Búzios, Rio de Janeiro

Registration begins Monday, April 5 at 11 a.m. EDT.

God has opened the doors for a second Feast site in Brazil this year to accommodate newly called Brazilian brethren and prospective brethren that live in the southern part of Brazil. This would be the first time some of them will attend a Sabbath service with other brethren of like mind, not to mention that it will be their first Feast ever. This is our opportunity to share of ourselves at church services, at meals and at activities with other Feastgoers, as well as attend all services and reflect on the messages that we will hear. It is an opportunity to set a tremendous example of godliness and to make sure we include the new in the faith by sitting with them, making the effort to talk with them, and making sure that families help families. Remember: We get out of the Feast what we put into the Feast as we give of ourselves. The Church is also helping them financially as their resources are very limited.    

This new site will be at Búzios Beach Resort, state of Rio de Janeiro, which is about 100 miles from the capital, Rio de Janeiro (approximately three hours’ drive from Rio’s main international airport, Galeão, airport code GIG). The Búzios region is one of the best quality and most sought areas in Brazil, while far enough from the populous Rio de Janeiro city. Currently Buzios has no COVID-19 deaths due to the early treatment protocol that the municipality has taken. The resort itself is 15 minutes from the Búzios town and its main tourist attractions with local shops and restaurants, such as Rua das Pedras and Orla Bardot.

The resort consists of condominiums or little villas spread-out around a set of swimming pools, with various sporting activities available on-site, such as tennis courts, beach volleyball, archery, putt-putt, etc. Most major sports activities are included in the price, except for a few activities, such as ten-pin bowling, spa/massages, and tours that you may want book. There is a travel agency at the hotel to book and pay for tours, such as city sightseeing, boat tours, diving, etc. For more details search for ‘Buzios Beach Resort’ on YouTube. 

Services will be held every morning at 10 a.m., except on Monday, Sept. 27, which will be at 3:30 p.m. Additional Bible studies will be held most evenings before supper. On the Eighth Day/Last Great Day (Sept. 28) there will be services in the morning (10 a.m.) and afternoon (2 p.m.). The messages will be in English with mutual translation into Portuguese.

Prices and exchange rate: The Brazilian currency is Reais (R$) and as per current exchange rate, you can divide Reais by 5.5 to get the approximate U.S. dollar equivalent. The prices listed for the housing options (found under Housing Info) may change slightly with fluctuating exchange rates. Call the hotel contact listed with the housing information to get a current price as reflected by current exchange rates from Reais to Dollar.

Dietary restrictions & health: The hotel caters for gluten-free and lactose concerns. A dietitian is also available for additional personal dietary restrictions. The Festival coordinator will need to submit to the hotel a summary room list of all attendees 25 days before the Feast, with name, passport number and date of birth for hotel check-in purposes. Dietary restrictions or any other special needs will also need to be supplied to the Festival coordinator to be included in the check-in room list.  

Travel considerations: For latest travel information to Brazil visit https://br.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/. Go to section “Entry and Exit Requirements for travel to Brazil.” The information below is valid at time of printing, but please check this website before traveling as requirements are subject to change at short notice.  

Travelers to Brazil must present the following to the airline before boarding: 

1) Traveler’s Health Declaration filled out (in print or digitally) agreeing compliance to Brazilian sanitary measures. The form is available at: https://formulario.anvisa.gov.br/?lang=en. The form asks you to enter your name and email. You will then be provided a link to enter your declaration that you will comply to Brazil health laws (listed in the link), your personal details (such as name, gender, passport number) and flight details. This declaration must be made within 72 hours prior to the moment of boarding. This Health Declaration must be presented when you check-in for your international flight.  

2) Negative COVID-19 (RT-PCR) test with a negative/non-reactive result, performed within 72 hours prior to the moment of boarding. Children under 12 do not require a PCR test.

Returning to U.S., negative PCR tests are required. PCR tests may be done in Rio or São Paulo’s international airports. The tests cost R$350 (about $60 at current exchange rates) and may be done at all hours of the day or night. The results are available within three hours if done in São Paulo’s airport and within 24 hours if done in Rio’s airport.

The are no longer visa requirements for U.S. passport holders.

Various car hire companies are available at the airport. Taxis, private courtesy vehicles and bus services also run from the Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão airport to Búzios. Use a search engine with the following keywords to make your choices: “transfer from Galeão airport to Búzios beach resort.” 

Electricity: Electricity at this Búzios Beach Resort is 220V. Typically cell phone and PC chargers are dual voltage. Brazil/US adaptors are available at Amazon or electronic stores for about U.S. $10. The rooms have a hair dryer, refrigerator and an ironing board.  

Registration and Reservation: Register through the UCG website. Your confirmation email will also provide further instructions to contact the hotel to get the special rate quoted above (there may be slight discrepancies due to fluctuating exchange rates) which includes three meals and exemption from extra service charges. With additional questions, please email the coordinator, Jorge de Campos at jorge_decampos@ucg.org or call him at (513) 907-9774.