kangagirl80

My partner and I (early 30’s) are planning a very last minute trip to Brazil in April 2013.

We have 3 to 4 weeks to play with.

We like active vacations – we like the beach, hiking, being outside, learning the culture, cities and small towns, good food etc.

Here is our itinerary so far – would appreciate your thoughts/comments. We’re flying from Montreal, Canada.

Day 1 – 5: Rio de Janeiro

Day 6 – 9: Rent a car or bus (which one is better/easier/cheaper?) to explore Minas Gerais, Ouro Preto, Mariana and Tiradentes.

Day 10 – Back to Rio

Day 11 – 12: Ilha Grande

Day 13 – 14: Paraty

Here’s where it gets tricky.

We’d also like to see:

Salvador (3 days)

Iguaçu Falls

The Pantanal

What’s the best way of putting all of that together? We know it involves a lot of flying. Is it best to fly from Sao Paulo > Iguaçu Falls> Cuiabá>Salvador?

We know Brazil is a huge country and we can’t see it all but is there anywhere else that is a must see? Should we spend some time in Manaus to see the Amazon?

Also we read about the Brazil Air Pass $532 for 4 internal flights on TAM airlines. Has anyone used this? Is it a good deal?

Thanks forum friends!

Susan7

You won't see much of the Amazon in Manaus. It's a big city. You need to get out to a more remote area if you want to really experience it.

You can fly direct from Rio to Belo Horizonte in Minas Gerais. You can also fly directly from BH to Salvador, it doesn't make much sense to me doubling back as you indicate here.

Also I wouldn't drive if I were you. If you are staying in Belo Horizonte you can get a bus to do day trips to Ouro Preto, and Mariana. I'm not sure, however, if you can get to Tiradente by bus. I don't recall that was available. There are also tours that are much more expensive with guides.

I've used the TAM pass a couple of times, it does save money.

RioExperience

I would suggest you to go to Rio de Janeiro, stay the 5 days and from there get a tour to Ilha Grande and Paraty.
Than, you get a flight to Belo Horizonte and from there you can get a tour to Ouro Preto and Mariana.
After that, you can get a flight to Iguaçu Falls.
I would rather go to Florianopolis than to Salvador, and is closer from Iguaçu.
You can also go to Pantanal before go to Iguaçú, but I guess is too many places to visit. It is better you choose some of the cities instead of go to so many places and don't see anything after all.

Treepol

I believe that you will have to return to Sao Paulo from Iguazu to make the Cuiaba flight.

I agree with Susan7, you won't see much of the Amazon from Manaus. I've twice abandoned the Brazilian Amazon due to the length of time it takes to fly there and back and transfer to a lodge in a non-settled area for a stay of a minimum of 3 nights. Uacari Floating Lodge offers interesting itineraries.

Have you thought of visiting Cristalino Jungle Lodge which can be accessed from Cuiaba and this would reduce your travel time.

If you don't already have a Pantanal guide booked, I can recommend Pantanal Trackers. Julinho usually books up very quickly, however as April is low season, he may have some available time.


Happy planning,


Pol

jomagpie

I just came back from living in Florianopolis, Brazil for 3 months. I highly suggest adding it in your itinerary if you can!