Hello fellow Parrot Heads! My name is Alan and I've put together this blog for those planning to travel to Brasil (actually Ilha Grande off the southern coast of Rio de Janeiro state) with me in Nov. 2025 for a Parrot Head retreat, complete with live show/pool party, chartered schooner trip for Parrot Heads, beach parties and other fun activities.
Just to make things crystal clear: this is not a money making event. I have no intention of profiting from this adventure, I'm in it for the fun and fun only :) So, I'll provide you with all the info you'll need and you can go through the hassle of booking flights and hotels on your own!
What you'll need to travel:
Passport
Visa (this is a new requirement starting in April 2025 and can be done online via the link (Brasil visa)
Plane ticket, or “Fun Ticket” as Jimmy would say (lately I've been using Google Flights when traveling, but you can also go through the travel agency BACC – 1-800-BACC-RIO- which I've used since the mid '80s.
Electric outlet adapter, available at Amazon, for all your electric devices (Brasil uses 110 volt for the most part) Brasil Adapter .
Itinerary:
Ideally, it would be nice to spend a couple days in Rio de Janeiro first, as this is the city most of us will travel through to get to Ilha Grande. We'll visit some of the sites I'm sure Jimmy cherished: Copacabana Beach, Christ the Redeemer statue, and Sugar Loaf. On the third day, a chartered van will pick us up at our hotel and take us to a small port south of Rio where we'll catch a speed boat to the island, about a 3 hour trip total.
Once on the island...
We'll probably spend 4 nights on the island, though feel free to spend more time if you wish, this is your trip! I plan to use the hotel “Mata Nativa” as our base. I've also stayed at Só Natureza, which was very nice and had a great pool. It's also closer to the center of the hamlet and 5 minute walk from the docks. Mata Nativa is conveniently located right on the outskirts of Abraao heading up the mountain surrounded by tropical forest. It has an area we can rent for a BBQ/party and also a little pool to hang out at.
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| Facilities at Mata Nativa for Tailgating |
There are also many other wonderful hotels and pousadas to choose from (in April I'll be staying at Pousadas Recanto das Estrelas ).We will also charter a schooner for a day trip around the island, listening to Jimmy tunes throughout our voyage (schooner voyages) There are also private motorboat tours to exotic secluded beaches, kayaking, hiking and just lounging at one of the beautiful beaches on the island, many reachable only by water taxi. I'd be happy to help set up any excursions you'd like to do.
This may all sound pricey but Brazil is relatively cheap and the US dollar currently very strong to the Brasilian Real.
Things to remember:
Leave your jewelry and valuables at your hotel in Rio; it's not safe to carry these on the street. Always lock up your luggage.
Pack light. We'll be using many different means of transportation and even hauling baggage for short distances. There is a laundromat on the island, reasonably priced. All you really need is shorts, t-shirts and flip flops, along with a bathing suit and a joy for adventure!
For more in-depth info please check out my other Ilha Grande blog at https://brasilfuteboltravel.blogspot.com/2022/12/guide-to-majestic-island-of-ilha-grande.html
And just remember, when traveling, something unusual always happens, but in the end, it is all worth it. As Mark Twain said, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime."
I will be traveling to the island beforehand in April, so will begin to lay the groundwork. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me. I can answer questions while on the island to provide further insight as well.
Just for your reference: I have been traveling back and forth to Brasil since 1986 and lived there from 1992-1997. I also studied at a university in Rio for one semester in 1986. I am fluent in portuguese (and spanish). Brasil is my home away from home and I feel very comfortable there, so I think my knowledge of the country and culture will enhance your overall experience. And being that we are all JB fans will make this incredible experience even more memorable. I am really looking forward to this!
Alan
Feel free to contact me via this blog. It would also be good to set up a WhatsApp chat. My email is contempjazz@yahoo.com (I'm also a smooth jazz fan:)
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