Brazil and IGLTA are thrilled to invite you to attend the 2009 IGLTA Symposium, which will be held from March 25 to 29 in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina.

This Symposium, the first of its kind in Brazil, will provide a unique opportunity for you to get to know Florianópolis, one of the hottest tourism spots in South America, well-known for having a natural vocation for gay and lesbian travel.

In addition to enjoying stunning natural beauties and exciting your taste buds with the local cuisine, you will find opportunities for intellectual stimulation at the 6th International Gay and Lesbian Tourism Forum and related Workshops, which will exceptionally take place in Florianópolis this year. You will also have a great chance to meet Latin American suppliers and expose your products at the Marketplace. And all this in a fun environment! This we guarantee!!!

• About Brazil
• About Santa Catarina
• About Florianópolis
• Visa to Brazil
• Make sure to check our travel trips

If you are an American citizen, you need a visa to enter Brazil. Please, contact your nearest Brazilian consulate for more information.

VP2 Go, Inc. is offering a special discount to IGLTA members when processing your visa. Check it out at http://www.vp2go.com

Travel Tips

1. Weather conditions – expect mild weather in March and most of April. On rare occasion, it may get a little chilly in the evening.
   
   
2. Arrivals – upon arrival at the Hercílio Luz Airport in Florianópolis (FLN), you will be transferred to your hotel by Açoriana Tourism. Make sure arrangements have been made.
   
   
3. Attire – Casual for events and lightweight clothing for the fam trip. Be sure to include comfortable walking shoes and socks for trails as well as beach clothing.
   
   
4. Water – Tap water in Florianópolis is drinkable. Nevertheless, as a precautionary measure, we suggest that you should drink bottled mineral water.
   
   
5. Internet access – Both the Sofitel Hotel and the Majestic Palace Hotel offer high speed wireless services for a fee.
   
   
6. Money exchange – Shops, bars and restaurants will either take the Brazilian currency – the Real – or credit cards (especially Visa and MasterCard). If you would like to exchange cash, Açoriana Câmbio (a Central Bank of Brazil credited agency) can help you at check-in. You may otherwise look for HSBC ATM machines (right by the Majestic Palace Hotel) that work with flags such as Cirrus or Plus.
   
   
7. Shopping Mall – The “Beira Mar” shopping center is across the Majestic Palace Hotel and just three blocks away from the Sofitel Hotel. There, you may find drugstores and  hairdressers, among many other services. The “Iguatemi” shopping is 10 minutes away from both hotels, by taxi.
   
   
8. Tipping – it is not common to leave tips in Florianópolis, except for the bell boy (R$ 2 ~ 5) and the guide (R$ 10 ~20). Restaurants and bars will normally add a 10% service charge to the bills.
   
   
9. Transportation – Florianópolis has a reasonably efficient public transportation system. The easiest way to move around is by taxi. Check the Symposium itinerary for all the activities which offer complimentary transportation.
   
   
10. Brazil’s electrical grid operates on a 220v system, so most American appliances will not work (and even break down) without an adapter. Hotel bathrooms will have adaptors for shaving machines.
    
    
11. We suggest you to scan important travel documents such as your itinerary, passport, and travellers cheques. Print a duplicate as well as e-mail yourself a copy.
    
    
12. As of June 2008, it is illegal to drink alcoholic beverages and drive in Brazil. Not even a glass of beer! There is zero tolerance. Please, bear this in mind. If you drink, take a cab back to your hotel.