I have heard there are al least two nice<BR>places near Rio: Colonial town Paraty and<BR>ex-colony of Finnish settlers near Itatiaia<BR>National Park called Penedo.<BR>Can anybody tell are these worth visiting<BR>and what special they offer.<BR>Thanks beforhand.

Erqui, I am originally from Rio, but living in Sao Paulo for 6 months. I just came back from Paraty yesterday. I spent the New Year's eve there and it was great. I have been to Paraty several times and every time I discover something new and exciting. It is a nice colonnial town, with unique streets and houses. And there is a lot of nice historical spots around, as well wonderful beaches and islands (which can be easily reached by boats - you can rent one for a low price). Nice restaurants, nice clubs... Paraty deserves a visit! Regarding Penedo, I have been there a few times also... It is not a great place, but since you are Finnish, maybe it can be worth of a visit. There is not much of the original Finnish colony left, but there is a nice museum, a club and good restaurants. The nature around is spetacular... Take a time to visit the Itatiaia National Park (just 10 minutes away from Penedo) and Visconde de Maua, an old hippie village in top of the mountains, with many waterfalls, trekkings trails, etc. If you need further info on those place, please write me. It will be a pleasure to help.

Amauri, it was nice to read your positive comments. Yes, we are really planning to visit maybe next June-July<BR>Rio and from there to Paraty and Penedo.<BR>Here in Finland we have heard a lot of Penedo and that´s way the interest in<BR>that Finnish ex-colony.<BR>Sure I would like to write you before our trip. ( We= I, my wife and son).<BR>

Erqui, it will be a pleasure to help you. Feel free to write me whenever you want.<BR>I am sure you and your family will enjoy Rio and other places around. There is a lot to see and to do. Besides Paraty and Penedo, there are wonderful places like Buzios and Ilha Grande. I hope you have great time when in Brazil.

I was in Paraty in Dec. and it was an incredible town. I was in Brazil for 2 weeks and my three days in Paraty was my favorite. Great restaurants, great art, beautiful town, beautiful harbor, etc... . I would NOT miss going to this place. I stayed in this great little pousada that faced the peir. I can't remember the name of it. It used to be a Market that was turned into a pousada (right beside the church that faces the bay). Also had great acoustic brazilian music at a lot of the restaurants. There was also a really neat hotel close to the bus station that seemed really nice &quot;Velejador Hotel&quot;. The owner was incredibly nice. Spoke english pretty well (a BIG help for me). Erico is who to ask for. The prices for all of the above was so great. Scott