Free Time
Volunteer with Humpback Whales in Brazil

Participating with GVI not only allows you to work on programs assisting disadvantaged communities or endangered ecosystems but it also offers wonderful opportunities to travel in the local area in your down time or further afield either before or after your program. Below is some information on trips and travel options in Brazil.

Included Side Trips

The following are included as part of your trip:

• A visit to the Marine Turtle Conservation Project – TAMAR. Located in Praia do Forte, this project has established 18 conservation stations which cover 1100 km of the Brazilian mainland coast. As a direct result of TAMAR's efforts, the harvest of gravid females and of eggs has ceased in all major nesting areas.
• A visit to the ruins of Garcia D’Ávila Castle. One of the most important monuments of the Brazilian historical and cultural patrimony, this is considered to be the first large Portuguese building in Brazil.
• Trekking in the Sapiranga Atlantic Forest Reserve, near Praia do Forte. This park contains rare orchids and bromeliads and is a sanctuary for endangered animals.
• Canoeing in the Timeantube Lagoon. Formed by the River Timeantube water dam, around 300 different kinds of birds’ species have been catalogued here.

Optional Side Trips

In your free time whilst on the project, you could consider these ideas:

• Salvador – can be a day trip, leaving by bus from Praia do Forte and returning at night or spending the night in one of the hostels and returning the next day. A mixture of beach, shopping, culture and history!
• Imbassaí – can be reached by a 20 min bus ride from Salvador. There is the opportunity for beautiful sea and river swimming in this quiet and rustic beachside village.
• Quad Biking, Horse riding, Parasailing, Snorkelling in natural pools, Scuba diving – all of these activities can be done on your day-off and can be organized once you get there.

Further Travelling Opportunities

Brazil is a fascinating country and if your time and budget stretch to it why not explore further; the night life of Rio de Janeiro resounds with exciting Samba and the bohemian art scene, the kite and wind surfing of Jericoacoara is situated in a perfect backpacker’s hideaway, diving off the beaches of Fernando de Noronha should also be sampled and the city of Manaus is a gateway to some exciting jungle excursions. Chapada Diamantina is the trekker’s paradise, with canyons, waterfalls, lakes and caverns. Only a 6-hour bus ride form Salvador, you can organize a mountain bike trip or simply walk to some wonderful places. Just a 2-hour boat ride from Salvador, Morro de São Paulo is a mixture of beautiful tropical beaches and bustling night life!