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Author Topic:   Travel - Brazil
Straggler
Member
Posts: 10333
From: London England
Joined: 09-30-2006


Message 1 of 14 (498068)
02-07-2009 7:00 PM


I am not sure if this is the place for this sort of thing.....
But anyway.
I am hoping to go to Brazil for a couple of weeks prior to Easter. Rio mainly but possibly elsewhere depending on time and funds. Igauzu is particularly high on the agenda if feasible as a trip from a base in Rio.
I would therefore like to ask EvC members -
1) Can anyone reccommend any cheap (backpacker/hostel/cheap hotel) type places in Rio for accommodation?
2) Any advice in general on Brazil as a country/culture?
3) Anyone specifically been to Iguazu from Rio? What is the best way to do it?
4) I often use a Lonely Planet book as a vague guide on my travels. I like the format and am familiar with the terminology, maps etc. But the most recent LP for Brazil/Rio seems to be over a year old. Any other suggestions with regard to guide books for Brazil/Rio which will be more up to date?

Replies to this message:
 Message 2 by NosyNed, posted 02-08-2009 1:51 AM Straggler has not replied
 Message 5 by fallacycop, posted 02-12-2009 12:26 AM Straggler has replied
 Message 8 by Parasomnium, posted 02-12-2009 6:18 PM Straggler has not replied

  
NosyNed
Member
Posts: 8996
From: Canada
Joined: 04-04-2003


Message 2 of 14 (498085)
02-08-2009 1:51 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by Straggler
02-07-2009 7:00 PM


Brazil
My daughter and I were in Brazil for about 4 weeks last April/May. We both loved it!!
The locals exhibit a fair amount of concern about safety in Rio. There is reason for that. But I was out at night and never felt very worried nor did I have or hear of any problems. But do use some caution.
We were in Rio for a few days (not enough but saw the high lights). And traveled down to Iguzu. It is very beautiful. We spent 3 days there. However, 1 day is really enough to see the better part of it. The Argentine side is better than the Brazilian side.
We were on a Gap Adventures tour so we were in middle/lowish hotels but not as cheap as hostel etc.
Iguazu is a l o n g way from Rio. We were on buses (cheaper way) and we were a few hours down the coast to Paraty (lovly little town) over night there (2 nights) and then on the bus for over 24 solid hours to Iguazu. I don't think there is a cheaper way. Brazil is very big for only 2 weeks. Very big.
Can't help you on guidebooks.
Hotel Bandeirantes, was the hotel we stayed at. It was fine but I think well over a 100 $ (not reals) a night regular rates. There is an internet cafe nearby so you can keep up with EvC and more than one lavanderia (laundry service) nearby (generally do NOT use the hotels they charge way too much).
Rio is a cidade maraveloso (marvelous city). Unbelievable setting.
We went on the Rocinha favela tour for a few hours (about 70$ as I recall). It is the largest slum in latin america and an interesting experience. Well conducted.
Of couse you should go up Pao de acucar (sugar loaf) and Correvado (where the giant christ statue is.) Magnificent views!
We also spent a few days out deep in the Pantenal (the worlds largest swamp) and a couple of days in Bonito ( in a wonderful country setting). Ouro Preto is an hours plane ride and an hour or so's bus ride from Rio and is a fascinting old colonial town. But 2 weeks isn't very long.
You will LOVE the bikinis on the beachs of Rio.

This message is a reply to:
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Replies to this message:
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Artemis Entreri 
Suspended Member (Idle past 4228 days)
Posts: 1194
From: Northern Virginia
Joined: 07-08-2008


Message 3 of 14 (498323)
02-09-2009 5:04 PM


the hos are hot, but wear a condom.

Replies to this message:
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onifre
Member (Idle past 2950 days)
Posts: 4854
From: Dark Side of the Moon
Joined: 02-20-2008


Message 4 of 14 (498458)
02-10-2009 7:30 PM
Reply to: Message 3 by Artemis Entreri
02-09-2009 5:04 PM


the hos are hot
I think you meant "hoes". However, "hoes" are hot everywhere, and you should ALWAYS wear a condom with them.

This message is a reply to:
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fallacycop
Member (Idle past 5520 days)
Posts: 692
From: Fortaleza-CE Brazil
Joined: 02-18-2006


Message 5 of 14 (498587)
02-12-2009 12:26 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by Straggler
02-07-2009 7:00 PM


1) Can anyone reccommend any cheap (backpacker/hostel/cheap hotel) type places in Rio for accommodation?
Try hostelling international
Page not found - HI USA
2) Any advice in general on Brazil as a country/culture?
I am Brazillian. What do you wanna know?
Please beware of muggers while in Rio. I'm not kidding
3) Anyone specifically been to Iguazu from Rio? What is the best way to do it?
Iguau (That's how we spell it) is quite a way away from Rio. I would go by plane.
4) I often use a Lonely Planet book as a vague guide on my travels. I like the format and am familiar with the terminology, maps etc. But the most recent LP for Brazil/Rio seems to be over a year old. Any other suggestions with regard to guide books for Brazil/Rio which will be more up to date?
Can't help you there. There aren't many choices. Lonely planet is probabily one of the best ones (even if a little outdated).

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Straggler, posted 02-07-2009 7:00 PM Straggler has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 10 by Straggler, posted 02-13-2009 3:15 PM fallacycop has replied

  
fallacycop
Member (Idle past 5520 days)
Posts: 692
From: Fortaleza-CE Brazil
Joined: 02-18-2006


Message 6 of 14 (498588)
02-12-2009 12:45 AM
Reply to: Message 2 by NosyNed
02-08-2009 1:51 AM


Re: Brazil
The Argentine side is better than the Brazilian side.
I second that
Brazil is very big for only 2 weeks. Very big.
Bigger then the 48 contiguos states of US, but smaller then the US's total area. For some reason many americans seem really surprised when they hear that.
Hotel Bandeirantes, was the hotel we stayed at. It was fine but I think well over a 100 $ (not reals) a night regular rates. There is an internet cafe nearby so you can keep up with EvC and more than one lavanderia (laundry service) nearby (generally do NOT use the hotels they charge way too much).
For 100 US$ one should be able to get a hotel with free wireless connection. Usefull for someone who decides to bring a laptop.
BTW the plural of 'real' is 'reais'.
Rio is a cidade maraveloso (marvelous city). Unbelievable setting.
You mean 'Cidade Maravilhosa'.
Of couse you should go up Pao de acucar (sugar loaf) and Correvado (where the giant christ statue is.) Magnificent views!
'Po de Aucar' and 'Corcovado'.
We also spent a few days out deep in the Pantenal
'Pantanal'.
Sorry if I anoyed you with my corrections.
Edited by fallacycop, : fix quote boxes.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 2 by NosyNed, posted 02-08-2009 1:51 AM NosyNed has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 7 by NosyNed, posted 02-12-2009 9:56 AM fallacycop has not replied

  
NosyNed
Member
Posts: 8996
From: Canada
Joined: 04-04-2003


Message 7 of 14 (498634)
02-12-2009 9:56 AM
Reply to: Message 6 by fallacycop
02-12-2009 12:45 AM


Re: Brazil
BTW the plural of 'real' is 'reais'.
Eu sei, mais Straggler nao entendasse "reais".
You mean 'Cidade Maravilhosa'.
Sigh, eu nao escrevo bem em Ingles tambem.
lol, I don't mind being corrected at all. I shouldn't just type but should have checked too. But I can get the cedillas etc. in when using firefox (at least not easily).
Obrigado

This message is a reply to:
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Parasomnium
Member
Posts: 2224
Joined: 07-15-2003


Message 8 of 14 (498674)
02-12-2009 6:18 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by Straggler
02-07-2009 7:00 PM


Trace Darwin?
I have never been to Brazil, so I can't advise you on exact places to go. But Darwin did visit Brazil, so maybe in the interest of having a good story to tell when you return, you could try and find places he's been to. Sort of like a secular pilgrimage.
Currently, I am reading a biography of Darwin by Adrian Desmond & James Moore. I bought it in Down House, Kent, where Darwin lived and wrote The Origin. That's the kind of pilgrimage I have in mind, but grander.
Just a thought. Have fun in Brazil.

This message is a reply to:
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NosyNed
Member
Posts: 8996
From: Canada
Joined: 04-04-2003


Message 9 of 14 (498751)
02-13-2009 1:37 PM



  
Straggler
Member
Posts: 10333
From: London England
Joined: 09-30-2006


Message 10 of 14 (498756)
02-13-2009 3:15 PM
Reply to: Message 5 by fallacycop
02-12-2009 12:26 AM


A Real Brazilian!!!!!!
I am Brazillian.
Cool!!!!
Strag writes:
2) Any advice in general on Brazil as a country/culture?
What do you wanna know?
I am going with a friend who is a black guy. Brazil seems very racially diverse but, as you obvioulsy know the country and culture inside out, I wanna ask if it will be considered at all strange for a very white (blond haired and inevitably sunburnt - i.e. me) and a very black (he looks like an African heavy weight boxer) to be hanging out together?
I was also wondering how, as obvious tourists, we can avoid being ripped off as much as possible?
Also if you can recommend any places in and around Rio to visit or tell me if the trip from Rio to Sau Paulo is worth doing that would be really useful.
Finally (for now) how can I get tickets for a football match!!!???
Gotta see some football in Brazil!!!!!!
Please beware of muggers while in Rio. I'm not kidding
I have been told this about a lot of places that I have visited (Georgetown Guyana, Jamaica, Moscow, Harare, Phnom Penh Cambodia, etc. etc. etc. Even London where I live) but I have rarely had any real cause for concern. The US is where I have in many ways felt most vulnerable!!
Is Rio particularly dangerous and are there parts of it where we should just not go?
Iguau (That's how we spell it) is quite a way away from Rio. I would go by plane.
Yep I have come to that conclusion too.
Lonely planet is probabily one of the best ones (even if a little outdated).
Bought it today along with flight tickets.
So I am def going.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 5 by fallacycop, posted 02-12-2009 12:26 AM fallacycop has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 11 by fallacycop, posted 02-14-2009 2:40 AM Straggler has replied

  
fallacycop
Member (Idle past 5520 days)
Posts: 692
From: Fortaleza-CE Brazil
Joined: 02-18-2006


Message 11 of 14 (498800)
02-14-2009 2:40 AM
Reply to: Message 10 by Straggler
02-13-2009 3:15 PM


Re: A Real Brazilian!!!!!!
I am going with a friend who is a black guy. Brazil seems very racially diverse but, as you obvioulsy know the country and culture inside out, I wanna ask if it will be considered at all strange for a very white (blond haired and inevitably sunburnt - i.e. me) and a very black (he looks like an African heavy weight boxer) to be hanging out together?
No, not necessarily. I would be lying if I said there is no racism in Brazil, but most of the time it is covert in nature (it is not considered socially acceptable) and the level of segregation is smaller than in US. The population is also more mixed than in US. BTW, don't act choked if you hear the word 'negro'. It means black and does not cary the stigma associated with the word 'negger' in english.
I was also wondering how, as obvious tourists, we can avoid being ripped off as much as possible?
It's bound to happen at some level. Just remember that it is normal to negotiate prices when buy things at local markets. If something sounds to expensive, it probabily is. Avoid making haisty decisions, and remember that The dollar is a stronger currency than the real.
Also if you can recommend any places in and around Rio to visit or tell me if the trip from Rio to Sau Paulo is worth doing that would be really useful.
I've been to Rio only a few times (I'm from Fortaleza, which is a city way up in the northeast coast of Brazil). Po de Aucar and Corcovado have indeed unforgetable views but are a little expensive to go to (or may be I was just to poor when I went there?). The best beaches are Copacabana and Ipanema, Barra da Tijuca seems to be popular nowadays but have not been there. Jardin Botnico (botanic garden) is very beatifull. I personally don't like So Paulo very much, but some people love it. Apparently there are many good choices of paces to go at night time. some people just love that. I don't like it there because it takes freaking forever to get to places (18 million people to share space with is not my kind of fun). I would go to Paratí of Petropolis instead (small cities around Rio).
Finally (for now) how can I get tickets for a football match!!!???
Gotta see some football in Brazil!!!!!!
I don't really know, but it shouldn't be hard.
Is Rio particularly dangerous and are there parts of it where we should just not go?
Yes, it is particularly dangerous. There are places the police itself doesn't usually go, and have to sue armored vehicles when they go. The druglords are very well armed and powerfull. Years ago one of them became famous by scaping prison by helicopter.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 10 by Straggler, posted 02-13-2009 3:15 PM Straggler has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 12 by Straggler, posted 04-10-2009 7:55 PM fallacycop has not replied

  
Straggler
Member
Posts: 10333
From: London England
Joined: 09-30-2006


Message 12 of 14 (505374)
04-10-2009 7:55 PM
Reply to: Message 11 by fallacycop
02-14-2009 2:40 AM


Re: A Real Brazilian!!!!!!
Thanks for your advice.
Just got back. Didn't get robbed, only got ripped off in the most trivially touristic sense, had an awesome time and enjoyed the crazy beach and football culture of Rio to the max.
Did the Sugar Loaf and Christ the Redeemer which are indeed spectacular but felt inevitably herded to these obvious tourist destinations. Much preferred playing foottie on Copacabana beach with the kids (who laughed hysterically at my ineptitude - but who continued to include me in their game day after day) and drinking ice cold Antarctica on the pavements outside various scruffy bars.
Until Rio I had never realised that both rice and potato should be considered a combination in nearly every meal rather than as an altenative to each other.
Edited by Straggler, : spelling

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Replies to this message:
 Message 13 by NosyNed, posted 04-10-2009 8:02 PM Straggler has replied

  
NosyNed
Member
Posts: 8996
From: Canada
Joined: 04-04-2003


Message 13 of 14 (505375)
04-10-2009 8:02 PM
Reply to: Message 12 by Straggler
04-10-2009 7:55 PM


Rio de novo
I'm hoping to be in Rio again in August. Actually somewhere outside of the big city.
It is a world-class marvel isn't it!

This message is a reply to:
 Message 12 by Straggler, posted 04-10-2009 7:55 PM Straggler has replied

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Straggler
Member
Posts: 10333
From: London England
Joined: 09-30-2006


Message 14 of 14 (505377)
04-10-2009 8:19 PM
Reply to: Message 13 by NosyNed
04-10-2009 8:02 PM


Re: Rio de novo
Hey Nosy. I took a Favela tour on your advice and it was very probably the most poignant part of the trip. Guided round by a couple of favela community leaders who had pre-arranged and negotiated our passage with the local drug baron past the rifle toting teenagers on sentry duty at various points up the main hillside road of the favela in question. Kinda scary. But also kinda good humoured. I am not used to seeing guns. Especially those being waved around by "kids" on terriotorial guard duty. But other than the inevitable laughing at my touristic stupidity and being asked "Hey Gringo - Gimme a dollar" there was little to worry about. Much of the price for the tour goes to community projects.
Found the centre of Rio to be much more relevant than I had expected. Most accounts I had heard before going concentrated on the beach areas but I am a big fan of exploring cities in general and downtown Rio had all the culture, mayhem and history you would expect from any large global city whilst being distinctly "carioca" in nature. Great fun!!

This message is a reply to:
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