I am trying to plan a 2 week trip to Brazil for this November, but I can't decide on a itinerary. Rio? Buzios? Ouro Preto? Bahia? Salvador? Please help!!!!!!!

check www.paraty.com.br

It depends. What are your main interests: beach, culture, arts, forest? You picked good locations, and you should add to them the Iguazu falls. Give us some insight on your interests in Brazil and probably we'll be able to help you.

I would fly into Rio, spend a few days in Rio, few days in Buzios, travel north towards Bahia (visiting some beaches on the way)...fly home from Salvador. This is my dream trip...one day I will do it!!

It depends on what your interests are. Generally speaking, I didn't find brazilian cities particularly interesting (was living there and travelled extensively through all the country), the only exception to this is Salvador.
Rio is a must just for the location, but a couple of days are enough.
I can really recommend the litoral of the state of Santa Catarina, in the south (between November and March, otherwise it's too cold): beautiful beaches, really off the beaten path, safe and cheap. Exploring the island of Florianopolis and its beaches by car is a good start.
Hope this is helpful

November is a wonderful time in Brazil- the weather is not too hot and not filled with too many tourists yet. My recommendations would be Rio, Bahia, Fernando da Noronha, Ouro Preto, Iguazu Falls, and if you have time I would second the post about Santa Catarina in the south. Florianopolis is a wonderful city (island) to explore because there are hundreds of beaches and old Portuguese forts. Also, flying from city to city is very easy and cheap in Brazil. Look into Tam, Gol, or Rio Sul they are all good airlines. Have fun!

If you want to relax at the beach...definately a few days in Bahia!!!

Visited Florionopolis early this year, and did not enjoy it. It does not feels like Brasil....beaches are very nice, but city is not exotic like some other places in Brasil. Felt more like if I was in Argentina or Paraguay......

A lot of folks are suggesting Bahia -- I would love to know where specifically in Bahia you recommend -- what beaches, hotels, resorts, etc. Thanks!

I wouldn't try to do too much, because you will be rushing around and won't get a good feel.

1. Stay in RJ State and visit Rio, Paraty, Ilha Grande and maybe even Buzios.

2. Visit Rio and do a side trip to Foz de Iguacu for a few days if the budget allows.

3. 1 week Rio and 1 week in Salvador.

I would not reccomend anything south of SP as the weather is not warm enough to enjoy the beach. I have travelled through all of Brazil and chose Rio as my new home. I never liked Salvador, but I know many people who have....

Happy Travels
Scott

Hi friend.I'm a brazilian guy.In order to help you I want to know what exactly are you looking for:beaches,relax,forests,culture,museums?Are you travelling with husband/wife,kids?
As a general idea I'd suggest 5 days in Rio-stay in Ipanema Beach,NOT in Copacabana(Caesar Park is a very good hotel),3 days in Buzios-rent a car to go there or take a transfer.In Buzios stay at Galapagos or The Pearl.Go back from Buzios to Rio's airport and fly to Amazon.Stay 2 nights in Manaus at Tropical Hotel and then if you like go to the forest,to Ariau Jungle Towers Hotel.If you don't like the idea of Amazon,then go to Salvador-stay at Pestana Hotel and Iguaçu Falls.
Hope you have a good trip.
Paraty is an ancient city it's very tipical and charming.
Check the airlines websites:http://www.varig.com.br;www.tam.com....gol.com.br.Rio sul doesn't exist anymore.

I have to contradict a couple of things that geo007 recommended. We stayed at the Orla Copacabana right at the end of Copacabana beach and it was a great spot. We were a 10 minute (not even) walk from Ipanema and the hotel itself was wonderful. Very clean and comfortable. I liked walking up and down Copacabana Beach almost as much as Ipanema. Also, I agree with the suggestion of Manaus and the Hotel Tropical - GREAT hotel! Even has a wave pool! I am not so sure about the recommendation for the Ariau Tower, though. It's huge (350 rooms) and looked a bit run down to me when we canoed through it. We had considered staying there until it was described as Disneyesque by one of my guide books. Instead, we took a 3 night/4 day cruise with Amazon Clipper. What a fabulous experience! The advantage to this is that you see so much more of the river and you get a much more personal experience since there were only 17 people on the boat. Our guide was fabulous - very knowledgeable and fun. The 3 night itinerary goes up the Rio Negro. You can also do a 2 night itinerary that goes on the other river (I can never remember the name but it starts with an "S&quot. Or you can put the two together and really get a feel for the Amazon and the "meeting of the waters". We saw several poisonous snakes - up close and personal (not TOO up close, though) and actually saw only 2 moquitos the whole time. The Rio Negro has fewer due to the acidity.