Expedições e Aventura
The Structure of our cycling tours ... We usually offer small groups (12 people max.) investigations of the fascinating history and cultures of the Brazilian Northeast, Amazon and Pantanal, ethnic diversity, and the natural and social complexity of our world. To enhance our contact with the areas we visit, we are now offering tours where the primary mode of travel is the bicycle. Thus we explore cultures, historic sites, museums, public art, architecture, religion, archelogical and ecological niches, and the realities of daily life. We meet with unique local people and enjoy bicycling beautiful backroads. The programs are designed to be environmentally friendly, economically beneficial, educational, enriching and culturally sensitive, and accessible to ordinary active people who seek moderate soft-adventure. Andetur's people-to-people programs offer you the unique opportunity to discover a fascinating and diverse world at a personal level. Most tourists see only congested capital cities, animals in game parks and other tourists on beaches. Bicycle travel removes the barriers between you, the land and its people. Join us in exploring untouristed rural areas and experience the sights, sounds, tastes and vitality of our world. We enjoy leisurely interactions with people during visits to their homes, schools and markets, and are generally awed by the hospitality and extraordinary landscapes. Learn of developments, and achievements, and the complexity and diversity that rarely comes to our attention in our daily lives. Specialists (guides or hosts) with a broad knowledge of our destinations accompany each group -- while local culture, archeology, ecology, economics, and history are also explored. You will return with hours of stories to tell. Our Andetur Brazilian Travel Club offers both the resources and social opportunities of group travel and the flexibility to pursue individual interests. If you are new to this type of travel or bicycling, the program will build your self-confidence and self-sufficiency. You gain new insights and positive feelings about yourself and the world.

Some Suggested Tour Routes

Rio Grande do Norte - Apodi, Açu, Acari - One week, starting in Apodi, exploring the Sertão and many archeological (Indian paintings thousands of years old), the valley of the Açu River, ending up in Acari .... "the cleanest city in Brazil"!

Natal, Rio Grande do Norte - Fortaleza, Ceara (details) - the description of this tour is one we operate with 4 x 4 Land Rover vehicles or beach buggies. The same tour can be done by bicycle.

Natal, Rio Grande do Norte - Belem, Para

Serra da Capivara, Piaui - Serra das Confuesoes

Rio Grande do Norte - Coastal Tours - Many of these short trips are the same that we offer by car or van .... can also can be done by bicycle ... probably much more interesting!

Brazilian trips published in Bike Magazine (click image above)

The Participants

Programs are open to everyone. We do not restrict participation based on nationality, national origins, race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation.

Our programs are for all good-natured realists who appreciate the rewards of self-contained bicycle touring. You should be prepared to encounter customs, cuisines, attitudes, accommodations and living standards which differ from your own. People everywhere respond warmly to an attitude of friendship and respect. Men and women from the America's, Europe, Asia and Africa, ranging in age from mid- teens to mid-seventies have toured with bicyles.

You don't need extensive bicycle touring experience, however, you should be healthy, familiar with cycling and prepared for adventure. The cycling is easy to moderate, with occasional challenging sections. Extra side trips are available for the more active. Trips vary from all paved routes, to mixed on- and off-road courses.

While we use bicycles as the main means of transport, the real objective of the program is to provide you with experiences of cultural immersion which enriches and possibly changes your life. Andetur offers unique opportunities, personal achievement and new friends -- an expedition that is fun, challenging, educational and unrivaled!

Defining the Program

We rarely use the term ecotourism in any of our publicity. We have long been uncomfortable with the term because it has been used to embrace ANY travel that includes "nature" -- getting out of a city -- even when getting there by a gas guzzling SUV (sport-utility vehicle or four-wheel drive) and ripping up the savannah in the process.

As an alternative is environmentally friendly (using primarily non-motorized transport, but reflecting all aspects of the projects including printing, selection of energy efficient lodging and local produced food and goods), economically beneficial (supporting the decentralized, local or indigenous economy, including local produced food and goods) and educational/enriching (exploring the diversity and complexity of the local natural and human ecosystem.)

The use of non-motorized transport virtually mandates patronizing local business and the increased exposure to the local culture, economy and environment inherently leading to enhanced educational and enriching experiences. Aiming for a well rounded educational experience, is a natural for getting into the community and supporting local businesses and argues for eliminating the barriers of glass, steel and speed that go with motor vehicles. Including as a goal supporting local suppliers of goods and service dictates increased interaction with the cultural and enriching experiences and the use of non-motorized transport virtually assures that the benefits will be decentralized and widely beneficial.

Responsible Travel Program Design

Criteria

Our programs offer small group exploration of the fascinating cultural and ethnic diversity, and the natural and social complexity of the world. The programs explore cultural and historic sites, museums, public art, architecture, religion, ecological niches, and realities of daily life. We meet with unique local people and enjoy bicycling on beautiful back roads. The programs are designed to be 1) environmentally friendly; 2) economic beneficial and decentralized; 3) educational, enriching and culturally sensitive; and 4) accessible to ordinary active people.

Criteria & Considerations For Planning Cultural Bicycle Tour Itineraries:

• Demonstrate the diversity and the complexity of area (i.e. culture, history, economics, social programs, environment, and architecture).
• Availability of food, drinking water and lodging. See below for additional lodging criteria.
• Average mileage of 40 miles per day. First few days 20 to 30 miles - longer days, up to 60 miles, O.K. near the end of the tour. Mileage needs to be matched to topography and road conditions. Sections with hills and/or bad roads might cut the practical daily distance by 25-50%.
• 8-15 day long itinerary, with two contrasting itineraries in the same region back-to-back.
• Safety of route (i.e. road surface, traffic volume, large vehicles, speeds, road space).
  Personal security, especially for single women.
• Unbroken travel by bike, exception maybe at the beginning, the end or once in the middle where an opportunity to experience some form of public transport (i.e. bus, train, boat) is provided.
• Loop route (or linear route with return by public transport) - very little or no backtracking. Loops are preferable so people can store bags at first hotel.
• Once a week spend at least two nights in the same place, with something interesting to program.
• Design tour to avoid cyclists needing to carry camping and cooking equipment, and the use of a support vehicle.
• People-to-people opportunities, direct contact with local people in a meaningful, natural, culturally sensitive manner (visit to schools, development projects, social programs, unique industry, etc.)
• Economically beneficial to local and indigenous segments of the economy.
• Environmentally friendly in the context of local environmental conditions, resources and constraints.
• Minimal cycling in highly congested areas, even if it requires transferring to public transport.
• Spend majority of time away from traditional tourist destinations.
  
  Marketable theme - Criteria & Considerations for Cultural Bicycle Tour Accommodation:
• A variety of situations for over night accommodations (hotels or pousadas (small and simple to moderate), dorms, private homes, etc.). Sufficient capacity for 12-15 people.
• Water for drinking (may require filtering), bathing (be it a bath, shower, bucket or hot springs), and laundry (including bucket or basin for washing in).
• Client privacy and security
• Equipment security
• Cleanliness, orderliness and ventilation -- not necessarily big-city sterility.
• Easy bicycle access to rooms (preferred), or to secure bike storage area.
• Service with a smile. Friendly, helpful management and staff. Smiles should start from the watchman in front. No rude hangers-on clustered around the entrance.
• Environmentally friendly in the context of local environmental conditions, resources and constraints.
• Close or relatively close to points of interest (historical, economic, social programs) and other services (markets, restaurants, etc.)
• Character, authenticity, charm. Furnishings, décor and landscaping should be consistent with price. Even if not elegant they should be attended to, clean and in good repair.
• Local ownership of lodging, restaurants and services.
• Electricity, modern plumbing, air-conditioning, swimming pool, etc. are not required, but if they are part of the price they should work or the price should change.
  
  Criteria & Considerations for Cultural Bicycle Excursions:
• Guides must know their stuff: cultural, history, natural science, etc.
• Guides must have a level of fitness so that they don’t struggle with the bicycling.
• Personnel should have good hygiene and should not walk around with cigarettes dangling from their mouths.
  

10- TO 15-DAY SELF-SUPPORTED TOURS

Self-supported touring is really what it is all about. No other tour operator in the northeast of Brazil offers guided self-supported touring with bicycles.

Packing everything you need onto your bike and hitting the road under your own power can be a deeply rewarding experience. This type of touring requires group cooperation and the spirit of adventure. If you have some moxie and are looking for a challenge, the rewards can be significant. You'll go home with a strong sense of accomplishment, heartfelt camaraderie, and lifetime memories.

Participants carry camping gear, personal gear, clothing, and food in a trailer or panniers, or gear can be transported in a support car. One or two tour leaders ride along with a small group of eight to 14 participants. No vehicles accompany self-supported tours during the ride, but are close by in case of problems. All group members contribute in planning the actual tour schedule.

The tour fee covers beginning and ending facilities, group cooking equipment if required, tool kit, first-aid supplies, all meals - food if camping, packed lunches if staying in pousadas, overnight fees and/or pousada costs, leader expenses, maps, safety triangle, and a additional necessities.

EVENT LOGISTICS

Tour Costs

The tour cost covers planning, mobilization, all meals, luggage transport, hot showers, SAG support, mechanical support, maps, rest-stop food and drinks, camping fees, preparation materials, T-shirts, safety triangle, and more.

Camping (sometimes)

Overnight facilities might vary, and, when camping, tents are generally typically pitched on large, flat grassy areas when available. This could be at school fields, city plazas, state parks, or private campgrounds (few existing). Generally arrangements are made for bathrooms and showers in the villages.

Hotels or Pousadas

Our tours can be designed to be camping trips, alhough small hotel or pousada options are available in most cases. Cost of accomodations is included in the tour cost. During the tour, we will be able to transport luggage to and from hotels daily. In most cases, hotels will be located within a few miles of the group camping location, if camping.

OBS: ´Pousada´ is the Brazilian term for Bed and Breakfast, in our opinion, the best places to stay for this type of travel.

Meals

We've found that bicycle tourists enjoy eating enormous amounts of food. We place great emphasis on food quality and quantity. Typically food is the basic Brazilian cooking, but we are very selective regarding who we select to provide food on all of our tours. This allows us to ensure quality meals. Vegetarian options are almost always available. If you require veggie meals, please advise us at your registration. Specific dietary needs can sometimes be accommodated; check with the Tour Department for details prior to the trip.

Rest Stops

There will be rest stops along the route each day so that you'll never have to ride more than about 25 miles between places to refuel. Rests stops provide water, energy drinks, and snacks such as cookies, fruit, and granola bars.

ANDETUR SUPPORT VEHICLE

Support Vehicles (SAG)

Support vehicles roam the route and are available for emergency use (medical emergency and equipment failure). You should come to the tour physically prepared to ride the entire route. Daily mileage and elevation profiles are available for each of our tours.

Gear Transport

The gear truck carries one bag per rider to our designated overnight stops. Items placed on the baggage truck will not be accessible until you reach the designated stopping point. Most riders have a small pack on their bike or back in order to carry items such as rain gear, snacks, camera, and other items that you might need to access during the ride.

Your Bicycle (if you bring your own)

Most every kind of bicycle is used on our cycling tours. We've seen touring bikes, racing bikes, tandems, recumbents, mountain bikes, and even a triple. The choice is up to you. Just make sure that you will be comfortable using that bike for the duration of the trip. A minimum tire width of 25 mm is recommended. Be prepared with extra tubes and tools in order to fix a flat tire so you don't have to wait for a mobile mechanic.

Rental bikes will be available!

Tipical Rental Bike

Mechanical Support

Experienced mechanical support accompanies or is available on each tour. The support vehicle follows the route each day to cover mechanical emergencies and is available each evening at the camping location. The support vehicle carries a supply of tires, tubes, and spare parts; if you bring your own bike, you should come prepared with at least two spare tubes to fit your tires.

EXPEDITION & EXCURSION LOGISTICS

Group Dynamics

On a self-supported tour, you'll travel with the same small group of people (nine to 14). During the day, participants usually travel with others in the group with similar riding and traveling styles. At night you'll all get back together for dinner, conversation, and camping. There are a few requirements for successful group touring; paramount among those requirements are a cooperative spirit and a desire to seek adventure with other bicyclists. Group members may face uncertain conditions and hardships together, and must cooperate as a team to make the best of a situation. You will need to be flexible to get along with others and to help create a rewarding and memorable bicycle travel experience.

Accommodations

On certain road-bike tours, you might camp out almost every night except for accommodations at campsites which range from small-town municipal parks, church lawns, and state park campgrounds with minimal services. In the Brazilian northeast, private campgrounds and state parks with luxuries such as laundries and hot showers are unheard of. When possible we try to stay at local pousadas that offer showers and decent meals.

On mountain-bike tours, the camping conditions can often be quite primitive and, due to the remote nature of some off-pavement trips, groups will sometimes make their own campsites next to the trail. Layover days on all tours are typically spent in towns with services like laundry, groceries, and hotel/pousadas.

Gear

All of the Expedition tours are self-supported; you'll carry all your gear -- and a portion of the group gear -- in panniers or on a trailer.

Costs

The tour cost includes three meals per day. After breakfast each morning, each participant then receives a sack lunch and takes it with them on the route.

Leaders

Our tourleaders are the best professionals we know. In Brazil, regular tour guides are licensed by EMBRATUR and/or IBAMA. Each trip is well planned. They will not hold your hand, and they won't baby you (not that we know of) -- but they will: present route and recreation options, secure overnight accommodations, Tour leaders may assist you with basic bicycle repairs and/or help you get to a bike shop to solve more elaborate problems.

PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY

Please note: Our Tour Application contains many details about being accepted as a participant, participation requirements, and policies relating to tour participation.

Application, Deposit & Membership

Tour participants must be current Andetur Travel Club members and each participant must fill out a Tour Application. Those who are not members will need to complete the Membership form as a part of the application or tour sign up process. Simple membership for one year is only US$ 50.00 and covers all members of your immediate family. Tour participants must be the minimum age of 12 years old, and a parent or guardian must sign for and accompany those participants under the age of 18 years old.

Complete this Tour Application form and pay the deposit: $300 for tours costing $1,000 and more; $150 for tours costing less than $1,000. Because of the interest and anticipated popularity of these tours, it is important that you complete the application form and pay the deposit as early as possible. Complete one form for each individual, please.

Full payment is due at least 45 days before a tour's departure; if final payment is not received when due, we reserve the right to cancel the application. The final balance due can be automatically charged to your credit card 45 days before the tour's departure date.

Confirmation Information

Upon receipt of your application form and deposit, you'll be sent a packet containing Tour Confirmation of payment and our tour booklet to help you prepare yourself and your equipment.. You will receive a final packet of information with details on starting points, trip itinerary, and airport transportation information (including your tickets) not less than 60 days before your tour departure. Expedition and/or tour maps are sent 45 days before the trip and updated maps are distributed on day one of the tour. You'll receive your Andetur T-shirts and safety triangle when you arrive at the trailhead.

If, after reading all these materials carefully, you have further questions, contact the Tour Department.

Cancellations, Refunds, and Transfers

If you must cancel your tour reservation, please notify The Tour Department in writing immediately to receive the maximum refund possible. Your membership fee is non-refundable, unless your tour is cancelled by the Andetur Brazilian Travel Club for some reason. Please read the Cancellation Policy on the Application Form carefully; we cannot make exceptions to this policy. Andetur Brasil Ltda. reserves the right to cancel or combine tours. If this results in a revised departure date unacceptable to you, all funds except the map fee (if applicable) will be returned to you.

NOTE: We avoid purchasing non-refundable travel tickets until you have confirmed with the Tours Department, 45 days before the departure date, that your tour is a "go."

Helmets

Helmets are required on all tours. No exceptions.

Travel Insurance

We recommend that you consider purchasing insurance to cover unforeseen cancellations or emergencies. We recommend and sell Travel Guard.

Equipment, Etc.

We supply: a safety triangle, route maps and information, suggested packing list and training schedule, T-shirt, group tool kit, group first-aid kit, group cooking equipment and stoves.

You may supply: bicycle, helmet, rack and panniers (or a trailer, if needed), tent, sleeping bag and pad, cup, plate and utensils, personal tool kit, and all other personal items. These items may also be supplied by the tour operator and included in the tour cost.

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