Over four hundred volunteers and researchers have made their way from all around the world to take part in our project. Some have spoken Portuguese, some haven't; some are traveling by themselves for the first time. Apart from a couple of people who mixed up Limeiras and ended up wandering around São Paulo asking for Iracambi, everyone has made their way here safely. Once here people have climbed mountains, cleared trails, swam in rock pools, gone in to caves and many other rugged, outdoor activities without any serious incidents, as well as helping us to achieve our mission. We provide the information below to help take any worries about your trip away.

Brazilian Visa

Nationals of countries that do not require Brazilian visitors to have visas (i.e. most of EU) do NOT need to get visas before traveling to Brazil. If your country requires visiting Brazilians to have visas (i.e. USA, Canada) you WILL have to get a visa BEFORE you travel. If in doubt, check with the Brazilian consulate in your country.

Both the entry permit (for non-visa visitors) and the tourist visa are generally valid for 90 days, and may be renewed, at the discretion of the Immigration authorities, for a further 90 days.

What to bring

We would recommend that you bring the following:

Electricity is 110 volts 60 cycles, except in the North and North East, where is 220 volts.

Weather

The weather during the summer months (November to March) can be hot (up to 35 degrees) during the day and a tendency for storms and heavy rainfall at night. Temperatures drop in the evening, but still remain relatively warm. This is also the rainy season, and if you are planning to come during this time you will need waterproof footwear, and clothes that will dry quickly are also highly recommended. Winter months see cooler temperatures of around 20 degrees during the day and down to 6 degrees at night time. During the day it tends to be dry.

Health & Safety

It is important that you ensure you are inoculated against the following:

• Hepatitis A
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever
• Diphtheria
• Polio

Your doctor may also suggest Hepatitis B and Rabies. Iracambi is not located in a malaria area, but if you plan to travel to other parts of Brazil, such as the Pantanal or the Amazon, you will need a suitable prophylactic. Ask your health center at home before leaving.

AIDS - Brazil is a high risk country, so be careful.

All tropical environments have an abundance of insects, parasites and exciting sounding diseases. Iracambi is no exception. Insects: There are an enormous number of insects, but none which could harm you. Ticks are a nuisance, especially between July / August, but do not carry Lyme disease. Jiggers, burrowing fleas, are not uncommon in early Summer (November / December). There are lots of big, hairy spiders around. They are said to be poisonous, but we've never met anyone who was bitten by one. Snakes: Venomous snakes live in the environment so watch where you step. If you are bitten, serum is stored at the main farmhouse.

Though we take every reasonable precaution to ensure that volunteers are safe, and medical attention is accessible, please keep in mind that you will be living in an isolated area. For this reason, we cannot accept volunteers with chronic medical conditions and who may need emergency assistance.

Money

You should exchange money as soon as you arrive in Brazil, as it will not be possible once you are at Iracambi - you can't change money in Muriaé. You can change money at the airport: the porters will even change money for you and their rates are as good as anyone else's, though of course a bank is safer. Avoid the Banco do Brasil - it's a rip-off. In Rio town, there are "casas de cambio" but note that they are not open on weekends.

There are ATM machines in the nearest town to Iracambi, Muriaé (one and a half hours away) and the volunteer in charge of the commissariat might be persuaded to take money out on your behalf when they visit once a week. It is very difficult to change dollars in Muriaé, so if you don't have an ATM card (why wouldn't you?) you'll have to change all your foreign currency into Reais in Rio de Janeiro.

Insurance

You will need to have your own 'personal effects' and 'medical' insurance and details of these, together with details on your next of kin need to be provided to the organizers in advance of your departure for Brazil please.

Iracambi does not have contents insurance for the properties on its land and you will be liable to pay for any damages you cause. You will also be expected to take responsibility for your own safety and, therefore, take sensible precautions where necessary.

Languages

English and Portuguese are the two languages that are spoken here at Iracambi. The extent of either language you need during your time here will depend upon the sort of work that you are doing. If you want to do any community based research or work then you will need to be able to speak Portuguese. We can provide a translator if we are given enough notice. If the work you are doing will not bring you in to contact with other members of the community then this will not be such an issue. Having said that, you will get much more out of your time here if you can speak Portuguese however, not least as this will enable you to socialise much more with the people in the area.

Background Reading

Here's a list of books for you to read in the plane.

If you have any questions which aren't covered on this page or the rest of the website then please do e-mail us.