Alison

Hi- I was wondering if anyone has anything advice on Iguassu Falls-Rio-Salvador, where my friends & I will be travelling. We are going through a tour company-- but will be on our own in Rio- how easy is it to get around in Rio (bus, subway, taxi)- as in economical/safe/practical? We are going to Petropolis and I am definitely going to the Christ the Redeemer statute (Corcovado?)....but any other ideas???? THANKS. Alison<BR><BR>ps- anything about safety precautions in RIO (or elsewhere) would be appreciated as well.....

Evelyn

Hello!<BR>I am Evelyn, a german 26 years old girl living in Germany.<BR>My mother was born in Brazil and as I still have a lot of relatives living there and many friends too I love this country a lot and have been travelling there 14 times!<BR>As my favourite city is Rio de janeiro I sure can give you advice in many things about Rio:<BR>what to see there,how to get around,restaurants, etc...<BR>If you want, please wirte me an E Mail to :<BR>[email protected]<BR>If you need information about Petropolis, Foz do Iguacu or Salvador I sure can give you some too, because I habe been there several times.<BR>Okay, if anyone else is wondering about Brazil, I will be glad to help you out!<BR>Greetings and beijos<BR>Evelyn<BR>

Nelson de Barros Pereira

You will love Salvador, Iguassu & Rio.<BR>Salvador is a beautiful historical city with happy and very friendly people.<BR>I suggest the day tour to Itaparica and Ilha do Frade (Friar Island) by escuna (a big motor/sail boat)with music and tropical fruits onboard.<BR>It will cost about US$30 per person and the lunch is included.You can buy the tickets at your hotel.<BR>Iguassu with the incredible falls and the National Park with lots of birds and animals is one of the most beautiful places i have ever seen.<BR>Do not miss the "Macuco Safari", a tour by jeep into the rain forest and a motor boat ride on the Iguassu river next to the falls.<BR>The helicopter ride around the falls is also amazing.<BR>You can take both in the National Park, near the falls. The tickets can be bought at the entrance, from a travel agency or at your hotel.<BR>Do not forget your camera!<BR>The best way to know Rio is the "Rio Sightseeing" hop-on hop-off bus. Economical (about US$10 per person per day), safe and confortable (air-con, explanations in many languages), this red bus (big Coca-Cola inscriptions on both sides) runs every half hour by all major attractions and main hotels.<BR>You can buy the tickets at your hotel or from the bus driver (only cash).<BR>Ask your front desk where the nearest "Rio Sightseeing" bus stop is.<BR>In Rio or any other big city in the world, nobody should dress or act like a typical tourist nor wear jewels or expensive wrist watches. Passport, money and other valuables should be left in the hotel safety box.<BR>Enjoy your trip!

Surlok

Alison,<BR><BR>Nelson gave you already a lot of very detailed info on Brazil, Rio, Bahia, and Iguassu.<BR><BR>I would like to add, though, that Brazil is a huge country, and given to its dimensions, traveling by bus from Rio to whether Salvador or Iguassu is quite a ride, more than 20 hours each way, and not always the roads are in good conditions.<BR><BR>There was, a few years ago, an agreement between Brazilian and American air companies that allowed American travelers to buy air passes along with their international tickets for a very reasoble fare. I would check on these passes, if I were you. Flying would make your trip smoother, and would save you time.<BR><BR>Regards,<BR><BR>S

Helena

hello Alison,<BR><BR> the public transportation in Rio is cheap and quite safe. The taxi is a good option. For example: from Copacabana to Ipanema you won't pay more than 10 american dollars. The regular buses are ok also but not that safe. There are special buses that cost 2 american dollars that are safer and are air conditioned.If you haven't decided where you are going to stay don't choose Copacabana ( in my opinion it is too crowded)! Stay in Ipanema or Leblon. I bet you won't regret it!! When visiting Rio, don't forget to go to the Corcovado( some stores don't accept credit cards) and to the Sugar Loaf ( very beautiful). Take a walk along the main street in Ipanema: Visconde de Piraja.If you like barbecue, eat in one of ours "churrascarias" like "PORCAO" or "MARIUS". These are not so cheap( about 15 dollars per person and you eat as much as you want) but they are delicious!! At the frontdesk of your hotel ask about tours to Angra dos Reis and Buzios(amazing beaches!!). You said you are going to Petropolis. It is a nice place. Go to the house of Santos Dummont and the Museu Imperial! I live in Rio so that I suggest you not to wear heavy clothes and try not to carry valuable things in your hands and bag!! I am sure you and your friends will love Rio!! If you want to ask me ANYTHING, please e-mail me at : [email protected] <BR><BR> I have been to Salvador a couple of times. It is a great city. Try to buy a ticket for a " capoeira" show ( it is unbelieveable!!). Buy a tour to Morro de Sao Paulo ( an island 2 hours from Salvador by boat: beautiful, amazing)and to Praia do Forte ( it is a great beach 2 hours by car or bus from salvador. Overthere there is a project to preserv the turtles and you can visit and see them!!) <BR><BR>ps: sorry, I' ve never been to the Falls but I heard it is a great trip.<BR><BR>ps2: I agree with "S" who said that the trips by bus Falls- Rio- Salvador are too long!! A ticket by plane Rio- SAlvador is around 100 dollars and a ticket in a confortable bus is around 40 dollars. SO, if you can afford this difference, go by plane!!!<BR> <BR> SEE YA!!

Tania

Hi Alison ! Suggestions of nice spots in Rio state: Buzios, Angra dos Reis and Parati !!