Brazil trip FAQ

1.   What is done on board the boat?
2.   Is it safe to swim in the river?
3.   What should I pack?
4.   What Immunizations do I need to travel to Brazil?
5.   Am I covered under insurance?
6.   What does the cost cover?  Any extra costs?
7.   Will a non-medically trained individual have work opportunities on this trip?
8.   How do I get my Visa application?
9.   If I am not a U.S. Citizen what documents do I need?
10. What language(s) is spoken and will there be translators on the trip?
11. What happens if someone gets sick and needs immediate hospital attention?

1.   What is done on board the boat?

After arriving in Manaus everyone is transported from the airport to the boat that we will be traveling on for the next 8 days. Hammocks and mosquito nets will be passed out and a brief run down of the trip will take place along with safety instructions.

The boat is a 2 story and 64 foot vessel. There are 2 bathrooms and showers with a separate sink area for all to share. There are 5 guest rooms with bunk beds on the first floor and a covered sleeping area upstairs where hammocks are hung. Bottled water (similar to Sparkletts) is provided for all to drink from.

Each day we travel to a village along the Amazon or Rio Negro. Before heading out for the day we start out with a short worship on the boat. In each village we set-up medical and dental clinics, a pharmacy, and a children’s arts and crafts area. Our local Brazilian medical team, along with the American team, begin to see patients after they go through triage. We do break for lunch.

After clinic there is time for the mission group to relax, swim, go on short adventures through the jungle, and or spend time with the locals. After dinner our group will provide a short spiritual or medical talk for the villagers or join them for their evening services.

The boat crew

• There is a local captain and his crew that know the river very well and they are with us for the duration of the trip. While we are working in the villages they use this time to tidy up the boat.
  
• We have two cooks that are on the boat that prepare local traditional (vegetarian) meals. All food is prepared with clean bottled water and is safe to eat.

Saturday events
Saturday we plan to go to a local Seventh Day Adventist Church in one of the villages or in a larger city. Then we spend the day traveling back to Manaus or enjoy some relaxing time on or swimming in the river.

Last day of trip
The last day is spent in the city of Manaus site seeing, shopping, and taking in the cultural sites that city has to offer. We finish off with the famous all-you-can-eat Brazilian pizza dinner before heading back to the airport and saying good-bye to our new friends.

2.   Is it safe to swim in the river?

Yes, the rivers are safe to swim in. If the captains are unaware of the area they will ask the local villagers before they allow us to swim.

3.   What should I pack?

see attached list

4.   What Immunizations do I need to travel to Brazil?

The required immunizations for this trip are Yellow Fever and Malaria medications. You must have a copy of your Yellow Fever papers before you leave for Brazil and keep them with you as you travel.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends:

• Routine shots- measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diptheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, ect.
• Hepatitus A/B
• Typhoid
• Rabies

5.   Am I covered under insurance?

When traveling with Loma Linda University you will be covered with insurance - see the MEDEX paperwork

6.   What does the cost of the trip cover?  Any extra costs?

•  
  • Flight
  • Transportation in Brazil
  • Housing in Brazil
  • Food in Brazil
  • Group sight seeing activities
  • Tip for boat crew
  • EXTRA COST – Brazilian Visa, photo for visa, Immunizations, Passport, personal shopping

7.   Will a non-medically trained individual have work opportunities on this trip?

Yes, there are many opportunities for individuals who don’t have medical training on this trip. They can be trained in taking vitals, work with the children, help in pharmacy, assist the doctors/dentists, and much more.

8.   How do I get my Visa application?

We will set meetings with the group before we leave on the trip. At this time we will have the visa application for you and help you fill the forms out. You will need to provide a standard PASSPORT photo for the application. If you are a California resident we will be able to turn in the application for you. If you don’t you will need to contact your local Brazilian Consulate so you can make arrangements to get the application to them. If you are a U.S. citizen the cost is $140 (subject to change). Cost to those who are citizens from other countries will vary. You can go to the official Brazilian Consulate website to find the cost. www.brazilian-consulate.org

9.   If I am not a U.S. Citizen what documents do I need?

•  
  • Current passport
  • Current Student Visa or
  • Permanent Resident Card

10. What language(s) is spoken and will there be translators on the trip?

The language is Portuguese and yes, there will be translators. We recommend you bring a small Portuguese/English dictionary or Portuguese phrase book.

11. What happens if someone gets sick and needs immediate hospital attention?

We have local MDs with us who are very knowledgeable in the local diseases/sicknesses. They will be able to attend the sick individual until we get to the nearest hospital. Each individual is covered by insurance if anything serious may occur.