Tips

· Money

The most practical and cheapest way to buy the local currency, Real, is to use cash machines There is one at the Airport and one can use any bank pass with Maestro or Cirrus. The exchange rate is about 10 % better than changing cash money.

· Airport transport

If wanted, airport pickup from and to the airport by an English speaker can be arranged.

· Caretakers (in Cumbuco)

When one needs things taken care off and one wants to speak to an English speaker one is available in Cumbuco. The guest are normally taken care of by a local Brazilian family that live in a caretaker's house next to Casa Colibri. Amongst other things they clean the rooms every day and optionally can take care of breakfast in the morning (against extra fee).

· Transport and Car rental

Between Fortaleza and the center of Cumbuco, which is about 800 meters from Casa Colibri, there are frequent busses. There are many Car Rental Agencies in Fortaleza. The standard cars here are a Volkswagen Gol (looks like a Polo) and the Fiat Palio, which cost about 70 Reais (= € 20) per day. Those that would like to explore the dunes and the beach can rent a buggy which is perfect for this type of terrain. The daily rental is about 100 Reais per day (= € 30). It is strongly recommended to bring an International Driver's license that is valid in Brazil.

· Security

Cumbuco is a very safe holiday destination. Normal precautions are sufficient here and theft is not common. Compared to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo crime is low in Fortaleza, but still it is better to be safe than sorry, so be cautious like you would be in any big city in the world..

· Flights

There are direct flights from Europe to Fortaleza (including charters) from Holland (Martinair), Switzerland (from Mulhouse and Zürich) and Portugal (TAP).