1st Latin American Conference on Research and Innovation for Health
Location, Geography and Climate
Transfers to the Sheraton Hotel
1. Location, Geography and Climate
The city of Rio de Janeiro is the capital of the State of Rio de Janeiro and part of the Southeastern Region of Brazil. To the south lies the Atlantic Ocean, to the east Guanabara Bay (Baía de Guanabara) and to the west Sepetiba Bay (Baía de Sepetiba).
The weather is tropical, warm and humid, with local variations, due to differences in altitude, vegetation and proximity to the ocean; the average temperature in April varies from 22°C to 27°C, with occasional rains. For updated information please see the weather forecast online:
Rio Weather Forecast
2. Venue
The Conference will be held in the Sheraton hotel where participants will be staying. The Sheraton Hotel is about 40 minutes by car from the Rio de Janeiro airport (Galeão Airport). It offers full comfort and facilities in a stunning location, at the end of Leblon beach. Details can be found on the Sheraton’s website:
Sheraton Rio de Janeiro
Adress: Avenida Niemeyer 121 – Leblon • Rio De Janeiro 22450-220 • Brazil
Phone: +55 21 227 411 22
Fax: +55 21 227480 42
E-Mail: reservas.rio@sheraton.com
The conference package includes lunch during the three days of the meeting as well as coffee breaks. A welcome cocktail will take place on the Tuesday 15 April in the hotel’s garden and a dinner will be offered on the Thursday 17 April in a very special venue, in Rio’s oldest neighbourhood.
3. Hotel Accommodation
A block booking has been made at the Sheraton Hotel for participants for the duration of the Conference. A preferential daily rate, including buffet breakfast, starting from US$155 for a single/double room, has been negotiated for participants (taxes not included). Check in time is 15.00 hours and check out time is 12 noon. (Can differ depending on room’s availability)
To book at preferential rates, please fill in the form and send it back by email or fax.
Major international credit cards, such as American Express, Visa and Master Card, are accepted by the hotel.
4. Transfers to the Sheraton Hotel
Participants should go to the COOTRAMO desk to take a taxi to Sheraton. The desk is located in the arrival halls. The cost is R$ 83 which is currently US$ 47. For return to the airport, participants should take a taxi from the hotel.
5. Visas
Please refer to the list to enquire about visas. List of countries
Brazilian consulates abroad can be found on the following website Brazil – Consulates in the world
6. Currency
The currency of Brazil is Real (R$). The UN exchange rate for January 2008 is US$1.00 = Real 1.78. However this rate is subject to change by April 2008. Major international credit cards, such as American Express, Visa and Master Card, are accepted by the hotel.
Banks and exchange bureau charge a commission on exchange transactions, which the visitor should check beforehand. As elsewhere, the rates of exchange for cash and travellers’ cheques are marginally different, and coins are not exchangeable. Money changers are obliged by law to display net rates of exchange. Receipt notes must be issued by law; it is advisable to keep these until after departure. Change can be made at the Sheraton as well.
7. Vaccinations
Participants who come from or have already visited a yellow fever infected areas should have valid vaccination certificates.
We recommend that all participants would be vaccinated to yellow fever at least 10 days before coming to Brazil and carry their vaccination card with them as this may be requested by Customs officials.
Should you require medical assistance, Rio de Janeiro has qualified doctors and the Sheraton can contact one for you.
8. Electricity
The electricity current at the Sheraton Rio de Janeiro is 220 volts.
9. Dress
Informality is the keynote in Rio de Janeiro in terms of dress. The use of jackets and ties for men is restricted almost exclusively to offices. A lightweight wrap or jacket is often needed as the major hotels, restaurants and bars, as well as the subway and most taxis, are air-conditioned.
10. Transport
Taxis
You will find the COOTRAMO (blue taxis) information desk inside the airport. There you can arrange your taxi transportation. The price from the airport to the Sheraton Hotel is fixed to R$83 (approximately US$47). They operate on a 24 hours basis.
Buses
Although you may find buses with air conditioners and good service from the airport to the hotel, we advise you to choose a taxi cab.
11. Tourism
Various tours can be arranged at the Guest Relations desk of the Hotel Sheraton for participants who wish to extend their stay in Brazil.
Tourist Information
Alô Rio – A Tour Information Service which operates in English as well as Spanish.
Phone: +55 21 2542-8080, 2542-8004, 0800-285 0555
Mon-Fri 9am-6pm
12. Safety and Security
As in any other city in the world of the size of Rio de Janeiro, the key to a stay with no incident is to protect yourself from pickpockets and carry as little cash and as few valuables as possible. Jewellery should be kept to a minimum.
The Rio de Janeiro military police and the municipal guard corps have stations and reporting centres. In case of need, do contact the hotel Front Desk for guidance and assistance.
Participants Travelling with Spouse
If any participant intends to bring his/her spouse to Rio de Janeiro, he/she is advised to arrange appropriate visas, make travel arrangements and bookings.
- http://www.riodejaneiro-turismo.com.br/pt/ Rio de Janeiro Tourism
- http://www.brasil.gov.br/ Government’s official website
- http://www.who.int/ith/en/ International travel and health
