tour (to watch and photograph the local fauna and flora), one night alligators spotting tour. Program based on using Caiman Ecological lodge in the Pantanal or similar lodge.

Rate per person sharing a twin standard room from Sunday through Thursday (o5 days/04 nights) - US$840,00

6) Foz do Iguaçu/Paraná/Brazil

The Iguaçu River arises in the coastal mountains of Paraná and Santa Catarina, the Serra do Mar, at the modest elevation of 1300 metres.

The 275 falls are over three km wide and 80 metres high, which makes them wider than Victoria, higher than Niagara and more beautiful than either. Neither words nor photographs do them justice; they must be seen and heard. It's what the Romantic poets had in mind when they spoke of the awesome and sublime.

Including 03 days / 02 nights accommodation in a deluxe or first class hotel in Foz do Iguaçu (with breakfast and taxes), transfers airport/hotel/airport and one half day tour to the Brazilian side of the falls, a unique spectacle anytime of the year!

Program based on using Hotel das Cataratas or similar first class hotel.

Rate per person sharing a twin standard room - US$190,00


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