nicolos1

Hello,
I posted last in July, and I'm still working on our itinerary. I need help in transportation between each area that we plan to visit. We plan to spend 4 weeks in March in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. The places we plan to visit are Salvador, Rio, Florianopolis, Iguazu Falls, Colonia, and Buenos Aires. We like to do some hiking, beach, and visiting historical sites, and some museums. In our European trips we always rented cars. I realize in South America distances are far greater. Any ideas about transportation would be helpful, plus any other information on this itinerary would be appreciated. I'm also trying to decide if flying into Salvador and out of Buenos Aires or reverse course would be the best. Thanks again for any help.
Nick

hoyas1

We just returned from 17 days in Brazil. If any of this interests you I can be more specific: 4 nights in Rio Ipanema (great area), don't need a car there,could have easily added another night. Rented a car from Hertz in Copacabana and drove to Teresopolis to visit and hike in Parque Serra dos Orgaos (2 nights). Drove to Parque Itatiaia northwest of Rio for 3 nights (great hiking and birding). Returned the car at Rio airport and flew to Salvador, rented a car at the airport and drove to the Chapada Diamantina (wow) specifically Mucuge for 3 nights(7-8 hour drive at times on badly potholed roads). Drove to Salvador and returned the car at an intown location which was impossible to find without significant help from locals. Enjoyed the Pelourinho district. Driving in Brazil is tough because they drive very fast without the cautions I am used to in the US. Then again I am 65 years old and have lost some of my nerve. Make sure you drive only in daylight. Having a car has many advantages since I didn't get the feel the bus system is too useful. Flights internally are efficient and not too expensive. My daughter speaks Portugese which is invaluable since I don't think English is very common. My daughter likes Florinopolis for its beaches but says the roads can be very crowded in summer. Enjoy

nicolos1

Hoyas 1,
Thank you very much for the valuable information. I might be getting back to you.
Nick

SambaChula

The bus system in Brazil is quite "useful" and goes most anywhere you want to. They are very comfortable (think business class air or better), including the overnight sleeper buses. That's how most Brazilians get around. I've been using buses for decades, and have rented only when hauling lots of friends and kids on longer trips. On some routes, though, air fare can be about the same as bus fare, depending on time of year and how far in advance you purchase.
Bear in mind that 'hoyas1' was traveling with a Portuguese speaker, which makes finding one's way around, especially around cities, much easier. Driving is not something I would encourage any newbie to Brazil to do.
Salvador, Rio, Floripa, the falls, hmmm? Floripa may be getting a bit cool for beach life in a March.. Think about 4 days in Rio, going up the coast to Salvador by bus, stopping in a couple of beach villages on the way, a couple of days in Salvador exploring the city, maybe a few days hiking in Chapada Diamantina, and back to Salvador by bus to fly to Rio (maybe three weeks to this point, including travel time) and on to the falls by air from Rio.

nicolos1

Thanks SambaChula.
Real good information

tripin_tour

Hello,
My suggestion would be that is not a good idea rent a car in some of these cities, because is very expensive and the traffic is a trouble. But in Florianópolis you will need to do it because the island is very long and the beaches are distant. So would be better to travel by plane and buy the tickets with a Brazilian agency because could be cheaper than buses tickets.
In Rio you can spend 5 days and contract a tourism agency to make tours in the city and visit others places near like: Ilha Grande, Búzios, Petrópolis.
And with a tourism agency you won´t have to worry with tickets for the tourist places and the transfer.
I hope you have a good trip.

nicolos1

Thanks Tripin,
I certainly use your information. Thanks again.
Nick