Lajja

Hi all,
I am planning to visit Brazil in April and I am really confused on how to build my itenary. I was thinking of Rio, Amazon or Pantanal (which one should I pick?), Salvador, Igassu Falls (Argentina or Brazil side?), Receife or any other historical town in Brazil.

Regarding transportation at first I was thinking of getting a Brazil Air pass which I checked with TAM and it is around $1000. But I plan to visit the Argentinian side of the Igassu falls then I would have to pay for it extra.

I would appreciate if someone could help me with the iternary and how to move around within Brazil-cheapest way.

Thanks a bunch

Lajja

I forgot to mention that I plan to take this trip in April and I only have 11 days. I know it'll be a rushed trip but I was planning to spend
Rio (2 days)
Amazon or Pantanal (3 days)
Salvador (2 days)
Reciefe or any other city around (2)
Igazu - Argentina side(1)

Will this be too much?

Please help
Lajja

manel

We were delighted to experience the majesty and the quiet of Amazonas, in the floating lodge on the Rio Negros. Leonardo, Joshua (our guide) and everyone else was attentive, from our arrival to our departure. And it was a big plus that we could make all of our arrangements on line.

If you really want see nature,wild lfe you should go to the amazon rainforest.

Try to contact www.amazingtours.com.br or email directly [email protected]

Hope this can be helpfull!!

Jess215

I'll have to check them out. I am not real experienced in a canoe and I assume that's what they have?

trebex

That is way too much for just 11 days. I would stick to one or two areas. You can spend 4-5 days in Rio and then go to some nearby places such as Parati, Ilha Grande, Petropolis, Arraial do Cabo, even Ouro Preto. Or spend half the time in Rio and the other half in and around Salvador.

Diamantina

I agree with Trebex, that your itinerary is way too ambitious and you are not taking into account the connection times.
For instance, if you are traveling from Rio to Campo Grande (the gateway to the southern Pantanal), you might not be able to catch a direct flight, but instead need to make a connection and this will cost you both time and money, because TAM will charge you one coupon for each segment of your flight (unless they have changed their rules since last year). This would mean, for example, the first coupon for the first flight segment, a second coupon for the connection, and a third coupon for the second flight segment.
In terms of time-consuming itineraries, if you are going to the Pantanal, unless you are very lucky in catching early morning flights, you will have to overnight in Campo Grande or Cuiaba before you even set out on your drive to the Pantanal.
The Pantanal is wonderful, but it will be a stretch for someone with only 11 days.
If you travel to Iguacu Falls, please give yourself two days, so you can explore both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. The Argentine side has some lovely trails that offer up close views, so give yourself time to check these out. Also, you might want to take a boat ride out into the falls. Plus, if it rains too hard during your visit to the falls, you might have to curtail your visit. So give yourself time to return the next day. It would be a pity if you traveled all that way and could not spend adequate time at the falls. You might also have a chance to see some wildlife while at the falls, all sorts of butterflies and birds, including toucans, hummingbirds, plush crested jays, trogons, some rodents, including guinea pigs and agoutis. Coatis (a member of the racoon family) are often seen. Some even see jaguars and pumas, though this is rare.
It is easy and cheap to travel by local bus from the Brazilian side to the Argentine side of the falls, particularly since you'll already have a Brazilian visa (U.S. citizens pay $130 for a Brazilian visa). As of today, U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel in Argentina, but this might change in the future.
With only 11 days, you will really need to firm up your priorities, by deciding what it is you mostly want to see--wildlife, wetlands, jungle, colonial architecture, Afro-Brazilian culture, beaches, or cities?
A place like Salvador offers colonial architecture, beaches, Afro-Brazilian culture and some of Brazil's most distictive cuisine. If you are in Rio, you can make a side trip to the colonial seaside town of Parati, which is not too far away. Within Rio, you can admire the natural beauty of the Botanical Gardens, a part of the Mata Atlantica. Though it is right in Rio, not far from Leblon and Ipanema beaches, it is home to tropical birds and capuchin monkeys.
I would suggest, after wittling down your itinerary, you call TAM and have them price your trip out based on the puchase of a TAM airpass. Then I would sign onto the GOL website and price out the same itinerary for comparison.
Brazil is beautiful and its people are warm and friendly. It is a shame you won't have more time to spend there.

Lajja

Hi Diamantina & Trebex,

I really really appreciate your useful insight. I had no idea that TAM would charge me for every connection. I definetely need to check this out.

If you had to choose between the Pantanal and Amazon which one would you choose?

Thanks again all,
Lajja

Eddwarm

Your limited time will not enable you to enjoy your South American stay to its fullest extent. Trebex gave you an outstanding itineray. I've been to most of the places that were suggested, but I was in Brazil for a month.

Rio is enjoyed in 5 or more days. One can spend a weekend in Paraty (and a day or two in Petropolis. Don't forget that you lose a day to travel to your major destination.

Jess215

This is very helpful advice for my planning also. Thanks.
Jess