My friend and I are thinking of going on this 14-day Brazil tour in the Summer. Stops would be Rio, Salvador, Manaus, and and Iguazu Falls. Does that sound like a good plan?
Also, I am not too concerned about safety, really. I hear Rio is dangerous and all, but I figure if we just stay smart and react to things on insinct, we'll be okay. With that said, though, I was just curious if it's just Rio or if places such as Salvador and Manaus are also very bad in terms of crime?
What's the weather like during June?
What kind of vibe does Salvador, Bahia have? Caribbean? African? Both? Relaxing? Or busy?
Food? Better to go to supermarket chains? Are those easy to find?
Transportation? On our free days, we'll have free time to be outside of the tour group in all of our destinations. Is taxi the safe bet? I hear buses are iffy.
General precautions at the airport?
What's the general reaction towards a "Gringo"? I was at Peru this past Summer and it wasn't negative.
More tips? TY! If you go in the Summer you have a lot of nice things to do in Salvador and Rio de Janeiro. June is not Summer in Brazil, but it is still warm. Manaus is also amazing in my opinion, but 14 days are not enough for all these places, but I am sure you will have a lot of fun. If you are a nature lover, the Amazon rainforest and Iguacu Falls are unforgettable.
Salvador is busy in downtown, but still nice to visit. If you wanna just relax and rest, the best choice is to be in Stella Maris or Flamengo beaches. They have a lot of places not expensive.
About the safety, it is smart if you don't bring anything you can't stand to lose (expensive cameras, jewelry, passport: NEVER!!!). Try to not be alone, be alert during the day and much more in the night.
You can send me a message here and perhaps I can help you a little bit about this question. Loved Brazil! I only saw Sao Paulo, Curitiba, and Foz Iguazu...I found Sao Paulo diverse and friendly. We drove down to Foz Iguazu - which was beautiful...and even got to drive across to Paraguay and Argentina. We had no problems with the rental car...
The people of Brazil are awesome...Even as outsiders who didn't speak a lick of Portuguese, we got by.
All in all, I found Brazil safe with warm and open people. As with all destinations, you just have to be cautious with your safety.
Enjoy your trip! I am Australian and have been to Mexico , el-Salvador , Peru and Brazil.
There are really great places to eat and some really dodgy ones, if you want to eat from street vendors believe it or not these we actually found these to be safer than restaurants .
We think it is because the locals eat at the street vendors so it keeps the vendors honest and it is very cheap.
Because of the volume of sales they have they turn there stock over more as well.
Had a tummy bug once but i think that came from the water used brushing my teeth in one of the hotels we stayed at.
As far as saftey goes we had no issues but we were always careful to stay in populated areas or with large groups and heeded warnings about certain neighborhoods.
Pickpocketing is rife in Rio so be aware , keep minimal cash on you so if you are robbed it is not the end of your trip. Most places take travellers checks or major cards.
Keep a list of your card numbers so you can report them immediatly if they are stolen. Also make sure you get good travel insurance , including medical cover so you can be evacuated if there is a medical emergency. Also get a list of your embassies contact details where you are travelling as passports can be stolen and are very sought after.
we found the sentiment against americans is varied but money talks and whilst they may hate you they love your money, be respectful and polite and culturally sensitive and you will be treated well, expected to be treated they way you treat them otherwise, they are people as well.
They love Australians and Kiwis and we had a great time.
Airports are safe but be careful what you carry through. never carry someone elses luggage , always pack your own case and make sure you can lock it. there are special combination locks available that Customs have keys to, if your case is locked and they dont have the key they will destroy the lock to open the case.
Have a medical document to support any medications you carry, even paracetamol , just to be on the safe side.
What may be legal and avialable in the US may be restricted in another country so be careful with medicines and over the counter medications.
Generally if you mind your manners , respect the people and act on your instincts you will have a great time. OMG YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE IT ! ..
I went on a 2 week tour with my bestfriend 2 years ago.. we went through an agency called .. Brazilian Wave Tours. WE HAD THE TIME OF OUR LIVES ! We went to Rio, Salvador and Iguacu .. We went in March - April and it was hot as hell.. we suffered .. lol. But I went back last June which is their Winter .. and it was perfect .. the weather was very nice. Tho .. I dont think it will be warm enough for you to go to the beach to swim.. If yall enjoy the beach and swimming.. you may want to reconsider your date since Salvador and Rio are famous for their beautiful beaches.
Rio is great for the night life .. if you want to party .. thats where you want to be great clubs .. busy and live city.
Salvador is more relaxing and laid back .. great food .. nicest people .. I loved Salvador .. more so then Rio.
.. We took taxis on our own and never had any problem .. except for the time when we left our hotel .. got in a taxi.. went across town .. and forgot the name of our hotel lmao .. thank god it was written on our key to the room.
while you are in Salvador you MUST see a Capoeira show .. a brazilian martial art ..
when you're in Rio you must eat Churrasco .. (barbecue) at a Churrascaria ( the restaurant that serves it) This is one thats located in Sao Paulo. http://fogodechao.com/ just so you get the idea.. Brazil is famous for their barbecue.
and the whole time you are in Brazil .. drink as many Caipirinhas as you can. It their famous alcoholic drink .. and its F*ckin great. We had them with breakfast lunch and dinner .. lol .. and i'm not even a drinker.
http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/im...
A great book to read and/or take with you (if you havent discovered it already) is called Brazil by Lonely Planet
http://www.booksamillion.com/ncom/books?...
They tell you history .. it has great city guides to all major cities.. tells you about each state.. what to take what not to take.. some portuguese phrases.. foods .. culture.. its a great read.. and they update the book every few years. 1/2 the other tourists i bumped in to also had the same book lol.
.. have a great time
Boa Sorte My husband's from Rio and we're planning a trip down at the end of '08 to see his family in Niteroi.
Never, ever, ever carry any valuables or money, do not wear a lot of jewelry or flashy clothes and you're better off when you're with someone that speaks portuguese, like a tour guide. Try to stay with the tourist-y attractions and don't get too far off the beaten path into the barrios or hoods. I would't get too far from my group if I were you. Unfortunately a lot of cops down there are crooked if you get into the wrong neighborhood.
It would also help you to learn a few quick slang terms.
Tenha cuidado y tenha uma estadia boa! Rio, Salvador, Manaus and Igua莽煤 Falls are far away from each other.
Crime: Just don麓t be flashy, use commom sense, and you will be fine.
Food is cheap and easy to find.
Gringo means foreigner...and reaction will be based in your nationality and in your personal behavior. I lived in the Rio area for a 2 week trip... and then later for a 5 week trip.
Whether day or night, alone or in a crowded area, you must always be aware of your surroundings. As well, traveling alone at night (or even in a pair) must be done cautiously and intelligently. YES, use cabs. This is your best door-to-door method of transportation, especially at night. During the day I took buses, but I almost never carried anything I wasn't willing to part with. (I even bought a cheaper camera with me specifically for some of my international travels). Honestly, there were times I think the cabbie charged me the higher rate... but I didn't really care. I was getting someplace more safely that walking or trying to find the right bus. What's an extra $3 - 5 for safer travel?
To assume that some places are safer than others has merit, but there is also danger in this. I've had several Brazilian friends mugged over the years... and they weren't gringoes or even partially unaware of the potential to be mugged in any location and at any time. Most that were mugged lost a wallet and/or cell phone. Maybe some documents and money too. Really, whatever you're carrying is fair game to be taken.
I personally witnessed a "snatching" at the main Rio bus station one evening. Within 60 seconds of my Brazilian friend warning me of the dangers of being mugged, the guy in front of us was robbed of his wallet. There were hundreds of people around... and the guy basically fled on foot while everyone watched what was shocking... but also a bit normal.
Even Brazilians are quite aware of muggings... and are vulnerable to them. So, again, just carry what you're willing to lose... and use common sense re: how you carry yourself, where you are, how you intend to travel around (especially at night), etc. Do not carry with you what you do not need for that particular outing! Carry only the cash you need... and only the belongings you need. Also, Brazilians are extreme minimalists when it comes to going to the Beach. Think about what you MUST take to the beach... and then assume you're probably still taking too much. haha
I have no hesitation in returning to Rio & will not fear even living by myself in a rented apartment. It's probably riskier than a hotel or living with a friend. But, I'll be cautious of course. I don't intend to be walking around at night unless I'm with a friend that knows the area well... and can assist me. Keep in mind, I know only tourist-level Portuguese.
I love the beaches around Rio & the culture. If I could vacation in Rio a few times per year I'd be ecstatic. Of course, there are other beautiful areas in Brazil too. There is much more to Brazil than just Rio.... just like there is a lot more to the USA than just NYC. Buzios is amazing, Parati, Angra... all beautiful areas outside of Rio.
Roughly 80% of the country lives off of minimum wage ($200 - 250 per month USD). So, be mindful that you will be a rich foreigner even if you're an American only making minimum wage ($1,200 per month USD typically).
The weather in June will be cooler than summer (summer = January/February). My last trip was in July and I wore shorts almost every day, except at night. However, only 10 20% of my days were actually approaching "hot." Overall, I think June is fairly moderate... 70's, etc.
Oh yeah, and you should be able to find food just fine. Whether at a local bakery (smoothies & things like pizza pockets) or at a "por kilo" (where they weigh your food). Grocery stores should also be easy to find, although you may need to ask around. Most hotels have front desk staff that speak some English. Also many hotels do serve a light breakfast (or a full buffet), which covers you for 1 meal per day. Be sure you visit a Brazilian barbecue restaurant... where they serve you unlimited steak served by men walking around with skewers. As well, be sure to try to national drink, made with limes and Brazilian rum. i was born in brazil i love it there and i can help you with anny question about there its one of the most beutiful place you can ever go. |
