2010 BEEF Study Tour to South America

February 2nd through 15th, 2010

For another consecutive year Brazilian Liaison has the pleasure to present the 2010 BEEF Study tour to South America in partnership with BEEF Magazine and the Beef Quality Assurance Program (MSU) directed by Professor and journalist Mr. Clint Peck.

The tour will begin in São Paulo, Brazil, the biggest city in South America. Venturing off to Campo Grande, the capital of Mato Grosso do Sul State in Western-central Brazil, the #1 State in beef production with 50,000 producers and a herd of 120 million. The group will meet with researchers of EMBRAPA (Brazilian Enterprise for Agricultural Research) and have an orientation meeting about the beef industry in Brazil, the latest word on pasture. We’ll enjoy an evening at an auction.

Experience the natural beauty Brazilian ranchers are using in order to have a sustainable production, including a rural/eco tourist program to their ranch activities. A prime destination is Fazenda Rio da Prata, where we’ll be spending the day. We will have a conversation with the manager, be taken on a toured horse-back ride Brazilian-style cowboy, taste regional food and go snorkeling down the Prata River, known for its crystal blue waters and diverse species of fish.

The Pantanal region is a unique kind of marshland in the world where beautiful sunsets and wildlife are part of the scenery. Here we will experience the “pantaneiro” hospitality. Amongst the places we’ll visit is the Paraguayan-border historic town of Bela Vista where beef production is a tradition transferred through generations, we‘ll spend a day on a family-owned and operated ranch and learn how they live and work.

Meeting with local producers associations is on the plan before we head to Rio de Janeiro to experience what the “wonderful city” has to offer. We will overnight at a hotel on the legendary “Copacabana Beach” and visit the “Christ The Redeemer” statue, elected one of the seventh modern wonders of the word.

The rich Pampas area of Argentina offers not only the Cactus plant, but also the remarkable Liniers Market. Meet with local ranches and beef producers. Visit a supermarket to see how they sell their beef. The tour will end in Buenos Aires with a day for relaxation, fine dinner and a Tango Show.

Our goal is to show the whole chain of the beef production and market, from genetics to seedstock, while immersing into the South American culture with must-see tourist stops with fun and relaxation in two busy weeks. Be prepared to savor a decent amount of beef, including the tantalizing Brazilian Churrasco – served on big skewers, and the notorious Argentinian “Asado”, a true experience of the South American flavorful cuisine.

All of the above is accompanied by the Brazilian Liaison herself, Mrs. Renata Stephens, Mr. Clint Peck, renowned South American expert journalist, hoping to have the presence of Mr. Joe Roybal, chief editor of BEEF Magazine, again this year.

Clint Peck has a degree in Agricultural Production and has been professionally writing news and feature articles about the U.S. beef industry since 1981 focusing on global beef supply chains. He has taught “Global Beef Systems” at the university level. He specializes in beef production in Latin American counties and has made numerous trips to Brazil studying the Brazilian cattle beef industry.

Renata Stephens is a Brazilian citizen living in the U.S. She has a degree in Language and Literature and worked as an English teacher, translator and interpreter for 15 years in Brazil. She owns a ranching property in Brazil and is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish and English. She has organized and participated in numerous tours and seminars focusing on Brazilian beef production. www.brazilianliaison.com.

We hope you can join us on this trip of a lifetime!

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Feb 2 – Tue – U.S. to Sao Paulo, Brazil (InFlight Dinner)
Participants gather in Miami early afternoon.
Overnight flight from Miami to São Paulo, Brazil (JJ8091 7:20PM-5:35AM)

Feb 3 – Wed – Sao Paulo – Campo Grande (B, D)
Early arrival, domestic flight to Campo Grande - hotel check-in
Afternoon ranch visit
Welcome dinner
Overnight: Jandaia Hotel
www.jandaia.com.br/entrada-ing.htm

Feb 4 – Thursday – Campo Grande (B,L)
Morning: Visit EMBRAPA
Lunch at Costelaria Gaúcho Gastão
www.gauchogastao.com.br
Afternoon: Ranch visit
Evening: Auction Correia da Costa
Overnight: Jandaia Hotel

Feb 5 – Fri – Campo Grande– Jardim - Bela Vista (B, L,D)
Early departure. Recanto Ecológico Rio da Prata – snorkeling & ranch visit;
Late afternoon transfer to Bela Vista
Overnight: Pousada Princesa do Apa
www.pousadaprincesadoapa.com.br

Feb 6 – Sat – Bela Vista (B,L,D)
Ranch visit full day
Dinner: restaurant in town
Overnight: Pousada Princesa do Apa

Feb 7 – Sun – Bela Vista – Campo Grande – Rio de Janeiro (B,D)
Early morning transfer
Afternoon flight to Rio (JJ3773/JJ3936 – 1:00PM- 4:00 PM)
Dinner at Porção Rio’s Steak House

Overnight: Hotel Excelsior, Rio de Janeiro

Feb 8 – Mon– Rio de Janeiro (B,L)
City Tour
Night flight to Buenos Aires (JJ8002 9:00PM – 12:20 AM)

Feb 9 – Tues - Buenos Aires (B,D)
Hotel check –in
City Tour followed by an Argentine beef industry orientation with a guest speaker
Dinner: Estilo Campo Steak House
www.estilo-campo.com.ar
Overnight: NH Lancaster

Feb 10– Wed– Buenos Aires (B, D)
Morning: Mercado Leniers
Rest of day for leisure
Dinner
Overnight: NH Lancaster

Feb 11 – Thurs–Buenos Aires - San Luiz –Villa Mercedez (B,D)
Mornign flight to San Luiz (AR1486 -10:10 – 10:40AM)
Transfer to Villa Mercedez
Visit Cactus Argentina
Dinner at hotel
Overnight : Amerian Palace and Casino
www.amerianpalacehotel.com.ar

Feb 12 – Friday – Villa Mercedes (B)
Morning ranch visit
Afternoon supermarket visit
Overnight: Amerian Palace and Casino

Feb 13 – Sat - Villa Mercedez – Buenos Aires (B,D)
Mornign transfer to San Luis for flight to Buenos Aires (AR1486 11:10Am- 2:50PM)
Rest of the day for relaxation
Farewell dinner and show Senor Tango
www.senortango.com.ar
Overnight: NH Lancaster

Feb 14 – Sun – Buenos Aires – USA (B, In Flight Dinner)
All day at leisure
Overnight flight to Miami

Feb 15 – Mon – USA (B)
Arrival in the U.S.A.

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The above itinerary is subject to change for the improvement of the tour and due to availability of technical visits and weather considerations.
Space is limited to 25 participants

SIGN UP FORM..Click on icon (left) for a .PDF Sign up form for the tour

Investment:

US $5,500.00 per person

Includes:
Roundtrip International airfare (U.S.- Brazil – Argentina- U.S.) in economy class
Domestic flights within Brazil and Argentina in economy class
2-3 meals a day as per itinerary
Air-conditioned private ground transportation
Tourist class hotel accommodation (based on double/twin occupancy)
Transfers to/from airports and hotels
Tours and professional visits as noted
Tour escorts : Brazilian Liaison staff / Portuguese, English and Spanish interpreter, and BEEF Magazine & MSU representatives
Air and hotel taxes

NOT included in the Tour Price:
Domestic flights within USA/Canada (Brazilian Liaison can provide domestic add-ons from your home airport).
Visa to Brazil.
Porterage at airports and hotels.
Optional tours (Helicopter tour, etc).
Beverages with meals (unless specified).
Hotel incidentals (minibar, phone calls, laundry, etc.)
Meals not mentioned/included in itinerary.
Tips/Gratuities to local guides/drivers.
Travel medical and/or cancellation insurance.

 

Contact information:
Renata Stephens
P.O.Box 243
Long Lake, MN 55356-9444
Tel./Fax: 763-972-8080
Cell. 612-802-2388
email: renata@BrazilianLiaison.com

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Passport and Visa Information
Each participant must have a passport. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure.  If you do not currently have a passport, you must apply for one now to avoid any delays. You must have a passport in order to obtain your visa. (Fees for renewing or obtaining a new passport not included in tour price.) Please allow at least three (3) months for passport processing!
A visa is required for entry into Brazil. Once you have signed up and submitted your deposit you will be receiving specific visa sign-up instructions. Brazilian Liaison can help you with your visa application. The visa application must be completed, signed and sent to Brazilian Liaison (or a visa service of your preference), with your passport no later than October 30, 2009. The participant will be responsible for any additional fees should they not apply for the visa by the deadline.

Cancellation:
Cancellation of bookings must be made in writing.
From time of registration to 11 days prior to departure - Brazilian Liaison is committed to return any funds which are not required by suppliers (airlines, hotels, etc.) cancellation policies. Each supplier has a different cancellation agreement, so please feel free to ask for a list of cancellation policies for the 2010 BEEF Study tour.
10 days to day of departure and no show – no monies are returned.

Travel Insurance:
Brazilian Liaison recommends you to have travel/cancellation insurance. If you would like a quote contact KET BOE at 763-754-1879 or by email:ketboe@msn.com. Please contact her prior to sending your sing-up form, as some insurance companies require purchase of travel/ cancellation insurance at time of registration.

Tour Conditions and Limitation:
The responsibility of Beef Magazine, - herein after referred to as Penton Media - and Brazilian Liaison herein after referred to as BL - and its tour agents is strictly limited. They act only as agents for the passengers in regard to hotels, transportation (whether by railroad, motor coach, private car, steamship, aircraft, or any other conveyance), sightseeing and other services, and as such assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity, which may be caused either by reason of defect, through the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passengers or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour or as a direct or indirect result of acts of nature, dangers incident to the sea, fire, breakdown in machinery, or equipment, acts of governments or other authorities, dejure or de facto, wars, whether declared or not, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, theft, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, or from any causes beyond their control, or from any loss or damage resulting from improper passports, visas, or other documents. Nor shall any carrier have to incur liability as a common carrier. Penton Media/BL can accept no responsibility for loss or additional expenses due to delay or changes in schedule or other causes. All rates are based on tariffs in effect at the time the tour was planned and are subject to change in the event of adjustment therein. Baggage is carried at the owner's risk and baggage insurance is recommended. The issuance of tickets and vouchers shall be deemed to be consent to the above conditions. Further, airlines used are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time the passenger is not on board the aircraft or conveyances. The passenger tickets in use by the airline(s) when issued shall constitute the sole contract between such airlines and the purchasers of these tickets and/or the passenger. Penton Media/ BL and its tour agents reserve the right to make changes for the betterment of the tour group or reasons beyond their control. Penton Media/BL and its tour agents are not responsible or liable for loss, damage, or theft of luggage and/or personal belongings, so please be sure to have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage, or theft. Many people and companies are involved in the planning and provision of your tour. Hotels or transport services are provided in your tour arrangements over which there is no direct control.