Eirill Kallestad

Hello! <BR> <BR>We are 4 girls planning to visit Latin America for 6 weeks in January-February 1999. <BR>Our plan so far is to go from Lima to La Paz <BR>(passing Cuzco) by train/bus and then take the plane to Rio and stay there during the carneval. We need some advises about the danger, places to stay (especially in Rio, I guess it's already quite difficult to find a place during the carneval), things to see and other comments and suggestions. Thanks. <BR> <BR>

Adriano

Hello! <BR>My name is Adriano. I'm 22 years old and I live in southern Brazil, 1000 Km away from Rio de Janeiro. <BR>I saw your message about the trip to Bolivia, Peru and Brazil and I decided to give you some important informations. <BR>First of all, I want to go to Peru and Bolivia and I got many informtions on INTERNET about those places. <BR>It's possible to stay in Peru and Bolivia during one month with only US$ 500,00!!!! That's right,brcause prices there are so low!!! But you have to take some winter clothing in february, because temperatures there are low. You'll have to try coca tea (made with the plant that is used to produce cocain), because it will give you energy to walk around in that high places. <BR>The cities I'd like to visit in Peru is Cusco, because it has many historic places to be visited. Lima is a big city, but has no important atractions. If you want something different, go to Cusco and stay there a least one week. <BR>Then I'd go to Copacabana (Bolivia), in the border line between Bol. and Peru. There you'll see the Titicaca Lake, the Island of the Sun and The Island of the Moon. La Paz is another place to be visited in Bolivia, the highest Capital on Earth. Then you can come to Brazil, by plane, with VASP or LAB direct to Rio. You can also take a bus from La Paz to Cochabamba, Santa Cruz de La Sierra and there you'll take a train as far as the brazilian frontier (but the train is very dangerous - take care with thieves and drug dealers). <BR>When you get to Brazil, in Corumbá city, you'll tke a bus to Rio (or if there is no bus to Rio, you'll have to go to Campo Grande city and there you find a bus to Rio). <BR>Prices are much higher in Brazil than in Bolivia and Peru!!!!! <BR>When you arrive in Rio de Janeiro, take care of your money, passports and ask God to look for you there. It is the most beautifull city I've ever seen!!!!! <BR>Try to find a hotel as soon as possible, because it's very dificult in Carnival times. You'll have to buy a ticket to see the Carnival party at an official agency, because you may find some false tickets. My mother has been there twice and she said Carnival in Rio is wonderful. You will also have to go to a private carnival party at some clubs, like Scala or at the Hotel Gloria, where people wear just little clothing (or sometimes anything!). <BR>And of course you'll have to visit the famous beach Copacabana, Ipanema and Barra da Tijuca. <BR>If you like soccer, you have to see a game in Maracana Stadium, the biggest on Earth. (I was there one year ago and there were some european tourists by my side and they were crazy about it!) <BR>Rio de Janeiro is very hot, and you'll not need winter clothing, but it often rain there.... <BR>So, don't forget to take care of your wallets and have fun. <BR>Have many ice-cold beers there and call me if you need. <BR>I hope you have a nice trip, <BR>Have a happy new Year! <BR>Bye for now, <BR>Adriano de Brito Faria.