August 29, 2023

New Brazil Visa Requirements for US Citizens – Update

Jill Siegel

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

UPDATES ON VISITOR VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR US CITIZENS

The requirement for US citizens to obtain a visa to travel to Brazil for tourism or business has been postponed.

The new effective date for this change is January 10th, 2024. This means that US citizens will need to obtain a visa before traveling to Brazil for tourism or business from that date onward.

If you are a US citizen traveling to Brazil for tourism or business before that date, you do not need a visa.

Please click HERE for further information.

South American Escapes is not a Visa or Passport Agency. If you have any questions, please refer to the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, or a Visa and Passport Service of your choice.

May 18, 2023

Brazil Travel Specialist – Jill Siegel, Expertise in Travel Planning

Jill Siegel

Jill Siegel, a Brazil Travel Specialist and Conde Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist, brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for creating unforgettable travel experiences in Brazil. Here are a few reasons why you should consider hiring Jill Siegel to plan your trip to Brazil:

Extensive Knowledge and Experience: With years of experience in the travel industry and a specialization in Brazil, Jill Siegel possesses in-depth knowledge of the country’s diverse destinations, cultural nuances, and hidden gems. Her expertise allows her to craft personalized itineraries tailored to your interests and preferences, ensuring a truly immersive and authentic experience.
Insider Access and Local Connections: Jill Siegel has cultivated strong relationships with local suppliers, guides, and accommodations throughout Brazil. This enables her to provide you with exclusive access to unique experiences, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and insider recommendations that you might not find through traditional travel planning channels.
Customized Itineraries and Attention to Detail: Recognizing that every traveler is unique, Jill Siegel takes the time to understand your travel aspirations and interests. She meticulously designs customized itineraries that cater to your specific preferences, ensuring that every aspect of your trip aligns with your desires, whether you seek adventure, cultural immersion, or relaxation.
Seamless Logistics and Support: Planning a trip to Brazil can be complex, from visa requirements to transportation logistics and language barriers. Jill Siegel takes care of all the details, ensuring smooth and hassle-free travel. From arranging airport transfers to organizing accommodations and providing support throughout your journey, she ensures that your trip is seamless and stress-free.
Safety and Peace of Mind: Brazil is a vast and diverse country, and safety is always a consideration when traveling. Jill Siegel stays up-to-date on the latest travel advisories and works with reputable local partners to ensure your safety and well-being throughout your trip. With her guidance, you can navigate Brazil with confidence and peace of mind.
Personalized Service and Dedicated Support: When you choose Jill Siegel as your Brazil Travel Specialist, you can expect personalized service and dedicated support from start to finish. She is committed to exceeding your expectations, answering your questions promptly, and being available to address any concerns or requests that may arise during your trip.

Jill Siegel’s expertise, local connections, attention to detail, and dedication to providing personalized service make her an excellent choice for planning your trip to Brazil. With her guidance, you can embark on a journey that captures the essence of Brazil, creating lifelong memories and experiences that go beyond the ordinary.

Email: Jill@SouthAmericanEscapes.com

“Jill is incredibly knowledgeable and thorough: I’m convinced that she knows every restaurant, every guide, and every room in every hotel to an amazing level of detail. This results in a trip that is well-planned and flawless in its execution. She’s incredibly responsive before and during your trip, making sure every detail has been considered and that it’s all going well along the way. We are repeat clients and will continue to be.” – Trevor Fetter, Professor Harvard Business School

December 4, 2018

Peru – Machu Picchu & Amazon Cruise

Jill Siegel

With a fusion of European, indigenous, Chinese, Japanese and African influences, Peru is the ultimate gastronomic destination. In Lima alone you will find the acclaimed restaurants Astrid and Gaston by Chef Gaston Acurio, Central Restaurant by Michellin Star Chef Virgilio Martinez, Rafael by Chef Rafael Osterling and Malabar by Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino whose inspiration is found in exotic Amazonian ingredients. Combining Peru’s culinary delights with the iconic Inca cultural sites, this customizable itinerary offers an immersive experience that will not only excite your taste buds but also your sense of wonder and adventure. Beginning in Lima and continuing on to the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco and culminating in a four night Amazon Cruise on the luxury Aria, this 14 day journey is a trip of a lifetime.

May 24, 2018

Discover Brazil Itinerary

Jill Siegel

Discover the rich cultural heritage of Brazil in a month long journey

I had the great pleasure of creating a month long magical journey this past holiday season. Ina and Sarantos wanted to focus on Brazil’s rich cultural heritage, art and architecture, as well as experience the great Amazon Rainforest. The Discover Brazil Itinerary, was the natural outcome. This in depth exploration of Brazil’s iconic destinations also includes the Colonial Towns of Minas Gerais–one of the countries most culturally rich regions. This 24 day cultural adventure offers travelers a comprehensive and enchanting experience through Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Manaus, The Amazon Rainforest, Salvador da Bahia, Trancoso, Inhotim Art Park, Minas Gerais Colonial Towns – Ouro Preto, Congonhas, Tiradentes, Reserva do Ibitipoca, and Rio de Janeiro. Click here or on the image below and explore the possibilities.

Map created with Wanderlog, a travel planner on iOS and Android

“Ina and I are so happy from this wonderful journey you had prepared for us, that I cannot stop thinking about it.” – Sarantos

July 29, 2017

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil

Jill Siegel

July 14, 2017

Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa

Jill Siegel

Explore the majestic and jaw dropping beauty of Southern Chile at the Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa in our presentation above.

The operating season for the Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa 2017/2018 season is from October 1st until May 31st.

All Bookings made through South American Escapes receive a complimentary room upgrade based on availability as well as $100 Spa Credit.

For further information and reservations contact: Jill Siegel.

May 2, 2017

The Brazilian Amazon Rainforest

Jill Siegel

The Brazilian Amazon Rainforest – an Ecological Eldorado

The Brazilian Amazon Rainforest is mankind’s heritage, an ecological Eldorado for environmentalists. It produces a fifth of the planet’s oxygen and contains a fifth of the earth’s fresh water. There are 15,000 known animal species, 1800 species of butterflies, 2000 species of fish, and four types of big cats. One quarter of the world’s 8600 bird species live in the Amazon. The Amazon River system is the planet’s largest body of fresh water, and besides the Amazon River, there are 1100 tributaries with over 48,000 miles of navigable rivers.

Explore traveling to the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest in this multi-media presentation. Two of the top lodges are highlighted, The Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge and the Cristalino Lodge.

Travelers Say:

“We contacted Jill with a request for a vacation that would be very focused on the nature of the Amazon forest. She came back with a recommendation for a river cruise up the Rio Negro, which was a great match to our request. We had a terrific trip; all arrangements were well handled, and when bad weather threatened our departure, Jill was working with us on a back-up plan (fortunately unneeded, but reassuring to know there was one). We would love to work with Jill again for a trip to Brazil. We had a very special experience there.”
CRAIG OWENS (CFO Campbell’s Soup Company)

“I know of no one who has been involved longer or more successfully with ecotourism in the Amazon than Jill Siegel. I recommend her enthusiastically!”
Mark Plotkin, Ph.D. – Author “Tale’s of A Shaman’s Apprentice”
Ethnobotanist and President,
Amazon Conservation Team

Feel free to contact Jill for a custom designed itinerary to the Amazon and beyond.

March 12, 2017

Best of Brazil – A New Year’s Journey

Jill Siegel

Best of Brazil Itinerary – A New Year’s Journey

Itinerary Details: Suggested length – 12 to 15 Days
Itinerary Highlights: Manaus, The Amazon, Salvador da Bahia, Trancoso, Rio de Janeiro.

Your journey will be a private, customized travel experience, based on your individual schedule,
interests and budget. Now is the time to start planning your trip to ring in the year 2018!

Contact Jill and begin planning your journey: Click Here

March 2, 2017

Caiman Ecological Refuge

Jill Siegel

The Caiman Ecological Refuge is a sustainable eco-lodge located on a 53,000 hectare ranch in the heart of the Brazilian wetlands called the Pantanal. The flood plane is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to more than 650 species, thousands of varieties of butterflies, 80 species of mammals and more than 250 species of fish. In 2000, the Pantanal wetland was designated a World Natural Heritage and World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

Guests staying at the Caiman Lodge have the unique opportunity to see the elusive jaguars. Projeto Onçafari is a non-profit conservation initiative that aims to promote ecotourism in the Pantanal by habituating Jaguars in order for guests to witness the fascinating behavior of these beautiful animals from a safari vehicle.

Most recently, clients of mine saw four jaguars on their very first day at the lodge and I was thrilled to receive the following photo from them.

The Caiman Ecological Refuge is considered the premier lodge in the region and is a must stop on any wildlife enthusiasts’ itinerary. I recommend at least 3 nights and 4 days at the lodge.

Contact Jill for itinerary planning and reservations.

January 12, 2017

The Vines Resort & Spa – Mendoza

Jill Siegel

Have you ever dreamed of owning a private vineyard? The Vines of Mendoza, set amidst 1,500 acres in the Uco Valley, has been making this dream come true for wine lovers since 2004. The Vines Resort & Spa affords guests the opportunity to enjoy everything The Vines has to offer while comfortably accommodated in one of their rustic chic one bedroom, one bedroom deluxe or two bedroom private villas. With views of the Andes Mountains from the floor to ceiling panoramic windows or enjoyed from your outdoor clay tub on your private deck, the setting could not be more spectacular.

World renowned Argentina master chef Francis Mallmann is at the helm of the Siete Fuegos Restaurant that features regional inspired fare including traditional asado feasts–of course paired with the Vines own Malbec wines.

Spend your days learning about wine making from decorated expert Santiago Achaval or set out on horseback with one of the Vines’ resident gauchos. Relax with a massage in the spa or take a yoga class followed by a dip in the infinity pool. You can fly fish on the Rio Mendoza or hit the Andes slopes heli-skiing. The Vines resident concierge will help you create the perfect balance of activities and relaxation.

Many of my clients enjoy experiencing a combination itinerary including Brazil, Argentina and Chile. Mendoza is the perfect stop over destination between Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile. This type of itinerary can begin in Rio de Janeiro then move on to Iguacu Falls, Buenos Aires, Mendoza and finally Santiago. In this way it is not necessary to back track to any of the destinations for air connections.

Call Jill Siegel and have her create the perfect custom designed itinerary for you.